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Thracian Chersonese, Cherronesos AR Hemidrachm. 400-350 BC. Forepart of lion right, head turned back / quadripartite incuse with crested helmet, pellet and 'A' and 'E' monograms in parallel incuse squares.CANTANATRIX
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ISLANDS off THRACE, Thasos. Circa 500-480 BC
AR Drachm (19mm, 2.42 g)
Ithyphallic satyr running right, carrying off protesting nymph
Quadripartite incuse square
Le Rider, Thasiennes 3; SNG Copenhagen 1016; HGC 6, 332
Ardatirion
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Ptolemy III Euergetes. Æ Hemidrachm - Triobol. Alexandreia mint. First phase, struck circa 246-242/1. Diademed head of Zeus-Ammon right / Eagle standing left on thunderbolt, head right; cornucopia over shoulder; E between legs. Svoronos 974 var. (control mark).
AE40 about 46.5 g.
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Ar 0.249g, 6.7mm
Elea(Elia?), Aeolis, AR Hemiobol. Late 5th century BC. Head of Athena left, in crested helmet / E L A I, around olive wreath, all within incuse square. SNG Cop 164 ex ForvmRandygeki(h2)
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Romanus III, Class B Follis, Constantinople, 1028-1034 AD
IC to left, XC to right
Christ, bust facing, square in each limb of nimbus cross,
holding book of gospels
IS-XS / BAS-ILE / BAS-ILE
cross with dots at the ends, on three steps
SB 1823
11.8g / 27mm
Antonivs Protti
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13mm c. 188-84BC. Obv. Radiate Nymph Rhodes right, Rev. P-O to sides of Rose with bud and shoot in incuse square. BMC327 , SNG Keckman 711.Lee S
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13mm c. 188-84BC. Obv. Radiate Nymph Rhodes right, Rev. P-O to sides of Rose with bud and shoot in incuse square. BMC327 , SNG Keckman 711.
Lee S
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12mm c. 188-84BC. Obv. Radiate Nymph Rhodes with earring right, Rev. P-O to sides of Rose with bud and shoot in incuse square. BMC237.
Lee S
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Thasos, Island off Thrace. C.500-480BC. AR8mm. 0.4grm. Obv. Dolphin swimming with pellet above and below. Rev. Quad incuse square.Lee S
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12mm c. 188-84BC. Obv. Radiate Nymph Rhodes with earring right, Rev. P-O to sides of Rose with bud and shoot in incuse square. BMC327.Lee S
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GUPTA: Skandagupta, ca. 455-480, lead square unit (2.45g), cf. Pieper-892/893, facing Garuda standing on snake-like object / Brahmi legend, with extra Brahmi legend below, chakra and uncertain object aboveQuant.Geek
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GUPTA: Skandagupta, ca. 455-480, lead square unit (2.32g), cf. Pieper-892/893, facing Garuda standing on snake-line object / Brahmi legend, with extra Brahmi legend aboveQuant.Geek
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Cherronesos Hemidrachm
480-350 BCE
Obverse: Forepart of lion right, head turned
Reverse: Quadripartite incuse square with alternating raised and sunken quarters; partial E and dolphin pellet in opposite sunken quarters
BMC 31
SNG Copenhagen 829
Weber 2413
SNG Leake 1704
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Parthian Kingdom. Vologases IV . A.D. 147-191. Æ 18 Dichalkon (17.89 mm, 3.53 g, 12 h). struck A.D. 154. Bust of Volgases IV facing with long, tapered beard, end cut square; wearing tiara with hooks on crest, horn on side and long, curved earflaps; to right, Seleucid date (= SE 466 = A.D. 154) / Nike seated left on column; palm in left field. Sellwood ICP 84.142; Shore --. VF, tan patina with greenish encrustation in recesses, edge split. Quant.Geek
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CARIA, Knidos. Circa 490-465 BC. AR Drachm (16.5mm, 6.11 g, 6h). Forepart of lion right / Head of Aphrodite right within incuse square. Cahn Series III, 65 (V33/R47); HN Online 301.
From the Sigmund Collection.paul1888
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Aegina, Aegina.
Ca. 480-457 BC. AR stater, 12.0 g. Sea turtle / skew pattern within incuse square. Milbank, pl. 1, 14. paul1888
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BOEOTIA Federal coinage Drachm (AR; 17-19mm; 5.48g) c. 304-294 bc. Boeotian shield. Rev. Δ – I Amphora and above pellet within incuse square.
BCD Boeotia 69; Head p. 57; McClean p. 314, 5513; SNG Delepierre 1298; SNG Lockett 1775; Traité III p. 267, 287 and pl. 202.26; Weber p. 317, 3328 and pl. 125.
Ex Gemini VI, New York Sunday, January 10, 2010, lot 113.
Ex: CNG Electronic Auction 148, September 20, 2006, lot 12, BCD collection.
Ex KURPFÄLZISCHE MÜNZHANDLUNG, Mannheim, Germany
1984: no 27, 12 Dec.
Ex: Numismatic Fine Arts, Inc., Publication No. 12, January-February 1979, Lot 27paul1888
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Greek Coins
Pangaean District, Eion. Trihemiobol; Pangaean District, Eion; 5th Century BC, Trihemiobol, 0.77g. Cf. SNG ANS-287 (H behind goose's feet) and 291 (H right of goose's neck). Obv: Goose standing r., head turned back, lizard above, H (faint) before goose's feet. Rx: Four-part incuse square. Ex Morton and Eden/Sotheby 51, A Collection of Exceptional Greek Coins, 24 October 2011, lot 97; ex NFA VIII, 6 June 1980, lot 97. Formerly in the collection of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Catalogue (1955), 610; acquired by Boston as part of the Edward Perry Warren Collection, Regling, Sammlung Warren (1906), 569; obtained by Warren as part of the Canon Greenwell Collection in 1901.paul1888
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Time of Alexander I, AR Hemiobol, struck 470 - 460 BC at Argilos in MacedoniaObverse: No legend. Forepart of Pegasos facing left.
Reverse: No legend. Quadripartite granulated incuse square.
Diameter: 8.78mm | Weight: 0.20gms | Die Axis: Uncertain
Liampi 118 | SNG - | GCV -
Rare
Argilos was a city of ancient Macedonia founded by a colony of Greeks from Andros. Although little information is known about the city until about 480 BC, the literary tradition dates the foundation to around 655/654 BC which makes Argilos the earliest Greek colony on the Thracian coast. It appears from Herodotus to have been a little to the right of the route the army of Xerxes I took during its invasion of Greece in 480 BC in the Greco-Persian Wars. Its territory must have extended as far as the right bank of the Strymona, since the mountain of Kerdylion belonged to the city.
Argilos benefited from the trading activities along the Strymona and probably also from the gold mines of the Pangeion. Ancient authors rarely mention the site, but nevertheless shed some light on the important periods of its history. In the last quarter of the 6th century BC, Argilos founded two colonies, Tragilos, in the Thracian heartland, and Kerdilion, a few kilometers to the east of the city.
Alexander I was the ruler of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia from c.498 BC until his death in 454 BC. Alexander came to the throne during the era of the kingdom's vassalage to Persia, dating back to the time of his father, Amyntas I. Although Macedonia retained a broad scope of autonomy, in 492 BC it was made a fully subordinate part of the Persian Empire. Alexander I acted as a representative of the Persian governor Mardonius during peace negotiations after the Persian defeat at the Battle of Salamis in 480 BC. From the time of Mardonius' conquest of Macedonia, Herodotus disparagingly refers to Alexander I as “hyparchos”, meaning viceroy. However, despite his cooperation with Persia, Alexander frequently gave supplies and advice to the Greek city states, and warned them of the Persian plans before the Battle of Plataea in 479 BC. After their defeat at Plataea, when the Persian army under the command of Artabazus tried to retreat all the way back to Asia Minor, most of the 43,000 survivors of the battle were attacked and killed by the forces of Alexander at the estuary of the Strymona river.
Alexander regained Macedonian independence after the end of the Persian Wars and was given the title "philhellene" by the Athenians, a title used for Greek patriots.
