Classical Numismatics Discussion Members' Coin Collection Photo Gallery

Image search results - "shell"

Denarius - 90 BC.
C. VIBIVS PANSA C.f. - Gens Vibia
Obv.: PANSA, laureate head of Apollo right, shell before
Rev.: Minerva in quadriga right, C VIBIVS CF in ex.
Gs. 2,8 mm. 16,2
Crawford 342/5b, Sear RCV 242

2 commentsMaxentius

Greek Coins. Calabria, Tarentum.
Litra circa 430, AR 0.77g. Cockle-shell. Rev. Female head l., wearing earring. Jameson 100 (this coin). Vlasto 1158. SNG France 1636. Historia Numorum Italy 840.
Old cabinet tone and very fine / good very fine

Ex Gemini sale VII, 2011, 18. From the Jameson and the Rockefeller University/Dr. Alfred E. Mirsky collections.1 commentsMichael S6

INDIA, Post-Mauryan (Coromandel). Pallavas. Uncertain ruler, circa AD 400-600. AE (Bronze, 17 mm, 1.73 g, 12 h). Humped bull standing right; above, conch and crescent on wavy line; all within pelleted circle. Rev. Conch shell within decorated circle. Pieper 746 var. (pelleted circle on the reverse). Quant.Geek

27 MacrinusMACRINUS
AR Tetradrachm of Phoenicia, Tyre. AD 217-8. (11g, 25.6mm)

AYT K M OP CE MAKPINOC CE, laureate bust right, with drapery at front of truncation / DHMAPX EX YPATOC PP, eagle standing on club facing, head left, murex shell between legs.

Prieur 1555Sosius

Ammonite Shell Jurrassic Fossil MadagascarLength 　 85mm
Width 　　118mm
Height　　147mm
Weight 1920 g(4.23LB)
Antonivs Protti

Elagabalus Phoenicia, Tyre. Elagabalus. A.D. 218-222. AE 23 (23.21 mm, 9.45 g, 7 h). . [IMP C M AVR ANTONINVS AVG] or similar, laureate draped and cuirassed bust right / [SEPTIM] TYRO [COL]O or similar, Temple of the Phoenician Koinon seen in perspective from the right; murex shell below. . Rouvier 2384; AUB 258; SNG Copenhagen 368. Fine, porous, rough surfaces.ecoli

ROME
PB Tessera (21mm, 3.18 g)
Oyster, with open shell
OSTR/EVM within wreath
Rostovtsew –

Ex Classical Numismatic Group 55 (13 September 2000), lot 1201 (part of)Ardatirion

IONIA, Ephesos
PB Tessera (17mm, 3.95 g)
Murex shell, flanked by dolphin swimming upwards and eel
Blank
Gülbay & Kireç –Ardatirion

IONIA, Ephesos
PB Tessera (14mm, 3.94 g)
Cockle or scallop shell
Blank
Gülbay & Kireç -1 commentsArdatirion

UNITED STATES, Native proto-currency. Seneca tribe.
Ganounata village (Honeoye Falls, NY). Circa AD 1625-1687
White wampum beads (apx. 5mm, 0.10g each)
Carved white shell beads with lateral hole for suspension in belt
Cf. William Martin Beauchamp, Wampum and Shell Articles Used by the New York Indians, p. 369

Found at the Dann Farm site in Honeoye Falls, NY.

In 1687 combined French and Huron forces, lead by the Marquis de Denonville, set out to undermine the strength of the Iriquois Confederacy. The main strike was made against Seneca villages in Western New York. Ganounata was burned during the campaign. This episode was only one in a long line of conflicts fought over control of the North American fur trade.

Wampum was used by Native Americans in woven belts of white and black beads. The white beads were crafted from the columella of the Channeled Whelk, the black from the quahog. Traditionally, wampum belts were used as a ceremonial object to initiate a trade contract. It was only with the coming of the Europeans that wampum began to function as coinage. In 1673, New York state officially set the value of wampum at six white beads to the Dutch stuiver, or three black until they fell out of use. Ardatirion

UNITED STATES, Native proto-currency. Northern Pacific coast. 18th-early19th century
Shell “kop-kop” (29mm by 6mm, 0.38 g)
Tubular shell of the dentalium genus of mollusks
Robert Stearns, Ethno-conchology: A Study of Primitive Money p. 314-321

Ex Detroit Museum of Art

Kop-kops were smaller or damaged pieces of hi-qua shells and circulated as a fraction of the hi-qua. Use of this shell type as currency ranged from northern California to Alaska.
1 commentsArdatirion

(0138) ANTONINUS PIUS138-161 AD
Æ 23 mm, 10.53 g,
O: Laureate and draped bust right
R: Tyche seated left on rocks, extending right hand and holding cornucopia; conch shell(?) to right; below, river-god Chrysoroas swimming left.
SYRIA, Coele-Syria. Damascus laney

(0198) CARACALLA (perhaps)198-217
AE 28.5 mm; 12.58 g
O: Bust right
R: Founder, plowing right with yoke of oxen; in background; vexillum inscribed [LEG/III/GAL] in three lines; murex shell at lower right.
Phoenicia, Tyre
(This may be Elagabalus or other)laney

(0218) ELAGABALUS218 - 222 AD
AE 19.5 mm, 7.1 g
O: Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right
R: Bull standing right; in background, vexillum inscribed LEG/III]/GAL in three lines; murex shell to right
Phoenicia, Tyrelaney

(0218) ELAGABALUS--Tyre218 – 222 AD
AE 28mm, 9.73g
O: Laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right
R: Nude male figure (probably representing King Pygmalion of Tyre=Pu'mayatton, 831-785 BC) advancing left, chlamys over extended right arm, holding transverse spear and shield(?) in raised left hand ; behind him at right, 4 stags leaping right; star above; murex shell below
Phoenicia, Tyre (Tyros);
ref. Rouvier VII, p.80, 2388; BMC Phoenicia p.277, 408; Babelon ("Les Perses Achemenides")
2244; Mionnet V, 657; not in SNG Copenghagen, SNG UK, SNG Deutschland, SNG
Righetti, Lindgren; Rare
(thank you to Jochen for details)laney

