BRITAIN. Atrebates & Regni. Eppillus, circa 10 BC-AD 10. Quinarius.
Price: CHF 1’250.00
Sold
BRITAIN. Atrebates & Regni. Eppillus, circa 10 BC-AD 10. Quinarius (Silver, 11 mm, 1.33 g, 9 h), 'Grapevine' type. Bearded male head to right within wreath. Rev. EPPI - COM Boar to right. ABC 1163. Flesche 118 (this coin). Van Arsdell 416-1. Rare. Beautifully toned. The obverse struck slightly off center and with light scratches, otherwise, about extremely fine.
From the collection of C. Flesche, Künker 366, 5 April 2022, 6046, privately acquired between 1995 and 2010
BRITAIN. Atrebates & Regni. Verica, circa 10-40. 1/4 Stater.
Price: CHF 2’000.00
Sold
BRITAIN. Atrebates & Regni. Verica, circa 10-40. 1/4 Stater (Subaeratus, 11 mm, 1.33 g, 1 h). COM - FILI Stylized thunderbolt with central pellet-in-annulet. Rev. VIR Horse galloping right; below, pellet-in-annulet. ABC 1205. Flesche 21 (this coin). Hobbs 1217-21. Van Arsdell 468-1. Very rare. An attractively toned and perfectly centered piece. Light scratches and with minor breaks in plating, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.
From the collection of C. Flesche, Künker 366, 5 April 2022, 6052 and ex Vecchi 2, 12 September 1996, 976
NORTHWEST GAUL. Aulerci Eburovices. Late 2nd to first half of 1st century BC. Half Stater.
NORTHWEST GAUL. Aulerci Eburovices. Late 2nd to first half of 1st century BC. Half Stater (Electrum, 17 mm, 3.29 g, 3 h), 'au sanglier' type. Celticized male head to left, with a boar standing left at his neck. Rev. Celticized horse galloping to left with stylized horseman above; below, boar standing left. DT 2407. Flesche 1999 (this coin). LT -. Nicely toned and well struck for the issue. Good very fine.
From the collection of C. Flesche, Künker 366, 5 April 2022, 6158 and ex Auctiones AG 25, 19 June 1995, 1215
NORTHWEST GAUL. Carnutes. Circa 60-30/25 BC. AE.
NORTHWEST GAUL. Carnutes. Circa 60-30/25 BC. AE (Bronze, 16 mm, 2.47 g, 3 h), 'Toutobocio-Atepilos' type. TOVTOBO-CIO Male head to left. Rev. ATE-PIL-OS Lion walking to right. DT 2596-2597. Flesche -. LT 6361. SLM -. A beautiful, well centered example with lovely earthen deposits on a dark olive green patina. Nearly extremely fine.
Ex Leu 16, 19 October 2024, 4 and previously from the L.I.M.B. Collection of Celtic coins, formed over the past two decades
ETRURIA. Populonia. Circa 300-250 BC. 20 Asses.
ETRURIA. Populonia. Circa 300-250 BC. 20 Asses (Silver, 21 mm, 7.91 g). Diademed facing head of Metus with protruding tongue; below, X:X (mark of value). Rev. Blank except for globular perturbance. EC Group XII, 47 (O12/R17). HGC 1, 111. HN Italy 152. SNG Paris 8 (same obverse die). A lovely example with attractive iridescent toning. Minor deposits on the reverse, otherwise, about extremely fine.
From the Mark and Lottie Salton Collection, Stack's Bowers, 14 January 2022, 4010 (with collector's ticket), acquired well before 2011
ETRURIA. Populonia. Circa 300-250 BC. 10 Asses.
ETRURIA. Populonia. Circa 300-250 BC. 10 Asses (Silver, 18 mm, 4.22 g). Laureate and slightly bearded head of Aplu to left; to right, X (mark of value). Rev. Blank. EC Group XVI, Series 70.136 (this coin, O1). HGC 1, 120. HN Italy 168. SNG ANS 26 (same dies). SNG Paris 44 (same obverse die). Well centered and with a fine juvenile head of Aplu. The usual minor die wear and with a few faint scratches on the reverse, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.
From the Graeculus Collection, Peus 427, 4 November 2020, 24 and ex Sternberg XXXI, 27 October 1996, 11
CAMPANIA. Neapolis. Circa 275-250 BC. Didrachm or Nomos.
