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LUCANIA , METAPONTION AR STATER ( NOMOS )

HN Italy 1482, Extremely Fine, 20.9mm, 7.54 grams

Obverse: Ear of barley with six grains, META upwards to left

Reverse: Ear of barley with six grains, in incuse1 commentspaul1888

Greek
Boeotia Thebes 379-387 BC
AR Stater, 11.68 grams
Obverse: Boeotian Shield
Reverse: Amphora Bow Abovepaul1888

AR Stater Corinthia, Corinth, ca. 400-350 BC
Obverse: pegasos flying right, Q below
Reverse: helmeted head of Athena right, tripod behind, EY above helmet
Weight 8.37 g
Reference Ravel 675; Pegasi 257/11 commentspaul1888

Aegina, Aegina.
Ca. 480-457 BC. AR stater, 12.0 g. Sea turtle / skew pattern within incuse square. Milbank, pl. 1, 14. paul1888

Bruttium, Kroton, c. 425-350 BC. AR Stater (19mm, 7.48g, 3h). Eagle standing l. on Ionic capital. R/ Tripod with legs terminating in lion's feet; grain ear to l. HNItaly 2141; SNG ANS 336. 1 commentspaul1888

2nd - 1st Century BC, IRON AGE BRITAIN, Tribe: Durotriges, Base AR Stater, Struck c.40 BCObverse: No legend. Abstract head of Apollo made up of pellets and lines.
Reverse: No legend. Crude disjointed horse with three tails standing facing left, large group of pellets and “coffee bean” symbol above, single pellet below.
One of a small group of coins found west of Cheriton, south east of Winchester.
Diameter: 19mm | Weight: 2.89gms | Axis: Unclear
Spink: 366

THE DUROTRIGES
The Durotriges were one of the Celtic tribes living in Britain prior to the Roman invasion. They were one of the groups that issued coinage before the Roman conquest. Their coins were abstract and simple and had no inscriptions, so no names of any issuers or rulers are known. Nevertheless, the Durotriges presented a settled society, based in the farming of lands surrounded by hill forts, the majority of which seem to have gone out of use by 100 BC, long before the arrival of the Romans in 43 or 44 AD. Constructed initially around 600 BC, the Durotriges ultimately occupied the largest hill fort in Britain, Maiden Castle, which encloses some 19 hectares (47 acres). Around 100 BC though, for some reason habitation at the hill fort went into decline and became concentrated at the eastern end of the site. Maiden Castle appears to have been abandoned after the Roman conquest of Britain although the Romans later built a small temple on the site.
The tribe lived in an area centred on Dorset, south Wiltshire, south Somerset and Devon east of the River Axe. Their territory was bordered to the west by the Dumnonii; and to the north east by the Belgae. The area controlled by the Durotriges is identified in part by coin finds, few Durotrigan coins are found in the south eastern tribal areas, so it would appear unlikely that they were acceptable there. A recent coin hoard found on the Isle of Wight, however, would seem to indicate that the Durotriges might have had some influence at least over the western half of the island.
The Durotriges' main outlet for trade across the Channel, strong in the first half of the 1st century BC before drying up in the decades prior to the arrival of the Romans, was at Hengistbury Head. The numismatic evidence indicates a progressive debasing of the coinage suggesting economic difficulties in conjunction with their declining trade.

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*Alex

Alexander the Great, 336 - 323 BC. AE Tetartemorion (Dichalkon / Quarter Obol). Lifetime issue struck 336 - 323 BC at Amphipolis, Macedonia Obverse: No legend. Head of Herakles, wearing lion skin headdress, facing right.
Reverse: AΛEΞANΔPOY. Eagle facing right, it's head turned to left, standing on a thunderbolt; mint-mark, A in right field before the eagle's breast.
Diameter: 15mm | Weight: 3.9gms | Die Axis: 6
Sear: 6743 | Weber: 2142 | Liampi: 6-8 | Price: 0159
RARE

This coin is a Type 3 (eagle type) bronze Quarter-Obol (two chalkoi). Alexander's Eagle bronzes are part of his Eagle coinage that also includes various silver denominations, including a stater, drachm, hemidrachm, diobol, and obol. Alexander's Eagle coins are much rarer than his issues of Herakles and Zeus imperial silver coins and his Herakles and weapons bronze coins.
*Alex

Corinthia, AR. staterPegsi 453 / SNG Cop. 98 / 375-300 BC
obv: Helmeted hd. of Athena l. Delta-I flanking behind Artemis
Pospheres adv. l.
rev: Pegasos flying l.1 commentshill132

Kashmir, Didda Rani, 979-1003 Ae stater Obv. Enthroned Ardoxsho facing, Nagari legend: "Shri-Di-[da]"
Rev. Queen Didda Rani standing facing1 commentsSkyler

Kroisos, LydiaLydian Kingdom. Kroisos. Ca. 564/53-550/39 B.C. AR 1/12 stater (7 mm, 0.80 g). Sardes mint. Confronted foreparts of lion, on left, and bull, in right / Incuse square punch. Berk 26-7; SNG Kayhan 1020-1; Traité I 413. VF, toned.ecoli

*FAKE* Pegasos: Epirus, Ambrakia AR Stater, Unpublished die-combination(?) EDIT : NOW CONFIRMED MODERN FAKE

Greek (Classical). Epirus, Ambrakia. AR Stater (8.42g, 20mm). Mid-4th cent. BCE.
Obv: Peagasos flying right, A below. Rev: Head of Athena left, wearing crested helmet; spear to right.
Ref: Unpublished in Ravel Colts or refs consulted. Obv die: Ravel A58. Rev: Ravel P110.
Prov: Ex-VAuctions 353 / Pars Sale 9 (5 Oct 2020) Lot 31 (corr., Anaktorion?); VAuctions Pars Sale 6 (20 Apr 2020), Lot 56 (corr. same).
Notes: Struck with two later-state dies: The obv. was re-engraved after CNG 93, 217 was struck: [LINK-ACSearch]. The rev. die may be most interesting: Among various specimens, a die crack in the left field appears in multiple states. Here, it looks like a dolphin or hippocamp; comparing various coins, perhaps a die crack was quickly re-engraved to appear as field symbol (to stop it expanding?). One other example from both dies is listed in the Pars VCoins shop (item # PCW-G6511).1 commentsCurtis JJ

