Greek, Black Sea, Pontos, and Related
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Bithynia, Kalchedon357 – 340 BC
AE 17-18 mm, 3.71 grams, 180°
O: Bull standing left, grain ear below, KAΛX above
R: Three grain (wheat) ears
Ref: HGC 7 544; SNG Black Sea 130
Ex-Jean Elsen Lot (part of), July 2022Virgil H
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Bithynia, Kios330 - 300 BC
AE 13 mm, 1.32 grams, 180°
O: Head of Mithras right, wearing a laureate tiarra
R: K-I, kantharos with two grape vines; within wreath of grain
Ref: HGC 7 559; SG 3762; RecGen 8; SNG Cop 382
Ex-Jean Elsen Lot (part of), July 2022Virgil H
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Bithynia, Nikaia, Roman ProvincialC. Papirius Carbo (Procurator) 62-59 BC
AE Dichalkon. Dated BE 222 (59 BC), 21 mm, 5.25 grams, 0°
O: NIKAIEΩN / BKΣ, Head of Dionysos right, wearing ivy wreath; monogram to right.
R: EΠI ΓAIOY ΠAΠIPIOY KAPBΩN, Filleted thyrsos
Ref: SNG Cop 467; HGC 7 592; SG 3792
Ex-Jean Elsen Lot (part of), July 2022Virgil H
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Kingdom of Bithynia, Prusias II Kynegos182-149 BC
AE 20, 4.57 grams, 0°
O: Head of Dionysos right wreathed in ivy
R: BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΠΡΟΥΣΙΟΥ Centaur Cheiron prancing right playing kithara, monogram to right.
Ref: HGC 7 629; SG 7266, RecGen page 225 no 26
Ex-Jean Elsen Lot (part of), July 2022Virgil H
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Kingdom of Bithynia, Prusias II Kynegos182-149 BC
AE 18, 3.06 grams, 0°
O: Head of Prusias II right wearing winged diadem
R: BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΠΡΟΥΣΙΟΥ Herakles standing left holding club and lion skin, monogram to right.
Ref: HGC 7 634;SNG von Aulock 2571524; SG 7268
; RecGen page 225 Number 25, see PDF document of this early 20th century book in French. Monograms are listed. This monogram is tough to decipher.
Ex-Jean Elsen Lot (part of), July 2022Virgil H
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Kingdom of Bithynia, Prusias II Kynegos182 - 149 BC
AE 29 mm, 11.61 grams, 0 degrees
Denomination A
O: Head of Athena in crested Corinthian helmet left.
R: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΠΡOYΣIOY left, Nike walking right, holding trophy over left shoulder.
Ref: HGC 7 626; SNG Cop 642, SNGvA 6884; RecGen 28
Ex-Forum Ancient Coins Lot (part of), Nov 2022Virgil H
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Kingdom of Cappadocia, Reign of Archelaus36 BC - 17 AD
AE 14 mm, 2.611 grams
Eusebeia (Caesarea) mint
O: Winged bust of Nike right.
R: Wing of Nike, EYΣE/BEIAΣ in two downward flanking lines, starting on the right, A (control) below.
Ref: Sydenham Caesarea 22; Imhoof MG p. 416, 178; not in HGC or SG
Notes: VF, green patina, light scratches, marks, very rare
Ex-Forum Ancient Coins, Oct 2022Virgil H
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Kingdom of Galatia, Deiotaros62 - 40 BC
AE 21 mm, 6.72 grams, 0 degrees
Denomination C, although a bit large, weight is correct
Pessinous mint, struck 63/2 - 59/8 BC
O: Laureate head of Zeus right.
R: Eagle with spread wings standing left, head reverted, AHTP monogram to left.
Ref: HGC 7 775; SG 5690; SNG von Aulock 6099-6100
Note: Deiotaros was a tetrarch of the Celtic Tolistobogioi tribe and supported the Romans against Pontos and Mithradates VI.Virgil H
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Kingdom of PaphlagoniaPylaimenes II. / III. Euergetes
Circa 133-103 BC
AE 18mm, 2.90 grams, 0 degrees
O: Head of bull facing
R: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ / ΠΥΛΑΙΜΕΝΟΥ ΕΥΕΡΓΕΤΟΥ.
