First Bimetallic Coinage
101.
Lydia, Croesus
; 561-546 BC, Stater, 10.46g. 100 Greatest Ancient Coins, by
Harlan J. Berk-p. 12, #19. Die Münzprägung des Kroisos, #20, Harlan J. Berk, Münzen
Revue 9/1997. SNG Kayhan-1018. Obv: Confronted foreparts of lion r. and bull l. Rx:
Two incuse squares of unequal size. Ex CNG 81, May 2009, lot 540. The first bi-
metallic coinage. The coinage of Croesus is significant because it follows right after the
introduction of coinage and also because Croesus introduced the concept of exclusively
silver or exclusively gold coins. These coins were minted in Lydia, in Asia Minor or
modern-day western Turkey. There is some wear on the coin but images are clear and
centering is quite good. Porous looking surfaces when examined with a loupe. aVF.....
1950
102.
Lydia, Croesus
; 561-546 BC, 1/6 stater, 1.71g. Rosen-667. 100 Greatest Ancient
Coins, by Harlan J. Berk-p. 12, #25. Die Münzprägung des Kroisos, #25, Harlan J.
Berk, Münzen Revue 9/1997. Obv: Confronted foreparts of lion r. and bull l. Rx: Two
incuse squares of unequal size. This series from Lydia minted under Croesus represents
a time of change in coinage with the very first bimetallic pieces. This is among the
smaller denominations as a 1/6 stater. The coin is indeed small at only 11 mm, however
is visually interesting with the opposing bull/lion image. A fascinating piece of history.
Good VF...................................................................................................................1250
103.
Caria, Bargylia
; 2nd-1st centuries BC. Trihemiobol, 1.30g. Obv: Bust ofArtemis
(Kindyas?) r., quiver at left shoulder, Rx: Forepart of stag kneeling r., head turned back.
Dotted border. Not in Troxell, Carians in Miniature, Festschrift Mildenberg; SNG
von Aulock, SNG Cop., SNG Keckman, SNG Munich, BMC, Winterthur, McClean.
Perhaps unpublished, but see the hemiobols already ascribed to Bargylia: Gorny &
Mosch 156 (2007), lot 1463; MMAG Germany 30 (2009), lot 560. For related series
of Bargylia, see W. Weiser, Zur Münzprägung von Iasos und Bargylia, in W. Blümel,
Die Inschriften von Iasos II, IGSK 28, 2 (Bonn 1985), pp. 170-185. Furthermore, see
F. Imhoof-Blumer, Kleinasiatische Münzen I (Vienna 1901), p. 127. The stag on the
reverse is reminiscent of the coins of Phanes, from Ionia. Ionia, a neighbor of the
Carians in Asia Minor, now western Turkey were the first to mint coinage as we know
it. The stag appears to be an important symbol from this area. Bold Fine................500
104.
Caria, Bargylia
; c. 1st cent. BC, Hemidrachm, 2.14g. SNG Aulock-8074, BMC
Caria-, SNG Cop-, SNG Helsinki-22. Obv: Veiled head of Artemis Kindys r. Rx:
ΒΑΡΓΥ / ΛΙΗΤΩΝ, Stag standing r. with rose below. Ex Superior 30 May 1995, lot
7585. A great deal of pitting and porous surfaces but lovely imagery. Slightly off-center.
The coin is 15mm in diameter. VF.............................................................................500
105.
Caria, Mylasa
; Drachm, Caria, Mylasa, c. 175-150 BC, 2.06g. R. Ashton, “The
Pseudo-Rhodian Drachms of Mylasa”, NC (1992), unlisted obverse die, (A-/P162).
Obv: Head of Helios with standing eagle on left side of cheek; Rx: Rose, to either
side of stalk: Ξ - A above, monograms below. ΞA is the abbreviation for the month of
ΞANΔIKOΣ in the Macedonian calendar. Lovely imagery and high relief. Mint State..
...................................................................................................................................425
Extremely Rare Mylasa Tetradrachms
106.