0 - Caracalla #00 Tetradrachm - Tyre, Phoenicia - Murex Shell between Eagle's legsRoman Empire
Emperor Caracalla (212 - 217 AD)
Silver Tetradrachm, Tyre, Phoenicia.
Struck 213 - 217 A.D. - Tyre Mint (Murex Shell between Eagle's legs as mintmark)

(titles in Greek)
obv: Laureate bust of Emperor right, cuirassed. Seen from the front.

rev: Eagle standing on club facing, wings spread, tail and head left, wreath in beak, murex shell between legs

Weight: 13.79 Grams
Diameter 26.4 mm
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-4 commentsrexesq

0 - Caracalla #00 Tetradrachm - Tyre, Phoenicia - Murex Shell between Eagle's legs - 01Roman Empire
Emperor Caracalla (212 - 217 AD)
Silver Tetradrachm, Tyre, Phoenicia.
Struck 213 - 217 A.D. - Tyre Mint (Murex Shell between Eagle's legs as mintmark)

(titles in Greek)
obv: Laureate bust of Emperor right, cuirassed. Seen from the front.

rev: Eagle standing on club facing, wings spread, tail and head left, wreath in beak, murex shell between legs

Weight: 13.79 Grams
Diameter 26.4 mm
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https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrian_purple
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~ RARE COIN ~
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- 3 commentsrexesq

0 - Caracalla - Tetradrachm #5Roman Empire
AR Tetradrachm. Emperor Caracalla (212 - 217 AD)

obv: Laureate head of Emperor, right.
rev: Eagle, spread wings, facing left with wreath in beak. Something between legs. rexesq

002a, Aigina, Islands off Attica, Greece, c. 510 - 490 B.C.Silver stater, S 1849, SNG Cop 503, F, 12.231g, 22.3mm, Aigina (Aegina) mint, c. 510 - 490 B.C.; Obverse: sea turtle (with row of dots down the middle); Reverse: incuse square of “Union Jack” pattern; banker's mark obverse. Ex FORVM.

Greek Turtles, by Gary T. Anderson

Turtles, the archaic currency of Aegina, are among the most sought after of all ancient coins. Their early history is somewhat of a mystery. At one time historians debated whether they or the issuances of Lydia were the world's earliest coins. The source of this idea comes indirectly from the writings of Heracleides of Pontus, a fourth century BC Greek scholar. In the treatise Etymologicum, Orion quotes Heracleides as claiming that King Pheidon of Argos, who died no later than 650 BC, was the first to strike coins at Aegina. However, archeological investigations date the earliest turtles to about 550 BC, and historians now believe that this is when the first of these intriguing coins were stamped.

Aegina is a small, mountainous island in the Saronikon Gulf, about midway between Attica and the Peloponnese. In the sixth century BC it was perhaps the foremost of the Greek maritime powers, with trade routes throughout the eastern half of the Mediterranean. It is through contacts with Greeks in Asia Minor that the idea of coinage was probably introduced to Aegina. Either the Lydians or Greeks along the coast of present day Turkey were most likely the first to produce coins, back in the late seventh century. These consisted of lumps of a metal called electrum (a mixture of gold and silver) stamped with an official impression to guarantee the coin was of a certain weight. Aegina picked up on this idea and improved upon it by stamping coins of (relatively) pure silver instead electrum, which contained varying proportions of gold and silver. The image stamped on the coin of the mighty sea power was that of a sea turtle, an animal that was plentiful in the Aegean Sea. While rival cities of Athens and Corinth would soon begin limited manufacture of coins, it is the turtle that became the dominant currency of southern Greece. The reason for this is the shear number of coins produced, estimated to be ten thousand yearly for nearly seventy years. The source for the metal came from the rich silver mines of Siphnos, an island in the Aegean. Although Aegina was a formidable trading nation, the coins seemed to have meant for local use, as few have been found outside the Cyclades and Crete. So powerful was their lure, however, that an old proverb states, "Courage and wisdom are overcome by Turtles."

The Aeginean turtle bore a close likeness to that of its live counterpart, with a series of dots running down the center of its shell. The reverse of the coin bore the imprint of the punch used to force the face of the coin into the obverse turtle die. Originally this consisted of an eight-pronged punch that produced a pattern of eight triangles. Later, other variations on this were tried. In 480 BC, the coin received its first major redesign. Two extra pellets were added to the shell near the head of the turtle, a design not seen in nature. Also, the reverse punch mark was given a lopsided design.

Although turtles were produced in great quantities from 550 - 480 BC, after this time production dramatically declines. This may be due to the exhaustion of the silver mines on Siphnos, or it may be related to another historical event. In 480 BC, Aegina's archrival Athens defeated Xerxes and his Persian armies at Marathon. After this, it was Athens that became the predominant power in the region. Aegina and Athens fought a series of wars until 457 BC, when Aegina was conquered by its foe and stripped of its maritime rights. At this time the coin of Aegina changed its image from that of the sea turtle to that of the land tortoise, symbolizing its change in fortunes.

The Turtle was an object of desire in ancient times and has become so once again. It was the first coin produced in Europe, and was produced in such great quantities that thousands of Turtles still exist today. Their historical importance and ready availability make them one of the most desirable items in any ancient coin enthusiast's collection.

(Greek Turtles, by Gary T. Anderson .1 commentsCleisthenes

007. P. Crepusius.Denarius, 82-81 BC, Rome mint.
Obverse: Laureate bust of Apollo; sceptre and E at left; symbol under chin.
Reverse: P CREPVSI / Horseman galloping, hurling spear. Roman numeral CCCXXXXVI above.
4.07 gm., 17.5 mm.
Syd. #738a; RSC #Crepusia 1; Sear #283.