Winged kerykeion (caduceus)
Ref: SNG BM Black Sea 1555-6; HGC 7, 441; SG 3715
Notes: Extremely fine. Unknown mint. This is a beautiful coin in hand, it has the best obverse of any I have seen. It is rated R1 in HGC.
Ex-Numismatik Naumann Auction 127, Lot 230, April 2023Virgil H
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Kingdom of Paphlagonia, Pylaimenes II/III Euergetes 133-103 BC
AE 18 mm, 3.190 grams, 0 degrees
O: bull head facing
R: winged caduceus, BAΣIΛEΩΣ downward on right, ΠYΛAIMENOY / EYEPΓETOY in two downward lines on the left
Ref: SNG BM Black Sea 1555-6; HGC 7, 441; SG 3715
Notes: Very fine. Unknown Paphlagonian mint. This one has a great bull and well centered reverse. This is second of two coins of this type in my gallery. It is rated R1 in HGC.
Ex-Forum Ancient Coins, May 2023Virgil H
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Paphlagonia, Sinope350/30-300 BC
AR Drachm, 17mm, 4.8 grams, 210 degrees
O: Head of nymph left, hair in sakkos; aphlaston to left
R: Sea eagle on dolphin left; ΘEO[TI] above tail feathers
Ref: RG 24; HGC 7, 391; SNG BN 482
Ex-CNG eauction 514, Lot 122Virgil H
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Paphlagonia, Sinope105-85 BC
Bronze AE 22, 7.096 grams, 0 degrees
O: aegis with facing head of Medusa (gorgoneion) in center
R: Nike flying right, palm over shoulder in both hands, ΣIN-ΩΠHΣ divided across field, (retrograde ME monogram, control symbol) lower right
Notes: VF, dark patina, earthen deposits, flan adjustment marks, open edge crack, Sinope (Sinop, Turkey) mint, although apparently unpublished, we [Forum] have handled several examples with this retrograde ME monogram control.
Ref: SNG BM 1536 var. (M); BMC Pontus p. 100, 48 var. (ME monogram); SNG Stancomb 800 var. (same); SNG Cop 308 - 9 var. (same); HGC 7 419.
Ex-Forum Ancient Coins, ex-Errett Bishop Collection; Virgil H
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Paphlagonia, Sinopestruck under Mithradates VI
105-85 BC
Bronze AE 19, 8.290 grams, 0 degrees
O: head of Ares right in crested helmet
R: sword in sheath with strap, ΣINΩ−ΠHΣ divided across field
Ref: SNG BM Black Sea 1528; SNG Stancomb 795; Rec Gén p. 196, 67; BMC Pontus p. 100, 50; HGC 7 418
Notes: aVF, dark patina, light earthen encrustations, tight flan, Sinope (Sinop, Turkey) mint
Ex-Forum Ancient CoinsVirgil H
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Paphlagonia, Sinopestruck under Mithradates VI
85-65 BC
Bronze AE 20, weight 7.084 grams. 0 degrees
O: laureate head of Zeus right
R: eagle standing left on thunderbolt, head right, wings open, EA monogram left, ΣINΩΠHΣ below
Ref: SNG Stancomb 801 - 802; SNG BM 1547 ff.; SNGvA 229; BMC Pontus p. 99, 40 - 41
Notes: VF, nice dark patina, light porosity/corrosion, Sinope (Sinop, Turkey) mint
Ex-Forum Ancient Coins, ex-Errett Bishop CollectionVirgil H
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Paphlagonia, Sinopec. 120 - 100 BC
Struck Under Mithradates VI
AE 18, 4.179 grams, 0 degrees
O: Winged head of youthful Perseus, drapery on neck
R: Cornucopia between pilei, star above each pilei, ΣINΩ-ΠHΣ divided low across field
Ref: SNG BM Black Sea 1520; SNGvA 6870; BMC Pontus p. 100, 45; HGC 7 424 (S)
Notes: F, dark patina, light deposits, scattered tiny pits, scratches; scarce. This is a nice little coin in hand.