Caria, Mylasa
; Tetradrachm, Caria, Mylasa, c. 175-150 BC, 8.86g. R. Ashton,
“The Pseudo-Rhodian Drachms of Mylasa”, NC 1992, pp. 1-39. Tetradrachm
specifically discussed on p. 22, G var. (monogram in reverse right field is reverted) pl.
10. Akarca pl. 2, 11 var. SNGAulock 2863 var. SNG Kayhan 842 var., cf. R. Ashton and
G. Reger in Agoranomia. Studies in Money and Exchange Presented to John H. Kroll
(NewYork 2006), p. 137, pl. 6, 200. Obv: Rose with two buds. In inner left field, Μ. Rx:
IΑ-Α Eagle standing right on palm branch, spreading wings. In right field, ΔΑ. Very
few of these coins exist and these are among the finest. This example was struck in the
month of May, year yet undertermined. Until these two coins and the one in Gemini VI
were published, only two of these coins were recorded. Mint State........................6000
107.
Caria, Rhodes
; 387-304 BC, Didrachm, 6.61g. Pozzi-2689. Obv: Head of Helios.
Rx: Rose. High relief. Toned EF / Good VF..............................................................685
108.
Pamphylia, Aspendus
; c. 370-330 BC, Stater, 10.75g. BMC-46, SNG von
Aulock-4557. Obv: Two wrestlers; the l. one holds the l. arm of his opponent with both
hands, the opponent grasping with r. hand his r. wrist; control mark KI in between legs.
Rx: ΕΣΤFΕΔΙΙΥΣ Slinger, wearing short chiton, discharging sling to r.; triskeles to r.;
all within incuse square. ΕΣΤFΕΔΙΙΥΣ behind. EF / VF.........................................350
109.
Pamphylia, Side
; c. 470-440 BC, Stater, 10.73g. SNG von Aulock-4765 (same
dies), SNG Paris BN-628. Obv: Pomegranate. Rx: Head of Athena r. In upper r. field,
bough. All within square incuse. EF.......................................................................5750
110.
Pamphylia, Side
; 2nd Century BC, Tetradrachm, 16.49g. SNG von Aulock-4782.
Obv: Athena head r. in Corinthian helmet. Rx: Nike l. holding wreath, pomegranate and
DI in l. field. VF.......................................................................................................525
111.
Cilicia, Celenderis
; 425-400 BC, Obol, 0.76g. SNG von Aulock-5635. Obv:
Pegasus forepart r. with curved wing. Rx: Goat kneeling r., looking l. Toned VF...400
112.
Cilicia, Mallus
; 425-385 BC, Stater, 10.41g. SNG Paris BN-380, SNG Von
Aulock-5708. Obv: Beardless male winged figure with plume on head, naked to the
waist, running r. with bent knees, holding with both hands a disk with star. Rx: Swan
standing l. with leaf symbol to l. and ankh to r.; above, M[AP]. Ex Superior, 30 May
1995, lot 7667. Test cut on reverse at 2h. Porous surfaces on the obverse. Reverse shows
a lovely swan. Fine / VF.............................................................................................650
113.
Cilicia, Tarsus
; 361-334 BC, Stater, 10.89g. SNG Paris BN-335. Obv: Baal
of Tarsus enthroned l., head facing, holding eagle, wheat ear and bunch of grapes in
r. hand, lotus-headed scepter in l.; behind, Aramaic legend (= Baal tarz). Rx: Lion
attacking bull; above, Aramaic legend (= Mazdai). Mint State..............................1200
114.
Phoenicia, Aradus
; 137-46 BC. c. 87/86 BC. Tetradrachm, 14.80g. BMC-230.
Obv: Head of city goddess Tyche, wearing veil and turreted crown, Rx: Victory left,
within wreath. High relief but struck from worn dies. Porous surfaces but pleasantly
struck. Good VF.........................................................................................................275
115.
