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Arkadia, Arkadian League, Megalopolis, ca. 300-275 BC, Æ Dichalkon Laureate head of Zeus left.
League monogram APK above syrinx; AP-T[I] across upper field, ME to right, thunderbolt below.
HGC 5, 941; BCD Peloponnesos 1539.4.
Megalopolis mint.
Extremely rare, one of two known with the AP-TI/ME reverse mint controls.
(18 mm, 4.16 g, 12h).
CNG; ex- BCD collection; ex- A. H. Baldwin, May 1970.
n.igma02/11/24 at 04:40n.igma: David - I sold this coin along with around 200 oth...
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Seleucia, Seleukid Kingdom, 01 Seleukos I., Nikator, (312-281 B.C.), SC 6.1, AE-13 (Half unit), BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ/ΣEΛEYKOY, Bull butting right, #1 Seleucia, Seleukid Kingdom, 01 Seleukos I., Nikator, (312-281 B.C.), SC 6.1, AE-13 (Half unit), BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ/ΣEΛEYKOY, Bull butting right, #1
avers: Winged head of Medusa right with serpents in hair.
reverse: BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ/ΣEΛEYKOY, above and beneath bull butting right, A(or monogram) in the left field (behind the bull).
exergue: A/-//--, diameter: 13,0-13,5mm, weight: 3,58g, axes: 0h,
mint: Seleucia, Seleukos I., Nikator, Antioch Mint, date: 312-280 B.C., ref: SC 6.1, Newell WSM 1357., SNG Spaer 67, BMC 65,
Q-001quadrans05/17/19 at 03:22n.igma: A stunner of a bronze!
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Phoenicia, Arados, (c.138.7-44.3 B.C.), AR-Tetradrachm, BMC 273, Nike advancing left, #1 Phoenicia, Arados, (c.138.7-44.3 B.C.), AR-Tetradrachm, BMC 273, Nike advancing left, #1
avers: Veiled, draped, and turreted bust of Tyche right.
reverse: APAΔIΩN, Nike advancing left, holding wreath and palm frond; in left field, ςЧP (date) above Aramaic H above AΣ; all within wreath.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 26,5-27,5mm, weight:14,88g, axes:0h,
mint: Phoenicia, Arados, date: c. 196 = 64/3 B.C., ref: BMC 273, SNG Cop-, Duyrat 3964 (D91/R650), Rouvier 327, HGC10-72,
Q-001quadrans05/17/19 at 03:13n.igma: Superb example.
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SOLD P. Cornelius P.f. Blasio Laureate head of Janus; above I
P BLAS above, ROMA in exergue
Prow of galley right; before I
Rome, 169-158 BC
33mm, 29.27g
Crawford 189/1; Sydenham 370; BMCRR 788
A duplicate from the RBW collection of Roman Republican Coins;
Ex-Peus 330 (April 26, 1991) lot 644;
Ex-DM collection;
Ex-Calgary coin
Sold to Jeton's Canada Torex October 2023Jay GT401/27/19 at 03:24n.igma: Nice one! Congrats!
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Seleucid Kingdom, Seleukos I, tetradrachm, 312 - 281 B.C.Silver tetradrachm
Obv:- Head of Herakles right, clad in lion head headdress
Rev:- BASILEWS SELEUKOU, Zeus enthroned left, holding Nike and scepter, monogram left;
Antioch mint, c. 300 B.C.;
Tef:- SNG Spaer 2, WSM 923, CSE 8
aEF
Ex-Forvm
Updated image using new photography setup.maridvnvm09/16/18 at 05:37n.igma: Superb example of the type!
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09. Alexandria: Tetradrachm in the name of Alexander the Great.Tetradrachm, ca 310 - 305 BC, Alexandria (Egypt) mint.
Obverse: Head of Alexander with Horn of Ammon, wearing elephant skin headdress.
Reverse: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ / Athena carrying shield and hurling spear. Also small eagle sitting on thunderbolt at right. Two monograms: one at left, one at right.
15.10 gm., 26 mm.
S. #7749; BMC 6.6, 46.
You may have noticed that I refer to the obverse portraits on the Alexander the Great coins as "Head of Alexander as Herakles." Much has been written about these portraits as to whether or not they really portray Alexander's likeness. There can be no doubt, however, that the portrait on this coin was intended to be that of Alexander. Ptolemy issued this coin in the name of Alexander while he was Satrap of Egypt. The elephant skin headdress was probably inspired by the lion's skin headdress on Alexander's own coins. It likely refers to Alexander's conquests in India where he defeated an Indian army with 200 elephants. Beneath the elephant skin headdress, right above his ear, Alexander wears the Horn of Zeus Ammon. The priests of Zeus Ammon recognized Alexander as divine when he visited Egypt in 331 BC. Callimachus09/16/18 at 05:21n.igma: Superb!
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Mazaios Obol, Artaxerxes III / Lion attacking bull CILICIA. Tarsos. Mazaios (Satrap of Cilicia, 361/0-334 BC). Obol. 0.7 g., 12 mm.
O: Artaxerxes III (in the guise of Baaltars) seated right on throne with back terminating in head of swan, holding lotus flower and lotus-tipped sceptre.
R: Lion attacking bull right.
- Ziegler -; Casabonne Series 6; SNG BN 426-8 (Myriandros); SNG Levante 183 (Myriandros).
The appearance of Baaltars on this issue is significantly different from the relatively standard depiction of the deity on other coins of Tarsos. While the diety is typically shown nude to his waist, here the figure is fully clothed with attire that closely resembles that on the figure that appears on the royal Persian coinage struck at Sardes. More importanly, though, is the headdress on the figure. Baaltars typically wears a laurel wreath or no headdress, while this portrait shows the figure wearing an elaborate headdress. In a recent article, Frank Kovacs analysed the type, and argues that this figure is actually the Great King Araxeres III Ochos, in the guise of Baaltars, and the headdress is the combined crown of Upper and Lower Egypt, thus his appearance here is as pharaoh of Egypt (cf. F. Kovacs, "Two Persian Pharaonic Potraits" in JNG L [2000]; see also M. Thompson, in MN XII [1968], pp. 11–2, who notes the figure wearing a "high crown of Egyptian type"). This is plausible, as Araxerxes was the first pharaoh of the Thirty-First Dynasty of Egypt, and the date of his rule there, 343-338 BC, comports well with this issue under Mazaios.
O. Casabonne, while acknowledging that the figure here may represent a synthesis of Baaltars and the Great King, disagrees with the identification of the headdress as the Egyptian crown. Instead, he views the headdress as being a Phrigian style cap that is often depicted in contemporary art as being worn by warriors (cf. Casabonne, p. 121, fig. 8), but is here shown with the cheek guards in a raised position.
Nonetheless, it is doubless that the figure here is a synthesized portrait of Baaltars and the Persian Great King. The fractional silver of this issue, interestingly, may be most instructive, as the headdress on the figure is shown wearing a crown that is identical to that on the figure of the royal Achaemenid coinage and his robes have interlocking circles reminiscent of the darics of Carradice Type IV Late (cf. M. Thompson, op. cit. , p. 12).Nemonater09/09/18 at 00:42n.igma: Superb example and a masterpiece in miniature! The...
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Price 3578 (2)M to the left. Φ under the throne. One of the early Babylon issues. I couldn't find any other sales of a 3578 - only examples in the British Museum (all similar wear) Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger 326 lot 1629 Feb 16 2017Chance Vandal07/16/18 at 01:54n.igma: This coin was recently published by L. W. H. Taylo...
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Price 3578 (1)M to the left. Φ under the throne. One of the early Babylon issues. Upgrade from my other 3578.Chance Vandal07/16/18 at 01:53n.igma: Great coin. For the current tinking on its signifi...
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Price 3581Φ to the left. M under the throne. One of the old Babylon style mintmarks. CNG 419 lot 39. Ex Gorny Mosch 156 lot 1273 (March 2007). From the collection of Colin Pitchfork who was the oft Pres of the Australian Numismatic Society and who was consultant for Noble for 3 decades.Chance Vandal07/16/18 at 01:50n.igma: This coin was recently published by L. W. H. Taylo...