Ex-Forum Ancient Coins, August 2023Virgil H
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Phaphlagonia, Sinope125 - 120 BC
AE 17 mm, 3.57 grams, 0 degrees
O: Veiled bust of Laodike right, star countermark to left
R: ΣΙΝΩΠΗΣ, facing statue of Apollo Iatros holding branch over tripod and phiale
Ref: SNG Black Sea 1542; HGC 7 423 (references do not include countermark).
Ex- Marc Breitsprecher, Feb 2023; ex-Chicago family collection; ex-Elie Boudeau, Paris dealer, includes his tag from before 1912.
Notes: Good Fine+. Very interesting coin and pedigree. Very rare (Hoover rarity is R2); minted under Mithradates V and there is only one official royal coin of Mithradates V. Sinope was the capital of Pontos at this point and had been conquered in the 180's BC. The countermark seems to be even more rare and the star countermark is associated with Pontos and the royal family of Pontos. On AcSearch, only four specimens exist from 2016 to 2023, three do not have the countermark. Fascinating coin in so many ways. Needs more research by me.
On the dealer, Elie Boudeau: tag dating prior to 1912 - with dealer name, coin description and price (1.00 franc, about 20 cents) hand-written in French with an ink pen. Élie Boudeau (1853-1912) was a politician and numismatist in late 19th century-early 20th century Paris. He served in the 5th legislature of the Third French Republic from 12 November 1889 to 14 October 1893. He owned a shop in the numismatic district of Paris at 11 Rue Rameau, only a stones throw from the Bibliotheque Nationale and one block from the Rue Vivienne where several coin shops, including CGB, still exist today.
Thanks to Curtis JJ for help with the image for this coin and tagVirgil H
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Pontos, AmisosMithradates VI
120-63 BC
minted 111-90 BC
AE 20mm, 9.61 grams, 180°
O: Helmeted head of youthful Ares
R: Sword in scabbard, crescent and star symbol of Pontic kings, monogram
Ref: Sear Greek 3643, HGC 7 241. VF
Ex-CNG eauction 514, Lot 786, Apr 2022 (one of two)Virgil H
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Pontos, AmisosMithradates VI
120-63 BC
minted 111-90 BC
AE 20mm, 7.55 grams, 180°
O: Helmeted head of youthful Ares
R: Sword in scabbard, crescent and star symbol of Pontic kings, monogram
Ref: Sear Greek 3643, HGC 7 241. VF
Ex-CNG eauction 514, Lot 786, Apr 2022 (one of two)Virgil H
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Pontos, AmisosTime of Mithradates VI Eupator
111-105 BC or 95-90 BC
AE20 mm Denomination B, 6.99 g, 0°
O: Youthful, helmeted head of Ares right
R: AMI-ΣOY, sword in sheath. (No monograms)
Ref: HCG 7 241 (no monograms); SG 3643; BMC 40-41; SNG BM Black Sea 1177
Notes: Harshly cleaned, scratches, minted time of Mithradates VI.
Ex-Jean Elsen Auction 151 Lot 99 (part of). June 2022Virgil H
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Pontos, AmisosLate 2nd-early 1st century BC
Civic Issue
AE21, 7.72 grams, 0°
O: Aegis (shield with gorgon) facing
R: Nike walking right, holding palm tied with fillet over left shoulder; AMI-ΣOY either side
Ref: SNG BM Black Sea 1177-1179; cf. SNG Copenhagen 170, Sear GR 3642.
Ex- Marc Breitsprecher misattributed as Sinope.Virgil H
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Pontos, Amisoscirca 100 BC
Civic Issue
AE23mm, 8.76 grams, 0°
O: Head of young Dionysos right, wreathed in ivy
R: Cista mystica, behind which, thyrsos placed diagonally: HTRK monogram to left, AMIΣOY below
Ref: Sear SG 3640; BMC 53-54; Hoover HGC 243; SNG BM Black Sea 1205
Ex-Frank Robinson Auction #115Virgil H
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Pontos, AmisosTime of Mithradates VI
105-90 BC or 90-85 BC
AE29 mm Denomination AA, 18.48 g, 0°
O: Head of Athena right, wearing triple crested Attic helmet with Pegasus.