CAMPANIA. Neapolis. Circa 275-250 BC. Didrachm or Nomos (Silver, 20 mm, 7.30 g, 3 h). Diademed head of a nymph to left, wearing pendant erring and pearl necklace; behind, trophy. Rev. ΝΕΟΠΟΛΙΤ[ΩΝ] Man-headed bull walking to right, head facing; above, Nike flying right to crown the bull; below bull, ΙΣ. HN Italy 586. Sambon 518. A beautiful piece of fine style. Minor delaminations on the reverse, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Astarte 1, 11 May 1998, 11
CAMPANIA. Suessa Aurunca. Circa 265-240 BC. Didrachm.
CAMPANIA. Suessa Aurunca. Circa 265-240 BC. Didrachm (Silver, 21 mm, 6.51 g, 6 h). Laureate head of Apollo to right; to left, grain ear. Rev. SVESANO Dioscuros, wearing pileus and holding palm branch tied with a fillet, riding to left with a second horse beside him. HN Italy 447. Sambon 856. SNG Paris 1153 (same dies). Weber 404 (this coin). Beautiful old collection toning and with an excellent pedigree. Minor marks and light scratches and with a flan fault on the reverse, otherwise, good very fine.
From the V. J. E. Ryan Collection, Glendining, 24 November 1950, 1392, ex Ratto, 4 April 1927, 136, and from the collections of Clarence. S. Bement, Naville VI, 28 January 1924, 63 and Sir Herman David Weber (1823-1918)
Sir Hermann David Weber (1823–1918) was a distinguished German-born British physician and a celebrated numismatist. Born in Holzkirchen, Bavaria, he later settled in London, where he built a prominent medical career, notably through his work with the German Hospital in Dalston. A passionate student of ancient coinage, Weber assembled an esteemed collection of Greek and Roman coins, which remains highly regarded in numismatic circles; the catalog of his collection continues to serve as a valuable reference for scholars and collectors alike. His meticulous approach to collecting reflected a deep appreciation for classical art and history. Weber’s legacy extended through his son, Frederick Parkes Weber, a prominent physician and medical historian. Sir Hermann’s contributions to medicine and numismatics ensure his enduring influence in both fields
CALABRIA. Tarentum. Circa 302-280 BC. Didrachm or Nomos.
CALABRIA. Tarentum. Circa 302-280 BC. Didrachm or Nomos (Silver, 22 mm, 7.82 g, 9 h), Arethon, Sa... and Cas..., magistrates. Nude youth riding horse walking to right, raising his right hand to crown the horse's head; above, ΣΑ; below, APE/ΘΩN. Rev. ΤΑΡΑΣ Youthful oikist, nude, riding dolphin to left, holding tripod in his right hand and resting his left on the dolphin; below, CAΣ. HN Italy 957. Vlasto 666-7. Beautiful iridescent collection toning. Struck from slightly worn dies, otherwise, good very fine.
From the collection of J. A. Spranger, Esq., of Trinity College, Cambridge and Florence, Sotheby's, 12 May 1983
CALABRIA. Tarentum. Circa 280 BC. Stater.
CALABRIA. Tarentum. Circa 280 BC. Stater (Gold, 17 mm, 8.59 g, 5 h). Laureate head of Zeus to right; behind neck, monogram of NK. Rev. [TAPANTINΩN] Eagle with open wings standing right on thunderbolt; in lower right field, helmet; to right, ΑΠΟΛ. BMC 4. Fischer-Bossert G37 (V33/R37). HN Italy 983. Very rare. A beautiful coin of excellent style with a long pedigree. Tiny edge marks and the reverse struck slightly off center, otherwise, extremely fine.
Ex Leu 14, 14 October 2023, 9, Chaponnière & Firmenich/Hess-Divo 1, 18-19 May 2010, 14, Numismatica Ars Classica 52, 7 October 2009, 23, Rauch 83, 14 November 2008, 15, Hess-Divo 308, 24 October 2007, 3, from the collection of H. Tronnier, Künker 94, 27 September 2004, 109, ex Auctiones AG 29, 12 June 2003, 475, and from the collection of A. D. Moretti, Numismatica Ars Classica L, 18 May 2001, 1045
This impressive gold stater was likely struck during the early stages of the Pyrrhic War. In this conflict, Pyrrhos of Epeiros, supported by other Diadochi, came to the aid of Tarentum and the Greeks of southern Italy against Roman expansion. Pyrrhos achieved a major victory at the Battle of Herakleia in 280 BC, but the hard-fought Battle of Asculum in 279 BC ended inconclusively, with heavy losses on both sides. According to Plutarch, who described this costly Greek victory, Pyrrhos famously remarked to his officers: "If we are victorious in one more battle with the Romans, we shall be utterly ruined!" (Plut. IX, 21.8).