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Athens TetradrachmArchaic head of Athena r., with almond shaped eye, wearing crested helmet
ornamented with three olive leaves and floral scroll, wire necklace, round
earring.
ΑΘΕ right
owl standing right, head facing, erect in posture, prong tail, to left olive twig
and crescent, all within incuse square
Athens 449-413 BC
16.74g
SNG Copenhagen 31; Sear 2526
Ex-Calgary Coin
Sold back Feb 2019 as a possible forgery or Eastern mint. To be determined.Jay GT406/29/17 at 00:21n.igma: Nice one!
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SICILY, GelaAR Tetradrachm. More info forthcoming.Molinari03/16/17 at 18:55n.igma: This one has an ethereal quality - beautiful.
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SICILY: GelaSICILY: Gela, 480-4570 BC. Jenkins 163.Molinari03/16/17 at 18:52n.igma: High art this one.
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MOESIA: IstrosHead of Acheloios Istros as a man-faced bull facing, horns and bovine ear visible, dotted border. Eagle grasping dolphion, ISTPIH above. Unpublished variety (ISTPIH)
Mint state, right?Molinari03/16/17 at 18:51n.igma: Truly impressive detail with an amazing three quar...
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ETRURIA: Situla FittingsA Pair of Etruscan Situla Fittings, circa 5th Century B.C. Bronze, 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm) high for the taller. Each depicting Acheloios, winged with fish scale belly, wearing cap, each piece preserving part of the vessel wall. Modern pinholes in reverse for mounting. I own the one on the right of the photo (MSP I, p. 108, Fig. 59a). Ex S. Donati, Lugano 1982; Ex. Christies' Sale 9666, lot 52;.59a-b.Molinari03/16/17 at 18:49n.igma: An amazing pair. You are fortunate to own one.
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AE Onkia, 2.11 g, Sicily, Panormos, ca. 415-380 B.C. Obv: Forepart of Man-headed bull facing left, possibly ear of corn above or simply an encrustation divided from the man-faced bull by the tooler, in which case SYS should be above. Rev: Horse trotting right, ear of corn above. Calciati I, 272, no. 11. Hoover HGC 2, 1062 (this coin); Giuseppe Bucetti "Monete, Storia e topografia della Sicilia Greca," p. 344 (this coin); MSP I, 48b (this coin illustrated).
Definite tooling around the major devices, on the legs and back. Face apparently untouched though field in front has been smoothed.
Ex. Dr. Busso-Peus, Auction 386, No. 108 (unsold). Tooled.Molinari03/16/17 at 18:46n.igma: Impressive and a HGC plate coin to boot! Very nice...
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Accidental Man-Faced Bull!BLACK SEA: Pantikapaion, AE 12mm, 2.25g, c 160-150BC,Obverse: Head and neck of bull, head facing, over-struck on bow and PAN reverse type, with AN forming a perceived nose and mouth on the bull. Reverse: Plough & Corn ear ; PAN surrounding. Anokhin 165.Molinari03/16/17 at 18:40n.igma: Wonderful serendipity! Congratulations on a truly ...
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Taras, Calabria276-272 BC
AR Obol (10mm, 0.57g).
O: Kantharos; pellet above and to right, flying Nike with wreath to left.
R: Kantharos; pellet above and to left, E to right.
D'Andrea XLII, 1271V (Nike to right); Vlasto 1638v (Nike to right); HN Italy 1076
Rare
ex London Ancient Coins
Another unpublished variety, this one a mirror image of Vlasto 1638, with Nike flying left instead of right.
Enodia02/18/17 at 01:48n.igma: Nicely preserved detail.
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Mesembria, Thrace250-175 BC
AE19 (19mm, 5.54g)
O: Diademed female head right.
R: Athena Alkidemos advancing left, brandishing spear and holding shield; METAM-BPIANΩN to either side.
SNG Cop 661; Sear 1676; BMC 3, 12
ex Nova Coins
Enodia02/18/17 at 01:37n.igma: Not bad for a nominal purchase "just to keep from ...
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Tarsos, CiliciaAutonomous issue
164-27 BC
AE21 (21mm, 7.39g)
O: Turreted, veiled, draped bust of Tyche right, within dotted border.
R: Pyre of Sandon in the form of a pyramidal structure, containing figure of Sandon standing on a horned and winged lion, surmounting garlanded square basis; eagle perched on apex, M and H monograms to left, TAPΣEΩN to right.
Sear 5672
From the David Cannon Collection. ex Beast Coins
Enodia02/18/17 at 01:35n.igma: NIce one!
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Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I, ca. 171-145 BC, AR Tetradrachm Diademed bust of a youthful Eukratides right.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ EYKPATIΔOY (of King Eukratides) Dioskouroi on horseback charging right, carrying spears and palm branches, PK monogram to lower right.
Bopearachchi Series1B; SNG ANS 9, 431; Mitchiner 168(f); Qunduz 108-114; HGC 12, 130; Sear GCV 7568.
(32 mm, 16.75 g, 12h).
From LWHT Col.; CNG 73, 13 Sep. 2006, 535.
Eukratides I came to power in a revolt against the Euthydemid dynasty commencing around 171 BC and continuing for a decade. He extended his dominion to include all of Baktria and its realms both north and south of the Hindu Kush. Around 145 BC, Eukratides was murdered by his one of his own sons, probably Plato. By this time Baktria was weakened by the protracted struggle for power. The demise of Eukratides provided a catalyst for Scythian nomads to cross the Oxus, eventually to overrun Baktria. The city of Ai Khanoum appears to have been amongst the first to fall to invaders. This is evidenced by the fact that no coins later than those of Eukratides have been found in the excavations at Ai Khanoum. Within a decade Baktria had fragmented, overrun by Scythian nomads from the north, with the possible exception of a small Greek enclave in the eastern foothills of the Hindu Kush and the associated valley passes that led to the south and the Kabul Valley. A small remnant Greek civilization remained for another century to the south of the Hindu Kush before being overrun.
n.igma05/01/16 at 19:58n.igma: It appears that Eukratides didn't do anything ...
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Egypt, Memphis or Aswan (?), Satrap Sabakes, 335-333 BC, AR TetradrachmHead of Athena right with punch mark X on cheek.
Owl standing right, head facing, crescent and olive spray to left, crescent above a stylized thunderbolt (Sabakes symbol) and Aramaic legend SWYN (Aswan) to right, punch mark X on owl.
Nicolet-Pierre 6, D4/R-; SNG Copenhagen 3; Van Alfen Type I, O4/R-; Mitchiner 10a; Sear GCV 6232. Van Alfen (AJN 14 2002) countermark 3 on obv. & rev.
(24 mm, 16.91 g, 9h).
From LWHT Col.; HJB 166, 15 October 2009, 176.
Sabakes, to whom the issue of this coin type is attributed, was the penultimate Persian Satrap of Egypt. In 333 BC he led a contingent from Egypt to join the Persian army facing Alexander the Great at Issos, where he perished in battle. It is likely that this coin was struck under his governorship, perhaps for use as payment in preparations for the expeditionary force in support of Darius III. Counter marks are commonly present on these coins and most of the surviving examples are worn, indicating an extended period of circulation. This is consistent with the fact that the next coinage to be struck in Egypt was almost a decade later, shortly after the death of Alexander the Great.
n.igma05/01/16 at 19:55n.igma: Yes, metrological study by Van Alfen indicates the...
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Animation !!!, Die Match experiment to compare two different József-I., Thaler revers.Die Match experiment to compare two different József-I., Thaler revers.
József-I. (Habsburg), (1705-1711 AD) King of Hungary.
The coins strucked Pozsony (nowadays Bratislava), C-H/C.S.H/I.G.S. 1706,1707,1708 and C-H/ P-W/I.G.S. 1710.
All coins are very rare. It is visible all was strucked the same die, but each year was the date re engraved ..quadrans04/17/16 at 01:36n.igma: Neat animation!