0. MiletusMiletus
AR 1/12 stater
c. 500 BC (minted begining 550 and ending 494 when Miletus was destroyed by Persia)

obv. lion head facing rightEcgþeow

0.1 MiletusMiletus
AR 1/12 stater
c. 500 BC

rev. star - possibly sun representing ApolloEcgþeow

000991 Facing Head of LarissaThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly l., round curl to the l. of the head, wearing ampyx flanked by two hornlike locks, a pendant earring, and a simple necklace.
Rev: Horse crouching r., l. foreleg raised and bent (almost parallel with belly/ground), preparing to roll. ΛAPIΣ above horse and AIΩN in the exergue.
Denomination: silver drachm; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 356 - 342 BC1; Weight: 5.920g; Diameter: 19.2mm; Die axis: 135º; References, for example: Lorber Hoard, pl. 3, 27 (same dies); BCD Thessaly I 11582; BCD Thessaly II 316; HGC 4, 4543.

Notes:
1This is the date range stated in BCD Thessaly I. This coin appears to fall within Lorber's Phase Late II or Phase Late III. See Lorber Hoard and Lorber 2008.
2The coin referenced in this auction catalogue is actually a silver stater, but in discussing the coin the catalogue states that the earliest Larissian staters "...bear the normal types of a drachm...."
3The picture of the coin in this reference does not show the foreleg raised and bent, but the entry does reference BCD Thessaly II, lots 312 - 320, which matches one of the references here.
The city of Larissa was named after the local water nymph, said to be the daughter of Pelasgos. He was said to be the ancestor of the pre-Greek Pelasgians. According to myth Larissa drowned while playing ball on the banks of the Peneios river. (HGC 4 p.. 130).

Provenance: Ex Forum Ancient Coins October 31, 2018; from the BCD collection, with his tag noting "Thz. G/ni ex Thess., Apr. 94, SFr. 100.-"

Photo credits: Forum Ancient Coins

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1 commentsTracy Aiello

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

Greek Turtles, by Gary T. Anderson

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

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

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

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

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

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

01. Durotriges stater.Stater, 58-45 BC, possibly minted at Hengistbury Head.
Obverse: devolved head of Apollo.
Reverse: devolved horse.
5.04 gm., 19 mm.
VA #1235-1; Seaby #367.

From the Blandford Forum Hoard, 1998.Callimachus

0242 - Stater Durotriges 58 BC - 43 AC Obv/ Wreath, cloak, and crescents.
Rev/ Disjointed horse l., rectangular head, body of crescents, four vertical legs, three roughly horizontal lines for tail, pellet below, twelve pellets above.

Ag, 19.0 mm, 4.60 g
Mint: Durotriges, SW England.
ABC 2157
ex-Roma Numismatics auction e62, lot 61 (ex-Paul Munro-Walker colln., Roma Numismatics e44, lot 5)dafnis

04. "Abydus": Stater in the name of Alexander the Great.Stater, ca 323 - 317 BC, "Abydus" mint.
Obverse: Head of Athena in crested Corinthian helmet ornamented with a serpent.
Reverse: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ / Nike holding wreath and ship's mast; monogram and star at left, cornucopia at feet.
8.60 gm., 18 mm.
P. #1524; M. #381; S. #6704.1 commentsCallimachus

0a Amazon StaterSilver Stater 20mm Struck circa 440-410 B.C.
Soloi in Cilicia

Amazon kneeling left, holding bow, quiver on left hip
ΣOΛEΩN, Grape cluster on vine; A-Θ to either side of stalk, monogram to lower right

Sear 5602 var.; Casabonne Type 3; SNG France 135; SNG Levante

This coin depicts an amazon in historically accurate garb. Unfortunately, the bow is corroded away on this piece, but it is pointed toward her. She wears the Scythian hat, which also has a bit along the top corroded away. The quiver on her hip is an accurate portrayal of the gorytos (quiver), which was nearly two feet long, fashioned of leather, and often decorated. Fortunately, there is redundancy in this image, and a second bow is shown as in its place in the gorytos, which had separate chambers for arrows and the bow, where the archer stored it while not in use. The amazon has just finished stringing her bow and is adjusting the top hook to make sure the strings and limbs are properly aligned. She has strung the bow using her leg to hold one limb in place so she can use both hands to string the weapon. Her recurve bow was made of horn (ibex, elk, ox) wrapped with horse hair, birch bark, or sinew (deer, elk, ox) and glue (animal or fish) wrapped around a wood core. The bow was about 30 inches long. Arrow heads from grave sites come in bone, wood, iron, and bronze with two or three flanges; the shafts were made of reed or wood (willow, birch, poplar) and fletched with feathers. Poisoned arrows were sometimes painted to resemble vipers. A Scythian archer could probably fire 15-20 arrows per minute with accuracy to 200 feet and range to 500-600 feet. Distance archery with modern reconstructions suggests a maximum unaimed flight distance of 1,600 feet. (Mayor 209ff)

Soloi was founded about 700 B.C.and came under Persian rule. According to Diodorus, when the amazons were engaging in conquest in Asia Minor, the Cilicians accepted them willingly and retained their independence. Soloi may be named after Solois, a companion of Theseus, who married the amazon Antiope. The amazon on the coin may well be Antiope. (Mayor, 264-265)1 commentsBlindado

1/12 stater; forepart of lionMiletos, Ionia, AR 1/12 stater. ca. 510 - 494 B.C. 0,9 g, 9 mm. Forepart of lion left, head turned right / Floral star pattern in incuse square. SNG München 703 ff.; SNG Aul. 2082. Podiceps

1/12 stater; Head of lion left/ Star in incuse squarIonia, Miletos. Circa 6th– c. 5th c. B.C. 1/12 Stater Silver. 1,1g. 8mm. Obs: Head of roaring lion right. Rev: Star in incuse square. SNG Kayhan 462v. Podiceps

1/16 Stater, Karia uncertain (Kaunos?)1/16 Stater, Karia uncertain (Kaunos?)
aka Tritartemorion

490 - 470 BC

Female deity (Iris?) with curled wings,
Griffin standing l. in incuse square.