After the Persian defeat, Argilos became a member of the first Athenian confederation but the foundation of Amphipolis in 437 BC, which took control of the trade along the Strymona, brought an end to this. Thucydides tells us that some Argilians took part in this foundation but that the relations between the two cities quickly deteriorated and, during the Peloponnesian war, the Argilians joined with the Spartan general Brasidas to attack Amphipolis. An inscription from the temple of Asklepios in Epidauros attests that Argilos was an independent city during the 4th century.
Like other colonies in the area, Argilos was conquered by the Macedonian king Philip II in 357 B.C. Historians believe that the city was then abandoned and, though excavations have brought to light an important agricultural settlement on the acropolis dated to the years 350-200 BC, no Roman or Byzantine ruins have been uncovered there.*Alex
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Perdikkas II, 451 - 413 BC. AR Heavy Tetrobol, struck 437 - 431 BC at Aigai in MacedoniaObverse: No legend. Rider, wearing chlamys and kausia (an ancient Macedonian flat hat, also called a petasos), holding two spears on horse prancing right.
Reverse: No legend. Forepart of lion with straight lined truncation facing right, both paws visible; kerykeion (caduceus), placed horizontally, in left field above, all within incuse square.
Diameter: 15mm | Weight: 2.1gms | Die Axis: 6h
Sear GCV: 1491
Grainy surfaces | Rare (R2)
Perdikkas II features prominently in Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War, in which he is described as switching sides between the Peloponnesians and the Athenians several times.
The lion on the reverse of this coin alludes to the Nemean lion killed by Herakles who was claimed to be the ancestor of Perdikkas.
Perdikkas II was a member of the Argead dynasty which would rule Macedonia for almost 400 years.
The founder of the dynasty, Perdikkas I, had led the people who called themselves Macedonians eastward from their home on the Haliacmon River around 700 BC. Aegae (Edessa) became their capital, and by the reign of Amyntas I in the 6th century BC, Macedonian power dominated the neighbouring Thracian tribes and when Amyntas’ successor, Alexander I advanced the Macedonian frontiers eastward to the Strymon River their power was further increased.
After the death of Alexander I in 454, Macedonia began to fall apart, but around 450 BC Perdikkas II, who was Alexander I's son, came to the throne after having asserted his succession against his brothers. Perdikkas had four brothers, Alcetas II, Philip, Menelaus and Amyntas, he also had a sister, Stratonice. Alcetas II preceded him on the throne until he was murdered by Perdikkas' son Archelaus I resulting in Perdikkas' elevation to the throne. During his reign Perdikkas united the Greek cities of Chalcidice in a federation centred on the city of Olynthus.
Perdikkas II died in 413 BC leaving his son Archelaus as heir to the throne. Archelaus adopted a strongly philhellenic policy and introduced Greek artists to his new capital at Pella. He strengthened Macedonia by building roads and fortresses, improved army equipment, and encouraged city life. However, following his assassination in 399 BC, there was seven years of murder and anarchy until finally, around 393 BC, Amyntas III, a great-grandson of Alexander I, took the throne and, although his reign was filled with anarchy and intrigue, he successfully brought unity to Macedonia.
Aigai (also Aegae, Aegeae or Aigeai) was the original capital of the Macedonians and it was also the burial-place of the Macedonian kings. It was built on a site near the modern town of Vergina.*Alex
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31 Maximinus I Thrax, 20 March 235 - Late May 238 A.D.Orichalcum sestertius, RIC IV 43, Cohen 10, VF, 23.158g, 32.3mm, 30o, Rome mint, 235 A.D.; obverse IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse FIDES MILITVM S C, Fides standing half-left, military standard in each hand; well centered, nice patina, flan crack, typical squared flan
Purchased from FORVM Sosius
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Apollonia - Ceka 115.Illyria, Apollonia After 229 BC
AR Drachm.
TIMHN, Cow standing left, looking back at suckling calf, Gamma AK monogram below.
APOL DAMOFWNTOS around square with double stellate pattern. xokleng
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Hemidrachm 404-390 BC. AR 10mm. 1.6grmRhodes, Hemidrachm. 404-390 BC. 1.6Grm.
Obv. Head of Helios facing
Rev. P O Flanking rose within incuse square,
Ref. SNG Keck. 367 (Var)Lee S
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IONIA, CHIOSCa 400-380 BC
AR Drachm 13 mm, 3.63 g
O: Sphinx seated left; amphora surmounted by grapes to left
R: Quadripartite granulated incuse square
Chios; BMC 17-8
ex Roma Numismatics auction laney
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Kroisos, LydiaLydian Kingdom. Kroisos. Ca. 564/53-550/39 B.C. AR 1/12 stater (7 mm, 0.80 g). Sardes mint. Confronted foreparts of lion, on left, and bull, in right / Incuse square punch. Berk 26-7; SNG Kayhan 1020-1; Traité I 413. VF, toned.ecoli
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Maroneia, Thrace. 400-350 BC.Autonomous coinage of Maroneia, Thrace. 400-350 BC. Horse pracing right, PNK monogram below.
MAR-WNI-TWN around linear square containing vine, VE-monogram below. BMC 666; SNGCop 632.Britanikus
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Rhodos, Carian Islands, c. 188 - 84 B.C.Silver hemidrachm, cf. SNG Keckman 642 ff. (various magistrates and control symbols)Dexikrates, Fine/Fair, scratches, underweight (perhaps imitative), 0.905g, 13.0mm, 135o, Rhodos (Rhodes) mint, c. 188 - 84 B.C.; obverse radiate head of Helios facing slightly right; reverse rose with bud to right, P-O in fields, magistrates name above,ΔΕΞΙΚΡΑΤΗΣ, control symbol lower left, all within a shallow square incuse;Randygeki(h2)
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SPAIN
PB Tessera (12mm, 2.57 g)
IQ within beaded square cartouche
Blank
UnpublishedArdatirion
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SPAIN
PB Tessera (12mm, 2.22 g)
ISI within beaded square cartouche
Blank
Unpublished
Found in Southern Spain
This is a part of a small group of leads of similar module that were found in Southern Spain. They appear to be distinct from the series described by Casariego et al and Stannard.Ardatirion
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ROME
PB Tessera (16mm, 2.92 g, 12 h)
Horse standing right; C above
Erect phallus; A V flanking
Rostovtsev -
Rostovtsev1 gathers into one group all tesserae depicting the phallus, various iterations of the word Amor, and the extremely rare pieces depicting sexual acts. He assumes that these pieces were entrance tickets to the Lupanaria, ancient brothels. This association has caused many scholars to refuse to accept tesserae as currency, as they feel that such crude themes would never have been depicted on currency. Thornton2, however, convincingly argues that, as Mercury is sometimes depicted as a herm, a statuary type consisting of a bust set on a square pedestal adorned with only genitalia, the phallus is in fact an emblem of the god in his guise as a fertility deity.
1. Rostovtzev, Mikhail. 1905. Römische Bleitesserae. Ed. C.F. Lehmann and E Kornemann. Beiträge z. Liepzig: Theodor Weicher.
2. Thornton, M. K. 1980. “The Roman Lead Tesserae : Observations on Two Historical Problems Author.” Historia: Zeitschrift für Alte Geschichte 29 3: 341-3
Ardatirion
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ROME. Romula Agas(iae?)
PB Tessera (22mm, 7.58 g, 12 h)
ROM/ VLA
Clipeus; A A/ C S
Rostowzew 1478; München 243; Turcan 194-5; Milan 211; Kircheriano 2004-7
Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 267, lot 685 (part of)
Rostowzew cites a surprising twenty-six specimens, including several with square flans.Ardatirion
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Dy.243D Charles IV (the Fair): maille blanche, 3rd emissionCharles IV, king of France (1322-1328)
Maille blanche, 3rd emission (07/23/1326)
Silver (718 ‰), 1.64 g, diameter 22 mm, die axis 11h
O: inner circle: +kAROLVS(square)RE•X•; cross pattée; outer circle: BHDICTV⋮SIT(ring)nOmЄ⋮DHI⋮nRI
R: inner circle: +FRANCORVm; châtel tournois; outer circle: a circlet of 10 fleur-de-lis, the top one being between 2 dots
The RE•X• on the reverse is characteristic of the 3rd emission. Most of the time, the top fleur-de-lis is also surrounded by two dots, similarly to the 2ond emission.
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GERMANY, Kriegsgeld. Münster.
