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Adramytteion, Mysia, 187 - 133 B. C.AE12; (Weber 4949); weight 2.1g, max. diameter 12.83mm; Obv.laureate head of Zeus, facing slightly right, Rev. ΑΔΡΑ above, M-Y(in retrograde) below bird, eagle standing left on rock; grain ear before. Green patina.
The city is said to have been named after its founder, Adramys (also Adromos, Adromon or Adromus), notable for being a brother of king Kroisos of Lydia. Sear GCV II p. 355
Ex. Aegean NumismaticsSteve E
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Alexander III The Great, Macedonian Kingdom, 336 - 323 B.C. Miletos mintBronze AE 1/4 Unit, Price 2102Ab, weight 1.1g, max. diameter 11.65 mm, Miletos mint, Posthumous issue c. 323 - 319 B.C.; obv. Herakles' head right, clad in Nemean lion scalp headdress tied at neck; rev. ΑΛΕΞΑΝ∆ΡΟ[Υ], bow in case above, club and stalk of grain below. Dark brown and green patina with some earthen residue. Appears to have little or no wear! (much better in hand) Very scarce denomination from this mint.Steve E
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Amphipolis, Macedonia, c. 168 - 149 B.C.Bronze AE 20, SGCV I 1394; (SNG Cop 62), weight 7.8 g, max. diameter 21.75 mm, Amphipolis mint, Roman rule, c. 168 - 149 B.C.; Obv. diademed head of Artemis Tauropolos right, bow and quiver at shoulder; Rev. ΑΜΦΙΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ, two goats on their hind legs, contending head to head. Green patina, very worn.
Artemis Tauropolos was an epithet for the goddess Artemis, variously interpreted as worshipped at Tauris, or pulled by a yoke of bulls, or hunting bull goddess. A statue of Artemis "Tauropolos" in her temple at Brauron in Attica was supposed to have been brought from the Taurians by Iphigenia. Tauropolia was a festival of Artemis in Athens. - WikipediaSteve E
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Apulia, Arpi (Italy) 3rd Century B.C.AE 21; SGCV I 569, Lindgren 210; Weight 7.7 gr., Max. Diameter 21.17 mm; Obv. Δ A Σ O Y on right, Laureate head of Zeus left, thunderbolt behind; Rev. Calydonian Boar w/bristling ridgeback right, spearhead above, A P Π A N Ω N in ex.
Background info:
Arpi origially allied with Rome in 326 B.C. Later sided with Hannibal 217-213 B.C., then recaptured by Rome.Steve E
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Athens, Greece, Eye-in-Profile Style Pi Type III or IV, Tetradrachm, c. 353 - 340 B.C.Silver tetradrachm, Sear GCV I 2547, (SNG München 96), (SNG Delepierre 1479), gVF, banker's mark, 16.358g, 22.8mm, 225 deg., Obv. head of Athena right with eye seen in true profile, wearing crested helmet ornamented with three olive leaves and floral scroll, no pellet above earring; Rev. owl standing right, head facing, to right AθE in large lettering, to left olive sprig and crescent; nicely centered on a very tight round flan, slight evidence that it was stuck on a demonetized folded/hammerred flan; slightly toned.
The style of Athena's face with the banker's mark have great appeal to me. I bought it for my 50th birthday!
Ex Forvm Ancient Coins
Photo by Forvm Ancient CoinsSteve E
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Cappadocian Kingdom, c. 130 - 80 B.C.; In the Name of the Seleukid King, Antiochus VIISilver tetradrachm, (Houghton II 642 ff., SNG Spaer 1855, Newell SMA 282), Weight 16.560g, Max. diameter 27.9mm, Obv. diademed head of the Seleukid King Antiochos VII right, fillet border; Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXDOY EYEPΠETOY, Athena standing left, Nike in right, spear and shield in left, ligate ΔI / A left, Nike extends wreath into laurel wreath border. Toned, some light scratches.