0.58 gr, 8.6 mm

cf SNGKeckman 817 for type & 821 for weight
see also AsiaMinorCoins #3960
Konuk 57 (O1,R1)2 commentsPekka K

100 Kingdom of Bosporus, Rhescuporis II (III), AD 211–226Electrum stater, 7.84g, nearly EF
Struck AD 215/6 at Panticapaeum
BACIΛEWC PHCKOVΠOPIΔOC, diademed and draped bust right; club before / Laureate and draped bust of bearded Caracalla right, BIΦ below.
Certificate of Authenticity by David R. Sear, ACCS
Ex; Freeman & Sear
MacDonald 555/2; Frolova 200, pl. 45, 14 (same dies); Sear GIC 5482v (date) 2 commentsLawrence W

19th Century framed uniface plaster cast Stater from ElisObv:- Eagle's head left, below poplar leaf
Rev:- winged thunderbolt
Elis. Olympia. 93rd Olympiad, c. 408 BC. Stater

Famed uniface plaster cast from 19th century.
Originally mounted on velvet and one would assume in a display case. Traces of velvet still attached to underside of frame. 1 commentsmaridvnvm

2x Illyrian drachmDyrrhachium, Illyria, AR drachm. AΛKAIOΣ, cow standing right, head left, suckling calf, grain-ear below / DUR NIKOMACOU around double stellate pattern.

Dyrrhachium, Illyria. AR Stater. Circa 450-350 BC. Cow standing left suckling calf, small Δ on cow's rump / Δ Y P, double stellate pattern; club beneath.

Both weight: 6.1g

(NEED TO ADDITIONALLY MORE PRECISELY IDENTIFY)Flamur H

3) The Tyrannicides: BrutusGold stater, BMCRR II p. 474, 48; RPC I 1701A (Thracian Kings); BMC Thrace p. 208, 1 (same); SNG Cop 123 (Scythian Dynasts), military mint, weight 8.39g, 44 - 42 B.C.; obverse Roman consul L. Junius Brutus (traditional founder of the Republic) in center, accompanied by two lictors, KOΣΩN in ex, BR (Brutus) monogram left; reverse eagle standing left on scepter, wings open, raising wreath in right talon; ex CNG Store

From the Elwood Rafn Collection.

2 commentsSosius

501. Constantine I Cyzicus GLORIA EXERCITVSCyzicus

Cyzicus was an ancient town of Mysia in Asia Minor, situated on the shoreward side of the present peninsula of Kapu-Dagh (Arctonnesus), which is said to have been originally an island in the Sea of Marmara, and to have been artificially connected with the mainland in historic times.

It was, according to tradition, occupied by Thessalian settlers at the coming of the Argonauts, and in 756 BC the town was founded by Greeks from Miletus.

Owing to its advantageous position it speedily acquired commercial importance, and the gold staters of Cyzicus were a staple currency in the ancient world till they were superseded by those of Philip of Macedon. (For more information on ancient coinage click here) During the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC) Cyzicus was subject to the Athenians and Lacedaemonians alternately, and at the peace of Antalcidas (387 BC), like the other Greek cities in Asia, it was made over to Persia.

The history of the town in Hellenistic times is closely connected with that of the Attalids of Pergamon, with whose extinction it came into direct relations with Rome. Cyzicus was held for the Romans against Mithradates in 74 BC till the siege was raised by Lucullus: the loyalty of the city was rewarded by an extension of territory and other privileges. Still a flourishing centre in Imperial times, the place appears to have been ruined by a series of earthquakes —the last in AD 1063— and the population was transferred to Artaki at least as early as the 13th century, when the peninsula was occupied by the Crusaders.

The site is now known as Bal-Kiz and entirely uninhabited, though under cultivation. The principal extant ruins are the walls, which are traceable for nearly their whole extent, a picturesque amphitheatre intersected by a stream, and the substructures of the temple of Hadrian. Of this magnificent building, sometimes ranked among the seven wonders of the ancient world, thirty-one immense columns still stood erect in 1444. These have since been carried away piecemeal for building purposes.

RIC VII Cyzicus 110 R5

Ex-Varangian

ecoli

A Metapontine Nomos Depicting LeukipposGreek (Late Classical). Lucania, Metapontion AR Nomos (21mm, 7.79g, 7h), temp. Alexander Molossian, King of Epirus, c. 340-330 BCE.
Obv: Helmeted head of Leukippos right; to left, lion's head; below, monogram (Gamma?).
Rev: META. Grain ear with leaf, club of Hercules above leaf; below, AMI (monogram of Alexander).
Ref: Johnston class B 2.35; HN Italy 1575; F.S. Benson, "Ancient Greek Coins: II. Magana Graecia" (AJN 35.1, 1900) No. 23 & ill. 15 [LINK] = Nanteuil 159 (same dies).
Prov: Ex-VAuctions Triskeles. Ex-JB (Edmonton, d. 2019) Collection (with his original insert)

Notes: Metapontion was one of the Greek colonies on the Italian peninsula known collectively as Magna Graecia, settled by the Achaeans around the turn of the 7th century BCE. Leukippos, who appears in Corinthian helmet on the obverse, was the legendary founder of the city who reputedly led the first settlement. Johnston attributed this scarce pair of "mature dies" to the same artist who engraved the finest Distater dies, or possibly an engraver under his tutelage, very closely approximating his refined style.
[ALT: Stater, Didrachm, Leucippus, Metapontum]1 commentsCurtis JJ

Abdera, Ar Stater, 365 - 345 B.C. Magistrate Pytheos.Obv:– ABDH-RITEWN , Griffin seated left, raising right foreleg.
Rev:– EPI PU-QEW, Laureate head of Apollo right.
Minted in Abdera, 365 - 345 B.C. Magistrate Pytheos.
Reference:– May 549 (May S. 293 und Taf. XXIV, 549. AMNG 156 und Taf. III, 13)

Old edge chip between 9 o'clock and 11 o'clock probably accounts for the slightly low weight

9.10g, 22.52mm, 45 degreesmaridvnvm

Abdera, Thrace TetrobolAR Tetrobol
Size: 16mm, Weight: 2.87 grams, Die Axis: 3h

Abdera, Thrace
411 - 375 BCE

Obverse: Griffin to left, forelegs raised.