Syria,Antiochus II Theos
; 261-246 BC.Antioch on the Orontes, Tetradrachm,
17.01g. SC-571.1. Obv: Diademed portrait of Antiochus II r., Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ
ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ Apollo, slight drapery on r. thigh, seated l. on omphalos, testing arrow
and resting l. hand on bow, control marks far left and right of flan. Pleasantly struck
porous surfaces. Good VF..........................................................................................575
116.
Syria,Antiochus II Theos
; 261-246 BC.Antioch on the Orontes, Tetradrachm,
16.95g. SC-571.2. Obv: Diademed portrait of Antiochus r., Rx: Apollo with slight
drapery on r. thigh, seated l. on omphalos, testing arrow and resting l. hand on bow,
control marks l. and r. in outer fields. VF.................................................................575
117.
Syria, Antiochus II Theos
; 261-246 BC, Seleucia-on-the-Tigris, Tetradrachm,
16.87g. SC-587.1. Seleucia-on-the-Tigris, Obv: Diademed portrait of Antiochus I r.,
Rx: Apollo with slight drapery on r. thigh, seated l. on omphalos, testing arrow and
resting l. hand on bow, control marks l. and r. in outer fields. Pleasant with minor
surface abrasions. VF+...............................................................................................575
118.
Syria, Seleucus III Soter (Ceraunus)
; 226-223 BC, Antioch mint,
Tetradrachm, 16.99g. SC-921.4 var. (no left control mark, however, same obv. die).
Antioch-on-the-Orontes, Obv: Diademed head of Seleucus III r., with long sideburn,
dotted border. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ on r., ΣΕΛΕΥΚΟΥ on l., Apollo, slight drapery on r.
thigh, seated l. on omphalos, testing arrow and resting l. hand on grounded bow. Minor
surface abrasions, otherwise nicely centered and good silver. VF+...........................700
119.
Syria, Antiochus III the Great
; 223-187 BC, Tetradrachm, 17.15g. SC-
1030. Tarsus mint, Obv: Diademed head of Antiochus III r., with youthful features
and short sideburns. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ on r., ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ on l., Apollo, slight drapery
on r. thigh, seated l. on omphalos, testing arrow and resting l. hand on grounded bow.
Control marks in outer left and right fields. Pleasant VF.........................................450
120.
Syria, Antiochus III the Great
; 223-187 BC. Antioch on the Orontes,
Series I, c. 223-211/10 BC, Tetradrachm, 17.02g. SC-1041.1. Obv: Diademed head
of Antiochus III r. (Type Ai), with youthful features, long sideburn, hair in bangs
over forehead, diadem ends falling down straight, fillet border. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ on
r., ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ on l., Apollo, slight drapery on r. thigh, seated l. on omphalos, testing
arrow and resting l. hand on grounded bow. Control marks in upper outer left field.
Pleasant VF.................................................................................................................500
121.
Syria, Antiochus III the Great
; 223-187 BC. Antioch on the Orontes,
Series I, c. 223-211/0 BC, Tetradrachm, 16.94g. SC-1042.1. Obv: Diademed head of
Antiochus III r. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ on r., ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ on l., Apollo nude, seated l. on
omphalos, testing arrow and resting l. hand on grounded bow. Control mark in outer left
field. Minor surface abrasions. aVF...........................................................................425
122.
Syria, Antiochus III The Great
; 223-187 BC. Uncertain mint, possibly
Apamea. Drachm, 3.96g. SC-1065. Obv: Head of Antiochus III r. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ
ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟY Elephant r. with monogram before head. Ex Hirsch, 22-23 September
2011, lot 4001. Acquired from Scheiner in Ingolstadt in 1985 Antiochus III called
himself “the Great” as a homage to his predecessor Alexander. UnfortunatelyAntiochus
was unable to reclaim his empire and after the Battle of Magnesia lost precious Seleucid
territory to the Romans in 190 B.C. The image of an elephant in his coinage is important
to recognize. Elephants were used as a fierce animal in the war process. Antiochus III
actively used elephants as a tool for transportation and a show of strength in his battles.
This coin is reasonably well-centered. Obverse has wear and was obviously struck on
worn dies. The reverse is in very nice condition. VF...............................................1500
123.