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Akarnania, Oiniadai, 219-211 BC, Æ 22 Laureate head of Zeus right, eagle (?) behind.
Head of man-faced bull, the river-god Acheloos right, trident above, OINIAΔAN behind.
BCD Akarnania 349; SNG Copenhagen 403.
(22 mm, 6.73 g, 1h).
Harlan J. Berk Buy or Bid Sale 187, September 2013, 336. n.igma04/14/16 at 21:39n.igma: Thanks Molinari. Interesting I hadn't noticed ...
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Seleukid Kingdom, Seleukos I Nikator, 312-281 BC, AR Tetradrachm – Uncertain Mint 4Head of Herakles right wearing lion-skin headdress.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ reading up on left, ΣEΛΓYKOY (misspelled with Γ rather than E) reading down on right, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, ΣΕ monogram to left, circled ΜΗY monogram beneath throne.
SC 60.2; HGC 9, 12d (R2-3); WSM 1342 (same obverse die).
Uncertain Mint 4 in Cappadocia, Eastern Syria, or Northern Mesopotamia 301-281 BC.
(26 mm, 17.15 g, 5h).
Naville 21, 20 March 2016, 97.
Seleucid Coins (p. 33) notes the declining competence exhibited by reverse dies in the series to which this coin belongs. This is a characteristic along with the mint controls, shared with some of the later issues of Uncertain Mints 6A/1, perhaps pointing to the mobile military nature of the mint and resultant variable access to skilled engravers. The misspelled legend fits with this observation.
n.igma04/12/16 at 00:05n.igma: The dots are the engraver's attempt to portray...
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Calabria, Tarentum, 334-330 BC, AR Didrachm Naked horseman crowning himself on stationary horse right, small ΣA and large Ionic capital beneath.
Taras holding sea snake and whip astride dolphin facing left, KO in lower right.
Fischer-Bossert group 75, 960-973; HN Italy 941-942; SNG ANS 1026; Vlasto 654-8; Evans V, E1 and McGill II, 57-58.
(20 mm, 12h).
Spink & Son Ltd, July 1988.n.igma02/07/16 at 00:12n.igma: Thanks for the additional info. Updated accordingl...
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Mazaios, Satrap of Cilicia AR StaterCILICIA, Tarsos. Mazaios. Satrap of Cilicia, 361/0-334 BC., 10.78g. AR Stater
O: Baaltars seated left, head and torso facing, holding eagle, grain ear, and grape bunch in extended right hand, lotus-tipped scepter in left; TN (in Aramaic) to left, M (in Aramaic) below throne, B’LTRZ ("Baal of Tarsos" or "Baaltars" in Aramaic) to right
R: Lion attacking bull left; MZDY (Mazaeus in Aramaic) above, monogram below.
- Casabonne Series 2, Group C; SNG France –; SNG Levante 106. -Ex Walter M. Shandruk Collection
The obverse of this coin depicts the Baal of Tarsos.
"Baal" is a Semitic word for "Lord" or "God." The symbols of an eagle, wheat stalk, grapes, and a scepter may represent Baal’s capacity as a god involved in the seasonal cycles of life and death.
The reverse features a lion-and-bull motif as did earlier Anatolian coins of Kroisos/Croesus. But here, on the reverse, the full bodies of both lion and bull are shown, and the lion is ferociously jumping on the back of the bull, who's kneeling.
If you assume that a kneeling bull (without a lion) on the scores of later Greek and Roman coins is symbolic of Zeus, a position that Marvin Tameanko has persuasively argued for (Celator, Jan. 1995, pp. 6-11), and that the lion is symbolic of the supreme god, or Baal, of the Celicians, the symbolism of this coin, may be direct and simple: Our god is more powerful than your god.
The Baal obverse of Mazaios' coinage may have been used as the model for the Zeus reverse of Alexander the Great's huge output of silver coinage, though Martin Price believed that both coinages were based on similar models. Price did feel, however, that the celator who engraved the latter Mazaios staters also engraved Alexander III's Tarsos tetradrachms.
Mazaios (also referred to as "Mazaeus" and "Mazday") was the Persian satrap of Celicia beginning c. 361 BC, then the satrap of both Celicia and the larger territory of Transeuphratesia/Transeuphrates (Syria and Palestine, also known as Abar Nahara) beginning c. 345 BC.
Mazaios fought Alexander the Great at the Battle of Gaugamela in 331 BC. After this loss, he fled to Babylon. With the Great King Darius III of Persia also fleeing Alexander's army, Mazaios was the person who surrendered the capital of the Persian Empire, Babylon, to Alexander later in 331 BC, which prevented the sack of the city. For doing this without a fight, Alexander appointed him governor of Babylon, which at the time was the world's largest city. Mazaios died in 328 BC.
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=baal
Nemonater12/24/15 at 18:54n.igma: Exceptional strike from fresh dies - wonderful det...
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RIC 515 TitusAR Cistophorus, 10.64g
Rome mint (for Asia), 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M.; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: CAPIT across field, RESTIT in exergue; Temple of Capitoline Jupiter with 4 columns enclosing figures of Juno, seated Jupiter and Minverva
RIC 515 (R). BMC spec. acquired 1948. RSC -. RPC 860 (3 spec.). BNC 111.
Acquired from Calgary Coin, 30 November 2015. Ex MS collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk BBS 124, 3 January 2002, lot 448.
In 80 AD while Titus was away in Campania surveying the damage Vesuvius had caused in the region the previous Fall, a devastating fire broke out in Rome, damaging much of the city center. One of the most important buildings affected by the fire was the Temple of Capitoline Jupiter, rebuilt recently by Vespasian. The temple being the most sacred and important building in Rome, Titus began rebuilding it immediately. Construction was still ongoing when Titus died of natural causes in September of 81. A cistophorus commemorating the rebuilding of the structure was struck for Domitian but it was not until 1948 with the discovery of this reverse type for Titus when the BM acquired a specimen was the type known to be minted for Titus. Needless to say it is extremely rare. Since 1948 seven other examples have surfaced, four of which are in public collections. A.M. Woodward speculates the type for Domitian is actually a hybrid struck from carry-over dies intended for Titus. This cistophorus was minted in Rome for export to Asia Minor. The style and die axis are similar to the denarii from Rome during the same period, firmly placing it to that mint. This coin is an obverse die match with Gemini IX, lot 458.
A wonderful 'chunky' coin in hand in good style. David Atherton12/08/15 at 03:42n.igma: A top notch rarity - great!
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Greek, Calabria, Tarentum AR nomos (c. 272-240 BC)o/ Youth on horseback right; behind, Nike flying right, crowning him.
r/ Phalanthos astride dolphin left, holding grain ear and ornate trident; monogram behind.
6.1g. 19mm
Vlasto 911 This coinAugustin Caron11/14/15 at 23:34n.igma: Beutiful coin, great provenance.
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RPC 1967 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Tetradrachm, 14.48g
Caesarea Maritima mint, 70-71 AD
Obv: AYTOKP TITOΣ KAIΣ OYEΣΠ; Bust of Titus, laureate, r., with aegis
Rev: ETOYΣ Γ IEPOY; Eagle standing, l., with wreath in beak on palm branch; club in l. field
RPC 1967 (3 spec.).
Acquired from CGB, September 2015.
In the immediate aftermath of the fall of Jerusalem Titus Caesar and his troops celebrated their great victory. Games were held, coins were struck, and booty distributed. This rare tetradrachm was minted in Judaea during those heady days of celebrations and games in 70/71 AD.
An interestingly styled coin (just look at those curls!) with some wear and looks as if it could have fought in the Jewish War itself!David Atherton09/26/15 at 07:48n.igma: Historic piece... very nice indeed!
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RPC 1651 Vespasian AR Didrachm, 6.77g
Caesarea (Cappadocia) mint, 76-77 AD
Obv: AYTOKPA KAICAP OYЄCΠACIANOC CЄBACTOC; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: ΔOMITIANOC KAICAP CЄB YIO ЄT Θ; Domitian standing, l., holding branch
RPC 1651 (19 spec.).