Reverse: Wreathed bust of Dionysos to left, MOΛΠAΓOPHΣ around, all within linear frame and shallow incuse square.

References: May 419 (A290/P340), SNG Cop 333

Notes:
-Abdera was was repopulated by citizens from Teos circa 544 BCE, who brought with them the griffin symbol. The griffin on coins from Teos face right, and on coins from Abdera, left.
-The worship of Dionysos appears to have been important in Abdera, and may have been reinforced by the pre-existence of the cult among the native Thracian population.

Purchased from Harlan J. Berk, 20182 commentsPharsalos

Acarnania, Leucas, Stater, Leukas, EF(40-45), Silver, Pozzi:1317vCOIN CONDITION EF(40-45)
MAIN CATEGORY Coins
COMPOSITION Silver
WEIGHT (GRAMS) 7.90
DENOMINATION Stater
GREECE PROVINCE Akarnania
GREEK COIN THEME Leucas
POZZI 1317v
MINT NAME Leukas3 commentsMark R1

Achaemenid Empire, Siglos of Lydia.Asia Minor. Lydia. 546-510 BC. Cyrus-Darios I. AR Half Stater (siglos) of Sardis (5.27gm, 15.7mm), Kroiseid type. Facing foreparts of lion left and bull right. / Two incuse punches, one larger. VF. Bt. Coral Gables 1999. Babelon Traité I #409-411; Berk 22; ACNAC Rosen 663; SNG Ashmolean 762-771; SNG Berry II #1140; SNG Cop 5 (Lydia) #456-457; SNG Kayhan 1024-1026, 1738; SNG von Aulock 2877-2879. Lydia is said to be named for the legendary king Lydos.Anaximander

AE Trichalkon of the Thessalian League, 196-146 BCObv: Laureate head of Apollo right
Rev: Th E S S A/ L O N in vertical columns; Apollo Itonia standing right, throwing spear w/right arm and holding shield w/left. On top of Athena's spear to left the Greek letters Th R A and to right an Owl.
References: BMC 49; Rogers 20; Nomos 4, 1385
Diameter 19 mm, Wt 7.6 gms

The Thessalian League was a confederacy of northern Greek city-states centered in Larissa. The letters above Athena's spear refer to the authorizing magistrate - in this case (Th R A)sylos whose complete name is given on silver staters of the period. A die match to lot 838 in the Triton XV sale (ACsearch)1 commentsdaverino

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

Aegina (Circa 480-457 BC)AR Stater

20mm, 12.26g

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

Reverse: Incuse square divided into five compartments.

Milbank pl. I, 13; Sear 2594

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

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

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

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

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

Aegina * Sea-Turtle | Skew-pattern incuse - AR Stater, 480-456 BC.
Aegina * Sea-Turtle | Skew-pattern incuse - Silver Stater

Obv: Sea-turtle.
Rev: Incuse Skew-pattern.

Exergue: None.

Mint: Aegina
Struck: 485-480 BC.

Size: 21.46 x 15.77 mm.
Weight: 11.98 grm.
Die axis: Omni-

Condition: Quite fine. Sea-turtle is missing right hind-leg, but otherwise, Superb relief and wonderful forms in fine style. Good, bright, clear, lustrous silver. Cleaned, without toning.

Refs:*
Sear, GC 1858.
Milbank, 13 (sim.?)
1 commentsTiathena

Aegina - AR staterc. 510-485 BC
turtle, row of dots on the back
incuse square ( “Union Jack” pattern)
Milbank 3; BMC Attica, p. 126, 3; SNG Cop 502
12,0g 20mm
Ex AureaJ. B.

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

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

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

Aegina stater16x20 mm, 11.38 g
obv: Sea turtle with pellets on back and countermark (female head right)
rev: incuse square divided into five triangles.1 commentsareich

Aegina stater 550-500 bc2nd coin I ever bought.Chance Vandal

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

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

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

Aegina, Attica510 - 485 B.C.
Silver Stater
12.35 gm, 18 mm
Obv.: Sea turtle with collar
Rev.: “Proto-skew” incuse pattern, round test punch near center
Sear 1851;
BMC 11, p.128, 28
HGC 6, 430
[Meadows, Groups IIa-IIb]
[SNG Copenhagen 501]
Jaimelai

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

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

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

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

Aigina stater16-20mm, 12.27g
obv: sea turtle
rev: irregular incuse3 commentsareich

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

Aigina. Sea Turtle Stater.Greece. Aigina. 510-490 BC. AR Stater (12.37 gm, 22.0mm). Sea Turtle, head turned to right, with vestige of collar. Row of dots down dorsal spine, if any, has disappeared with wear of coin or die and skew countermark. / Incuse square with "Union Jack" pattern of eight incuse triangles, three broken (irregularly filled). Graffitti. VF. Bt. Coral Gables, 2001. SNG Cop 3 (Attica-Aegina) #501-503; SNG Delepierre 1551ff; SNG Munich 529/532; ACNAC Rosen 216; Asyut Gp.II; HGC 6 #430; McClean 6004-5; Meadows Aegina Gp II a-b; Milbank Pd.I (pl.I #3); Selinas Hoard ANSMN 33 Gp.2 #90-91 (same rev. die?).Anaximander

AKARNANIA, ANAKTORIONCa 350 - 300 BC
AR Stater 19 mm 8.04 g
O: Pegasos flying left
R: Helmeted head of Athena, right; tripod and monogram behind
Pegasi 27; BCD Akarnanialaney

AKARNANIA, ANAKTORIONCa 350 - 300 BC
AR Stater 19 mm 8.04 g
O: Pegasos flying left
R: Helmeted head of Athena, right; tripod and monogram behind
Pegasi 27; BCD Akarnania 1 commentslaney

Akarnania, Anaktorion Circa 350-300 BC.AR Stater.
22mm, 8.36 grams
Helmeted head of Athena left; AN monogram and bukranion to right; ΚΛE in upper field; AΓ below neck.
Pegasos flying left; AN monogram below
Imhoof-Blumer, Akarnanians 92; Pegasi 71; BCD Akarnania 86
JBGood

AKARNANIA, Anaktorion.AKARNANIA, Anaktorion

Founding:

Kypselos & Gorgos, 7th century BC

The Corinthians sent by Cypselus and Gorgus took possession of this shore and also advanced as far as the Ambracian Gulf; and both Ambracia and Anactorium were colonized at this time. (Strabo 10,2,8)

AKARNANIA, Anaktorion. Circa 350-300 BC. AR Stater (20mm, 7.89 gm). Pegasos flying left; AN monogram below / Helmeted head of Athena left; NA[Y] to left, AN monogram and ring with pendants behind. Pegasi II pg. 504, 73. Near VF.