The Roman numerals on this coin series run from I to DXXIII (1 - 523). Aside from numbering the reverse dies, their significance is unknown. The symbol under Apollo's chin is said to be a shell by Stevenson (p. 295), but it could easily be a turtle or even something else.1 commentsCallimachus

030a14. ElagabalusAE27 of Phoenicia, Tyre. 29.5mm, 15.17 g. Obv: Laureate, cuirassed bust right. Rev: TYRIORVM, Astarte standing facing, holding transverse sceptre, erecting trophy to far left, being crowned by Nike standing on column to right, palm at inner left, murex shell at foot right. Lindgren I 2376.lawrence c

030a31. ElagabalusPhoenicia, Tyre. AE (28 mm, 13.92 g). Laureate, cuirassed bust right, countermarked / TYRIORVM, Astarte standing facing, holding transverse sceptre, erecting trophy to far left, being crowned by Nike standing on column to right, palm at inner left, murex shell at foot right. Lindgren I 2376. Agora Auc 2 (2023), Lot 343.lawrence c

051p Caracalla (196-198 A.D. Caesar, 198-217 A.D. Augustus ), Phoenicia, Tyre, Prieur 1548, AR-Tetradrachm, •ΔHMAPX ЄΞ YΠATOC TO•Δ•, Eagle standing, #1051p Caracalla (196-198 A.D. Caesar, 198-217 A.D. Augustus ), Phoenicia, Tyre, Prieur 1548, AR-Tetradrachm, •ΔHMAPX ЄΞ YΠATOC TO•Δ•, Eagle standing, #1
avers: AYT KAI ANTWNINOC CЄ, Laureate head right, slight drapery on the left shoulder.
reverse: •ΔHMAPX ЄΞ YΠATOC TO•Δ•, Eagle stands with open wings frontal on the club, looks to the left, wreath in its beak, murex shell between legs.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 24,5-26,5 mm, weight: 12,34g, axis: 11h,
mint: Phoenicia, Tyre, date: 214-217 A.D.,
ref: Prieur 1548,
Q-001quadrans

1.87LB Ammonite Fossil Shell Specimen Madagascar Length 　　76mm
Width 　　88mm
Height　116mm
Weight 848g
1 commentsAntonivs Protti

1333 Arse / Saguntum - AE quadrans?c. 200-150 BC
shell
dolphin, crescent above, three dots below
P (A in north-east iberian script)
R&L 153-79; ACIP 1974; SNG BM Spain 1112
2,9g 14,5mm
ex Soler y LlachJ. B.

1888 Tibetan Silver TangkaTibet, Silver Ga-den Tangka, 1½ Sho, ND (1888), L&M 628, Rhodes Biv, SCWC KM YB13.4, Type B, single line base (NW), aUNC, plain edge, weight 4.49g, composition Ag, diameter 27.0mm, thickness 1.0mm, die axis 0°, Dodpal mint, 1888; obverse Eight Auspicious Symbols of Tibetan Buddhism (Victory Banner, Two Fish, Lotus Flower, Endless Knot, Wheel of Law, Parasol, Conch Shell and Vase) clockwise from 12:00, within radiating petals of eight-petalled lotus flower arrayed around circle, beads in inner angles and three beads in outer angles, ornate lotus flower set on double waterline at centre, linear pearled border surrounding; reverse དགའ་ལྡན་ཕོ་བྲང་ ཕྱོ་ ལས་རྣམ་ རྣམ་རྒྱལ། (Ganden Palace, Victorious In All Directions) clockwise from 12:00, within oval frames of eight-petalled lotus flower arrayed around concave octagon, wavy lines between outer angles, eight-spoked Wheel of Law with three crescents within central hub, linear pearled border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex NumisCorner 846549 (31 Jul 2022); £83.73.Serendipity

217Macrinus 217-8 AD
AE 22 mm
Tyre in Phoenicia
Galley right, murex shell above
BMC 384v (except COLON in exergue is a continuation of the legend around (so upside down) rather than left to right the correct way around)mauseus

218aElagabalus 218-22 AD
AE 29 mm
Tyre in Phoenicia
Hexastyle temple with curved arch containing a statue of Astarte left, palm tree and murex shell flanking an altar in the foreground
BMC 393, Rouvier 2363, countermark Howgego 3591 commentsmauseus

Abdera - AR hemiobol475-448 BC
forepart of gryffin left
scallop shell within insuce square
May 198-9; SNG Copenhagen 319
0,2g 6mm
ex SolidusJ. B.

AeginaAEGINA. 510-485 BC. AR Stater (11.67 gm). Smooth-shelled turtle / Incuse square of ï¾“skewï¾” pattern. SNG.Cop.501. Toned Fine.ecoli

Aegina (Circa 480-457 BC)AR Stater

20mm, 12.26g

Obverse: Sea turtle, (the ridge of its shell ornamented with a row of dots and two smaller additional dots at the front)

Reverse: Incuse square divided into five compartments.

Milbank pl. I, 13; Sear 2594

Aegina is a rocky and mountainous island in the Saronic Gulf located about 25 miles southeast of Athens. Because of its limited availability of cultivable land, the inhabitants needed to leverage the sea for their livelihood. They became expert merchants and tradesmen, dominating the shipping industry early in the sixth century BC. Their success and near-monopoly brought the island great wealth and power.

During their travels, the merchants encountered the developing early electrum ancient coins in Ionia and Lydia. They recognized the potential to not only store their considerable wealth in the form of portable ancient coins, but also to optimize trade through a global currency. Aegina therefore became the first of the Greek city-states to issue coined money, starting in the mid-sixth century BC.

Their status as the first international trade currency was aided by the consistency of their designs, and their coins spread far throughout the known world. Throughout Peloponnesus the coinage of Aegina was, down to the time of the Peloponnesian war, the only universally recognized medium of exchange.

The earliest ancient coins types, like this coin, depict a sea turtle engraved in high relief with an incuse pattern on the reverse. The coin above is a Type II (of IV total), a period from 480-456 BC (based on hoard finds) when Aegina’s power was lessening and Athens was on the rise. Type II coins show a greater consistency and broadness of flan shape, the carapaces of the turtles’ shell decorated with pellets arranged in the form of a T, and a skew pattern on the reverse, which had become current in about 500BC but in a much more spacious form with thick bands separating the incuse elements of the design.