FE 25 Pfennigen (23mm, 5.15 g, 12h)
Dated 1918
STADT MÜNSTER I/W, civic coat-of-arms; * KRIEGSGELD * below
25/ PFENNIG/ 1918 within ornamented square tabletArdatirion
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"Plate Coin" from Galst's Ophthalmologia in Nummis & Marathaki's SkionePhoto Credit: CNG (for coin, edited)
GREEK (Archaic/Classical). Macedon, Skione AR Hemiobol (6mm, 0.34g, 1h), c. 5th century BCE.
Obv: Head of Protesilaos (?) right wearing taenia
Rev: Schematic human eye in incuse square. (Legend in incuse? Σ−K−I or var.?)
Ref: Marathaki (2014) No. 93 (E70/O67), p. 81, 284, Pl. 27, 57 (this coin illustrated; only spec. from this obv. die); Galst & van Alfen XIII.9 (this coin illustrated); HGC 3, 677 var. (no taenia).
Comparanda: Two examples of this (later?) style, otherwise unpublished: (1) BnF btv1b8590874v [LINK]; (2) Forum (Joe Sermarini, n.d.) GA73133 [LINK].
Provenance: Ex Collection of Dr. Jay M. Galst (1950-2020), w/ his tags, published in his 2013 book with Peter van Alfen, Ophthalmologia Optica et Visio in Nummis; CNG, Classical Numismatic Review vol. XXV [CNR 25] (Summer 2000), No. 22, published in Marathaki's 2014 History and Coinage of Ancient Skione in Chalcidice; CNG e-Auction 531.1 (25 Jan 2023), Lot 78.
Notes: A rarer variety of distinctly more Classical style, and depicting Protesilaos (?) wearing taenia. (Protesilaos was first to die, heroically, in the Trojan War. He fulfilled prophesy by leaping first onto the shores of Troy, knowing it meant he would be killed by Hector.) Prob. later than the usual Archaic style Hemiobol of this type. Possibly c. 423 BCE or later?
Coin-in-hand video & plate excerpt: [Imgur LINK]Curtis JJ
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*ACC* Parion, Mysia, AR10mm Tetrobol (2.5g). c 480 BC.Parion, Mysia, AR10mm Tetrobol (2.5g). c 480 BC.
Facing gorgon head, with tongue protruding ./
Incuse square containing cruciform pattern with pellet at center.
1010 SOLD
Antonivs Protti
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*SOLD*Greek Thracian – Chersonese/Cherronesos AR Hemidrachm
Attribution: SNG Cop 833
Date: 400-350 BC
Obverse: Forepart of lion w/ head reverted and gaping mouth
Reverse: Quadripartite incuse square; alternating depressions w/pentagram and pellet in one & pellet in other
Size: 12 mm
Weight: 2.5 gramsNoah
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*SOLD*Greek Thracian – Chersonese/Cherronesos AR Hemidrachm
Attribution: Weber 2419, 2434; McClean 4079, BMC 11
Date: 400-350 BC
Obverse: Forepart of lion w/ head reverted and gaping mouth
Reverse: Quadripartite incuse square, alternating depressions with pellet in one and
bunch of grapes in the other
Size: 14 mm
ex-ForvmNoah
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0.30 AR Athenian Tetradrachm 454-415 BCEATTICA: Athens. Ca. 454(?)-415 BC. AR tetradrachm. Athena / Owl. Nice centering.
Silver tetradrachm, pl. XXII, 6´. Svoronos pl. 15, 30., 17.1gm, 24mm, gVF, 449-413 B.C.; obverse head of Athena right with almond shaped eye, wearing crested helmet ornamented with three olive leaves and floral scroll, wire necklace, round earring,; reverse A?E right, owl standing right, head facing, erect in posture, prong tail, to left olive twig and crescent, all within incuse square.Ecgþeow
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00001 Larissa Profile Left, Jason’s Sandal RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: Archaic representation of Larissa in profile to the l. All within a border of dots.
Rev: Jason’s sandal to the r., Λ - Α above. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 500 - 479 BC; Weight: .65g; Diameter: 10mm: Die axis: 210º; References, for example: Weber 2826, pl. 109; Herrmann Group 1 Obolen; SNG Cop 90; BCD Thessaly I 1098 (this coin); HGC 4, 404.
Provenance: Ex. Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 133 Lot 53 21 Nov 2022, from the collection of “A Man In Love With Art.”; Ex. BCD Thessaly Nomos AG Auction 4 Lot 1098 May 10, 2011.
CLICK FOR SOURCES
Photo Credits: Numismatica Ars ClassicaTracy Aiello
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000011 Larissa Profile Left Double Headed Axe in Front, Jason’s Sandal RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: Larissa in profile to the l., double headed ax before. All within a border of dots.
Rev: Jason’s sandal to the r., Λ - Α above. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 490 - 480 BC????; Weight: .86g; Diameter: 10mm: Die axis: 120º; References, for example: Weber 2826, var. sandal l.; Traité p. 1011 no. 1415 pl. XLIII 6, var. legend ΛΑRΙ, sandal l., Ξ below; SNG Cop 90, var. no mention of ax; Kagan 2004, p. 85, pl. 1, 4, legend? var. sandal l.; BCD Thessaly II 140, var. sandal l., square within incuse, legend ΛΑRΙ retrograde and upside down, H on groundline; HGC 4, 403, legend retrograde and upside down var. sandal l.
Provenance: Ex. Roma Numismatics Ltd. E-Sale 177 Lot 69 February 22, 2024; Ex. Roma Numismatics Ltd. E-Sale 107 Lot 145 March 16, 2023; Ex. Roma Numismatics Ltd. E-Sale 94 Lot 61 February 24, 2022; Ex. Roma Numismatics Ltd. E-Sale 37 Lot 80 June 24, 2017; Ex. Roma Numismatics Ltd. E-Sale 12 Lot 592 November 1, 2014.
Photo Credits: Roma Numismatics Ltd.
CLICK FOR SOURCESTracy Aiello
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0001 Bull Hoof (Seen From Below) and Bridled Horse Facing LeftThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: bull hoof seen from below. All within a border of dots.
Rev: ΛΑ in front and down to the l., head and neck of a bridled horse l. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver hemiobol; Mint: Larissa; Date: 462 - 460 BC1; Weight: .40g; Diameter: 7.8mm: Die axis: 0º; References, for example: Liampi Corpus Group II 2 (V2/R1); Triton XIV 103; BCD Thessaly 1107.
Notes:
1This is the date provided in BCD Thessaly and Triton XIV.
Provenance: Ex Apollo Numismatics July 4, 2020.
Photo Credits: Apollo Numismatics
CLICK FOR SOURCES
Tracy Aiello
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0002 Bull Protome Facing Right and Bridled Horse Facing RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: bull head and neck r., head turned to face the viewer. All within a border of dots.
Rev: ΑΛ upwards, head and neck of bridled horse r. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 462 - 460 BC1; Weight: .89g; Diameter: 10mm: Die axis: 90º; References, for example: Herrmann Group III Series A pl. I, 20 var. head and neck facing l.; Liampi Corpus 18 (V10/R11) pl. 4, 36; BCD Thessaly II 148; HGC 4, 477.
Notes:
1This is the date given in HGC 4.
Provenance: Ex Roma Numismatics E-Sale 70 Lot 433 April 7, 2020; Ex Roma Numismatics E-Sale 52 Lot 144 January 10, 2019. From a private UK collection.
Photo Credits: Roma Numismatics
CLICK FOR SOURCESTracy Aiello
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00021 Bull Protome Facing Left and Bridled Horse Facing RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: bull head and neck l., head turned to face the viewer. All within a border of dots.
Rev: ΑΛ upwards, head and neck of bridled horse r. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 462/1 - 460 BC1; Weight: .93g; Diameter: 10mm: Die axis: 70º; References, for example: BMC Thessaly p. 24 no. 4, pl. IV no. 7; Hunterian p. 451 no. 1; Traité I ii, 1416, pl. XLIII, 7; Pozzi 1207; Weber 2828; Herrmann Group III A Obolen, pl. I, 20; McClean 4586, pl. on p. 173, 13 ; SNG Cop 96; SGCV I 2105; SNG Ashmolean 3858; Liampi Corpus 15 V7/R9 b, pl. 4, 26; BCD Thessaly I 1105; BCD Thessaly II 147; HGC 4, 476.