The adventurous king soon left southern Italy to confront the Carthaginians in Sicily. Although initially successful, his despotic manner alienated the Greeks on the island. Returning to Italy in 275 BC, Pyrrhos suffered a decisive defeat near Maleventum, later renamed Beneventum by the victorious Romans. He retreated to Epeiros and was killed in 272 BC during street fighting in Argos, reportedly after an old woman threw a roof tile at him, leaving him vulnerable to his enemies.
By this time, Metapontion had already fallen to Rome, and Tarentum, where Pyrrhos had left a small garrison, succumbed to a Roman siege shortly thereafter. Subsequent Roman campaigns completed the conquest of southern Italy, paving the way for their focus on Sicily, where the monumental First Punic War (264–241 BC) would soon erupt.
CALABRIA. Tarentum. Circa 280-272 BC. Didrachm or Nomos.
CALABRIA. Tarentum. Circa 280-272 BC. Didrachm or Nomos (Silver, 21 mm, 6.57 g, 4 h), Apollo..., Eu... and Thi..., magistrates. Nude youth riding horse walking to right, raising his right hand to crown the horse's head; above, EY; below, ΑΠΟΛΛΟ and two amphorae. Rev. ΤΑΡΑΣ Youthful oikist, nude, riding dolphin to left, holding kantharos in his right hand and trident in his left; to right, ΘΙ. HN Italy 1010. Vlasto 762-3. Perfectly centered and with beautiful iridescent toning. Good very fine.
From the 'Estafefette No. 21' Collection of Ancient, English and World Coins, Spink 24005, 26 September 2024, 172
LUCANIA. Herakleia. Circa 281-278 BC. Drachm.
LUCANIA. Herakleia. Circa 281-278 BC. Drachm (Silver, 18 mm, 3.76 g, 12 h). Head of Athena facing slightly to right, wearing triple-crested Corinthian helmet adorned with Skylla hurling a stone on the bowl; to left, city monogram. Rev. ՒHPAK[ΛHΕIΩN] Owl standing to right on olive branch, head facing; to left, club; to lower left below club, Ւ . HN Italy 1414. SNG Lockett 356. Van Keuren 117. Struck in high relief and with lovely iridescent toning. Very minor marks, otherwise, good very fine.
From a collection formed between the early 1970s to the late 1990s
LUCANIA. Metapontion. Circa 540-510 BC. Stater.
LUCANIA. Metapontion. Circa 540-510 BC. Stater (Silver, 31 mm, 8.21 g). META Ear of barley with eight grains; border of dots within two concentric linear circles. Rev. Incuse ear of barley with eight grains; rayed border. HN Italy 1479. Noe Class VI, 122. SNG ANS 213. Beautiful old collection toning. Minor flan fault on the obverse, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica A, 27 February 1991, 1095
LUCANIA. Metapontion. Circa 400-340 BC. Nomos.
LUCANIA. Metapontion. Circa 400-340 BC. Nomos (Silver, 21 mm, 7.64 g, 4 h). Laureate head of Apollo (?) to right; on neck truncation, ΑΠΟΛ; below, Σ. Rev. META Barley ear with leaf to right. HN Italy 1534. Jameson 300 (same dies). Noe 461. SNG ANS 349 (same dies). SNG Ashmolean 708 (same dies). Rare. A lovely and unusually well preserved example with beautiful iridescent toning and a particularly fine head of Apollo (?). Faint scratches and with some minor roughness on the obverse, otherwise, about extremely fine.