In 456 BC Aegina was made tributary to Athens; and in 431 BC the inhabitants were expelled en masse, and the island occupied by Athenian colonists.
1 commentsNathan P

Aegina Land Tortoise AR Drachm (Testudo Graeca Ibera) Greek (Classical). Islands off Attica (Saronic Gulf), Aegina. AR Drachm (5.0g, 19.5mm, 3h?), struck c. BCE 350-338.
Obv: Land tortoise (prob. testudo graeca ibera) with segmented shell of 13 plates. Rev: Large incuse square with skew pattern, two pellets (astragalos?) in one of five compartments (left, top or bottom?) . Ref: Millbank Period V (404-375 BC), pl. II, 16; HGC 6, 443; SNG Cop 520; SNG Lockett 2004 ("acorn"). Prov: Ex-Colosseum Coin Exchange (Ira Teitelbaum, Hazlet NJ) MBS 59 (22 Nov 1991), Lot 2 [external LINK].Curtis JJ

Aegina Land Tortoise AR Stater (Testudo Graeca Ibera)Greek (Classical). Islands off Attica (Saronic Gulf), Aegina. AR Stater (11.97, 20mm), struck c. 456-431 BCE.
Obv: Land tortoise (prob. testudo graeca ibera), segmented shell of 13 plates. Rev: Large incuse square with five-compartment skew pattern with wide border.
Ref: Meadows Group IIIb; Millbank Period V (404-375 BC), pl. II, 10 (same obv. die); SNG Cop 516; Sear 2600. See also HGC 6, 437. Prov: Ex- Gitbud & Naumann Pecunem 20 (3 Aug 2014), Lot 186.
Coin-in-hand video: LINK4 commentsCurtis JJ

Aegina Sea Turtle AR Stater (leatherback, Dermochelys coriacea)Greek (Archaic). Islands off Attica (Saronic Gulf), Aegina. AR Stater (12.19, 21.5mm, 7h), struck c. 480-457 BCE (contested).
Obv: Sea turtle (prob. leatherback, Dermochelys coriacea), head turned sideways in profile, with trefoil collar and 'T-back' design, column of pellets on shell. Banker's mark: Incuse circle with cross and four sunken compartments. Rev: Large 'skew pattern' incuse square with five sunken compartments.
Ref: Milbank period III, pl. 1, 14-15; Meadows Aegina Group IIIa; HGC 6, 435; SNG Cop 507; SNG Lockett 1970; for Banker’s Mark: Milbank p. 19, Counterstamp 15; Nicolet-Pierre (BCH 1995 [LINK]) p. 326, Fig. 6, 15 (Milbank’s & N-P’s numeration coincidental).
Prov: Ex-Nomos Obolos 16 (Zurich, 11 Oct 2020), Lot 772
Note: Incuse geometric design of the Banker's Mark (Milbank #15) is an interesting complement to the reverse imagery. Coin-in-hand video: LINK2 commentsCurtis JJ

Aegina stater21x19 mm, 12.19 g
obv: land tortoise with segmented shell.
rev: square incuse skew pattern.2 commentsareich

Aegina, 510-490 BC, AR Stater Sea turtle with smooth shell.
Skew pattern consisting of five sunken compartments.

HGC 6, 435; Dewing 1660; SNG Delepierre 1625; Sear 1851.

(18 mm, 12.08 g).
Classical Numismatic Group.
n.igma

Aegina, ca. 445-431 BC, AR Stater Land tortoise with segmented shell.
Large incuse square with heavy skew pattern in five compartments.

Millbank plate 2, 12; SNG Copenhagen 516; Sear 2600.

(20 mm, 12.16 g).
Classical Numismatic Group.
1 commentsn.igma

Aegina. Ca. 525-480 BC. AR stater (20mm)SARONIC ISLANDS. Aegina. Ca. 525-480 BC. AR stater (20mm). NGC Choice Fine. Sea turtle, viewed from above, head turned sideways, with thin collar and row of five dots down center of shell / Large "skew pattern" incuse with five sunken compartments. HGC 6, 433. Meadows Group IIc.3 commentsMark R1

Aeolis, Grynion Æ12.
Obv: Three-quarter facing head of Apollo, turned slightly left, wearing laurel wreath.
Rev: ΓΥΡ, mussel shell.
SNG Copenhagen 205; BMC 1.
3rd Century BC.ancientone

Aeolis, Grynion, (c. 4th. century B.C.), SNG Cop 205,206, AE-10, -/-//--, ΓYP/NH, Mussel-shell, Scarce! #1Aeolis, Grynion, (c. 4th. century B.C.), SNG Cop 205,206, AE-10, -/-//--, Î“YP/NH, Mussel-shell, Scarce! #1
avers: Laureate head of Apollo, 3/4 facing left.
reverse: Î“YP/NH, Mussel-shell.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 10,0-11,0 mm, weight: 2,04g, axes: 6h,
mint: Aeolis, Grynion, date: c. 4th. century B.C., ref: SNG Cop 205,206, SNG Ashm 1447–8,
Q-001quadrans

Aes Grave Sextans Circa 269-266 BCThe sextans was an Ancient Roman bronze coin produced during the Roman Republic valued at one-sixth of an as (2 unciae). The most common design for the sextans was the bust of Mercury and two pellets (indicating two unciae) on the obverse and the prow of a galley on the reverse. Earlier types depicted a scallop shell, a caduceus, or other symbols on the obverse.

ROME. Circa 269-266 BC. Æ Aes Grave Sextans (31mm, 20.40 g). Exterior of cockle shell; two pellets / Interior of cockle shell. Thurlow-Vecchi 20; Crawford 21/5; Haeberlin pl. 28, 3-8. Fine, rough green patina.