Notes:
1This is the date given in BCD Thessaly I.
Provenance: Ex Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger Auction 371 Lot 1082.
Photo Credits: Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger
CLICK FOR SOURCESTracy Aiello
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00022 Bull Protome Facing Left, Dolphin above, and Bridled Horse Facing RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: bull head and neck l., head turned to face the viewer, dolphin facing l. above. All within a border of dots.
Rev: ΛΑ upwards, head and neck of bridled horse r. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 462/1 - 460 BC1; Weight: .6g; Diameter: 10mm: Die axis: 90º; References, for example: Herrmann Group III A Obolen; Liampi 1996, p. 104 no. 16 (V8 - R10), pl. 4 no. 31, 32, and 33; SNG München 44; BCD Thessaly I 1106; BCD Thessaly II 146; HGC 4, 476.
Notes:
1This is the date given in BCD Thessaly I.
Provenance: Ex. Nomos AG Obolos 28 Lot 127 July 2, 2023
Photo Credits: Nomos AG
CLICK FOR SOURCESTracy Aiello
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0003 Hero Wrestling Bull Protome Facing Left with Lotus Flower and Bridled Horse Facing RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: bull head and neck l., head turned to face the viewer, on the r. and behind half figure of the hero Thessalos1 to l., grasping the bull by the horns. Lotus flower above. All within border of dots.
Rev: Λ-ΑR-Ι in front and above (retrograde), head and neck of bridled horse r. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 462/1 - 460 BC2; Weight: .86g; Diameter: 10mm: Die axis: 210º; References, for example: Liampi Corpus p. 101, IA (V1-R1), pl. 4, 1 and 2 and 3; BCD Thessaly I 1103.
Notes:
1Considered the ancestor of all Thessalians. The figure is also sometimes considered to be Jason (of Jason and the Argonauts), who according to one tradition was the father of Thessalos (HGC 4, p. 132).
2This is the date given in BCD Thessaly I.
Provenance: Ex Leu Numismatik February 27, 2021, From a European collection formed before 2005.
Photo Credits: Leu Numismatik
CLICK FOR SOURCES
Tracy Aiello
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0004 Hero Wrestling Bull Protome Facing Right and Bridled Horse Facing RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: bull head and neck r., head turned to face the viewer, on the l. and behind half figure of the hero Thessalos1 to r. with l. arm over the bull's neck and r. hand below the bull's muzzle. All within border of dots.
Rev:[Λ]Α r. and upwards, head and neck of bridled horse r. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 460 - 440 BC2; Weight: 1.01g; Diameter: 11mm: Die axis: 180º; References, for example: Liampi Corpus p. 102, 6 (V4-R5), Pl. 4, 13 and 14; BCD Thessaly II 353.3; HGC 4, 480.
Notes:
1Considered the ancestor of all Thessalians. The figure is also sometimes considered to be Jason (of Jason and the Argonauts), who according to one tradition was the father of Thessalos (HGC 4, p. 132).
2This is the date given in HGC 4.
Provenance: Ex Numismatik-Naumann November 14, 2020.
Photo Credits: Numismatik-Naumann
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Tracy Aiello
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00041 Hero Wrestling Bull Protome Facing Left and Bridled Horse Facing RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: bull head and neck l., head turned to face the viewer, on the r. and behind half figure of the hero Thessalos to l. with r. arm over the bull’s neck and l. hand below the bull’s muzzle. All within border of dots.
Rev: ΑΛ r. and upwards, head and neck of bridled horse r. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 460 - 440 BC; Weight: 1.03g; Diameter: 10.5mm: Die axis: 270º; References, for example: Liampi Corpus p. 102 no. 4b (V3-R3) for weight and die axis, pl. 4, 8 for depiction; SNG München 43; BCD Thessaly II 353.2; HGC 4 479.
Provenance: Ex CGB Numismatics January 2, 2023.
Photo Credits: CGB Numismatics
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000411 Horse Prancing Right, Larissa Left Bouncing BallThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: horse prancing r. All within a border of dots.
Rev: Λ - Α (lower l. corner, upper r. corner) Larissa walking l. wearing Chiton, l. hand lowered behind her and bouncing a ball in front of her with raised r. hand. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 460 - 440 BC; Weight: .99g; Diameter: 10mm: Die axis: 180º; References, for example: Imhoof-Blumer Nymphen: p. 69 no. 186 pl. V no. 18; Herrmann Group II b 𝛃 pl. I 16; Traité IV, 654 var. legend placement, Larissa r., pl. CCXCVI, 11; BCD Thessaly I 1111 (this coin); HGC 4 486.
Provenance: Ex. Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 124 Lot 111 June 23, 2021, from the collection of “A Man In Love With Art.”; Ex. BCD Thessaly Nomos AG Auction 4 Lot 1111 May 10, 2011; Ex. Leu Numismatik 50 Lot 127 April 25, 1990.
Photo Credits: Numismatica Ars Classica
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Tracy Aiello
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0005 Horse Prancing Right, Larissa Seated Left on HydriaThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: Ο𐌔 above, horse prancing r. on groundline. All within a border of dots.
Rev: ΛA above and l., PI𐌔A in front and down (retrograde), Larissa seated l. on overturned hydria with its mouth to the r. and one side handle facing viewer, l. hand on l. knee and r. hand extended, having kicked the ball to l. on ground.1 All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 460 - 400 BC2; ; Weight: .93g; Diameter: 12mm: Die axis: 90º; References, for example: Imhoof-Blummer p. 72, 200, pl. V, 30; Herrmann Group III F/G, IIIβ Obolen Reverse VII, pl. III, 11; SNG Cop 115; Liampi 1992, 8; SNG München 59; BCD Thessaly I 1115; BCD Thessaly II 164 and 363.1; HGC 4, 491.
Notes:
1Imhoof-Blumer and Herrmann both state that Larissa is binding her sandal while Liampi 1992 notes that she is either binding or loosening her sandal. There is no mention of kicking the ball. In my description I follow BCD Thessaly I, II, and HGC because I assume that Larissa would use two hands instead of one if she were either tightening or loosening her sandal.
2This date range encompases the dates expressed in my listed references.
Provenance: Ex. CNG Triton XXV January 11 - 12, 2022 Lot 177.
Photo Credits: CNG
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Tracy Aiello
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0006 Rider and Larissa SeatedThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: Rider on a horse prancing r. on groundline, holding a single spear transversally with petasos flying backwards and chlamys on his back, beneath horse's belly a lion's head facing r. Border of dots or small grains.1
Rev: The nymph Larissa2 seated r. on a chair with a back ending in a swan's head, r. hand resting on her lap or thigh and holding a phiale, l. arm raised with palm forward,3 Λ and Α above to l. and r. of head with R and Ι to r. of body turned 90º and downward, all within a shallow incuse square.
Denomination: silver trihemiobol; Mint: Larissa; Date: mid- to late 5th Century BC4; Weight: 1.28g5; Diameter: 13mm; Die axis: 60º; References, for example: BMC Thessaly p. 25, 13; Warren 687 var. No mention of lion's head; Weber 2838; Traité IV, 651, pl. CCXCVI, 9; Herrmann Group II, pl. I, 7; Boston MFA 875 var. no lion's head and reference to two spears; Lorber 2008 pl. 41, 5; BCD Thessaly II 154; HGC 4, 466.
Notes:
1Forrer, BCD Thessaly II, and Hoover refer to the border as composed of dots; Babelon refers to the border as composed of small grains.
2Herrmann does not associate the figure on the reverse with the nymph Larissa. Instead he refers to the figure as a "sitting male" and cites two examples from Berlin and Warren 687 as having the indication of beards (p.9). He declares that the meaning [interpretation] of the sitter cannot be determined, but he invites us to think of a deity (p. 11). Brett in Boston MFA follows Herrmann's interpretation.
3Forrer and BCD Thessaly II state that Larissa is holding a mirror, Hoover mentions only that the arm is raised, Babelon indicates that the left arm is raised with palm forward, and Herrmann describes the left hand as raised in an "adoring gesture". On the coin here the left hand clearly has the thumb separated from the rest of the fingers with the palm facing forward; there is no indication that the hand is holding anything. I wonder what the intention of the gesture could have been.