From the collection of a European Conoisseur, formed before 2002, Morton & Eden 124, 26 September 2023, 38, ex Tradart, 17 November 1994, 5 and Hess-Leu 36, 17 April 1968, 27
The meaning of the tiny inscription ΑΠΟΛ on the neck truncation of the obverse of this rare coin, with its impressive pedigree, remains disputed. Some scholars interpret it as a reference to the god, suggesting that the engraver sought to distinguish it from the usual depiction of Demeter, which typically appears on the coins of Metapontum, while others believe it to be the artist’s own signature. It is possible that both interpretations are correct, as the youthful, laureate head likely represents Apollo. However, the discreet placement of the name on the neck truncation strongly suggests a personal connection with the artist. If the engraver’s intention had merely been to identify the god by name, he could have placed the inscription in a more prominent location. Thus, it is conceivable that the engraver, named Apoll..., referenced himself in two ways: first, through the hidden signature ΑΠΟΛ, and second, by depicting not Demeter, the principal deity of Metapontum, but his patron god, Apollo
LUCANIA. Metapontion. Circa 340-330 BC. Didrachm or Nomos.
LUCANIA. Metapontion. Circa 340-330 BC. Didrachm or Nomos (Silver, 22 mm, 7.76 g, 10 h). Head of Demeter to right, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple pendant earring and pearl necklace, and with a light veil at the back of her head. Rev. META Ear of barley with leaf to left; above leaf, mouse to left; below leaf, Φ. HN Italy 1570. Johnston Class A, 8.8 (same dies). SNG ANS 419 (same obverse die). SNG Lockett 412 (same dies). A lovely example, very well centered and of beautiful style. Slightly rough, otherwise, about extremely fine.
From a Swiss collection, formed before 2005
This type is not particularly rare, yet the charming reverse symbol - the mouse - is especially well-struck and preserved here. Its meaning remains somewhat unclear: for grain farmers, these small rodents have traditionally posed a significant threat to their income security, but a religious interpretation is also conceivable. The two aspects need not be mutually exclusive, as illustrated by the Mysian Apollo Smintheos, an epithet best translated as 'Mouse Exterminator' (from the Cretan or Phrygian word 'sminthos', meaning 'mouse' or 'rat'). Although people in antiquity were unaware of the role mice and rats played in transmitting diseases, they recognized them as a threat to food security, giving rise to local cults addressing these fears
LUCANIA. Thourioi. Circa 400-350 BC. Distater.
LUCANIA. Thourioi. Circa 400-350 BC. Distater (Silver, 27 mm, 15.73 g, 5 h). Head of Athena to left, wearing crested Attic helmet adorned, on the bowl, with Skylla raising her right hand as if to shade her eyes as she looks off in the distance; behind neck guard, Δ. Rev. ΘΟΥΡΙΩΝ Bull butting to right; in exergue, fish to right. HN Italy 1804. Noe, Thurian D4 (same dies). SNG ANS 960 (same dies). SNG Lockett 489 (same dies). Beautifully toned and of fine style. A few old scratches under tone and light roughness on the obverse, otherwise, about extremely fine.
Ex Leu 13, 27 May 2023, 12 and Leu 38, 13 May 1986, 10
LUCANIA. Thourioi. Circa 350-300 BC. AE.
LUCANIA. Thourioi. Circa 350-300 BC. AE (Bronze, 31 mm, 30.94 g, 8 h). Head of Athena to right, wearing helmet adorned, on the bowl, with Skylla hurling a stone, and on the neck guard, with a griffin springing right. Rev. ΘΟΥΡΙΩΝ Bull butting right; in exergue, MY above kerykeion. HN Italy 1917. SNG ANS 1183. SNG Copenhagen 1500. An unusually attractive example of this rare large bronze issue. Minor smoothing, otherwise, very fine.
Ex Astarte 11, 12 December 2002, 105 and Sternberg XII, 18 November 1982, 50
LUCANIA. Velia. Circa 334-300 BC. Didrachm or Nomos.
LUCANIA. Velia. Circa 334-300 BC. Didrachm or Nomos (Silver, 20 mm, 7.60 g, 9 h), Kleudoros Group. Head of Athena to left, wearing crested Attic helmet adorned with an olive wreath. Rev. YEΛΗΤΩΝ Lion standing left, right forepaw raised. HN Italy 1298. Williams 379 (O191/R267). SNG Lockett 553 (same dies). Attractive iridescent toning and of fine style. Light marks and the obverse struck slightly off center, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica Autumn E-Auction, 30 September-1 October 2024, 93
BRUTTIUM. Terina. Circa 440-425 BC. Didrachm or Nomos.