EX. Forvm Ancient Coins
Background info, courtesy Forvm Ancient Coins;
Oliver Hoover, in Coins of the Seleucid Empire from the Collection of Arthur Houghton, attributes this type to the Cappadocian Kingdom, c. 130 - 80 B.C. The symbols were used on Cappadocian royal coinage, the coins are found in Cappadocian hoards and a tetradrachm naming the Cappadocian King Ariarathes VII Philometor (116 - 99 B.C.) bears the obverse portrait of Antiochus VII. He notes they may have been struck to pay foreign (Syrian?) mercenaries who preferred the types of Antiochus VII.
Steve E
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Dora, Phoenicia, 1st Century A.D.Bronze AE 22, (Rosenberger 19), Weight 10.015g, Max. diameter 21.3mm, Dora mint, 68 - 69 AD; Obv. bearded head of Doros right; Rev. ΔWPEITWN, Astarte, wearing turreted crown, holding standard and cornucopia, AΛP in left field; rare city. Dark brown and desert patina.
EX. Forvm Ancient Coins
Background info, courtesy Forvm Ancient Coins;
Dora, on the coast eight miles north of Caesarea, was a Canaanite city. It fell to the Philistines early in the 12th century B.C. Solomon appointed the son of Abinadab as overseer of Dor (I Kings 4:11). In the Persian period Dor was a Sidonian colony. In Hellenistic times it was a Ptolemaic seaport and royal fortress, once besieged by Antiochus VII, (1 Macc. 15. 11-14). Under the Romans, Dora was a free city. See also Josh 11:2, 17:11; and Judg 1:27.Steve E
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Istros, Thrace, c. 350 - 250 B.C.Bronze AE 15, SNG Stancomb 176-online, (BMC Thrace p. 26, 15); (SNG BM Black Sea 260); Weight 3.571 g, max. diameter 15.3 mm, die axis 180o, Istros mint, c. 350 - 250 B.C.; obv. horned head of river-god Istros (Danube) facing slightly right; rev. ΙΣΤΡΙ, sea-eagle grasping dolphin in talons; nice blue-green patina.
Background info. courtesy Forvm Ancient coins;
Istros is probably the oldest Greek colony on the Black Sea, and was founded in 657 - 656 B.C. or sometime between 630 and 620 B.C. by Milesian settlers in a strategic position near the Danube Delta.
Ex. Forvm Ancient CoinsSteve E
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Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander III The Great, 336 - 323 B.C. Lifetime Issue!AE 18; Price 311, (Muller 1702), (Drama 123); weight 6.8 g, maximum diameter 18.13 mm, Macedonian mint, (probably Amphipolis); c. 336 - 323 B.C; Obv. Herakles' head right, clad in Nemean lion scalp headdress tied at neck; Rev. A Λ E Ξ A N Δ P O Y, bow and quiver above, club below, Γ below; Nice pine green patina with some corrosion pits, mainly on obv.Steve E
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Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander III, The Great, 336 -323 B.C. Lifetime Issue!Silver drachm, Price 2553, (Muller 129); VF, flan defect on reverse, 4.297g, 16.4mm, Lydia, Sardes mint, c. 334 - 323 B.C.; obverse Herakles' head right, clad in Nemean lion scalp headdress tied at neck; reverse AΛEΞANΔPOY, Zeus enthroned left, eagle in right, scepter in left, EYE monogram left, rose under throne.
This portrait of Herakles has an amazing resemblance to my father when he was young!
Ex Forvm Ancient CoinsSteve E
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Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander III, The Great, 336 -323 B.C. Lifetime Issue! Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander III, The Great, 336 -323 B.C. Lifetime Issue!
Silver drachm, Price 2553, (Muller 129); VF, flan defect on reverse, 4.297g, 16.4mm, Lydia, Sardes mint, c. 334 - 323 B.C.; obverse Herakles' head right, clad in Nemean lion scalp headdress tied at neck; reverse AΛEΞANΔPOY, Zeus enthroned left, eagle in right, scepter in left, EYE monogram left, rose under throne.