Ex Pegasi VAuction 32, 19 May 2015, lot 314.
For dynastic reasons Vespasian frequently featured his sons on the coinage, even in far-flung provinces. Here we see Domitian "son of the Augustus" togate as consul, holding an olive branch in a suggestion of peace.
Although a bit worn, it's a decent example in good "local" style, similar to the denarii struck at Ephesus.David Atherton05/27/15 at 00:51n.igma: Nice one. That's a not so subtle way of keepin...
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Ionia. Miletos.Sear 3532; SNG Kayhan 476-482; SNG Keckman 273; SNG Copenhagen 944-951; BMC Ionia p 185, 14-22.
AR diobol (1/12th stater); struck late 6th to early 5th century B.C., .1.03 g., 9.09 mm. max., 0°
Obv.: Forepart of lion right, head turned back left.
Rev.: Stellate pattern in square incuse punch.
One of the earliest coins struck in silver.Stkp05/09/15 at 22:04n.igma: Very nice!
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Calabria Tarentum AR DrachmHead of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet adorned with Skylla preparing to hurl a stone
Owl standing to right on olive branch, head facing; ZOR (magistrate) to right, TAP to left.
3.07g
Circa 281-276 BC.
Vlasto 1048. McGill 135, Cote 348, Sear 367v. Jay GT404/11/15 at 09:30n.igma: Delightful!
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Roman EphesusIonia, Ephesus, Claudius, 41-54, AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm
TI. CLAVD CAES AVG. Claudius bare head, facing left.
DIAN-EPHE Cult statue of Diana (Artemis) of Ephesus inside a tetra style temple, set on three tiered base; pediment decorated by figures flanking three windows.
RIC I 118; RPC I 2222; BMCRE 229; RSC 30; Sear Millennium 1839. Ephesus ca. 41-42 AD.
(25 mm, 11.14 g, 6h).
The Temple of Artemis (Diana) at Ephesus was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Depicted on this coin, which was minted shortly after Claudius’ accession to the throne, there remains no trace of the temple other than some recently stacked column remnants to mark the location. Pliny The Elder described the temple as 115 meters in length, 55 meters in width, made almost entirely of marble; consisting of 127 Ionic style columns 18 meters in height. The original temple, which stood on the site from about 550 BC, was destroyed by arson in 356 BC. It was rebuilt at the direction of Alexander III the Great around 330 BC, in the form depicted on the coin, only to be destroyed by the Goths in 262 AD. Again rebuilt, it was destroyed for the final time by Christians in 401 AD. The marble of the temple was used to construct other buildings. Some of the columns found their way into the church of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople (Istanbul).
The site of the temple was rediscovered in 1869 by an expedition sponsored by the British Museum, but little remains to be seen today. A Christian inscription found at Ephesus reads Destroying the delusive image of the demon Artemis, Demeas has erected this symbol of Truth, the God that drives away idols, and the Cross of priests, deathless and victorious sign of Christ. This Christian zeal explains why so little remains of the site despite its repute in the ancient pre-Christian world.
This coin is rare with a few dozen examples known. In contrast to most examples, which show a four-tiered temple base, the reverse of this coin shows a three-tiered temple base, the same as that found on the Parthenon. The rectangles visible on the pediment of the temple are frequently identified as depictions of tables, or altars attended by flanking figures. However, architectural reconstructions of the temple show these rectangles as windows permitting light into the temple interior, a fact supported by the presence of pediment window frame moldings amongst the remains of other temples from the period in Asia Minor. The Ionic style of the temple’s columns, as described by Pliny, is clearly visible in the reverse image.n.igma04/04/15 at 09:19n.igma: Thanks. One of my few Romans and the architectural...
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Kings of Macedon, Alexander III The Great, 336-323 BC, AR Tetradrachm - Tarsos Head of young Herakles right in lion skin headdress, paws tied at neck.
ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡOΥ Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, pellet under throne. ΔI monogram graffiti before head of Zeus.
Price 2993; Newell Tarsos 3 (Newell’s Officina A, dies IX/25) pl. II, 2 (same dies); Muller 1291.
Tarsos mint 333/2 BC.
(26 mm, 17.18 g, 11h).
ex- Gorny & Mosch.
Newell catalogued forty examples of this type from six obverse and thirty reverse dies indicating a far more prolific issuance than the inaugural Tarsos 1 emission to which it is die linked by five examples struck with Tarsos obverse die III. All of the specimens of Tarsos 3 catalogued by Newell originated in the Demanhur Hoard. Price did not catalog any additional specimens to those noted by Newell in the British Museum Collection, which holds five specimens from the Newell Collection. n.igma04/04/15 at 09:16n.igma: Thanks. The image doesn't really do it justice...
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Ptolemaic Kings of Egypt, Ptolemy I Soter as Satrap, 323-305 BC - Memphis MintHead of Herakles right wearing lion-skin headdress; test cut applied to top of the head.
AΛΕΞANΔPOY Zeus seated left, holding eagle and scepter; rose before, ΔI beneath throne, O between throne and scepter.
Price 3971; Muller 124; SNG Copenhagen 853; Dewing 1180.
Memphis mint ca. 323-316 BC.
(27 mm, 16.92 g, 12h).
ex- Barry P. Murphy.
Amongst the first Egyptian issues of Alexandrine tetradrachms, minted shortly after Ptolemy took control of Egypt as Satrap.
n.igma04/03/15 at 19:58n.igma: The rose is one of a number of symbols including K...
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Aeolis, Kyme, ca. 151-145 BC, AR Tetradrachm Head of the Amazon Kyme right, hair bound with tainia.
KYMAIΩN METROΦANHZ Bridled horse standing right, left foreleg raised above an oinochoe (one-handled jug), all within laurel wreath.
Oakley obverse die 1; BMC Aeolis p111, 74, SNG Copenhagen 104 (same obverse die).
(33 mm, 16.77 g, 12h).
Forum Ancient Coins.
Dating to 151-145 BC based on the analysis of recent hoards: Commerce (“Demetrius I” Hoard), 2003 (CH 10.301) by Lorber and Gaziantep Hoard (CH 9.257; 10.308) by Meadows and Houghton date the stenophoric civic issues of Kyme to the interval ca. 151-145 BC.n.igma04/03/15 at 05:01n.igma: cicerokid - thanks for the additional reference on...
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Unknown King, 80 - 70 BCAR tdr., 15,65gr, 29,2mm; Sellwood 30.2, Shore --, Sunrise 311 (Arsakes XVI. 78/77-62/1);
Mint: Seleukia, axis: 12h;
obv.: bare-headed, left, w/ diadem, knot and 1 broad ribbon; mustache, medium-long hair in 3 waves; torque w/single pellet finial; cuirass; dotted border 8-15:30h;
rev.: archer, right, on throne, w/bow in right hand; composite monogram above bow; 7-line legend: BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY APΣAKOY ΘEOΠATOPOΣ EYEPΓETOY EΠIΦANOYΣ ΦIΛEΛΛΗNOΣ; exergual line;
ex: CNG Triton VII, ex: Schweizerischer Bankverein 33. Schatz04/03/15 at 04:58n.igma: A top shelf Parthian!
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Seleukid Kingdom, Seleukos I Nikator, 312-281 BC, AR Drachm - Susa Helmeted head of Seleukos right.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣEΛEYKOY Nike standing right, holding in both hands a wreath that she places on trophy to right; H to lower left, AX in lower middle field.
Marest-Caffety AJN 28, Victory Coinage 2.5, 209 (this coin), dies A10/P11, Pl. 15, 209 (this coin); SC 174.5; HGC 9, 34; BMC 39; CSE 1024; Jameson 1656.
Susa mint 300-295 BC.
(15.5 mm, 4.09 g, 12h).
Triton XVIII, 6 January 2015, 713; ex- Cederlind 106, 17 December 1996, 814; Peus 340, 2 Nov. 1994, Lot 476..