Ex-CNG 125, lot 166, 88/100

Checkecoli

Aigina. Land tortoise obol.Greece. Aigina. c. 350-338 BC. AR Obol (0.87 gm, 10.8 mm). Tortoise, its segmented shell with 13 plates; A to right. / Thin skew pattern incuse square (three squares and two triangles) divided by three bands, Φ in lower left section. VF. Bt. Coral Gables, 1999. SNG Cop 3 #519 corr. (A not noted, Φ misread as floral ornament); CNG 84 #468. cf. ACNAC Dewing 1695 (Φ location); Milbank pd.V pl.III #11 (same); Triton XVII #227 (same); BMC 186 (Φ and A on rev.); HGC 6 #452 (ΔΙ on rev.); McClean II #6054 (same); Meadows Gp III b.Anaximander

Aigina. Land tortoise Stater.Greece. Aigina. c. 445-430 BC. AR Stater (12.16 gm, 21.0mm). Land tortise with segmented shell of 13 plates. Indistinct countermark in center. / Skew pattern incuse square with five compartments (three squares and two triangles) divided by three thin bands. aVF. Bt. Coral Gables, 2001. SNG Delepierre 1775 (same rev. die); BMC p.137 #146; Dewing 1683; HGC 6 #437; McClean II #6040-6044; Meadows Aegina Gp IIIb; Milbank pd.V pl.2 #12; SNG Cop 3 (Attica-Aegina) 516-517; SNG Munich 561-562. cf. H. D. Rauch 109 #144 (same dies); CNG 118 #204.Anaximander

Aiolis, GryneionÆ11, 1.3g, 12h; 3rd Century BC.
Obv.: Laureate head of Apollo, 3/4 facing left.
Rev.: Î“YP-NH; Mussel shell.
Reference: SNG Ashmolean 1447–8; SNG Copenhagen 205–6.
Ex-Dante Alighieri collection, CNG 218 Lot 215 / 17-112-130John Anthony

Akragas - AE hemilitronc. 425/0 - 410/06 BC
eagle left standing on fish
AKP_AΓANTI_NON
crab with snake between pincers; conch shell and octopus below
• • • • • •
CNS I, 47; HGC 2, 135; CNG Electronic Auction 353 - lot 30 (obverse die match); Bertolami Fine Arts E-Auction 259 - lot 73 (obverse and reverse die match)
16,8g 25mmJ. B.

Akragas HemilitronSicily, Akragas, c. 415-406 BC. Hemilitron Æ 20.15g.
O/ AKPAÎ“AN TI NON ; Eagle right head straight upwards, on hare ; cicada in r. field.
R/ Crab with slooping sides in shallow incuse ; below Triton to r., blowing a conch-shell, 6 pellets
HGC Sicily 131 ; CNS I p.174 32 ; Westermark, The Coinage of Akragas, 618 (O6/R5)1 commentsBrennos

Ammoliite " dragon skin"Found in Canada

Ammolite is a rare and valuable opal-like organic gemstone found primarily along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains of North America. It is made of the fossilized shells of ammonites, which in turn are composed primarily of aragonite, the same mineral that makes up nacreous pearls. 3 commentsRandygeki(h2)

Ancient ChinaStone imitation of Cowrie shellsecoli

Ancient ChinaStone copy of cowrie shellsecoli

Ancient China, Bone imitation of cowrie shellecoli

Ancient China: Shou and Zhang Dynasty (18th-6th Century BCE) Cowrie Shells (Hartill-1.1)Quant.Geek

Ancient Greece, Sicily: Anonymous (415-375 BCE) Æ Hemilitron (HGC 2, 1480; SNG ANS 415 ff; SNG Cop 697 ff)Obv: Signed by Euainetos (Î£Y on band); Head of Arethusa left, wearing hair band and earrings, back of hair in sphendone; olive spray behind
Rev: Dolphin swimming right above, Î£YPA arched over inverted scallop shell belowQuant.Geek

Annonymous Issue under Furius Purpurio*** AR 18 mm 3.6g 169-158 BC
OBV :: Helmeted head of Roma right with cross behind
REV :: Roma riding biga. Murex shell above, PVR below horses
EX :: ROMA
purchased 09/2007

Discovered , thanks to Steve Minnoch , that the coin has a " code" on it or a type of anagram..this was apparently common in that era

the PVR below the horses combined with the murex shell wich was used for purple die , Purpura = (purple) gives the name of the moneyer. in this case Purpurio so ...PVR + PURPURA = Purpurio, sort of a pun for a lack of a better word, but still very interestingJohnny

AphroditeAphrodite is the greek goddess of beauty and love. She is much older and more primordial than Venus. Venus was a more local goddess and came to Rome not before the 4th century. Aphrodite is melted together of indoeuropean-hellenistic, aegaean-anatolean and semitic-oriental elements. The origin of her name is unknown, perhaps it is related to the sem.*asthart. Her relation to Cyprus is referring to that origin. Possibly the name of the month April comes from etruscan *aprodita. So there could be an etruscan intermediation. She seems to be a conglomerate of old fertility goddesses. Her attributes dolphin and shell points to marine, dove, sparrow and and swane to caelestic and apple, rose and pomegranat to herbal sexual spheres. With Homer Aphrodíte replaces the dark weird deities as a light goddess of charm and gracefulness. She was called 'philommeides', the smiling, and she was the mistress of the Graces.
On the rev. of this coin we see Aphrodite as a later depiction as goddess of grace and seduction. She holds a mirror as the symbol of vanity. Her companions are two Erotes with torches to ignite love.
2 commentsJochen

Apollo Salutaris (the Rescuer)Trebonianus Gallus 251 - 253
Antoninianus mint of Rome
obv. IMP CAE C VIB TREB GALLVS AVG
rev. APOLLO SALVTARI
Apollo stdg. l, holding laurel-branch in l. hand and
leaning with r. hand on lyra(?) on rock
RIC IV, 32(s); C.2
VF
Struck as gratitude for rescue from plague(?) for Apollo the Rescuer
The Lyre was invented by Hermes , made from the shell of a turtoise.
Apollo on the other hand should have always a cithara!Jochen

Arse / Saguntum - AE quadrans?c. 200-150 BC
shell
dolphin, crescent above, three dots below
P (A in north-east iberian script)
R&L 153-79; ACIP 1974; SNG BM Spain 1112
2,4g 14mm
ex Soler y LlachJ. B.