This portrait of Herakles has an amazing resemblance to my father when he was young!
Ex Forvm Ancient Coins
Steve E
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Macedonian Kingdom, Lysimachos, 306 - 300 B.C. Lysimachia mint AE unit; SNG ANS 8-1001. Weight 5.82 gr., max diameter 17.9 mm; Lysimachia mint. Obv. Apollo facing right, laureate; Rev. Φ Ι Λ Ι ΠΠO Υ above; boy riding horse galloping right, holding palm branch, Λ Y below, forpart of lion right, bow left. Rough dark greenish patina.
Background info; Lysimachos (Lysimachus) c. 361 BCE – 281 BCE, was a Macedonian officer and diadochus (i.e. "successor") of Alexander the Great, who became a basileus ("king") in 306, ruling Thrace, Asia Minor and Macedonia.
Ex. Forvm Ancient Coins
Background info. courtesy of Forvm Ancient Coins
Struck by Lysimachos before he assumed the title basileus (king)Steve E
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Macedonian Kingdom, Phillip II, 359 - 336 B.C. AE unit; SNG ANS 8- 903, Weight 5.7 gr., max diameter 16.7 mm; uncertain mint? Obv. Apollo facing right, wearing taenia; Rev. Φ Ι Λ Ι Π Π O Υ above; boy riding horse prancing right, AN monogram and trident head below. Dark patina.
Ex. Forvm Ancient Coins Steve E
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Macedonian Kingdom, Phillip II, 359 - 336 B.C. Amphipolis mint?AE unit; SNG ANS 8 872 (symbol identified as: Helios head?by H. A. Troxell), Lindgren 1274. Weight 4.7 gr., max diameter 17.1 mm; Amphipolis mint? (per Dr. Thomas Gibson) Obv. Apollo facing left, wearing taenia; Rev. Φ Ι Λ Ι Π Π O Υ above; boy riding horse prancing left; with above mentioned unidentifiable symbol below (some describe as a left facing lion's head); Beautiful turquoise patina! Scarce type with both obv. & rev. facing left. Extra fine style!Steve E
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Macedonian Kingdom, Phillip II, 359 - 336 B.C. Amphipolis mint?AE unit; SNG ANS 8-865. Weight 6.2 gr., max diameter 18.09 mm; Amphipolis mint? (per Dr. Thomas Gibson) Obv. Apollo facing left, wearing taenia; Rev. Φ Ι Λ Ι Π Π O Υ above; boy riding horse prancing right;dolphin swimming right below.Thin black patina. Less common left facing Apollo with right facing horseman!
Ex. Timeline Originals
This coin posted as an example of the type on Wildwinds.
Steve E
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Macedonian Kingdom, Phillip II, 359 - 336 B.C. Amphipolis mint?AE unit; SNG ANS 8-858. Weight 7.96.2 gr., max diameter 18.68 mm; Amphipolis mint? (per Dr. Thomas Gibson) Obv. Apollo facing right, wearing taenia; Rev. Φ Ι Λ Ι Π Π O Υ above; boy riding horse prancing right; pentagram below. Green patina, thick flan, fine style!Steve E
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Macedonian Kingdom, Phillip II, 359 - 336 B.C. Pella mint?AE unit; SNG ANS 8-939. Weight 6.37 gr., max diameter 17.2 mm; Pella mint? (per Dr. Thomas Gibson) Obv. Apollo facing right, wearing taenia; Rev. Φ Ι Λ Ι Π Π O Υ above; boy riding horse prancing left; with N below. Thin black patina. Extra fine style!