Referred to as the Susa Trophy Series, this coin type has a number of unique and enigmatic attributes. It was only stuck at Susa for a period of about five years between 300-295 BC. The type is rarely found west of the Tigris River and appears to have been largely confined to circulation in Susiana and Persis.
Recent work by Marest-Caffey (AJN 28, 2016) placed this enigmatic issue in its true context. The obverse image is polysemous, incorporating elements of Persian iconography of power into a portrait of Greek style and format. This deliberate ambiguity played to the belief systems of different components of Seleukos’s domain. A Macedonian audience could see this as an image of Alexander the Great, while the Persians could see in the taurine imagery as a reflection of Seleukos himself.
The reverse iconography of Nike erecting a trophy is specifically Greek while the trophy itself bears Greek armour including a shield that prominently bears the Macedonian starburt. The latter fixes the issue after the Battle of Ipsos in 301 BC in which Seleukos played a prominent role in the defeat of Antigonos Monopthalmos.
The ‘trophy’ coinage appears was struck in the period 300-295 BC.
n.igma04/02/15 at 20:05n.igma: Yes I know what you mean - not much interest in r...
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GREEK, Attica, Athens, AR tetradrachm, 431-415 B.C. Circa 431/415 BC
25,5mm / 17,16 grms ; die axis 9h
Obverse: "Archaic style" head of Athena, wearing crested helmet ornamented with olive leaves and floral scroll.
Reverse: ΑΘΕ / Owl, olive twig, and crescent moon.
S. #2526. 03/19/15 at 00:39n.igma: A very nice classical owl.
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Julian II 'The Philosopher' (as Augustus)361-363 AD
AE3 (19mm, 2.65g)
O: Diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust left, holding shield and spear; DN FL CL IVLIANVS PF AVG.
R: VOT X MVLT XX in four lines within wreath; BSISC· below.
Siscia mint
RIC VIII 421; Sear 4074v
ex Munzen Sann
“Are you not aware that all offerings whether great or small that are brought to the gods with piety have equal value, whereas without piety, I will not say hecatombs, but, by the gods, even the Olympian sacrifice of a thousand oxen is merely empty expenditure and nothing else?”
~ JulianEnodia02/19/15 at 08:20n.igma: Excellent portrait, great coin. Insightful quote -...
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Q. Antonius Balbus (83 - 82 B.C.)AR Serrate Denarius
O: Laureate head of Jupiter right; S·C behind
R:Victory driving quadrgia right, holding reins, palm frond, and wreath; E below horses.
Rome Mint
3.7g
18mm
Crawford 364/1d; Sydenham 742b; Antonia 1Mat01/31/15 at 04:03n.igma: Nice serrate indeed.
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RIC 0849 Vespasian denariusIMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
laureate head of Vespasian right
IOVIS CVSTOS
Jupiter standing half-left, sacrificing from patera in right over small lit altar at feet on left, long scepter grounded behind in left
Rome, 75 - 76 A.D.
3.458g, die axis 180o
RIC II, part 1, 849 (C3); BMCRE III 276; RSC II 222; BnF III 249; SRCV I 2295
Ex-Forum, Ex-Heritage CICF World and Ancient Coins Signature Auction 3032, part of lot 30530Jay GT401/27/15 at 00:55n.igma: Great portrait of an unmistakable not too pretty f...
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Seleucid, Seleucus IISardis Mint
246-226 BC , AE
Head of Heracles in lion skin headdress/ Apollo seated left, holding bow and arrow. MYHP in left field, QE in right field
SC 657.8A. L ex C.01/21/15 at 22:08n.igma: Nice example of an interesting type. Its actually ...
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Nero DamnatioMACEDON, Thessalonica. Nero. AD 54-68. Æ 21mm 8.4 g.
O: Bare head left; ΘEC in rectangular punch across - Howgego 537; face erased by second stamp; third countermark on neck?
R: Legend in three lines, eagle standing left above; all within oak wreath. - RPC 1603
Howgego notes that the countermark (Howgego 537) was probably applied in A.D. 68/69, validating the coin as still being legal tender. He also notes that the application of the countermark was not directly connected with the erasure of the face of Nero, since this was done to only one of the seven specimens he identified.
For a second example see http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-14314Nemonater01/10/15 at 03:49n.igma: A wonderful piece of history. This damnation takes...
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Greek, Ravel; Descriptive Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto - #1296Taras, Calabria (Plate Coin)
380-325 BC
AR Diobol (12mm, 1.22g, 11h)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with hippocamp; Ξ behind neck-flap.
R: Herakles kneeling right, strangling the Nemean lion; [club] to left, TA above.
Vlasto 1296 (this coin); HN Italy 912
From the M.P Vlasto Collection. ex Pegasi Numismatics; ex MNS
"Mr. Vlasto's collection of Tarentine coins is certainly the most complete that exists; practically all known varieties are represented; its catalog can therefore be considered a real corpus of the coinage of Tarentum. Numerous are the rare or unique specimens; but what makes this collection an outstanding one is its large number of exceptionally well preserved coins. Mr. Vlasto was never content with his specimens; if he could get a better one, he never missed the opportunity. He used to tell me that in some cases he had changed six specimens of the same coin and that he would even change the sixth if he could find a better one. The results is that many of his coins are really wonderful gems of priceless value. Any colledctor would be proud to have just one of them in his collection."
~ Oscar Ravel (Descriptive Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto)Enodia01/08/15 at 05:55n.igma: This one is special! The reverse is wonderfully dy...
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Taras, Calabria212-209 BC (Period X - The Punic Occupation)
AR Half-Shekel (Reduced Nomos) (22mm, 3.94g)
Sokannos magistrate.
O: Warrior on horseback right, holding filleted palm frond in right hand, rein in left; ΣΩKAN-NA below.
R: Phalanthos on dolphin left, holding kantharos in extended right hand, trident in left; eagle with open wings standing left behind, TAPAΣ below.
D'Andrea XLVI 1730; Vlasto 984-86; Cote 605-06; SNG ANS 1272; SNG Cop 951; HN Italy 1082; SNG Ashmolean 420-1; Sear 383v (drachm)
ex CNG
Popular history suggests that the Romans shut down the Tarentine mint circa 228 BC. No further coins were produced (at least in silver) until Hannibal captured the city in 212, at which time these “reduced nomoi” were struck for the approximately three years of occupation using the Punic standard.
While the earlier horseman/dolphin rider types were renewed at this time, the artistic quality was greatly diminished.
Also, the magistrate names differed greatly from the earlier coins and were likely not even Hellenic. One theory is that the names were those of the local indigenous peoples (Messapians, etc), although I believe they were more likely Carthaginian and probably those of Hannibal’s own administrators.
What a shame that the last emissions from this once great city should be so debased.
Enodia01/03/15 at 22:10n.igma: Delightful coin, interesting history! Bears out my...
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Attica, Eleusis, ca. 322/17-307 BC, Æ 15 Triptolemos holding ears of wheat, in winged chariot drawn left by two serpents.
Pig standing right on a long torch (bacchos) within wreath of wheat ears; legend EΛEY (illegible) below.
BMC Attica p. 113, 10; Svoronos pl. 103.26-28; SNG Copenhagen 421-423; Kroll, Agora, 49.
(15 mm, 2.22 g, 8h).
Harlan J. Berk Buy or Bid Sale 159, 3 June 2008, 480; ex- John Twente Animal Collection.n.igma12/29/14 at 00:16n.igma: Thanks. Quite an enigma! 
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Fire AgateRandygeki(h2)12/27/14 at 06:47n.igma: For a moment there I thought it was an ancient Rom...
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Apollonia Pontica480 - 324 B.C.
150 years of Apollonia Pontica Medusa!Jaimelai12/21/14 at 04:55n.igma: Not a pretty face, but what a great display!
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Syracuse, Reign of Agathokles317-289 BC
AE16 (17mm, 3.71g)
O: Head of Kore (Persephone) left; ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ before, amphora behind.
R: Bull butting left; monogram above.
HGC 2, 1469; Calciati II, p. 238, 108; Sear 1195v
ex Aegean Numismatics
Enodia12/17/14 at 18:53n.igma: Delightful coin with a great previously undisclose...