Syria, Antiochus III
; 223-187 BC. Rose Mint, Perhaps Edessa, From c. 213 BC,
Tetradrachm, 17.13g. SC-1121.2c. Obv: Diademed head of Antiochus III r. (Type Aii),
with hair in bangs over forehead and rather mature expression, diadem ends falling
straight behind. Dotted border. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ on r., ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ on l., Apollo, slight
drapery on r. thigh, seated l. on omphalos, testing arrow and resting l. hand on grounded
bow. Control marks of rose in outer left field and monogram in right field. Some minor
surface abrasions. EF..................................................................................................950
124.
Syria, Antiochus III the Great
; 223-187 BC. Seleucia on the Tigris, First
Reign, Before the Revolt of Molon, c. 223-221 BC, Tetradrachm, 17.01g. SC-1154.2.
Obv: Diademed head of Antiochus III r. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ on r., ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ on l.,
Apollo nude, seated l. on omphalos, testing arrow and resting l. hand on grounded bow.
Control marks in left, right and exergue fields. Minor surface abrasions. aVF.........375
125.
Syria, Antiochus VII
; 138-129 BC, Tetradrachm, 16.28g. SC-2061.4b. Obv:
Diademed head of Antiochus VII r., fillet border. Rx: Athena standing l., holding Nike
in outstretched r. hand, resting l. on shield, and holding spear with l. arm; monograms
lower left, Φ in inner r. field, laurel wreath border. From the same obverse die as SC pl.
33, 2061.4c. aEF / VF+............................................................................................450
Budget Ptolemy II Decadrachm
126.
Ptolemaic, PtolemyII
; c. 261-253 BC, Decadrachm, 32.27g. Troxell,ANSMN
28-p. 42 (group II), Svoronos-495. Obv: Diademed and veiled head of Arsinoe II r.,
wearing stephane; behind head, uncertain letter (most probably Π). Rx: ΑΡΣΙΝΟΗΣ
ΦΙΛΑΔΕΛΦΟΥ Double cornucopia, filleted. Dotted border. Rough surfaces. A highly
sought after large Ptolemaic denomination for a budget price. Fine..........................800
Silphium Plant
127.
Cyrenaica, Cyrene
; 308-277 BC, Didrachm, 7.73g. BMC-245. Obv: Head
of Karneios l. Rx: Silphium plant. The Silphium plant was used for seasoning and
medicine in antiquity. The plant was considered a valuable commodity and was much
prized. Unfortunately the plant is now extinct. Lovely piece with beautiful strike and
cabinet toning. Minimal wear.. aEF.........................................................................1500
Amazing Cyrene
128.
Cyrenaica, Cyrene
; c. 435-331 BC, Tetradrachm, 12.93g. BMC-73. Obv:
Silphium plant with six leaves, K - V / P - A across field at corners of plant. Rx: Head
of Ammon wearing ram’s horn with short curly hair and scraggly beard.
Ex Frank L. Kovacs
Ex Nilus Coins
Ex G. Hirsch 275, 22 September 2011, lot 4150
Ex Schweizer Bankverein Zurich 33, September 1993, lot 463
Ex Christie’s, 22 April 1986, lot 48
The Greek cities of the Cyrenaica, namely Cyrene and Barce, were one of the main
suppliers of grain for the Mediterranean (in one instance, they even saved mainland
Greece from starvation). As long as the grain trade flourished, the Cyrenaica enjoyed
prosperity. The revenues from the silphium trade were also important. Silphium, a plant
that is likely to be extinct since antiquity, was used as medicine; its importance to the
ancient economy of the Cyrenaica is underlined by the fact that both Barce and Cyrene
used it as a badge on their coins. The other side of their coins displays a head of Zeus
in a version specific to North Africa, with the horns of a ram, thus equivalent to the
Egyptian god Amun. Zeus-Ammon, as the Greeks called him, was introduced to the
Greek pantheon as early as the early fifth century. According to ancient sources the