Ex. Timeline Originals
This coin is posted as an example of the type on Wildwinds. Steve E
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Macedonian Kingdom, Phillip II, 359 - 336 B.C. Pella mint?AE unit; SNG ANS 8-923, Weight 6.71 gr., max diameter 17.8 mm; Pella mint? (per Dr. Thomas Gibson) Obv. Apollo facing right, wearing taenia; Rev. Φ Ι Λ Ι Π Π O Υ above; boy riding horse prancing right, HP monogram below. Beautiful turquoise patina!
Ex. Forvm Ancient Coins Steve E
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Macedonian Kingdom, Phillip II, 359 - 336 B.C. Pella mint?AE unit; SNG ANS 8-912 (A on obv. not visible or described on pictured coin), Hersh 64 (online) same dies as lot 115. Weight 6.4 gr., max diameter 19.25 mm; Pella mint? (per Dr. Thomas Gibson) Obv. Apollo facing right, wearing taenia, A left; Rev. Φ Ι Λ Ι Π Π O Υ above; boy riding horse prancing right, Δ below. Beautiful rich green patina! (with some unfortunate loss along one edge), some earthen encrustationSteve E
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Mopsus, Cilicia, 2nd Century B.C.Bronze AE 20, Sear GCV II 5576, (BMC Cilicia p. 103, 5), VF, 7.502g, 20.9mm, 0 deg., Mopsus mint, Obv. laureate head of Zeus right; Rev. MOΨEATΩN THΕ IEπAΕ KAI AYTONOMOY, flaming round altar on 3 legs, MH and Hπ monograms below; green and light desert patina.
Ex Forvm Ancient Coins
Photo by Forvm Ancient Coins
Background Information from Sear GCV p.507
Background Information:
Mopsus (Mopsos) situated on the river Pyramos, north-east of Mallos, the city was named after the brother of Amphilochos. (During the reign of Antiochos IV of Syria, 175-164 B.C., it bore the name of Seleukeia
MOΨEATΩN THΕ IEΡΑΣ KAI AYTONOMOY, means " of the people of Mopsos, sacred and independent "
Courtesy: rover1.3
Steve E
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Mylasa, Caria, c. 170 - 130 B.C. Silver Pseudo-Rhodian (drachm*), Ashton NC 1992, 255, SNG Kayhan 846, weight 2.2 g, maximum diameter 15.86 mm, Mylasa mint, c. 170 - 130 B.C.; Obv. facing head of Helios with eagle superimposed on r. cheek, hair loose; Rev. rose with bud/stem to right,(left bud off flan**) monogram left, ΠΕ & A to right. Same obv. die as Ashton 255 & Kayhan 846. Some surface roughness on top of both sides.
*Ashton, Kayhan, & Sear all describe this denom. as "drachm", though considerably underweight according to the Rhodian standard. Apparently these immitatives use the lower weight.
**Kayhan 846 plate shows stems and buds going both left and right. (but only describes the bud to the left), Ashton's plate also shows on both sides, and describes as such when in combination with letters /monograms. My example, is an Obv. die match, though the Rev. is not an exact die match, but is very close (probably same hand), and shows the right stem and bud clearly, but the left is off flan. Ashton identifies 107 Obv. dies in this series, and none of the rest are even close to the style of #255. This Obv. is shown with one other Rev. type(different letters).
Note; Ashton concludes the top two letters (on these later type with 4-5 letters/monograms) are abbrieviations for the month they were struck by the particular magistrate. (1st two letters in the Macedonian calender months used in Mylasa at the time) In my coin ΠΕ are for ΠΕΡΙΘΙOΣ or Peritios, the 10th month. He also concludes the monogram and lower letter abbrieviate the magistrate's name. Also, though he knows of no metrological analysis, the the quality of the silver seems to be somewhat debased compared to the Rhodian and early Pseudo-Rhodian issues.(most of the CH 4 hoard were of this later type, and were covered in a thick black patina{that were harshly cleaned}, the few earlier series and the one Rhodian type didn't have this patina and seemed to be of higher quality silver)
Historical background; courtsey Forvm Ancient Coins
Mylasa (Milas, Turkey today) was often mentioned by ancient writers. The first mention is from early 7th century B.C., when Arselis, a Carian leader from Mylasa, helped Gyges in his fight for the Lydian throne. Under Persia, Mylasa was the chief city of Caria. Mylasa joined the Delian League c. 455 B.C., but Persian rule was restored by 400. Mylasa was the hometown and first capital of the Hecatomnid dynasty, nominally Persian satraps, but practically kings of Caria and the surrounding region, 377 - 352 B.C. In the Hellenistic era, the city was contested by Alexander's successors, but prospered. Mylasa was severely damaged in the Roman Civil War in 40 B.C., but again regained prosperity under Roman rule.