Athens New Style tetradrachmPolycharm(os), Nikog(enes), and Aianti-, magistrates, struck 133/2
30mm, 16.82g, 11h
ob: head of Athena Parthenos right, wearing necklace, pendent earring, and triple-crested Attic helmet decorated with the protomes of four horses above the visor, a Pegasos in flight rightward above the raised earpiece, and a curvilinear ornament on the shell
rev: Owl standing right, head facing, on amphora; A-Ó¨E above Î OÎ›Y-XAPM/NIKOÎ“/AIAN/TI (magistrates’ names) in five lines across field; winged kerykeion to left, B on amphora, Î”I below; all within wreath

Thompson 377 var. (same obv. die; unlisted month/control letters combination)

ex Triton XIV, Lot: 2163 commentsareich

BCC 49Murex shell, source of Royal Purple Dye,
and the symbol of Tyre-Phoenicia
6.30cm. From the beach at Caesareav-drome

BCC CG8 Nabataean Pottery FragmentsNabataean Pottery Fragments
1st - 2nd century CE?
Four small fragments found near
each other, with old breaks. Probably
part of a decorated plate or bowl of
very fine clay. The Nabataeans were
well-known for their extraordinary
“eggshell thin” decorated ceramic work.
A fairly unusual surface find from the
beach south of Caesarea Maritima, 1973.
Overall length and width: 3.3cm.x3.0cm.
Thickness: less than 2.0mm.v-drome

BCC LC1-LC4BCC LC1
Lead Cockle Shell
41 x 39 x 17mm Weight 106.7gm.
cf. Lionel Holland Weights and Weight-like
Objects from Caesarea Maritima, 2009, Hadera, Israel.
Surface finds from Caesarea Maritima, 1972
J. Berlin Caesarea Collection

BCC LC1-LC4 composite
LC1=106.7gm.
LC2=52.15gm.
LC3=64.6gm.
LC4=34.15gm., with casting sprue
see forum topic:
http://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=111630v-drome

BCC rgp17 Valerian I TyreRoman Provincial - Tyre
Valerian I 253-260 CE
Obv: IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS AVG
Laureate bust right.
Rev: COL TYR[O METR]
Cadmus standing before edifice, holding
patera and hasta. Before him, murex shell,
and cow, at his feet. Greek letters in field:
ΘΗ/ΒΕ [THEBE]
AE 26x27mm. 14.42gm. Axis:0
Possible reference: Rouvier 2500 Extremely Rare.
See Rouvier 2532, BMC 487, and AUB 311 for this
reverse on coins of Gallienus
Surface find, Caesarea Maritima 1977
J. Berlin Caesarea Collection

This coin commemorates the mythological figure of Cadmus on his quest for his sister, Europa, founding the city of Thebes as a colony of ancient Phoenicia-Tyre in the place where the sacred cow lay down. I love this coin for its connection to ancient mythology and history. Stevenson's Dictionary of Roman Coins gives an excellent description of this same reverse for a coin of Gallienus, on page 825v-drome

BCC RGP18 Elagabalus Tyre-PhoeniciaRoman Provincial
Tyre - Phoenicia
Elagabalus 218-222C.E.
Obv:[IMP CEAS M AV ANTONINVS AVG]
Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: [TYRIORVM]
Standing figure with four stags running
Murex shell below.
AE27.5mm. 14.52g. Axis:0
Rouvier 2388, BMC Phoenicia 408
Stevenson's Dictionary associates this figure with the
Tyrian Hercules, and the stags to the speed of the
sun across the sky.
Surface find, Caesarea Maritima 1976v-drome

BCC rgp23x Valerian I Tyre-PhoeniciaRoman Provincial
Tyre-Phoenicia
Valerian I 253-260C.E.
Obv: [IMP] C P LIC VALE[RIANVS AVG]
Laureate bust right.
Rev: COL TYRO METR
River-god (Adonis?) standing facing, head left,
nude to waist, himation around hips and legs,
right hand dropping incense on flaming altar at
his feet on left, long grounded reed vertical in
left hand, murex shell on left.
AE 27.5mm. 16.34gm. Axis:0
cf. BMC 465 var. (murex shell on right)
Unlisted in Rouvier; SNG Hunt; SNG Cop
Extremely rare
Surface find Caesarea Maritima, 1971.v-drome

BCC RGP36 Elagabalus Tyre-PhoeniciaRoman Provincial
Tyre-Phoenicia
Elagabalus 218-222C.E.
Obv: IMP [CAES] M AV ANT[O] NINVS AVG
Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: TY RI O RVM
Astarte standing facing, holding scepter and placing
hand on trophy. To left, palm tree; to right, murex shell
and column surmounted by Nike.
AE 27.5mm. 15.61gm. Axis:330
BMC 397; possible reference: Rouvier 2350
Surface find, Caesarea Maritima 1978v-drome

BCC RGP3x Valerian I Tyre - PhoeniciaRoman Provincial - Tyre
Valerian I 253-260C.E.
Obv:IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS AVG
Luareated bust rt.
Rev:COL TV/RO MET
Dido of Carthage, wearing tall
kalathos, standing rt .before
lighted altar, raising both arms
towards two-columned temple,
seen in perspective, containing
the club of Melqart-Herakles.
Murex shell in field.
AE26.5x29mm. 11.07gm. Axis:180
Possible reference Rouvier 2501v. (Gallienus)
1 commentsv-drome