Ex-CNG eAuction 105, Lot: 33 116/1501 commentsecoli

Akarnania, Anaktorion. Pegasus and Athena Stater.Greece. Akarnania. 350-300 BC. AR Stater (8.42 gm, 23.1mm, 3h) of Anaktorion. Pegasus flying right, pointed wing and Ꜹ ("ANA") monogram below. / Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet over leather cap. To left, Ꜹ monogram and tripod enclosed by wreath. nEF. Pegasi Num. Sale 122 #92. SNG Cop 3 (Epirus-Acarnania) #289; Calciati Pegasi II pp.491-2 #30-31; BCD Akarnania 89; BMC 35-37 (pl 32 #3); HGC 4 #758. cf. SNG Delepierre 1219 (no wreath); Boston MFA #1157 (same); Dewing 1796 (same). cf. CNG EA 281 #62 (same dies).Anaximander

AKARNANIA, LeukasAKARNANIA, Leukas. Circa 345-307 BC. AR Stater (20mm, 7.66 gm). Pegasos flying right; L below / Helmeted head of Athena left; small L and hippocamp behind. Pegasi II pg. 424, 118; SNG Copenhagen -. VF

Ex-CNG eAuction 104, Lot: 47 150/200 ecoli

AKARNANIA, LEUKASCa. 320 - 280 BC
AR Stater 20 mm 8.07 g
O: Pegasos flying left
R: Helmeted head of Athena, left; API and anchor behind
Pegasi 146; BCD Akarnania 270laney

AKARNANIA, LEUKASPELOPONNESOS, AKARNANIA, LEUKAS
Ca. 320 - 280 BC
AR Stater 20 mm 8.07 g
O: Pegasos flying left
R: Helmeted head of Athena, left; API and anchor behind
Pegasi 146; BCD Akarnania 270 1 commentslaney

Akarnania, Leukas Akarnania, Leukas
Stater, ca. 405-345 BC
Obv.: Pegasos flying right, Λ below
Rev.: Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet; caduceus behind
Ref.: Nicolet- Pierre and Kroll, AJN 2 (1990), pl. i, pi-1-pi-4. Svoronos pl. 20.shanxi

Akarnania, Leukas Pegasos Stater, Grapes & Amphora (BCD Akarnania 278.1)Photo Source: CNG [LINK]
Greek (Classical). Akarnania, Leukas AR Stater (20mm, 8.62 g, 6h), c. 300 BCE.
Obverse: Pegasos flying right, A below.
Reverse: Helmeted head of Athena right, grapes & vine over amphora to left, A between.
Reference: BCD Akarnania 278.1 (this coin); BCD Akarnania 275 var. (obv. legend).
See also: Pegasi 128; HGC 4, 827; SNG Cop 355; BMC Corinth 132, 87.
Provenance: From the BCD Collection; Ex Münzen und Medaillen Auktion 23 (BCD Akarnanien und Aitolien, 18 Oct 2007), Lot 278 (1 of 2) (corr.:“A” not “Λ”); CNG e-Auction 302 (8 May 2013), Lot 73 (corr.: “A” not “Λ”, no provenance given); CGB Live Auction (Paris, 7 Jun 2022), Lot 26.Curtis JJ

AKARNANIA, LEUKAS, 320-280 BCStater, 20mm, 8.28g

O. Pegasos left; Λ below
R. Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet, Ξ below, Λ and mast-head behind

Pegasi 141; BCD Akarnania 269 var (no Ξ)1 commentsrobertpe

Akarnania, Leukas, 350-300 BCAR stater 8.2g, VF
Pegasos, with pointed wing, flying left; Λ below / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet over leather cap; Λ and mast with yard behind, unknown monogram beneath
Sear 2282v; BMC Corinth, pg 133, #97-101; Pegasi II, pg. 428, #133
Consigned to ForvmLawrence W

AKARNANIA, LEUKAS, 350-300 BCStater, 20mm, 8.28g

O. Pegasos left; AN monogram below
R. Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet, KΛE above, monogram below, monogram and bucranium ornamented with fillets behind

Pegasi 71; BCD Akarnania 86

Ex CNG 262, Lot 762 commentsrobertpe

Akarnania, Leukas. AR Stater.Circa 320-280 B.C. (22mm., 8.58g., 6h). BCD Akarnania 269 var. (no monogram). SNG Copenhagen 357 var. (same). Pegasi 134. Obverse Pegasos left, lambda below. Reverse helmeted head of Athena left, monogram below, lambda before stylis. EF, toned.

Ex Sukenik Collection
Ex CNG5 commentsJason T

Akarnania, Leukas. Pegasus and Athena Stater.Greece. Akarnania. 320-280 BC. AR Stater (8.57 gm, 21.1mm, 3h) of Leukas on Corinthian standard. Pegasos flying right; Λ below. / Head of Athena right wearing plain Corinthian helmet over leather cap; grape vine above amphora and A to left. VF. Bt. Herakles Numismatics, 2017. Calciati Pegasi II p.426 #128; BCD Akarnania 275; SNG Cop 3 (Epirus-Acarnania) #355; BMC Corinth 89 (pl.36 #15); HGC 4 #827; McClean II #5355-6 (pl.195 #10). cf. Jean Elsen Auction 151 #35 (same dies).Anaximander

Akarnania, Leukas. Pegasus and Athena Stater.Greece. Akarnania. c. 350-320 BC. AR Stater (8.39 gm, 21.0mm, 3h) of Leukas. Pegasus, with pointed wing, flying right. Λ below. / Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet over leather cap. Λ and pistrix (sea snake or hippocamp) behind. VF. Pegasi Numismatics Auction V #113. Calciati Pegasi II p.421 #107; ACNAC Dewing 1817; BCD Akarnania 225.3; BMC Corinth 69; HGC 4 #823; McClean II #5336 (pl.194 #12). SNG Cop - . cf. CNG EA 269 #75 (same dies).1 commentsAnaximander

Akarnania. LeukasAkarnania. Leukas circa 320-280 BC.
Stater AR

20mm., 8,10g.

Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet / Pegasos flying left, Λ below.

very fine

Cf. BMC 101.3 commentsRandygeki(h2)

Akragas. Eagle and Crab StaterGreek Sicily. Akragas. 495-485 BC. AR Stater, Didrachm (8.69 gm, 19.1mm, 3h) on Attic standard. Eagle left, wings folded; AKRA above in large letters; faint circular border. / Crab in round shallow incuse. VF. Bt. Gables Coin, 1999. Westermark Akragas period I group II #133 (O54/R85); SNG ANS 3 #927 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 791 (same dies); HGC 2 #93; SNG Cop 1 (Sicily) #24. cf. Jenkins Gela group IIc plate 37 #8; NAC Auction 110 #5 (same dies).2 commentsAnaximander

Alexander III Athena / Nike AV StaterKINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC. AV Stater (17.5mm, 8.65 g, 11h). Sidon mint. Struck under Menes. Dated RY 7 of Abdalonymos (327/6 BC).
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent, and necklace
R: AÎ›EÎžANÎ”POY, Nike standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and cradling stylis in left arm; palm frond and date (in Phoenician) to left, Î£I below left wing.

- Price 3482; Newell, Dated 21 (dies –/Î± [unlisted obv. die]); Rouvier 1171; DCA 867. From the rare, earliest issue of dated Sidon staters.

Abdalonymos was a gardener, but of royal descent, who was made king of Sidon by Alexander the Great in 332 BC. After Alexander the Great had Sidon under siege, he gave permission to Hephaestion to bestow its crown on whom he pleased. Hephaestion offered it to two brothers with whom he lodged, but they thankfully declined it, alleging that according to their local laws, it could only be worn by one of royal blood. Being desired to point out such a person, they named Abdalonymos - the gardener, who, notwithstanding his birth, had fallen into such poverty, that he supported himself by the cultivation of a kitchen garden.
Hephaestion directed the brothers to carry the royal crown and robes to Abdalonymos. They obeyed, and found him weeding in his garden. After causing him to wash, they invested him with the ensigns of royalty, and conducted him to Alexander. This prince, who discerned in him an aspect not unworthy of his origin, turning to those around him and said 'I wish to know how he bore his poverty.'-'Would to heaven,' replied Abdalonymos, 'I may as well bear my prosperity! These hands have ministered to all my necessities; and as I possessed nothing, I wanted nothing'. Alexander was so well pleased with this reply, that he confirmed the nomination of Hephaestion, and gave the new king the palace and private estate of Strato his predecessor, and even augmented his dominions from the neighbouring country.5 commentsNemonater

Alexander III AV Stater (Pregnant Nike?)Greek (Hellenistic). Kings of Macedon, Alexander III "The Great" (336-323 BCE) AV Stater (19mm, 8.48g, ~12h). Uncertain mint (Salamis?), struck c. 325-310 BCE.
Obv: Head of Athena right wearing Corinthian helmet with crest.
Rev: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ / ΗΔΟ. Nike standing l. holding wreath in r. hand, stylis in l. Eagle below l., monogram r.
Ref: Price 797 (Uncertain Greek/Macedon); Müller 184 (Aphytis).
Prov: Ex-Morton & Eden Auction 104, Lot 44 (London at Sotheby's, 14 Nov 2019)
Notes: Based on the eagle I would lean toward Salamis, but there's little evidence one way or the other. As Reid Goldsborough aptly noted, "Nike is typically svelte, but on some varieties she looks as if she could be pregnant (see Price 797)"![LINK].2 commentsCurtis JJ

Alexander III Tetradrachm Price 2999KINGS OF MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’, 336-323 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 25 mm, 17.13 g, 12 h), Tarsos, struck under Balakros or Menes, circa 333-327.
O: Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress.
R: AÎ›EÎžANÎ”POY Zeus seated left on low throne, holding long scepter in his left hand and eagle standing right with closed wings in his right.
- Price 2999. A rare early and unusual issue from Tarsos, "Officina B", bearing no symbol.

Alexander the Great (356 B.C.–323 B.C.) has been recognized as the greatest stratelates (roughly, ‘general’) in history. His army consisted of 30,000 infantryman and 5,000 cavalrymen. In 334 B.C., when he was 22 years old, he embarked on a campaign starting from the capital of Macedonia, Pella, and he created the Macedonian Empire within 8 years, by 326 B.C. The Macedonian Empire extended from Greece to India and North Africa. Alexander fought in the front lines in every battle, thereby encouraging his fellow warriors to do their best. He was never a spectator in battles, and the rear line was not for him. In each battle, just as any of his soldiers, he faced the risk of not seeing the sunset. He was in danger of “dining in Hades,” as they said about soldiers who died during battle. All his soldiers saw Alexander’s back in every battle.

By comparing these early Tarsos tetradrachms to the staters of Mazaios (Pictured below) it is easy to see the identical forms of the throne, scepter, footstool and other details. The drapery is rendered in a similar manner, the Aramaic inscription of the one and the Greek inscription of the other share the same curve following the dotted border. This evidence indicates the two series of coins were the common product of a single mint.

2 commentsNemonater

Alexander III The Great Lifetime Issue Drachm ! Signed by the artist Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander III The Great, 336 - 323 B.C.

Silver drachm, Price 2090A, ADM I 80 (same dies), VF, 4.214g, 16.0mm, 0o, Miletos mint, lifetime issue, c. 325 - 323 B.C.; obverse Herakles' head right, clad in Nemean lion scalp headdress tied at neck, K on lion's jaw behind Herakles' ear; reverse ALEXANDROU, Zeus seated left, legs uncrossed, right leg forward, feet on footstool, eagle in extended right, long scepter vertical behind in left, monogram before;

EX; FORVM Ancient Coins ' Shop.

Lifetime Issue! Signed by the artist!(?) The K behind Herakles ear had traditionally been identified as the signature of the artist. Matt Kreuzer, however, believes the K (the Greek numeral 20) was used c. 325 B.C. to introduce the Attic drachm to Miletos by indicating either that 20 of these was equal to a gold stater, or that one of these drachm was equal to 20 of the 3 to 4 gram bronzes circulating at the time.