BRUTTIUM. Terina. Circa 440-425 BC. Didrachm or Nomos (Silver, 23 mm, 7.65 g, 5 h). Head of the nymph Terina to left, wearing ampyx and pearl necklace with pendant; all within laurel wreath. Rev. TE-PINAION Nike seated left on overturned hydria, wearing chiton and himation, holding wreath in her extended right hand and kerykeion in her left. Gulbenkian 149 (same dies). HN Italy 2575. Holloway & Jenkins 12. Regling 7 (dies F/ζ). SNG ANS 801. Beautifully toned and in exceptional condition for this difficult issue, a wonderful coin of the finest Classical Magna Graecia style. Thin die break on the reverse, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Leu 14, 14 October 2023, 19 and previously from the collection of Prof. Dr. D. Mannsperger, formed over the past 60 years
We know surprisingly little about Terina, which produced one of the finest series of coins in all of Magna Graecia. The city was likely founded in the late 6th or early 5th century BC as a colony of Kroton. However, like many smaller Greek settlements in the region, Terina experienced alternating periods of independence and subjugation by hostile powers. It was sacked by native Bruttians in 356 BC and destroyed by Hannibal in 203 BC. Despite this, there must have been a Roman settlement at some point, as Pliny references it in the 1st century CE (Hist. Nat. III, 10).
Terina's coinage has long fascinated numismatists, and K. Regling’s 1906 monograph was the first die study of any Greek coinage to be published. What makes Terina's coinage particularly appealing is that it consistently depicts the nymph Terina on the obverse and a full-body figure of Nike on the reverse. The artists breathe life into these otherwise monotonous types by varying the styles, attributes, and gestures. On this coin, the magnificent head of the nymph is placed in a beautifully designed laurel wreath on the obverse, creating the illusion of a two-layered medallion. On the reverse, Nike has replaced her usual cippus with an overturned hydria, likely referencing her role as a spring nymph
SICILY. Akragas. Circa 450-440 BC. Drachm.
SICILY. Akragas. Circa 450-440 BC. Drachm (Silver, 15 mm, 3.97 g, 12 h). ΠΕΝ Eagle with closed wings standing left on Ionic capital. Rev. AKRA Crab; all within shallow circular incuse. HGC 2, 121. SNG Copenhagen 46. SNG München 75. Westermark 446.11 (this coin, O2/R2). Very rare. Beautiful old collection toning and with an excellent pedigree. Minor roughness, otherwise, good very fine.
Privately acquired from Spink on 3 November 1944, ex Glendining, 25 October 1938, 49 and Schulman, 31 May 1938, 73
SICILY. Akragas. Punic occupation, 213-211 BC. Half Shekel.
SICILY. Akragas. Punic occupation, 213-211 BC. Half Shekel (Silver, 20 mm, 3.45 g, 12 h). Laureate head of Zeus to right. Rev. AKPAΓAN-TINΩN Eagle with closed wings standing left on thunderbolt; in field to left, T and grain ear; in field to right, Φ above 𐤆. AMB 272 (same dies). Burnett, Enna -. HGC 2, -. G. Manganaro: Un ripostiglio siciliano del 214-211 a. C. e la datazione del denarius, in: JNG 31/32 (1981/1982), p. 38 and pl. 12, 40 (this coin). SNG ANS -. SNG Copenhagen -. A very rare variety. A lovely example, boldly struck in high relief and with beautiful iridescent toning. Light die wear, otherwise, extremely fine.
Ex Sternberg XIII, 17 November 1983, 76
SICILY. Entella (?). Punic issues, circa 320/15-300 BC. Tetradrachm.
SICILY. Entella (?). Punic issues, circa 320/15-300 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 26 mm, 16.82 g, 4 h). Head of Tanit-Persephone to left, wearing wreath of grain leaves, triple-pendant earring and pearl necklace; around, four dolphins. Rev. 𐤏𐤌𐤌𐤇𐤍𐤕 (''mmhnt' = 'People of the Camp' in Punic) Head of a horse to left; behind, palm tree with two date clusters. HGC 2, 284. Jenkins, Punic, - (O47/R-, unlisted reverse die). SNG Fitzwilliam 1487 (same obverse die). SNG Lloyd 1631 (same obverse die). Nicely toned and of beautiful style. A few light marks, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Classical Numismatic Group 75, 23 May 2007, 60, and Classical Numismatic Group 72, 14 June 2006, 179
SICILY. Gela. Circa 425-420 BC. Tetradrachm.