Ex. Aegean NunismaticsSteve E
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Pantikapaion, Tauric Chersonesos, Thrace, 310 - 304 BC.AE 20, McDonald 70, SNG Pushkin 886, Sear GCV I 1701, Lindgren II 677, , weight 5.1 g, max. diameter 19.84 mm, Pantikapaion mint, c. 310 - 304 BC; Obv. head of youthful satyr left, wreathed in ivy; Rev. Π Α Ν in legend, head of roaring lion left, sturgeon fish left below. Chestnut brown patina.
Background info; Pantikapaion (Panticapaeum) is present-day Kerch, an important Greek city and port in Taurica (Tauric Chersonese), situated on a hill (Mt. Mithridates) on the western side of the Cimmerian Bosporus (Kerch Strait), between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. It was founded by Milesians in the late 7th or early 6th century B.C. Originally called Apollonia. Wikipedia.Steve E
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Pantikapaion, Tauric Chersonesos, Thrace, 310 - 304 BC. AE 20, McDonald 69, SNG Pushkin 818, Sear GCV I 1700, weight 7.29 g, max. diameter 20.8 mm, Pantikapaion mint, c. 310 - 304 BC; Obv. bearded head of satyr right; Rev. Π Α Ν in legend, forepart of griffin left, sturgeon fish left below. Shiny green patina with a few corrosion pits. A sharp strike with little wear!
Background info; Pantikapaion (Panticapaeum) is present-day Kerch, an important Greek city and port in Taurica (Tauric Chersonese), situated on a hill (Mt. Mithridates) on the western side of the Cimmerian Bosporus (Kerch Strait), between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. It was founded by Milesians in the late 7th or early 6th century B.C. Originally called Apollonia. Wikipedia.
Steve E
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Pantikapaion, Thrace, 325 - 310 B.C.Bronze AE 17, McDonald 67, SNG Puskin Museum 934-948, (SNG BM Black Sea 890), (SNG Cop 32), NGC Choice VF, Pantikapaion mint, weight 4.5g, max. diameter 17.4mm, Obv. beared head of saytr left; Rev. ΠAN, head of bull 3/4 left, (the bull's left horn continues off flan onto the sprue). Smooth clay-brown patina, rated by NGC 4/5 for strike and 4/5 for surface (some deposits) No longer encased in the plastic tomb.
Ex. Forvm Ancient CoinsSteve E
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Phillip II, Macedonian Kingdom, 359 -336 B.C.Bronze 1/4 unit, SNG Alpha Bank 439 - 454 (Symbols off flan on rev., uncertain mint). c. 325 - 306 B.C. (many posthumous issues minted for Phillip II), weight 1.2 g. max. diameter 10.5 mm, Obv. head of Herakles r. wearing lion skin headdress, Rev. (Φ)ΙΛΙΠ above, (Π)OY below, club in between. Bright green patina with some earthen deposits.Steve E
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Phokaia, Ionia, c. 530 - 510 B.C.Silver hemiobol, BMC Ionia p. 215, 82, aVF, 1.037g, 8.5mm, 3.17mm thick, Phokaia mint, 530 - 510 B.C.; Obv. head of griffin left,(seal on right at edge of flan?) Rev. rough quadripartite incuse square. Among the earliest silver coins minted!