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Asia Minor, Mysia, Pergamon, Owl, Athena, Π Δ monogramMysia, Pergamon
AE17, 200-133 BC
Obv.: Head of Athena right, wearing Attic helmet with star
Rev.: Owl with spread wings standing on palm, ΑΘΗΝΑΣ ΝΙΚΗΦΟΡΟΥ above and below, monograms Π Δ below
AE, 2.51g, 17.3mm
Ref.: BMC 133, 201shanxi12/16/14 at 07:02n.igma: Now that a real night owl! Great depiction! And a ...
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Greek, Euthydemos IITetradrachm, ca 190-170 BC.
Obverse: Diademed bust of Euthydemos II.
Reverse: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΕΥΘΥΔΗΜΟΥ / Herakles standing, holding wreath, club, and lion's skin. PK monogram at left.
16.90 gm., 30 cm.
Sear #7536; Bepearachchi Serie 1C. Callimachus12/15/14 at 05:48n.igma: A wonderful example of Eastern Greek art at its be...
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hiempsal IIObverse: Beardless Male head (Hiempsal?) r., wreathed with corn
Reverse: Free horse galloping rt., Punic letters {=ht) below
Mint :
Date : c. 106-60 BC
Reference : Grose-10027, SG-6603
Grade : VF
Weight : 1.73g
Denom : Drachm or quinarius
Metal : SilverPeattie12/06/14 at 17:11n.igma: Latest attribution .... Sicily, Akragas, Punic Occ...
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MeteoriteCampo del Cielo
6.7 g.Randygeki(h2)12/06/14 at 02:25n.igma: A cool piece of iron that was once very hot!
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PHLIASIA, Phlious. AR obol.400-350 BC
11 mm, 0.82 gm
Obv: forepart of butting bull left
Rev: large Φ surrounded by four pellets
Ref: SNG Copenhagen 8-9
Triskeles Sale 9; Oct 2013
ex BCD Collection, not in previous BCD sales
From a small round paper insert included with the coin, handwritten:
PELOPONNESUS, PHLIUS.
0.84 gm
From Sotheby's
26-27 May 1976,
lot 88, bought for
£55 + 10% VAT
The original Sotheby's catalog clipping for the lot was also conveyed.
Phlious (alt. Phlius) was in Peloponnesus, less than 10k from Nemea. Renowned for their wine, and at least one vineyard shows a similar coin on its label today: http://www.nemeanwines.gr/media/k2/items/cache/9caa2793658f3cc387f216157300b1ce_S.jpg
Some history of Phlious from Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography (1854):
http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.04.0064:id=phlius-geo
I wonder when the graffitist added the P... Is it a Latin P or a Greek Rho?
TIF11/29/14 at 04:15n.igma: Great!
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SICILY, Syracuse. Agathokles. 317-289 BC. Æ Litra 21 mm , 8,7 g circa 295 BC.
SWTEIRA, head of Artemis Soteria right, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace, quiver over shoulder / AGAQOKLEOS BASILEOS, winged thunderbolt.
Antonivs Protti11/23/14 at 04:16n.igma: An attarctive bronze; really like the patina!
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Phliasia, Phlious, ca. 400-350 BC, Æ Chalkous Bull butting left, head lowered and turned to face viewer.
Large Φ with two pellets.
HGC 5, 177; BCD Peloponnesos 129; Weber 3882 (this coin); MacIsaac Issue 2, G.
(14 mm, 1.60 g, 3h).
CNG Classical Numismatic Review XXXIX, 1, April 2014, 834574; ex- BCD Collection (not in LHS sale); ex- Virgil M. Brand Collection (Part 7, Sotheby’s, 25 October 1984), lot 306 (part of); ex- Sir Hermann Weber Collection, no. 3882 purchased from W.C. Thieme, Leipzig, 1888.
Provenance Notes:
Sir Hermann David Weber (1823-1918) was a German physician who had a very distinguished lifetime career in medicine in England, including that of being a doctor to the royal family. Collecting from the late 1870’s, he amassed one of the largest private collections of ancient Greek coins of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It consisted of over 8,500 coins in total. Weber purchased this humble Phlious chalkous in 1888 from the dealer W.C. Thieme, Leipzig. Spink and Son purchased the collection from the executors of Weber’s estate, with the condition that the firm undertake the publication of the collection. This was duly completed by the mid-1920’s in a four-volume work that remained a standard reference for ancient Greek coinage throughout much of the twentieth century. Spink and Son dispersed the Weber collection, from whence this coin found its way into the collection of the prominent American collector Virgil M Brand.
Virgil M. Brand (1862-1926), born into a wealthy American brewing family in Chicago, developed an interest in coin collecting in 1889 and amassed one of the greatest private collections of all time, consisting of 368,000 ancient and modern coins including 68,000 gold coins. Each coin in the collection was documented by an entry in what became a thirty-volume set of descriptive ledgers. A lifetime bachelor and somewhat eccentric character, Brand chose to live modestly in a small apartment above his brewery in Chicago, shunning ostentation and devoting his time to the pursuit of his collecting, reading and local charity. He spent over $3 million on coins during his life. The collection was housed in cigar boxes that were packed into leather satchels, hidden behind his book collection. Virgil M. Brand died intestate and amongst various probate disputes his two brothers began to sell off the most prominent pieces from the collection in the 1930’s. Eventually, Jane Brand Allen, a niece of Virgil M. Brand, inherited the remains of the collection. These coins were sold in a series of auctions conducted by Sotheby’s, Bowers and Merena and Spink and Son during the 1980’s.
By this means the coin came into the collection of BCD the pre-eminent collector of mainland Greek coins during the last half of the twentieth century. BCD disposed of the coins of the Peloponnesos from his collection in 2006 at which time this coin passed into the inventory of the Classical Numismatic Group from whom it was purchased after its listing in the first edition of the newly revived Classical Numismatic Review produced by the company in April 2014.n.igma11/23/14 at 04:08n.igma: Yes, it makes it all the more interesting. Not too...
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Taras, Calabria385-380 BC (Period III - The Age of Archytas)
AR Didrachm (20mm, 7.37g, 11h)
O: Naked youth crowning horse standing right; kerykeion before, Λ below, all within linear border.
R: Taras seated sideways on dolphin left, resting his left hand on its tail; H (signature) on body of dolphin, P below, TAPAΣ to left, all within linear border.
D'Andrea XXII, 354; Vlasto 352; Evans III, A2; Cote 121v; Fischer-Bossert 442d; Sear 341v
Rare
From the Frank James Collection. ex Forvm Ancient Coins; ex Roma Numismatics
A noted general, inventor, mathematician and philosopher, Archytas was a Pythagorean and friend of Plato, and likely responsible for saving the latter from death at the hands of Dionysius II of Syracuse.
While not one of the more exciting designs from the Taras mint, this coin, signed by ’H', or 'HP’, is still nicely rendered and actually quite rare. Fischer-Bossert sites only 7 known examples. I do not know if this specimen is one of those.Enodia11/23/14 at 04:06n.igma: A very nice find!
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Sinope, Paphlagonia125-100 B.C.
Bronze AE21
8.30 gm, 21 mm
Obv: Bust of Artemis right wearing stephane, bow and quiver over shoulder.
Rev: ΣINΩ-ΠHΣ to either side of tripod with lebes
Sear 3712;
BMC 13, p.100, 51;
SNG Vol: IX 1524 British Museum
HGC 7, 417;
[SNG Cop 313]
Jaimelai11/19/14 at 07:34n.igma: An impressively preserved and detailed bronze!
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CARIA, RHODES. Ancient Greece.3rd Cent. century BC. Æ ( 1,1 g. - 10 mm)
Vs: Head of nymph right.
Rs: Rose.
Antonivs Protti11/10/14 at 04:07n.igma: A delightful little bronze!
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GREEK, Thrace, Aigospotamoi, ca. 300 BC, Æ 20 Head of Demeter left wearing stephane decorated with a laurel wreath and vine.