*With my sincere thank and appreciation , Photo and Description courtesy of FORVM Ancient Coins Staff.

**This coin is considered as Best of The Type :
http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-108526

From The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Sam

Alexander III, 336-323 BC; Sidon 333-305 BCAV stater, 8.54g, VF
Head Athena right wearing crested Corinthian helmet / AΛEΞANΔPOY, winged Nike standing 3/4 to left, holding wreath and stylis; barley corn in right field.
Price 3464; Newell (Dated) 6, pl. 1, #9
Consigned to ForvmLawrence W

Alyattes hemihekteKINGS of LYDIA. Alyattes. Circa 610-560 BC. EL Hemihekte – 1/12 Stater (7mm, 1.07 g). Sardes mint. Head of roaring lion right, chevron-style mane; sun on forehead / Incuse square punch. Weidauer group XV, 79-85.

Provenance: CNG el 247Caffaro

AmathusAmathus Cyprus
AR Ninety-sixth-stater, Hemitetartemorio
5th Cent B.C
Obverse:Forepart of lion right
Reverse:Lion lying left??

05.32mm 0.11gm

Unpublishedmaik

Anaktorion Stater BMC 681 comments

Ancient Greek Coin Collection From Sixth to First Centuries B.C.Here are the coins I started collecting from 2012 to present. As Aristotle wrote two millennia ago that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, there is no better way to present a collection of Greeks than to put them all together in a single shot. (Please click on picture for bigger resolution and to show greater details on coins).

Top row from left to right: AEOLIS, MYRINA. AR "Stephanophoric" Tetradrachm. Circa 150 BC**ILLYRIA, DYRRHACHION. AR Stater. Circa 340-280 BC**IONIA, SMYRNA. AR “Stephanophoric” Tetradrachm. Circa 150-145 BC** PELOPONNESOS, SIKYON. AR Stater. Circa 335-330 BC**ATTICA, ATHENS. “New style” Tetradrachm. Circa 169 BC.

Fifth row: BACTRIA, Antialkidas. AR Drachm. Circa 145-135 BC**CAPPADOCIA. Ariobarzanes I AR Drachm. Circa 96-63 BC**THRACE, ABDERA. AR Tetrobol. Circa 360-350 BC**THRACE, CHERSONESSOS. AR Hemidrachm. Circa 386-338 BC.

Fourth row: LUCANIA, METAPONTION. AR Stater. Circa 510-480 BC**THESSALIAN LEAGUE. AR Stater. Circa 196-146 BC**MACEDONIA. Kassander AR Tetradrachm. Circa 317-315 BC**AKARNANIA, LEUKAS. AR Stater. Circa 320-280 BC**PAMPHYLIA, ASPENDOS. AR Stater. Circa 330-300 BC.

Third row: SELEUKID SYRIA. Antiochos VI AR Drachm. Circa 144-143 BC**LUCANIA, METAPONTION. AR Stater. Circa 340-330 BC**LUCANIA, VELIA. AR Stater. Circa 280 BC**PARTHIA. Mithradates II AR Drachm. Circa 121-91 BC.

Second row: MYSIA, PERGAMMON. Eumenes I AR Tetradrachm. Circa 263-241 BC**CILICIA, TARSOS. Mazaios AR Stater. Circa 361-334 BC**THRACE. Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 297-281 BC**CILICIA, TARSOS. Pharnabazos AR Stater. Circa 380-374 BC**THRACE, MARONEIA. AR Tetradrachm. Mid 2nd cent. BC.

Bottom row: SELEUKID SYRIA. Antiochos Euergetes VII AR Tetradrachm. Circa 138-129 BC**MACEDON. Alexander III AR Tetradrachm. Circa 325-315 BC**CILICIA, AIGEAI. AR Tetradrachm. Circa 30 BC**PAIONIA. Patraos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 335-315 BC**PAMPHYLIA, SIDE. AR Tetradrachm. Circa 155-36 BC.
10 commentsJason T

Ancients: BRUTTIUM. Caulonia. Late 6th century BC. AR stater or nomos (29mm, 7.36 gm, 12h).BRUTTIUM. Caulonia. Late 6th century BC. AR stater or nomos (29mm, 7.36 gm, 12h). NGC XF 5/5 - 2/5, brushed. Ca. 530 BC. KAVΛ (retrograde), full-length figure of Apollo, nude, advancing right, torso turned facing, olive branch in raised right hand, pursuing Daphne running right, transforming into laurel tree with branches as arms; Θ above stag standing right in right field, head reverted, guilloche border / KAVΛ, incuse of obverse, reversed save for ethnic and serpent replacing Daphne, which are in relief; striated border on incuse band. Noe 35a. SNG ANS 153.2 commentsMark R1

Ancients: LUCANIA. Poseidonia. Ca. 470-420 BC. AR stater (19mm, 7.79 gm, 5h).LUCANIA. Poseidonia. Ca. 470-420 BC. AR stater (19mm, 7.79 gm, 5h). NGC Choice VF 5/5 - 2/5, brushed, edge marks. ΠΟΣEΣ, Poseidon striding right, nude but for chlamys spread across shoulders, brandishing trident in right hand / ΠΟΣE (retrograde); bull standing right on ground line. SNG ANS 635.3 commentsMark R1

Aphrodite and Ares on Cilician AR Stater of Satrap PharnabazosCirca 380-374/3 B.C.(21mm, 10.39g, 11h). Struck circa 380-379 B.C. Casabonne series 3; Moysey Issue 3, 3-5 var. (dolphin on obv.); SNG France 246 var. (rev. legend). Obverse Head of nymph facing three-quarters left. Reverse Helmeted head of Ares left, Aramaic PRNBZW to left. Near EF, toned, struck from a slightly worn obverse die.

Ex CNG.