Die match; http://www.asiaminorcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=135&pid=7204#top_display_media
Ex Forvm Ancient Coins
Photo by Forvm Ancient Coins
Background Information:
Phokaia (Phocaea) (modern day Foca, Turkey), northern most of the Ionian cities, located on the western coast of Anatolia (asia minor), at the mouth of the river Hermus (now Gediz), and between the Gulf of Smyrna (now Izmir) to the south and the Gulf of Cyme to the north. Phokaia had a thriving seafaring economy and a powerful naval fleet. It was one of the largest cities of the ancient world. Herodotus described the walls of the city as having a diameter of 5 kilometers. Probably following the Lydians, the Phocaeans were among the earliest in the world to make and use coins as money. Source of background info, WikipediaSteve E
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Ptolemaic Kingdom, Ptolemy III Euergetes, 246 - 220 B.C.Bronze hemidrachm, (Svoronos 965, Weiser 71; Hosking 31; Weber 8260), VF, pitting, 26.014g, 34.6mm, 0o, Alexandria mint, obverse horned head of Zeus Ammon right, wearing taenia; reverse BAΕIΛΩΕ ΠTOΛEMAIOΥ, eagle with wings closed standing left on thunderbolt, filleted cornucopia left, chi-rho between eagle's legs; Olive base color with light desert patina, with a few green, yellow and red spots.
Ex Forvm Ancient Coins
Photo by Forvm Ancient Coins
Steve E
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Ptolemaic Kingdom, Ptolemy VI Philometor and Ptolemy VIII, 170 - 164 B.C.Bronze AE 31, SGCV II 7900, (Svoronos 1424), (SNG Cop 306 ff.), (Noeske 212 ff.), (Hosking 75), (Weiser 142) ~Ptolemy V, 180 - 176 B.C.), 29.102g, 33.4mm, Alexandria mint, Obv. diademed head of Zeus Ammon right; Rev. PTOLEMAIOU BASILEWS, two eagles standing left side by side on thunderbolts, double cornucopia in the left field, Olive patina with earthen deposits, surface a little rough.
Background info courtsey Forvm Ancient coins
Two eagles on the reverse may be symbolic of the joint rule of Ptolemy VI and his younger brother.
Ex Forvm Ancient CoinsSteve E
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Ptolemaic Kingdom, Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysos, 80 - 58 B.C. and 55 - 51 B.C.AR Tetradrachm, (Sovornos 1868~Cleopatra VII), (SNG Cop 391), Weight 14.1g, Max. diameter 24.15mm, Paphos mint (Alexandria mint in some refs.) year 21 (60/61 B.C.), Obv. Diademed head of Ptolemy Soter right, wearing aegis, Rev. ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ, Eagle standing left on thunderbolt (off flan); L KA (date) before; ΠA behind, Background toning with some pitting on obv.
There is some disagreement between references as to which ruler it is assigned to. And the mint.
Background info courtesy Forvm Ancient Coins
In 80 B.C., Ptolemy XI was removed from the throne by the Egyptian people after he killed his coregent and step-mother Berenice III. Since he had no male heir, the oldest (illegitimate) son of Ptolemy IX was made King Ptolemy XII. Ptolemy XI had left the throne to Rome in his will, but Rome did not challenge Ptolemy XII's succession because the Senate did not want an Egyptian expansion.
Ptolemy XII was a weak and unpopular ruler. He was awarded the belittling title Auletes - the flute player. Deposed by his own subjects in 58 B.C., he regained his throne with Roman assistance. His daughter, the famous Cleopatra VII, was the last Ptolemaic ruler of Egypt.
Ex. Aegean Numismatics
Ex. CNG auction 91 lot 75
Pictured on Wildwinds Steve E
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Syracuse, Sicily, Hieron II 275 - 215 B.C.Bronze AE 27, Sear GCV 1 1221 var., Lindgren 587 var. 18.022g, 27.4mm, 270 deg, Syracuse mint, c. 275-215 B.C.; Obv. diademed head of Hieron left, beardless; Rev. horseman prancing right, holding couched spear, N below (E in Sear example, Pi in Lindgren), no legend shows in ex. (as in both ref. examples), could be off flan; rough mottled green patina.