AIΓΟΣΠΟ Goat standing left, eight-rayed star beneath.
BMC Thrace, p. 187, 2 var. (star); SNG Copenhagen 850 var. (star).
(20 mm, 7.76 g, 12h).
Unique with the star symbol beneath goat and amongst the finest examples known of the single coinage emission from Aigospotamai.
Aigospotamoi (Goat Streams) is the site of two small rivulets flowing across a small plain from the hinterland of Gallipoli peninsula into the southwestern corner of the Sea of Marmara (the ancient Propontis) at its junction with the northern mouth of the Hellespont, a few kilometres to the northeast of the modern day township of Gallipoli (Gelibolu). In late summer of 405 BC it was the site of a naval engagement between the Peloponnesian and Athenian fleets. The Peloponnesian fleet lead by the brilliant Spartan general Lysander destroyed the Athenian fleet. The destruction of the Athenian navy at Aigospotamoi enabled the Peloponnesians to place a stranglehold on the Black Sea grain trade to Athens. The resultant starvation of the city brought to an end the 27 year long Peloponnesian War within six months.08/02/14 at 04:58n.igma: Wonderfully detailed. The goat is alive and the hi...
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GREEK, Messenia, Messene, ca. 191-183 BC, AE Hemiobol or Hexachalkon (Hoover plate coin - HGC 5, 575) Diademed head of Demeter right. / Zeus Ithomatos standing right, hurling thunderbolt with right hand, eagle perched on left wrist, tripod to right; ME/ΞE in two lines in left field.
HGC 5, 575 (this coin) (S); BCD Peloponnesos 708 (this coin); Grandjean 222a (this coin illustrated); BMC 24 var.
(23 mm, 7.59 g, 1h)
ex-BCD Collection: LHS Numismatics 96 (8 May 2006) Lot 70808/02/14 at 04:55n.igma: Exceedingly eye catching!
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GREEK, Pisidia, Selge, 2nd-1st Century BC, AR Triobol Head of Herakles wreathed with styrax facing slightly right, lion's skin draped around neck, club in left field. / ΣEΛΓEΩN between club and sacred styrax plant on an altar, bucranium in right field.
SNG BN 1959; BMC 19, 260, 37; Sear GCV 5484.
(15 mm, 2.41 g, 12h)
ex- David P. Herman Collection
This facing head of Herakles is a miniature masterpiece of the engraver’s art, including such small details as the Adam’s apple of Herakles. The tilt of Herakles head and his semi-skyward gaze is reminiscent of the preferred portraiture of Alexander the Great for whom Herakles was a patron God. Following the death of Alexander the Great, Herakles became a favored subject for the facing head portrayal on Hellenistic coinage in contrast to the preceding period in which Athena dominated.08/02/14 at 04:54n.igma: What a gem!
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GREEK, Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander III the Great, TetradrachmGreece, Alexander III 'The Great' of Macedon, Silver Tetradrachm, 17.23g, Babylon mint, struck ca 317-311 BC
mitresh08/02/14 at 04:53n.igma: Nicely detailed.
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GREEK, Attica, Athens, 449-413 BC, AR Tetradrachm - Starr pl. xxii, 6Head of Athena right, wearing helmet ornamented with vine scroll and laurel leaves.
Owl facing standing right, head facing, AΘE to right, olive sprig and crescent to left, all within incuse square.
Starr pl. xxii, 6; SNG Copenhagen 33; Sear 2526.
(22 mm, 17.18 g, 10h)
   08/02/14 at 04:46n.igma: Truly a five star coin!
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GREEK, Achaean League, Messene, 175-168 BC, AR Hemidrachm Laureate head of Zeus Hamarios left.
Large AX monogram; N - Φ across fields, M below; all within wreath.
HGC 5, 597 (this coin); Benner 23 (this coin); BCD Peloponnesos 723 (this coin); Agrinon 323g (same dies); Clerk 216 (Megalopolis); SNG Copenhagen 315.
(15 mm, 2.44 g, 5h)
ex- BCD Collection: LHS 96 (8-9 May 2006) Lot 72308/02/14 at 04:43n.igma: This one is superb in its level of preservation as...
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GREEK, Macedonian Kingdom, Philip III Arrhidaios, 323-317 BC, AR Tetradrachm struck at Babylon under Seleukos as satrap Head of Herakles right wearing lion-skin headdress.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ФIΛIΠΠOY Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, ancient Greek Zeta beneath throne, circled ΣIEP monogram above grape bunch to left.
SC Ad 43.13; Price P155 (Arados).
Babylon II workshop 317/16 BC under Seleukos as Satrap 320- 315 BC.
(26 mm, 17.16 g, 8h)07/27/14 at 05:26n.igma: Do they come any better?
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GREEK, Argolis, Hermione, 360-320/10 BC, AE Chalkous - BCD Peloponnesos 1297Wreathed head of Demeter Chthonia left / Torch flanked by E- P, all within wreath of grain ears.
Grandjean Group I, emission 2B, d33/r30 (this coin illustrated) = Pozzi (Boutin) 4276 (this coin); BCD Peloponnesos 1297; SNG Copenhagen 140-3.
(13 mm, 2.48 g, 12h)
Classical Numismatic Group Mail Bid Sale 81 (20 May 2009) Lot 2511; ex- BCD Collection (not in LHS sale), purchased from Leu, January 1979; ex- S. Pozzi Collection, 4276 (Boutin).
This coin has a notable provenance, dating back to the turn of the twentieth century and the collection of the eminent Paris surgeon Professor Samuel Pozzi (1846-1918). 07/18/14 at 01:04n.igma: Wonderful coin, superb pedigree!
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GREEK, Elis, Civic Issue, mid 2nd century BC, AE Tetrachalkon - BCD Peloponnesos 673 (this coin)Laureate head of Zeus right / FA-ΛEI-ΩN within wreath, EY below.
BCD Olympia 302; BCD Peloponnesos 673 (this coin); BMC 155; SNG Copenhagen 448; Kroll, Agora, 752.
(21 mm, 5.65 g, 1h)
EF with flan adjustment marks on both sides.
Classical Numismatic Group Mail Bid Auction 78 (14 May 2008) Lot 704; ex- BCD Collection - LHS 96 (8 May 2006), Lot 67303/18/14 at 03:48n.igma: Exceptional example of the type!
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Israel, Caesarea Maritima The view north from Herod's Palace, looking over the hippodrome to the ancient port area beyond the distant headland.03/11/14 at 02:55n.igma: Impressive - chariot racing on the beach! Herod ha...
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GREEK, Cappadocian Kingdom, Ariarathes VII ca 110-99 BC, AR Tetradrachm in the name of Antiochos VII (138-129 BC)Diademed head of Antiochos VII right, fillet border. / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ ΕΥΕΡΓΕΤΟΥ Athena standing half-left in crested helmet on short ground line, confronting Nike held in right hand and with left arm balancing a spear while holding a grounded shield decorated with a Gorgoneion head, primary controls ΔI (in ligature) over A in outer left field, secondary controls O-Λ in inner fields, laurel crown around.
Lorber and Houghton, NC 2006, ser. 1, iss. 3 (A1/P1 - coin 12 - this coin); HGC 9 1069; SC 2148; SMA 298; SNG Spaer 1873 (same obverse die).
Uncertain Cappadocian mint, probably Ariaratheia or Eusebeia-Tyana.
From the same obverse die as the first issue to bear a reverse legend in the name of Ariarthes VII with the same O-Λ mint controls.
(28 mm, 16.63 gm, 12h)
ex- Commerce (‘Antiochus VII Posthumous’ Hoard) 2005
Ariarathes VII was the nephew of Mithradates VI Eupator of Pontus and a hapless pawn in the developing power struggle of his uncle with Bithynia and later Rome to control Asia Minor. After rebuffing Mithradates VI's 'advice and assistance' the armies of Mithradates and Ariarathes met prepared for battle. At this point Mithradates called for an unarmed discussion meeting with Ariarathes in the middle ground of the battlefield. In front of the two assembled armies, Mithradates drew a concealed blade and slit his nephew's throat, thus avoiding battle and clearing the way for a new puppet, his stepson, to be appointed ultimately as King Ariarathes IX. 03/08/14 at 05:10n.igma: Agree, an absolute stunner!