R: Perseus standing facing, holding harpa and head of Medusa, whose decapitated body lies at his feet. AMI-ΣOY across field, monograms to l and r.
Ref: HGC 7 238; SG 3637
Notes: Beautiful coin, photos do not do it justice, I was surprised such a fine coin came out of a group lot
Ex-Jean Elsen Auction 151 Lot 99 (part of). June 2022Virgil H
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Pontos, AmisosTime of Mithradates VI Eupater
111-105 BC or 95-90 BC
AE 21 mm, Denomination B, 7.77 grams, 0 degrees
O: Aegis with gorgoneion
R: Nike advancing right, holding palm over shoulder; AMI-ΣOY across, monogram in lower right field
Ref: HCG 7 242 and SG 3642, could be SNG Black Sea 1177-1191 depending on monogram
Ex-Jean Elsen Auction 151, Lot 99 (part of), June 2022Virgil H
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Pontos, AmisosTime of Mithradates VI Eupator
95-90 BC or 80-70 BC
AE22 mm Denomination B, 6.85 g, 0°
O: Laureate head of Zeus right
R: AMI-ΣOY under Eagle with spread wings standing left on thunderbolt, head reverted. Star to right. Monogram to left.
Ref: HGC 7 245; SG 3644
Ex-Frank Robinson Auction #118 Lot 3Virgil H
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Pontos, AmisosStruck Under Mithradates VI
85-65 BC
AE 17, 3.711g, 30 degrees
O: head of Dionysos right, wearing ivy wreath
R: thyrsos, bell attached with fillet, AMI-SOY flanking across field, WPA monogram lower left;
Ref: SNG Stancomb 692; SNG Black Sea 1194; Rec Gen p. 53, 25; HGC 7 251 (R); BMC Pontus p. 18, 57
Notes: VF, highlighting earthen deposits, off center
Ex- Forum Ancient CoinsVirgil H
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Pontos, Chabacta100 - 85 BC
AE 21, 7.900 grams, 0 degrees
Chabacta mint
O: Aegis with facing head of Medusa (gorgoneion) in center
R: Nike advancing right, holding palm frond across shoulders behind, XABA-KTΩN divided across field, star-in-crescent upper right, monogram lower right
Ref: Rec Gen p. 77, 2; HGC 7 262 (R1); SNG BM Black Sea 1254 -5 var. (monogram)
Notes, R1 in Hoover; aVF, green patina, light flan adjustment marks
Ex-Forum Ancient CoinsVirgil H
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Pontos, GaziuraMinted under Mithradates VI
105 - 85 BC
AE 22, 7.657g, 0 degrees
O: head of Ares right in crested helmet
R: sword in sheath with strap, GAZI-OYPWN divided across field
Ref: SNG BM 1268; SNG Stancomb 718; BMC Pontus p. 30, 2; Rec Gen p. 83, 6; HGC 7 266 (R1)
Notes: Rare, gF, dark green patina, porosity/pitting, scratches, overstruck
Ex-Forum Ancient CoinsVirgil H
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Pontos, Uncertain City119-100 BC
AE 12mm, 1.885 grams, 270°
O: Horse-head right, with comet/star of eight points and central pellet on neck
R: comet star of seven points, central pellet, and horse/comet tail to right
Ref: SNG BM 984, SNG Stancomb 653, Lindgren III 154, HGC 7 317
Notes: Rare, Choice VF, nice dark green patina with highlighting earthen deposits, light marks, tiny edge split. The comets depicted are almost certainly the comets described in Justin's epitome of the Historiae Philippicae of the Augustan historian Pompeius Trogus (Justin 37.2.1-2)
Ex-Forum Ancient Coins, Mar 2022Virgil H
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Pontos. Amisos90 – 85 BC
Civic Issue
Time of Mithradates VI
AE23, 7.64 grams, 0°
O: Aegis (shield with gorgon) facing
R: Nike walking right, holding palm tied with fillet over left shoulder; AMI-ΣOY either side
Ref: HGC 7, 242; Sear Greek 3642
Ex-Forum Ancient Coins Members Auction, from Concordia, Sep 2021Virgil H
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