4Dates in the sources cited here run the gamut of the 5th Century BC. Herrmann: c. 500 - 479 BC; Babelon: c. 470 - 430 BC; HGC: c. 440 - 420 BC; Forrer: c. 430 - 400 BC. In light of Kagen (2004) and his belief that Herrmann's Group I ended c. 460 BC it seems appropriate to choose the date range specified in BCD Thessaly II.
5Herrmann argues that Group II was struck on the Persian weight standard. (He believed that the same held true for Group I). Kagan (2004) demonstrates that Larissain coinage was not struck on the Persian weight standard.
The city of Larissa was named after the local water nymph, said to be the daughter of Pelasgos. He was said to be the ancestor of the pre-Greek Pelasgians. According to myth Larissa drowned while playing ball on the banks of the Peneios river. (HGC 4 p. 130).
Provenance: Ex Nomos AG December 8, 2019.
Photo Credits: Nomos AG
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0007 Horse Prancing Right Lion’s Head Right, Lion’s Head Spout Right Larissa Right Balancing HydriaThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: horse prancing r., lion's head above facing r. All within a border of dots.
Rev: Λ-Α above l. to r., R-[I] in front and downwards, Larissa standing r. and balancing hydra on her raised l. knee, behind is a spout in the form of a lion's head from which pours water. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 440 - 420 BC1; Weight: .95g; Diameter: 11.5mm: Die axis: 0º; References, for example: BMC Thessaly p. 25, 15; Imhoof-Blumer Nymphen: p. 69 no. 184 pl. V no. 16; Herrmann Group II pl. I 14 and 15; McClean II 4600 var. horse standing, no mention of lion's head on obv.; SNG München 54 and 55 var. lion’s head on obv. interpreted as a Lotus flower; Lorber 2008 pl. 41, 6; BCD Thessaly II 358.1; HGC 4, 482 var. horse standing and no mention of water pouring from the lion's head spout.
Notes:
1This is the date given in HGC 4
Provenance: Ex Nomos Obolos 15 Webauction Lot 169 May 24, 2020.
Photo Credits: Nomos AG
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00071 Horse Prancing Left Lion’s Head Left, Lion’s Head Spout Right Larissa Right Balancing HydriaThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: horse prancing l., lion’s head above facing l. [protruding tongue or stream of water?]. All within a border of dots.
Rev: [Λ]-Α above l. to r., R-I in front and downwards, Larissa standing r. and balancing hydra on her raised l. knee, behind is a spout in the form of a lion’s head from which pours water. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 440 - 420 BC1; Weight: .95g; Diameter: 13 mm: Die axis: 270º; References, for example: Herrmann Group II b 𝛼, pl. I 13; BCD Thessaly I 1433.5 var. no lion’s head above horse; BCD Thessaly II 160; HGC 4 483.
Notes:
1This is the date given in HGC 4
Provenance: Ex Dr. Busso Peus Nachf. December 10, 2023
Photo Credits: Dr. Busso Peus Nachf.
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0008 Thessalos Wrestling Bull Left, Horse Prancing RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: The hero Thessalos1 to l. naked, except for chlamys and petasos both attached to his neck by a cord and flying in the air, wrestling a bull charging l., plant to l. and below between Thessalos' legs, [TO in exergue?]. All within a border of dots.
Rev: ΛΑ above, ΡΙΣΑ below (retrograde), bridled horse prancing r. with loose rein. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver drachm; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 440 - 420 BC2; Weight: 5.47g; Diameter: 19.5mm: Die axis: 90º; References, for example: Weber 2834 var. no mention of plant between legs or TO in obv. exergue; Herrmann Group III Series C pl. II, 1; BCD Thessaly I 1123 var. reverse legend; BCD Thessaly II 366.1; HGC 4, 416 var. no mention of plant between legs.
Notes:
1Considered the ancestor of all Thessalians. The figure is also sometimes considered to be Jason (of Jason and the Argonauts), who according to one tradition was the father of Thessalos (HGC 4, p. 132).
2This is the date given in HGC 4. According to Lorber 2008 this coin should be placed in the revived bull wrestling drachm coinage, beginning c. 450 - 440 BC.
Provenance: Ex CNG Electronic Auction 465 Lot 74 April 8, 2020 (from the Frank M. Martin collection)
Photo Credits: CNG
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0009 Thessalos Wrestling Bull Right, Horse Prancing RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: The hero Thessalos1 to r. naked, except for chlamys around his shoulders and petasos, flying in the air, attached to his neck by a cord, holding with both hands a band that is around the forehead of a bull leaping r. All within a border of dots (not here visible).
Rev: ΛΑΡΙ above, Σ to the r. (not here visible), ΙΑ below (not here visible), bridled horse with trailing rein prancing r., no ground line. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver drachm; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 420 - 400 BC2; Weight: 6.06g; Diameter: 18mm: Die axis: 270º; References, for example: Lorber 2008, pl. 43, 59 (same dies); BCD Thessaly II 372.7 (same dies); HGC 4, 423 (same obv.).
Notes:
1Considered the ancestor of all Thessalians. The figure is also sometimes considered to be Jason (of Jason and the Argonauts), who according to one tradition was the father of Thessalos (HGC 4, p. 132).
2This is the date given in HGC 4. According to Lorber 2008 this coin should be placed in the revived bull wrestling drachm coinage, beginning c. 450 - 440 BC.
This type is related to the Thessalian sport of bull wrestling (taurokathapsia) "...regularly showcased at the Taureia games honoring Poseidon Taureios." (HGC 4, p. 132).
Provenance: Ex Shanna Schmidt Numismatics May 28, 2019; from the BCD collection, reportedly found 8 kms west of Pharsalus, May 1997.
Photo credits: Shanna Schmidt Numismatics
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00091 Thessalos Wrestling Bull Left, Horse Galloping RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: The hero Thessalos1 to l. naked, except for chlamys around his shoulders and petasos, flying in the air, attached to his neck by a cord, holding with both hands the head of a bull leaping l. All within a border of dots.
Rev: ΛΑΡΙ above to the r., ΣΑΙΑ below to the r., bridled horse galloping r., ground line. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver drachm; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 420 - 400 BC2; Weight: 5.83g; Diameter: 19mm: Die axis: 180º; References, for example: Herrmann Group III Series H Rev. I; BCD Thessaly II 174; HGC 4, 420.
Notes:
1Considered the ancestor of all Thessalians. The figure is also sometimes considered to be Jason (of Jason and the Argonauts), who according to one tradition was the father of Thessalos (HGC 4, p. 132).
2This is the date given in HGC 4. According to Lorber 2008 this coin should be placed in the revived bull wrestling drachm coinage, beginning c. 450 - 440 BC.
Provenance: Ex Gorny and Mosch Auction 269 Lot 298
March 3, 2020; Ex Gorny & Mosch Auction 212 Lot 1461 March 5 and 6, 2013
Photo credits: Gorny and Mosch
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00092 Horse Prancing Left, Larissa Right with Wreath and BallThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: Horse prancing l. on ground line. ΟΣ above with the Σ reversed. All within border of dots.
Rev: Larissa standing on ground line facing the viewer, head turned l. [viewer’s .r], wreath in raised l. hand and ball in lowered r. hand. On r. ΛΑ upwards, on l. ΡΙΣΑ downwards and retrograde. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: 420 - 400 BC1; Weight: .98g; Diameter: 12mm: Die axis: 330º; References, for example: Imhoof-Blummer p. 71, 193/pl. V, 25; Herrmann Group III Small Denominations under E, III 𝛂 Obols rev. II, pl. II, 20; BCD Thessaly II 364.3; HCG 495.
Notes:
1This is the date given in HGC 4.
Provenance: Ex. Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 123 May 9, 2021; Ex CNG e-sale 252, March 23, 2011 lot 46.
Photo Credits: Numismatica Ars Classica
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00093 Horse Prancing Right, Larissa Left with Wreath and BallThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: Horse prancing r. on ground line. Ο[𐌔] above. All within border of dots.
Rev: Larissa standing on ground line facing the viewer, head turned r. [viewer's l.], wreath in raised r. hand and ball in lowered l. hand. On l. and below an A, on r. and downward ΛΑΡΙ𐌔. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 420 - 400 BC1; Weight: 1.00g; Diameter: 13mm: Die axis: 0º; References, for example: BCD Thessaly II 363.3 and 364.1 [this coin]; HGC 4, 496.