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SICILY, Syracuse. Agathokles.SICILY, Syracuse. Agathokles . 317-289 BC. Æ Litra (9.04 gm. Max Dia 22 mm ). Period 4, circa 295 BC. SWTEIRA, head of Artemis right, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace, quiver over shoulder / AGAQOKLEOS above, BASILEOS below; winged thunderbolt. SNG ANS 708ff; Calciati II pg. 277, 142; SNG Copenhagen 779; SNG Morcom 754ff; Favorito 34; Laffaille 233-234; Virzi 1687ff. Good VF, gorgeous bluish green patina.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection. Sam02/15/14 at 21:25n.igma: Sweet bronze!
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Athens, Greece, Old Style Tetradrachm, 449 - 413 B.C.Silver tetradrachm, SNG Cop 31 ff., SGCV I 2526, EF, light scuff on cheek, 17.184g, 25.6mm, 180o, Athens mint, obverse head of Athena right, almond shaped eye, crested helmet with olive leaves and floral scroll, wire necklace, round earring, hair in parallel curves; reverse AQE right, owl standing right, head facing, erect in posture, olive sprig and crescent left, all within incuse square;
A superb beauty ex FORVM .
The old-style tetradrachm of Athens is famous for its almond shaped eye, archaic smile and charming owl reverse. Around 480 B.C. a wreath of olive leaves and a decorative scroll were added to Athena's helmet. On the reverse a crescent moon was added.
During the period 449 - 413 B.C. huge quantities of tetradrachms were minted to finance grandiose building projects such as the Parthenon and to cover the costs of the Peloponnesian War.
*With my sincere thank , Photo and Description courtesy of FORVM Ancient Coins Staff.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam02/04/14 at 00:09n.igma: Excellent!
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Turkey, Istanbul - Alexander III in Lion Skin Head Dress - a frontal view - from the Alexander Sarcophagus in the Istanbul MuseumWe are accustomed to seeing the lion skin head dress in profile on coinage. Rarely are we afforded a more frontal view. I took this photo of Alexander the Great portrayed on the Alexander Sarcophagus in the Istanbul Museum. The head dress in nicely portrayed in three dimensions 01/31/14 at 08:25n.igma: Better than any Alexander coin!
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Greece, Athens, The Approach to the Pynx from the AgoraThe home of democracy, the Pnyx was rebuilt and expanded in the 3rd quarter of the 4th century B.C., probably around 345-335 B.C. A massive, curved, retaining wall was built, as seen in this image. The steps of the old walkway from the Agora are visible and overbuilt by the retaining wall. Great Athenians such as Themistocles, Pericles and Socrates would have walked this path and steps in the heady days of the zenith Athenian democracy. 01/31/14 at 08:20n.igma: Atmospheric and redolent of history!
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Greece, Athens, The Pnyx - outer stone retaining wall.The home of democracy, the Pnyx was rebuilt and expanded in the 3rd quarter of the 4th century B.C., probably around 345-335 B.C. A massive, curved, retaining wall was built, as seen in this image. The steps of the old walkway from the Agora are visible and overbuilt by the retaining wall. Great Athenians such as Themistocles, Pericles and Socrates wolud have walked ths path and steps in the heady days of the zenith Athenian democracy. 01/31/14 at 07:51n.igma: In the footseps of the greats of Athenian history....
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Cleaned Greek CoinA Greek coin that I cleaned.chuy153001/29/14 at 03:52n.igma: Thrace, Ainos, AE, Circa 280-240 BC. Laureate head...
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Roman Empire, Vespasian AR Denarius / VestaROMAN IMPERIAL
Vespasian AR Denarius ( 3.49gr) AD 71 July – December. IMP CAES VES-P AVG [PM] Laureate head of Vespasian to right. Rev. Vesta seated to left, holding simpulum; in field TRI – POT.
BMC p. 10, 58 and pl. 1.20; C. 561; RIC p. 62, 46.
Ex G. Hirsch 26, Munich 11-13 Jan 1961, 1850.
From the Sam Mansourati collection.Sam01/25/14 at 23:37n.igma: Exceptional portrait of a very tough guy! It almos...
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GREEK, Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander III the Great, Lydia, Sardis, AR Drachm, 336-323 BC. Lifetime issue - Price 2576Head of Herakles right wearing lion-skin headdress. / AΛΕΞANΔPOY Zeus Aëtophoros seated facing on backless throne, his left leg and torso facing front, his head, right arm and right to left; holding eagle in his right hand and long sceptre in his left; NK monogram above bee in left field.
Price 2576; Thompson 134 (same dies). Sardis mint ca. 325/4-323 BC.
(18 mm, 4.27 g, 12h)
ex- Arthur J. Frank Collection; ex- NFA Auction II (25-26 March 1976) Lot 12.
01/14/14 at 04:05n.igma: Mint state by any measure!
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GREEK, Argolis, Epidauros ca. 290/80-260 BC, AR Hemidrachm - HGC 5, 722Laureate head of Asklepios left. / EΠ monogram within wreath.
Requier Monnayage, Series 2 [1], 137 (D4/R5; this coin); BCD Peloponnesos 1234 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen 116 (same dies); HGC 5, 722 (R1).
(14 mm, 2.50 g, 9h)
CNG; ex-BCD Collection; ex-1979/80 Epidaurus Hoard (CH VII, 69)01/12/14 at 06:23n.igma: Superb, with a great provenance!
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GREEK, Achaean League, Argos, ca. 175-168 BC, AR Hemidrachm - Agrinion 308Laureate head of Zeus right. / Wreath surrounding AX monogram in centre; TK monogram above and Harpa right below.
BCD Peloponnesos 1136 (this coin); Clerk 147; Agrinion 308 (same dies).
(17 mm, 2.47 g, 12h)
ex- BCD Collection; LHS 96, Lot 1136 (8 May 2006); ex- Empire Coins Fixed Price List 76 (September 1995).
One of the more refined images of Zeus on this series of Achaian League emissions, complimented by the slightly oval flan.01/12/14 at 06:21n.igma: Exceptional Zeus.
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BYZANTINE, Maurice Tiberius, Theoupolis (Antioch), 582-602, AE Follis [D N M]AURI-C N P AUT Crowned bust of Maurice facing, bearing consular mantle, holding mappa in right hand and eagle tipped sceptre in left hand. / Large M flanked by A/N/N/O – X/III (regnal year 13 equivalent to 594/95 AD), cross above, Γ below, THEUP (Theoupolis) in exergue. Sear Byzantine 533; DO 161-73.
(28 mm, 11.75 g, 6h)01/12/14 at 06:19n.igma: Exceedingly crisp example!
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GREEK, Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos I, ca. 225-200/190 BC, AR Tetradrachm - Bopearachchi Series 10 AStylised diademed head of mature Euthydemos right. / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ EYΘYΔHMOY Herakles seated left on rock, resting club on knee, PK monogram in inner right field.
Bopearachchi Series 10 A; SNG ANS 138; Kritt B14; Mitchiner 94a; Qunduz 15-18. Baktra/Balkh mint ca. 210-206 BC.
(26 mm, 16.57 g, 12h)
The portrait on this coin is a stylized version of the mature portrait of the king, in which Euthydemos is made to appear more youthful and stronger than the realistic representation on preceding coins. This stylization appears to have been a propaganda response to the challenge posed by the invasion of Baktria by a more youthful Antiochos III in 208-206 BC. This portrayal of the king contrasts starkly with the elderly image that emerged on coinage in the years following the invasion by Antiochos III. 12/28/13 at 01:23n.igma: Starkly idealized portrait. A very nice contrast t...
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Greece, Didyma, The ruins of the Temple of Apollo at Didymahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DidymaJoe Sermarini12/19/13 at 06:26n.igma: Not really in Greece, but in ancient Ionia, now Tu...
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