BCC RGP54 Nero Antioch Ad OrontesRoman Greek Provincial
Syria, Seleucis and Pieria, Antioch
Ad Orontem Semi-autonomous
AE Dichalkon Reign of Nero 54-68 CE
Obv: Draped bust of Apollo right,
hair bound with taenia.
Rev: ANTIOXE ET ΔIP, (year 114
= 65/66 CE of the Caesarean Era)
around tortoise shell Lyre.
16.4mm. 3.54gm. Axis:0
BMC 86 RPC 4300 McAlee 109
Surface find, Caesarea Maritima, 1976
v-drome

bmc388_1Elagabalus
Tyre, Phoenicia

Obv: IMP CAES MAV AN-TONINVS AVG, laureate draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from front.
Rev: SEPT IM T VRO →COLO, Astarte wearing turreted crown and short chiton and himation, standing front left foot on prow, right hand on trophy and holding in left arm transverse scepter and is being crowned by Nike standing on column on right. Palm tree on left and murex shell on right.
28 mm, 25.01 gms

BMC 388Charles M

bmc388_2Elagabalus
Tyre, Phoenicia

Obv: IMP CAES MAV AN-TONINVS AVG, laureate draped and cuirassed bust right, indistinct countermark.
Rev: SEPT IM T VRO →COLO, Astarte wearing turreted crown and short chiton and himation, standing front left foot on prow, right hand on trophy and holding in left arm transverse scepter and is being crowned by Nike standing on column on right. Palm tree on left and murex shell on right.
30 mm, 15.02 gms

BMC 388Charles M

bmc388_3Elagabalus
Tyre, Phoenicia

Obv: IMP CAES MA[V AN-TONI]NVS AVG, laureate draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from rear.
Rev: [SEPT] IM T VRO →COLO, Astarte wearing turreted crown and short chiton and himation, standing front left foot on prow, right hand on trophy and holding in left arm transverse scepter and is being crowned by Nike standing on column on right. Palm tree on left and murex shell on right.
29 mm, 15.80 gms

BMC 388Charles M

bmc390_1Elagabalus
Tyre, Phoenicia

Obv: IMP CAES MAV ANT[ON]INVS AVG, laureate draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from rear; oval countermark-- head of Melqart right .
Rev: SEPT IM T VRO →COLO, Astarte wearing turreted crown and short chiton and himation, standing front left foot on prow, right hand on trophy and holding in left arm transverse scepter and is being crowned by Nike standing on column on right. Marayas on left and murex shell on right.
30 mm, 18.90 gms

BMC 390; Rouvier 2358; Naville Numismatics, Auction 52, lot 244 (this coin); Countermark: Howgego 15Charles M

bmc390_2Elagabalus
Tyre, Phoenicia

Obv: IMP CAES MAV ANT[ON]INVS AVG, laureate draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from front.
Rev: [SEPT] IM T VRO →COLO, Astarte wearing turreted crown and short chiton and himation, standing front left foot on prow, right hand on trophy and holding in left arm transverse scepter and is being crowned by Nike standing on column on right. Marayas on left and murex shell on right.
30 mm, 19.91 gms

BMC 390. Charles M

bmc390_3Elagabalus
Tyre, Phoenicia

Obv: IMP CAES MAV AN-TONINVS AVG, laureate draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from rear.
Rev: SEPT IM T VRO →[C]OLO, Astarte wearing turreted crown and short chiton and himation, standing front left foot on prow, right hand on trophy and holding in left arm transverse scepter and is being crowned by Nike standing on column on right. Marsyas on left and murex shell on right.
29 mm, 17.09 gms

BMC 390; Rouvier 2358; Naville Numismatics, Auction 52, lot 243 (this coin)Charles M

bmc390_4Elagabalus
Tyre, Phoenicia

Obv: IMP CAES MAV AN-TONINVS AVG, laureate draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from rear. Countermark, head of Melqart right
Rev: SEPT IM T VRO →COLO, Astarte wearing turreted crown and short chiton and himation, standing front left foot on prow, right hand on trophy and holding in left arm transverse scepter and is being crowned by Nike standing on column on right. Marayas on left and murex shell on right.
30 mm, 21.13 gms

BMC 390; Rouvier 2358. Countermark: Howgego 15.Charles M

bmc393Elagabalus
Tyre, Phoenicia

Obv: IMP CAES MAV ANTONINVS AVG, laureate draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: SEP TIM TVR COL, Temple of Astarte with 6 columns, arch over middle with pellet in pediment over arch, Astarte within with right hand on trophy being crowned by Nike standing on column on right. Altar at base of steps with palm tree on left and murex shell on right.
29 mm, 17.78 gms

BMC 393 variant (no Marsyas to left of Astarte)Charles M

bmc393varElagabalus
Tyre, Phoenicia

Obv: IMP CAES MAV ANTONINVS AVG, laureate cuirassed bust right, seen from front. Countermark of laureate head in incuse oval.
Rev: SEP TIM TVR COL, Temple of Astarte with 6 columns, arch over middle with pellet in pediment over arch, Astarte within with right hand on trophy being crowned by Nike standing on column on right. Altar at base of steps with palm tree on left and murex shell on right.
30 mm, 15.48 gms

BMC 393 variant (bust type, no Marsyas to left of Astarte). Triskeles Auctions, Sale 22, Lot 368. Countermark Howgego 65Charles M

bmc393var_2Elagabalus
Tyre, Phoenicia

Obv: IMP CAES MAV ANTONINVS AVG, laureate cuirassed bust right, seen from front.
Rev: SEP TIM TVR COL, Temple of Astarte with 6 columns, arch over middle with pellet in pediment over arch, Astarte within with right hand on trophy being crowned by Nike standing on column on right. Altar at base of steps with palm tree on left and murex shell on right.
30 mm, 15.62 gms

BMC 393 variant (bust type, no Marsyas to left of Astarte). Triskeles Auctions, Sale 22, Lot 368. Charles M

bmc393_1Elagabalus
Tyre, Phoenicia

Obv: IMP CAES MAV ANTONINVS AVG, laureate cuirassed bust right, seen from front.
Rev: SEP TIM TVR COL, Temple of Astarte with 6 columns, arch over middle with pellet in pediment over arch, Astarte within with right hand on trophy being crowned by Nike standing on column on right, Marsyas at her feet left facing right. Altar at base of steps with palm tree on left and murex shell on right.
29 mm, 16.20 gms