Notes:
1This is the date given in HGC 4.
Provenance: Ex Dr. Martina Dieterle March 22, 2021; Ex BCD Thessaly, January 3, 2012.
Photo Credits: Dr. Martina Dieterle
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000931 Horse Prancing Left, Larissa Left With Hydra In Front On GroundThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv:horse prancing l. on groundline. 𐌔Ο above. All within border of dots.
Rev: ΛΑΡ r. and down, Ι𐌔Α l. and up, Larissa standing facing l., r. hand raised, l. hand lowered downward behind her and holding wreath, hydria standing on ground in front on l. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 420 - 400 BC1; Weight: .95g; Diameter: 14mm: Die axis: 160º; References, for example: Warren 694 var. legend and horse r.; Traité IV, 685 var. legend and horse r., pl. CCXCVII, 18; Boston MFA 883 var. legend and horse r., pl. 48, 883; Liampi 1992, 11 var. horse r.2; BCD Thessaly II 363.4 var. legend and horse r.; HGC 4 493 var. legend and horse r.
Notes:
1This is the date given in HGC 4.
2Liampi 1992 does not provide a legend with the reference.
Provenance: Ex. Numismatik Naumann Auction 106 Lot 148 August 1, 2021.
Photo Credits: Numismatik Naumann
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00094 Horse Prancing Left, Larissa Playing With BallThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: horse prancing l. on ground line. All within a border of dots.
Rev: Larissa standing l., tossing a ball with her r. hand and pulling up her dress with her l. hand, ΛΑΡ r. and downwards, ΙΣΑ l. and downwards. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 420 - 400 BC1; Weight: 0.86g; Diameter: 10mm: Die axis: 270º; References, for example: Traité IV, 679, pl. CCXCVII, 12 var. horse prancing r.; Hermann Group III Small Denominations under F and G, III β Obols rev. I, pl. III, 12; SNG Cop vol 11, 114; BCD Thessaly II 161; HGC 4, 499 var. legend is Λ-Α-Ρ-Ι.
Notes:
1This is the date given in HGC 4
Provenance: Ex London Ancient Coins November 14, 2020.
Photo Credits: London Ancient Coins
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Tracy Aiello
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000961 Thessalos Wrestling Bull Forepart Left, Horse Forepart Galloping RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: The hero Thessalos to l. naked, except for chlamys and petasos both attached to his neck by a cord and flying in the air, wrestling a bull forepart charging l. All within a border of dots.
Rev: Λ above, Α in front, Ρ under horse’s belly, Ι under horse’s raised r. leg, bridled horse forepart galloping r. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver hemidrachm; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 400 - 350 BC1; Weight: 3.01g; Diameter: 15mm: Die axis: 150º; References, for example: Herrmann Group III C, pl. II, 4; Traité IV, 646, pl. CCXCVI, 4; McClean II 4593, var. ΣΟ retrograde on obv., pl. on p. 172, no. 20; Lorber 2008 Series 3, 11.O7/R7 and 12.O8/R7 var. Ｙ𝚪 below hero’s legs, pl. 42 nos. 26 and 27 respectively; BCD Thessaly II 375.2 var. ΣΟ retrograde on obv.; HGC 4, 460.
Notes:
1This is the date provided in BCD Thessaly II.
Provenance: Ex Shanna Schmidt Numismatics February 17, 2022, Ex Myntauktion I Sverige AB Auction 12, September 19 - 20, 2014 Lot 67.
Photo Credits: Shanna Schmidt Numismatics
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000962 Thessalos Wrestling Bull Forepart Right, Plant, Horse Forepart Galloping RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: The hero Thessalos to r. naked, except for chlamys and petasos both attached to his neck by a cord and flying in the air, wrestling a bull forepart charging r. Plant to the r. on (and below?) groundline. All within a border of dots.
Rev: Λ above on l., Α in front on r., ΡΙΣΑ in front and down, IO[N] underneath leftward, bridled horse forepart galloping r. All within a shallow incuse square.
Denomination: silver hemidrachm; Mint: Larissa; Date:400 - 350 BC1; Weight: 2.95g; Diameter: 16mm: Die axis: 180º; References, for example: Lorber 2008 Series 6 O15/R19, pl. 42 no. 40; BCD Thessaly II 374.2; HGC 4, 461.
Notes:
1This is the date provided in BCD Thessaly II.
Provenance: Ex. London Ancient Coins November 9, 2022.
Photo Credits: London Ancient Coins
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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 .Cleisthenes
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01 Attica, Athenian TetradrachmAthenian Old Style Tetradrachm
Obv: head of Athena facing r., crested Attic helmet with three olive leaves and floral scroll, hair across forehead in parallel curves, almond shaped eye, round earing, wire necklace.
Rev: owl standing r. with erect posture, tail feathers as a single prong, head facing forward, a crescent and then an olive sprig to the l., A☉E at 90º and downward to the r., all within incuse square.
Denomination: silver tetradrachm; Mint: Athens; Date: 454 - 404 BC;1 Weight: 17.2g; Diameter: 24mm; Die axis: 270º; References, for example: BMC vol. 11, 62; SNG Cop vol. 14, 31; Cf. Starr pl. XXIII; SGCV I 2526; Kroll 8; SNG München issue 14, 49; HGC 4, 1597.
Notes:
1This is the date range given in HGC 4. SGCV I gives 449 - 413 BC.
NGC rates this coin as About Uncirculated with a 5/5 strike and a 4/5 surface. I intend to someday free it from its encapsulation.
This coin is part of an enormous issue apparently begun in order to pay for work necessary to rebuild the city's temples. Subsequent decades saw huge quantities of tetradrachms minted in order to finance the building of the Parthenon and other such massive projects, and later decades saw such minting in order to pay for the Peloponnesian War. (SGCV I, p. 236).
Provenance: Ex Forum Ancient Coins January 12, 2018; Ex Heritage Auction 231723 June 8, 2017, lot 62016.
Photo Credits: Forum Ancient Coins
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01.- Attica Tetradrachm (454-404 BC)ATTICA, Athens. Circa 454-404 BC. AR Tetradrachm (22mm, 17.09 g, 8h). Helmeted head of Athena right / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; HGC 4, 1597. VF, lightly toned, minor area of porosity on obverse, graffito and slight die shift on reverse.
Purchased at Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. auction in 2015.Oscar D
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02 Attica, Athenian DrachmObv: head of Athena facing r., crested Attic helmet with three olive leaves and floral scroll, almond shaped eye.
Rev: owl standing r. with erect posture, tail feathers as a single prong, head facing forward, an olive sprig to the l., A☉E downward to the r., all within incuse square.
Denomination: silver drachm; Mint: Athens; Date: 454 - 404 BC1; Weight: 4.22g; Diameter: 15mm; Die axis: 270º; References, for example: BMC Attica vol. 11, 74; SNG Lockett 1851; SNG Cop vol. 14, 43 var. mention of crescent; Svoronos Athens pls. 11.19 - 17.29 passim; SGCV I 2527; Kroll 10; SNG Sweden 1481; SNG München 61; HGC 4, 1631.
Notes:
1This is the date given in HGC 4 and SNG München.
Provenance: Ex. Kirk Davis March 12, 2024; Ex. Malter Galleries, with their tag indicating Ex. Kurpfälzische Münzhandlung, June 3, 1977.
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02.- Attica Tetradrachm (287-262 BC)ATTICA, Athens. Circa 287-262 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23mm, 16.80 g). Helmeted head of Athena right / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind; all within incuse square.
Purchased at Filatelia Numismatica Santos in 2015.Oscar D
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020 W. Asia Minor, Ioniia, c. 650 to 600 BCElectrum hekte, 10mm, 2.75g very early Phokaic standard, VF
Raised square with cross pattern / Rough quadripartite incuse square. Very grainy surfaces. Sear COA
cf. Rosen 314 & 319; Traite pl. IV, 1 (Paris and London)Lawrence W
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021b001. CrispinaDenarius. Rev: CRISPINA AVG, draped bust right. Obv: DIS GENITALIBVS, square, garlanded and lighted altar. RIC 281a, RSC 15.lawrence c
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03 Attica, Athenian ObolAthenian Later Archaic/Rough Archaic Obol1
Obv: head of Athena facing r., crested Attic helmet with three olive leaves and spiral palmette on bowl of the helmet, hair across forehead in straight bands, almond shaped eye.