Ex Forvm Ancient Coins
photo and Historical background: by Forvm Ancient Coins
Historical background;
Hieron II was tyrant and then king of Syracuse, c. 270 to 215 B.C. His rule brought 50 years of peace and prosperity, and Syracuse became one of the most renowned capitols of antiquity. He enlarged the theater and built an immense altar. The literary figure Theocritus and the philosipher Archimedes lived under his rule. After struggling against the Mamertini, he eventually allied with Rome.Steve E
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Syracuse, Sicily, Pyrrhus of Epirus, 278 - 276 B.C.Bronze litra, SNG ANS SicilyIII 853; SGCV I 1214; (Calciati II p. 321, 176); (SNG Cop 813), weight 10.64 g, max. diameter 23.18 mm, Syracuse mint, 278 - 276 B.C.; obv. head of Herakles left, clad in lion's scalp head-dress; rev.
ΣΥΡΑ−ΚΟΣΙΩΝ, Athena Promachos advancing right, hurling thunderbolt with right, shield in left. A thick, dark olive green patina. Very fine style engraving! One of the nicest I've seen of Herakles on a bronze coin!
Background info. courtesy, Forvm Ancient Coins
In 279 BC, Pyrrhus forces, supporting the Greek cities of southern Italy, met and defeated the Romans at the battle of Asculum in Apulia. Pyrrhus, however, lost many men, several close associates, and all of his baggage. When one of his soldiers congratulated him on his victory, he famously replied: "Another such victory and we are ruined!" From this we have the term Pyrric victory, a victory achieved at ruinous cost.
Ex Roma Numismatics from Auction II; 2 Oct. 2011 pictured as lot 146Steve E
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Syracuse, Sicily, Second Democracy, 466 - 406 B.C.Bronze tetras, SNG ANS Sicily III 376-380; SGCV I 1184, Lindgren II 549, weight 3.4 g, max. diameter 16.96 mm, Syracuse mint c. 440 - 425 B.C., Obv. ΣYPA, head of Arethusa right, wearing hair in korymbos, necklace and earring, 2 dolphins around; Rev. octopus (cuttlefish) and 3 pellets in round incuse. Brown patina with some light pitting and encrustation.
Among the earliest struck bronze coins minted!Steve E
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Syracuse, Sicily; AE 16; Reign of Agathokles, 317 - 289 B. C.AE 16; Lindgren 571, (Calciati II 101 or 102). Weight 3.2g. diam.16mm; Obv. head of Persephone left, hair rolled, wearing earring and necklace, cornucopiae right? (too worn to be sure), Ε Y P A K Ω Ε I Ω N on left (partially off flan); Rev. butting bull left, dolphin above, monogram in ex.(mostly off flan); Splendid blue-green patina and finely engraved dies.
Ex. Dr. Paul Rynearson
Photo by: Dr. Paul Rynearson
Background info.: Quote from Dr. Rynearson's book "Collecting Ancient Greek Coins" p.123. "At times, Sicily's volcanic soil produces some of the most remarkable blues and greens ever seen in numismatics". He reiterated this statement in his listing of this coin.Steve E
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Thrace, Chersonesos, 386 - 338 B.C.Silver hemidrachm; (McClean 4093, SNG Berry 503), Weight: 2.4 g. Max Diameter 13.1 mm. Obv: Forepart of lion right, head reverted, Rev: Quadripartite incuse square with alternating raised and sunken quarters. Symbols: pellet with A Γ monogram, cicada.
I bought this coin for the cicada, ( after casata137ec's post on post a pic discussion), but now I really love the ferocious lion portrait!
Ex. Vcoins Auction sale 266, lot 27
Steve E
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