SICILY. Gela. Circa 425-420 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 25 mm, 17.34 g, 5 h). Charioteer driving quadriga moving slowly to the left; above, Nike flying left to crown the horses; in exergue, lizard to left. Rev. CΕΛΑΣ Forepart of the river-god Gelas, in the form of a man-headed bull, to left. HGC 2, 355. Jenkins, Gela, Group VIII, 469 (O91/R181). Lightly toned and with an attractive reverse. Struck from the usual worn obverse die, otherwise, very fine.
Ex Triton XIII, 5 January 2010, 1023
SICILY. Leontini. Circa 450-440 BC. Tetradrachm.
SICILY. Leontini. Circa 450-440 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 26 mm, 17.32 g, 4 h). Laureate head of Apollo to right. Rev. ΛE-O-N-TI-NON Head of a lion with open jaws to right; around, four barley grains. Boehringer, Münzgeschichte, 45 (same obverse die). HGC 2, 667. SNG Ashmolean 1787 (same obverse die). SNG Lloyd 1056 (same obverse die). Beautifully toned and of fine style. Very light deposits, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Leu 14, 14 October 2023, 31 and previously from the collection of Prof. Dr. D. Mannsperger, privately acquired from Hess AG on 16 November 1970
SICILY. Messana. 450-446 BC. Tetradrachm.
SICILY. Messana. 450-446 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 30 mm, 17.44 g, 7 h). Charioteer, holding kentron in his right hand and reins in his left, driving biga of mules to right; above, Nike flying right to crown the mules; in exergue, olive leaf. Rev. MEƧƧA-NIOИ Hare springing to right. Caltabiano 352.14 (this coin, D156/R145). Randazzo 181-2 (same dies). SNG München 646 (same dies). Lightly toned and struck on a broad, oval flan. The obverse somewhat double struck, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Leu 11, 14 May 2022, 28 and Tkalec & Rauch, 14-15 April 1986, 53
SICILY. Syracuse. Deinomenid Tyranny, 485-466 BC. Tetradrachm.
Price: CHF 5’500.00
SICILY. Syracuse. Deinomenid Tyranny, 485-466 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 25 mm, 17.27 g, 10 h), circa 483-480. Charioteer driving quadriga walking to right, holding goad in his right hand and reins in his left; above, Nike flying right to crown the horses. Rev. ΣY-RΑΚ-ΟΣ-ΙΟΝ Diademed head of Arethousa to right, her hair drawn up at the back and wearing pearl necklace; around, four dolphins swimming right. Boehringer 62 (V32/R41). Rizzo pl. XXXIV, 20 (same dies). SNG ANS 15 (same dies). SNG Lockett 876 (same dies). Beautiful old collection toning and with a wonderful late archaic head of Arethousa. Minor marks and with several light scratches on the reverse, otherwise, very fine.
Privately acquired from Baldwin's on 5 December 1945
SICILY. Syracuse. Second Democracy, 466-405 BC. Tetradrachm.
Price: CHF 5’000.00
SICILY. Syracuse. Second Democracy, 466-405 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 24 mm, 17.21 g, 11 h), obverse die signed by Euainetos, reverse die signed by Eumenes, circa 415-405. Charioteer driving quadriga galloping to right, holding kentron in his right hand and reins in his left; above, Nike flying left, holding a wreath and a tablet bearing the signature [EYAIN/ETO] with both hands; in exergue, two dolphins facing each other. Rev. [ΣYPAKOΣIΩN] Head of Arethousa to left, wearing double earring and pearl necklace and with her hair bound by ampyx and sphendone decorated with stars; below her neck, ΕΥΜΕ-ΝΟ-Υ; around, four dolphins. Fischer-Bossert, Coins, 44 = Tudeer 44 (V14/R27). SNG ANS 271 (same dies). SNG Leipzig 441 (same dies). SNG Oxford 1997 (same dies). Lightly toned and with a clear reverse die signature. Struck from a somewhat worn obverse die and with minor marks, otherwise, very fine.