Rev: owl standing r. with erect posture, tail feathers as a single prong, head facing forward, a single leaf olive sprig and berry to the l., A☉E at 90º and downward to the r., all within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Athens; Date: c. 454 - 404 BC2; Weight: .67g; Diameter: 9mm; Die axis: 110º; References, for example: BMC vol. 11, 99; SNG Cop vol. 14, 53 to 56, var. no mention of berry; Starr p. XXIII, aa; Cf. Svoronos Athens pl. 8, 43 - 46 and pl. 9, 33 - 34, 37 - 46; SGCV I 2530; Kroll 13a ff var. no mention of berry; SNG München 77 to 82; HGC 4, 1665 var. no mention of berry.
Notes:
1This characterization is per BMC vol. 11, pp. xxiii and 8.
2This is the date range given in HGC 4.
Provenance: Ex. Harlan J Berk Ltd 215th Buy or Bid Sale, May 4, 2021; acquired from Harlan Berk in 2013.
Photo Credits: Harlan J Berk, Ltd
CLICK FOR SOURCES
Tracy Aiello
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035a Antoninus Pius (138-161 A.D.), Rome, RIC III 0441 (Marcus Aurelius), AR-Denarius, DIVO PIO, Altar, #1035a Antoninus Pius (138-161 A.D.), Rome, RIC III 0441 (Marcus Aurelius), AR-Denarius, DIVO PIO, Altar, #1
"DIVO" Altar Marcus Aurelius A.D. 139-180
Silver Denarius "Divine father Antoninus Pius."
avers: DIVVS ANTONINVS, Bare head right.
reverse: DIVO PIO, Square altar with double doors.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 17,0-18,0mm, weight: 3,25g, axis: h,
mint: Rome, date: 162 A.D.,
ref: RIC III (Marcus Aurelius) 441, RSC 357, Sear 5196,
Q-001quadrans
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035d Antoninus Pius (138-161 A.D.), Mediolanum, RIC IV-III 0090 (Traianus Decius), AR-Antoninianus, CONSECRATIO, Flaming Altar, #1035d Antoninus Pius (138-161 A.D.), Mediolanum, RIC IV-III 0090 (Traianus Decius), AR-Antoninianus, CONSECRATIO, Flaming Altar, #1
Silver Denarius "Divine father Antoninus Pius."
avers: DIVO PIO, Radiate, head right.
revers: CONSECRATIO, Square altar with double doors.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 21,0-22,0mm, weight: 2,56g, axis: 7h,
mint: Mediolanum, date: 250-251 A.D.,
ref: RIC IV-III (Traianus Decius) 90, RSC 1189, Sear 9475,
Q-001quadrans
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05 Attica, Athenian TritartemorionObv: Head of Athena r. wearing Attic helmet with three olive leaves and a floral scroll, profile eye.
Rev:, E☉A within three crescents - horns inward - arranged in a circle, all within incuse square.
Denomination: silver tritartemorion; Mint: Athens; Date: c. 400/390 - 294 BC1; Weight: .78g; Diameter: 9mm; Die axis: 0º; References, for example: Traité p. 102 no. 36 pl. CXC 21 - 24, var. two legend arrangements and two arrangements indistinguishable; Svoronos Athens pl. 17, 44 - 48, var. legend arrangement; SGCV I 2542, var. legend arrangement; Kroll 21 a and b, pl. 3, 21a2; SNG München 118 - 122, var. legend arrangement; HGC 4, 1668, var. legend arrangement.
Notes:
1This is the date given in HGC 4.
2Kroll’s referenced legend arrangement is different than on this coin, although he does state that variations exist. He does not enumerate those variations.
Provenance: Ex. cgb.fr Numismatics March 12, 2024
Photo Credits: cgb.fr Numismatics
CLICK FOR SOURCES
Tracy Aiello
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0585 Miletos - AR obollate 6th century BC
head of lion left
star ornament within incuse square
Grose 8210, SNGvA 2081, SNG Cop 944v, BMC 186. Sear #3533
1,1g 7,5mmJ. B.
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06 Attica, Athenian HemiobolObv: Head of Athena r. wearing Attic helmet with three olive leaves, frontal eye.
Rev: Owl standing r., tail feathers as a single prong, head facing, olive leaf to l., A☉E at 90º and downward to the r., all within incuse square.
Denomination: silver hemiobol; Mint: Athens; Date: 454 - 404 BC: Weight: .35g; Diameter: 6mm; Die axis: 90º; References, for example: Starr Group V Subgroup V. B. Series 5 pl. XXIV, z [?]; Svoronos Athens pl. 11, 50; Kroll 14; HGC 4, 1681.
Provenance: Ex. Shanna Schmidt Numismatics January 8, 2023 from the J. de Wilde Collection; Ex. Herbert Cahn Collection (Numismatica Genevensis SA Numismatic Auction 7, 27 November 2012), lot 103 (part of).
Photo Credits: Shanna Schmidt Numismatics
CLICK FOR SOURCESTracy Aiello
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079 B.C., L. Papius, Republic AR-Denarius Serratus, Crawford 384/1., Bonnano 108, Griphon leaping right, square basket or suitcase, L•PAPI, #1079 B.C., L. Papius, Republic AR-Denarius Serratus, Crawford 384/1., Bonnano 108, Griphon leaping right, square basket or suitcase, L•PAPI, #1
avers: Head of Juno Sospita right, wearing goat skin tied under the chin.Behind the head, symbol: flask or water-bottle.
reverse: Griphon leaping right, below symbol: square basket or suitcase. L•PAPI in exergue.
exergue: -/-//L•PAPI, diameter: 18,5mm, weight: 3,35g, axis: 6h,
mint: Rome, date: 79 B.C.,
ref: Crawford 384/1, Symbol pair Bonnano 108, Babelon 18, Sydenham 773,
Q-001
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080b. Galeria ValeriaDaughter of Diocletian and wife of Galerius. When Galerius died, in 311, Licinius was entrusted with the care of Valeria and her mother Prisca. The two women, however, fled from Licinius to Maximinus Daia. After a short time, Valeria refused the marriage proposal of Maximinus, who arrested and confined her in Syria and confiscated her properties. At the death of Maximinus, Licinius ordered the death of both women. Valeria and Prisca fled, hiding for a year, until they were recognized by residents in Thessaloniki. She and her mother were captured by Licinius' soldiers, beheaded in the central square of the city, and their bodies thrown in the sea.lawrence c
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0926-0974 AH - Suleyman I - Kabaklarly 10 - Adr - 03 - Ottoman MangirSultan: Suleyman I (1520-1566 AD)
Date: 1520-1566 AD (926-974 AH)
Condition: aFine
Denomination: Mangir
Obverse: Two round-ended rectangles crossed, superimposed on a square with incurved sides.
Reverse: Arabic inscription.
926 AH
Edirne mint
Kabaklarly 10 - Adr - 03
2.66g; 15.9mm; 45°Pep
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1. Thrace, Byzantion, 340-320 BC, AR SiglosHeifer standing left above dolphin, VΠΥ above.
Incuse square of mill-sail pattern.
SNG BM Black Sea 21; SNG Copenhagen 476; Sear GCV 1579.
(17 mm, 5.36 g)
Classical Numismatic Group electronic Auction 146, 23 August 2006, 34.
Standing on the European side of the Bosporos, Byzantion with its twin city Kalchedon on the Asia Minor side of the Bosporos was the ancient gateway between the two continents, a role that continues to the present.
The symbolism of the bull and the heifer on the obverse of the coins of twin cities of Kalchedon (Asia Minor) and Byzantion (Europe) respectively is striking and points to a shared identity. They stood astride the southern entrance to the Bosporus. Both were 7th century BC foundations of Megara and jointly they controlled the vital grain trade from the Black Sea into the Mediterranean.