BMC 393 variant (bust type)Charles M

bmc393_2Elagabalus
Tyre, Phoenicia

Obv: IMP CAES MAV ANTONINVS AVG, laureate draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: SEP TIM TVR COL, Temple of Astarte with 6 columns, arch over middle with pellet in pediment over arch, Astarte within with right hand on trophy being crowned by Nike standing on column on right. Altar at base of steps with palm tree on left and murex shell on right.
29 mm, 15.96 gms

BMC 393 variant (no Marsyas to left of Astarte)1 commentsCharles M

bmc393_3Elagabalus
Tyre, Phoenicia

Obv: Laureate draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: Temple of Astarte with 6 columns, arch over middle with pellet in pediment over arch, Astarte within with right hand on trophy being crowned by Nike standing on column on right. Altar at base of steps with palm tree on left and murex shell on right.
29 mm, 11.77 gms

BMC 393 variant (no Marsyas to left of Astarte)Charles M

bmc393_4Elagabalus
Tyre, Phoenicia

Obv: Laureate draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: Temple of Astarte with 6 columns, arch over middle with pellet in pediment over arch, Astarte within with right hand on trophy being crowned by Nike standing on column on right. Altar at base of steps with palm tree on left and murex shell on right.
30 mm, 11.19 gms

BMC 393 variant (no Marsyas to left of Astarte)

Cuts on this coin are very straight as if done with a sharp edge weapon--perhaps to make change??Charles M

bmc394Elagabalus
Tyre, Phoenicia

Obv: IMP CAES MAV AN[TONINVS], laureate draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from rear.
Rev: SEPTIM TVRO →COLO, Founder plowing right with 2 oxen, standard in background inscribed LEG/III/GAL, murex shell in right field.
29 mm, 17.95 gms

BMC 394Charles M

bmc394_2Elagabalus
Tyre, Phoenicia

Obv: IMP CAES MAV ANTONINVS, laureate draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from front.
Rev: SEPTIM TVRO →COLO, Founder plowing right with 2 oxen, standard in background inscribed LEG/III/GAL, murex shell in right field.
26 mm, 8.69 gms

BMC 394Charles M

bmc394_3Elagabalus
Tyre, Phoenicia

Obv: [IMP] CAES MAV ANTO[NINVS], laureate draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: SEPTIM TVRO →COLO, Founder plowing right with 2 oxen, standard in background inscribed LEG/III/GAL, murex shell in right field.
25 mm, 9.85 gms

BMC 394Charles M

bmc396_1Elagabalus
Tyre, Phoenicia

Obv: IMP CAES MAV AN-TONINVS AVG, laureate draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind.
Rev: TV RI O RVM, Astarte wearing turreted crown and short chiton and himation, standing front left foot on prow, right hand on trophy and holding in left arm transverse scepter and is being crowned by Nike standing on column on right. Palm tree on left and murex shell on right.
29 mm, 14.06 gms

BMC 396Charles M

bmc396_2Elagabalus
Tyre, Phoenicia

Obv: IMP CAES MAV AN-TONINVS AVG, laureate draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind.
Rev: TV RI O RVM, Astarte wearing turreted crown and short chiton and himation, standing front left foot on prow, right hand on trophy and holding in left arm transverse scepter and is being crowned by Nike standing on column on right. Palm tree on left and murex shell on right.
29 mm, 17.34 gms

BMC 396Charles M

bmc396_3Elagabalus
Tyre, Phoenicia

Obv: IMP CAES MAV AN-TONINVS AVG, laureate draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind. Oval countermark of a male head right.
Rev: TV RI O RVM, Astarte wearing turreted crown and short chiton and himation, standing front left foot on prow, right hand on trophy and holding in left arm transverse scepter and is being crowned by Nike standing on column on right. Palm tree on left and murex shell on right.
32 mm, 14.14 gms

BMC 396, Countermark: Howgego 651 commentsCharles M

bmc396_4Elagabalus
Tyre, Phoenicia

Obv: IMP CAES MAV AN-TONINVS AVG, laureate draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from front.
Rev: TV RI O RVM, Astarte wearing turreted crown and short chiton and himation, standing front left foot on prow, right hand on trophy and holding in left arm transverse scepter and is being crowned by Nike standing on column on right. Palm tree on left and murex shell on right.
32 mm, 18.13 gms

BMC 396Charles M

bmc396_42Elagabalus
Tyre, Phoenicia

Obv: IMP CAES MAV AN-TONINVS AVG, laureate draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from front.
Rev: TV RI O RVM, Astarte wearing turreted crown and short chiton and himation, standing front left foot on prow, right hand on trophy and holding in left arm transverse scepter and is being crowned by Nike standing on column on right. Palm tree on left and murex shell on right.
29 mm, 14.35 gms

BMC 396

From Savoca Coins, 7th Blue Auction, lot 615Charles M

bmc396_5Elagabalus
Tyre, Phoenicia

Obv: IMP CAES MAV ANTONINVS [AVG], laureate draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind. Oval countermark of a male head right.
Rev: TV RI O RVM, Astarte wearing turreted crown and short chiton and himation, standing front left foot on prow, right hand on trophy and holding in left arm transverse scepter and is being crowned by Nike standing on column on right. Palm tree on left and murex shell on right.
27 mm, 11.76 gms

BMC 396 Countermark: Howgego 65Charles M

bmc396_6Elagabalus
Tyre, Phoenicia

Obv: IMP CAES MAV AN-TONIN[VS AVG], laureate draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind. Oval countermark of a male head right.
Rev: TVR IO R VM, Astarte wearing turreted crown and short chiton and himation, standing front left foot on prow, right hand on trophy and holding in left arm transverse scepter and is being crowned by Nike standing on column on right. Palm tree on left and murex shell on right.
27 mm, 8.40 gms

BMC 396, Countermark: Howgego 65Charles M

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