There is still an ongoing debate whether who represent the obverse and reverse of this coin type of Pharnabazos. The obverse obviously was inspired by the renowned Syracusan tetradrachm of Kimon, whose three-quarter facing head of the nymph Arethusa was widely copied throughout the ancient world. A handful of ancient poleis adopted this style to represent their local nymph or goddess on their coins. A perfect example is the numerous coins of Larissa in Thessaly representing the local nymph of the same name. It is possible to assume then that the obverse of our coin might be another female deity other than Arethusa. A current opinion holds that the obverse represents Aphrodite, the goddess of love; and the reverse depicts Ares, the god of war. The two were known in ancient mythology as lovers, and commonly paired together on ancient coins. Of special note on this coin is the reverse: while most coins of this type display static male heads with little originality, the reverse die is probably from a special issue marked by superior style and executed with extreme delicacy. It has been suggested (Leu Auction 81, lot 317) that the head of Ares may be a disguised portrait of Pharnabazos himself.

1 commentsJason T

Apollonia Pontica Topalov 07 - Silver DrachmSilver Drachm
4.00 gm, 15 mm
Obv: Upright anchor with thin flukes and a thin stock; blank to left, crayfish to right
Rev.: Swastika arms bent left, deeply engraved into flan
Topalov Apollonia p. 564, 7; BMC Mysia p.8, 1; Pl.II, 1;
HGC 3, 1314; SNG BM Black Sea 148 var. (clockwise swastika);
SNG Bulgaria (Ruse) II 53-54, (494-470 BC, Reduced Milesian standard trite (1/3 stater))

Topalov Type 7: Silver Drachmas (?)/tetrobols (?) (as per the system of Aegina) (550-540/535 B.C.) type “upright anchor, a crab viewed sideways – swastika in a deep groove”
Obv.: Upright anchor with thin flukes and a thin stock. Side view of the additional symbol of a crab right between the fluke and the stock.
Rev.: Schematic view of a swastika with rounded arms bent to the left deeply engraved in the flan.
Jaimelai

Apollonia Pontica Topalov 07 - Silver DrachmSilver Drachm
4.12 gm, 14 mm
Obv: Upright anchor with thin flukes and a thin stock; blank to left, crayfish to right
Rev.: Swastika arms bent left, deeply engraved into flan
Topalov Apollonia p. 564, 7; BMC Mysia p.8, 1; Pl.II, 1;
HGC 3, 1314; SNG BM Black Sea 148 var. (clockwise swastika);
SNG Bulgaria (Ruse) II 53-54, (494-470 BC, Reduced Milesian standard trite (1/3 stater))

Topalov Type 7: Silver Drachmas (?)/tetrobols (?) (as per the system of Aegina) (550-540/535 B.C.) type “upright anchor, a crab viewed sideways – swastika in a deep groove”
Obv.: Upright anchor with thin flukes and a thin stock. Side view of the additional symbol of a crab right between the fluke and the stock.
Rev.: Schematic view of a swastika with rounded arms bent to the left deeply engraved in the flan.Jaimelai

Apollonia Pontica Topalov 09 - Silver Drachm550-540/535 B.C.
3.94 gm, 12-16 mm
Obv: Upright anchor with thin flukes and a thin stock; blank to left, crayfish to right
Rev.: Swastika arms bent right, deeply engraved into flan;
Topalov Apollonia p. 564, 9; BMC Mysia p.8, 1; Pl.II, 1;
HGC 3, 1314; SNG BM Black Sea 148;
SNG Bulgaria (Ruse) II 55-58, (494-470 BC, Reduced Milesian standard trite (1/3 stater))

Topalov Type 9: Upright Anchor a crab viewed sideways – Swastika in a deep grove (550-540/535 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with thin flukes and a thin stock. Side view of the additional symbol of a crab right between the fluke and the stock.
Rev.: Schematic view of a swastika with arms bent to the right deeply engraved in the flan.

Jaimelai

AR Stater of Aspendos in Pamphylia 420-370 BCObverse: Two wrestlers grappling, dotted circular border
Reverse: Slinger throwing right with triskeles in field. Square dotted border. {ES} TFED{PYS} the ethnic name of Aspendos in vertical letters to left.

The activities depict Olympic events of the time. The weight of 10.9 grams represents 2 siglos(~5.5 gm), the Persian standard of weight rather than the Greek drachm standard. SNGFr 54 (ref. Wildwinds)daverino

AR Stater of Tarsos, Cilicia in the name of the Satrap Mazaios 361-334BCOBVERSE: Baal of Tarsos enthroned left, holding eagle, corn-ear with bunch of grapes in right hand and lotus-headed scepter in left; Aramaic legend to right Baal Tarz.
REVERSE: Lion on the back of a kneeling bull which it attacks with teeth and claws., above is Aramaic legend Mazdai all within circles of dots.
Sear 5650 B.M.C. 21.171,21

Mazaios was the Satrap of Cilicia under the Persian monarchs. He made the wise decision of allying himself with Alexander when he showed up on the frontier of his territory. Alexander could be very generous to local rulers when they saw things his way and Mazaios was given a position in the new order. The coin is particularly interesting because the mage of Baal is clearly the prototype for 'Zeus Aetophoros' on the subsequent Alexandrine coinage.
Most test cuts are probably done by striking with a sharp chisel. The very deep and shaped cut here must have been done with some kind of highly levered tool like a modern bolt cutter.
Weight 10.8 gramsdaverino

AR Stater of the Corieltauvi[VOLIS]IOS between three lines in wreath.
R. Disjointed horse left.
[DU]NOVELA[UNOS]1 comments

Arados, AR 1/12 staterArados, Phoenicia, AR 1/12 stater = Obol. c 340 B.C. 0,8 g, 9 mm. Head of Melkart right / Two Phoenician letters, galley right, waves below. SGCV II S 5980.Podiceps

Arados, Phoenicia, ca. 430-380 BC. AR 1/3 StaterArados, Phoenicia: Uncertain king, 430-380 BC. AR 1/3 Stater, Tetrobol, 13 mm, 3.06 gm. Obv: Ba’al-Arwad right, holding dolphin in each hand. Rev: Galley right; below, hippocamp right.
Betlyon 6; Rouvier 38; HGC 10, 39. _9400Antonivs Protti

Arados. AR stater, Malkart/ Galley on wavesPhoenicia, Arados. AR stater (10.06g; 20.7mm) c. 400-350 B.C. Laureate male head (Melkart) r. Galley right, on waves. SNG Copenhagen 10-22; Ex Gert Boersema, photo credit Gert BoersemaPodiceps

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