The grain ear upon which the bull of Kalchedon stands alludes to this fact. That of the dolphin beneath the Heifer of Byzantion is a reflection of the maritime orientation of the city and the bountiful pods of dolphins that even to this day frolic in swift flowing waters of the Bosporus beneath the old city walls of Constantinople which succeded Byzantion and was in turn succeded by Istanbul. n.igma
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1/12 stater; forepart of lionMiletos, Ionia, AR 1/12 stater. ca. 510 - 494 B.C. 0,9 g, 9 mm. Forepart of lion left, head turned right / Floral star pattern in incuse square. SNG München 703 ff.; SNG Aul. 2082. Podiceps
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1/12 stater; Head of lion left/ Star in incuse squarIonia, Miletos. Circa 6th– c. 5th c. B.C. 1/12 Stater Silver. 1,1g. 8mm. Obs: Head of roaring lion right. Rev: Star in incuse square. SNG Kayhan 462v. Podiceps
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1/16 Stater, Karia uncertain (Kaunos?)1/16 Stater, Karia uncertain (Kaunos?)
aka Tritartemorion
490 - 470 BC
Female deity (Iris?) with curled wings,
Griffin standing l. in incuse square.
0.58 gr, 8.6 mm
cf SNGKeckman 817 for type & 821 for weight
see also AsiaMinorCoins #3960
Konuk 57 (O1,R1)Pekka K
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104 Claudius II. (268-270 A.D.), T-1298 (Estiot), RIC V-I 257var., Siscia, AE-Antoninianus, CONSAECRATIO, -/-//T, Altar,104 Claudius II. (268-270 A.D.), T-1298 (Estiot), RIC V-I 257var., Siscia, AE-Antoninianus, CONSAECRATIO, -/-//T, Altar,
avers:- DIVO-CLAVDIO, Bust right, radiate, cuirassed, seen from rear. (B2).
revers:- CONSAECRATIO, Altar, with flame above, divided in four squares with a dot inside of each square. (Altar 1a).
exerg: -/-//T, diameter: 19-21mm, weight: 2,10g, axes: 6h,
mint: Siscia, off-3, iss-1, date: 270-271 A.D., ref: T-1298, RIC V-I 257var,
Q-001quadrans
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104 Claudius II. (268-270 A.D.), T-1299 (Estiot), RIC V-I 261corr., Siscia, AE-Antoninianus, CONSECRATIO, -/-//T, Altar, 104 Claudius II. (268-270 A.D.), T-1299 (Estiot), RIC V-I 261corr., Siscia, AE-Antoninianus, CONSECRATIO, -/-//T, Altar,
avers:- DIVO-CLAVDIO, Bust right, radiate. (A1).
revers:- CONSECRATIO, Altar, with flame above, divided in four squares with a dot inside of each square. (Altar 1a).
exerg: -/-//T, diameter: 21-22mm, weight: 3,42g, axes: 6h,
mint: Siscia, off-3, iss-1, date: 270-271 A.D., ref: T-1299, RIC V-I 261corr.,
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112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 376, Ticinum, AERCVLI PACIF, Bust-Heroic type in "Square shield", -/-//SXXT, Hercules standing left, Scarce!112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 376, Ticinum, AERCVLI PACIF, Bust-Heroic type in "Square shield", -/-//SXXT, Hercules standing left, Scarce!
avers:- VIRTVS-PROBI-AVG, Radiate, heroically nude bust left, holding spear and aegis,"Square shield", seen from back.
revers:- AERCVLI-PACIF, Hercules standing left, holding olive-branch, club and lion’s skin.
exerg: -/-//SXXT, diameter: 22-22,5mm, weight: 3,36g, axes: 6h,
mint: Ticinum, 3rd. emission, date: 277A.D., ref: RIC-V-II-376, p-58, Heroic Bust Type , Square shield, seen from back,
Q-001quadrans
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112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 376, Ticinum, HERCVLI PACIF, Bust-Heroic type in "Square shield", -/-//SXXT, Hercules standing left, Scarce!112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 376, Ticinum, HERCVLI PACIF, Bust-Heroic type in "Square shield", -/-//SXXT, Hercules standing left, Scarce!
avers: VIRTVS-PROBI-AVG, Radiate, heroically nude bust left, holding spear and aegis,"Square shield", seen from back.
revers: HERCVLI-PACIF, Hercules standing left, holding olive-branch, club and lion’s skin.
exerg: -/-//SXXT, diameter: 22-23mm, weight: 3,89g, axes: 0h,
mint: Ticinum, 3rd. emission, date: 276A.D., ref: RIC-V-II-376, p-58, Heroic Bust Type , Square shield, seen from back,
Q-001quadrans
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112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 553var ???, Not in RIC this Bust type, Ticinum, PROVIDENT AVG, -/-//BXXI, Providentia standing left, Rare !, #1112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 553var ???, Not in RIC this Bust type, Ticinum, PROVIDENT AVG, -/-//BXXI, Providentia standing left, Rare !, #1
avers:- VI-RTVS-PROBI-AVG, Radiate, heroically nude bust left, holding spear and aegis, seen from back.
revers:- PROVIDEN-T-AVG, Providentia standing left, holding globe and sceptre.
exerg: -/-//BXXI, diameter: mm, weight: g, axes: 0h,
mint: Ticinum, date: ???, ref: RIC-V-II-553var ???, Not in RIC this bust type, p-75, Heroic Bust Type (Unlisted with this bust type in RIC, F-Square shield),
Q-001quadrans
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112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 553var ???, Not in RIC this Bust type, Ticinum, PROVIDENT AVG, -/-//BXXI, Providentia standing left, Rare !, #2112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 553var ???, Not in RIC this Bust type, Ticinum, PROVIDENT AVG, -/-//BXXI, Providentia standing left, Rare !, #2
avers:- VI-RTVS-PROBI-AVG, Radiate, heroically nude bust left, holding spear and aegis, seen from back.
revers:- PROVIDEN-T-AVG, Providentia standing left, holding globe and sceptre..
exerg: -/-//BXXI, diameter: 22-23mm, weight: 3,53g, axes: 0h,
mint: Ticinum, date: ???, ref: RIC-V-II-553var ???, Not in RIC this bust type, p-75, Heroic Bust Type (Unlisted with this bust type in RIC, F-Square shield),
Q-002quadrans
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112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II Not in , Ticinum, VIRTVS AVG, Bust-Heroic type in "Square shield", -/-//PXXT, Mars walking right, Rare !112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II Not in , Ticinum, VIRTVS AVG, Bust-Heroic type in "Square shield", -/-//PXXT, Mars walking right, Rare !
avers:- VIRTVS-PROBI-AVG, Radiate, heroically nude bust left, holding spear and aegis, "Square shield", seen from back.
revers:- VIRTVS-AVG, Mars walking right, holding spear and trophy.
exerg: -/-//PXXT, diameter: 21,5-22,5mm, weight: 3,45g, axes: 6h,
mint: Ticinum, date: ???, ref: RIC-V-II-Not in, p-, Heroic Bust Type (Unlisted with this bust type in RIC, "Square shield"),
Q-001quadrans
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112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II Not in, Ticinum, SALVS PVBLIC, Bust-Heroic type in "Square shield", -/-//ΓXXI, Salus standing right, Scarce!112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II Not in, Ticinum, SALVS PVBLIC, Bust-Heroic type in "Square shield", -/-//ΓXXI, Salus standing right, Scarce!
avers:- VIRTVS-PROBI-AVG, Radiate, heroically nude bust left, holding spear and aegis,"Square shield", seen from back.
revers:- SALVS-PVBLIC, Salus standing right, feeding serpent in arms.
exerg: -/-//ΓXXI, diameter: 21mm, weight: 4,15g, axes: 6h,
mint: Ticinum, date: , ref: RIC-V-II-Not in, p-, Heroic Bust Type (Unlisted with this bust type in RIC, Square shield),
Q-001
"Rarity of your coin: there are 10 examples of this type in my documentation (with a high rate of die linking).
I think your coin shares its obverse die with the Glasgow Hunter Coin Cabinet coin (A. S. Robertson n. 174)"
by S.Estiot. Thank you S. Estiot.quadrans
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132 - Probus - RIC 351 var - Heroic Bust type (Ticinum) (TXXT)Obv:– VIRTVS PROBI AVG, Radiate, heroically nude bust left, holding spear and aegis, seen from back. ("Square shield" in RIC)
Rev:– CONSERVAT AVG, Sol standing, looking left, right hand raised, left holding globe
Minted in Ticinum (TXXT in exe) Emission 3 Officina 3. A.D. 277
Reference:– RIC 351 var Heroic bust type. (Not listed with this reverse type)maridvnvm
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