From the T. Frisbie Collection, Leu 14, 14 October 2023, 50 and ex Astarte XVII, 8 May 2005, 101
SICILY. Syracuse. Dionysios I, 405-367 BC. 20 Litrai or Tetradrachm.
SICILY. Syracuse. Dionysios I, 405-367 BC. 20 Litrai or Tetradrachm (Gold, 9 mm, 1.16 g, 10 h), circa 405-400. [ΣΥΡA] Head of Herakles to left, wearing lion skin headdress. Rev. Σ-Υ-Ρ-Α Quadripartite incuse square; in deeper incuse circle in center, small female head (Arethousa?) to left, wearing ampyx and pearl necklace. HGC 2, 1289 var. (differing arrangement of ethnikon). Rizzo pl. 48, 9 var. (differing arrangement of ethnikon). SNG ANS 355 var. (differing arrangement of ethnikon). SNG Copenhagen 683-4 var. (differing arrangement of ethnikon). SNG München 1084-5 var. (differing arrangement of ethnikon). A very rare variety. Perfectly centered and sharply struck, a lovely example. Very light deposits and with very minor doubling, otherwise, extremely fine.
Ex Auctiones AG 26, 16 September 1996, 67
SICILY. Syracuse. Hieronymos, 215-214 BC. 10 Litrai.
SICILY. Syracuse. Hieronymos, 215-214 BC. 10 Litrai (Silver, 23 mm, 8.48 g, 6 h). Diademed head of Hieronymos to left. Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ - IEPΩNYMOY Winged thunderbolt; above, ΦI. BMC 643. Holloway 36 (O18/R28). SNG München 1423. Attractive iridescent toning and with a fine portrait. A few very light marks and with minor weakness on the reverse, otherwise, extremely fine.
Ex Leu 13, 27 May 2023, 33, from the collection of Dr. Plümacher, Peus 431, 27 April 2022, 3067 and previously privately purchased from Dieter Grunow in October 1988
SICILY. Tauromenion. Circa 304-289 BC. 4 Litrai or Drachm.
SICILY. Tauromenion. Circa 304-289 BC. 4 Litrai or Drachm (Silver, 18 mm, 3.18 g, 3 h). Laureate head of Apollo to right; behind, star. Rev. TAYPOME-NITAN Tripod with three ring handles, ornamental volutes below the bowl and legs ending in lion's paws. BAR Issue 11. HGC 2, 1575. SNG ANS 1121. SNG Ashmolean 2130. SNG Copenhagen 931. Beautifully toned and of fine early Hellenistic style, and with a rich history. Minor flan fault on the obverse and with a small die break on the reverse, otherwise, good very fine.
From the Jim Gilman Collection, Kirk Davis FPL 65, Spring 2015, 11, ex Classical Numismatic Group 81, 20 May 2009, 193, from the collection of C. S. Bement, Naville VI, 28 January 1924, 571 and ex Hirsch XXXII, 14-15 November 1912, 406 (there acquired by Spink)
CARTHAGE. Circa 290-270 BC. Stater.
CARTHAGE. Circa 290-270 BC. Stater (Electrum, 19 mm, 7.48 g, 12 h). Head of Tanit to left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring and elaborate necklace. Rev. Horse standing right; on exergual line, single pellet to left of forelegs. Jenkins & Lewis Group VI, 318-320. MAA 13. SNG Copenhagen 977. A lovely piece, nicely toned and of fine style. Light die break on the obverse, otherwise, extremely fine.
Ex Leu 10, 24 October 2021, 2026
THRACE. Ainos. Circa 380/79-378/7 BC. Tetrobol.
THRACE. Ainos. Circa 380/79-378/7 BC. Tetrobol (Silver, 15 mm, 2.66 g, 12 h). Head of Hermes facing slightly to left, wearing petasos with beaded rim. Rev. ΑΙΝΙΟΝ Male goat walking right; to lower right, eight-rayed star; all within incuse square. AMNG II, 355. HGC 3.2, 1281. May, Ainos, 395 (unlisted dies). SNG Copenhagen 414. An exceptionally well preserved example with beautiful old cabinet toning. Very light marks, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.
Ex Leu 13, 27 May 2023, 39 and from the collection of Harald Salvesen (1928-2016), Numismatica Ars Classica 116, 1 October 2019, 89
THRACE. Byzantion. Circa 340-320 BC. Siglos.
THRACE. Byzantion. Circa 340-320 BC. Siglos (Silver, 17 mm, 5.35 g), Persic standard. ΠY Bull standing left on dolphin left, right foreleg raised. Rev. Quadripartite incuse square of mill sail pattern with stippled quarters. HGC 3.2, 1389. SNG BM Black Sea 21. SNG Copenhagen 475-7. Beautifully toned and exceptionally well preserved for this issue. A few very light scratches, otherwise, extremely fine.
Ex Leu 86, 5 May 2003, 313
ISLANDS OFF THRACE, Thasos. Circa 500-480 BC. Stater.
ISLANDS OFF THRACE, Thasos. Circa 500-480 BC. Stater (Silver, 21 mm, 9.58 g). Nude ithyphallic satyr, with long beard and long hair, moving right in 'running-kneeling' position, holding a nymph in his arms, who raises her right hand in protest. Rev. Quadripartite incuse square. Dewing 1311. HGC 6, 331. Le Rider, Thasiennes, 2. Svoronos p. 95, 1 and pl. X, 3-5. Beautifully toned and with a fine pedigree. Light scratches on the reverse and with minor cracks on the edge, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Triton XXIII, 14-15 January 2020, 169 and Hess-Leu 15, 7 April 1960, 119
ISLANDS OFF THRACE, Thasos. Circa 412-404 BC. Drachm.
ISLANDS OFF THRACE, Thasos. Circa 412-404 BC. Drachm (Silver, 18 mm, 3.55 g). Nude Satyr kneeling facing, his head turned to right, holding a nymph in his arms, who raises her right hand in protest. Rev. Quadripartite incuse square with granulated recesses. HGC 6, 336. Le Rider, Thasiennes, 8. SNG Fitzwilliam 1810. SNG Lockett 1223. Beautifully toned and of excellent style. Very minor die rust on the obverse, otherwise, good very fine.
From the collection of a European Connoisseur, Morton & Eden 124, 26-27 September 2023, 215, acquired before 2002
The island polis of Thasos grew its fabulous wealth from its silver mines and the export of timber and high-quality wines. With its mainland peraia lying at the foothills of the rugged Thraco-Macedonian mountains, the Thasian coins quite fittingly contain the satyr and nymph motive, a highly sexually charged design showing the ferocious and aroused satyr abusing the mannered nymph. Such images of wilderness clashing with civilization were especially popular in frontier regions such as the Thraco-Macedonian coast, where Greek apoikiai came into close contact with native 'barbarian' tribes
THRACO-MACEDONIAN REGION. Berge (?). Circa 525-480 BC. Stater.
Price: CHF 6’500.00
THRACO-MACEDONIAN REGION. Berge (?). Circa 525-480 BC. Stater (Silver, 21 mm, 9.91 g). Ithyphallic satyr standing right, grasping right wrist of nymph fleeing to right with his right hand and supporting her chin with his left; above, pellet. Rev. Rough incuse square divided diagonally. AMNG III, 14 ('Lete'). HGC 3.1, 531. Peykov A0020. Psoma p. 61 ('Berge'). SNG ANS 957 ('Lete'). Svoronos, HPM, 16. Traité I, 1569 ('Lete'). Beautifully toned and unusually well preserved, a splendid example of this wonderful archaic issue. Extremely fine.
Ex Leu 11, 14 May 2022, 49, Numismatica Ars Classica 52, 7 October 2009, 93, Nomos FPL, Winter-Spring 2008, 16, Triton VI, 14 January 2003, 134 and The New York Sale IV, 17 January 2002, 121
MACEDON. Akanthos. Circa 480-470 BC. Tetradrachm.
MACEDON. Akanthos. Circa 480-470 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 28 mm, 17.28 g). Lion to right, attacking a bull collapsing to left with head raised; above, pellet-in-annulet; in exergue, stylized akanthos flower. Rev. Raised quadripartite square. Boston MFA 519. HGC 3.1, 383. Desneux -, cf. 48-68 (unlisted dies). SNG ANS 10. A nicely toned example of beautiful late archaic style. Light marks and small scratches and with minor doubling on the obverse, otherwise, about extremely fine.
From the collection of a European Connoisseur, formed before 2002, Morton & Eden 124, 26-27 September 2023, 233
MACEDON, Chalkidian League. Circa 390 BC. Tetradrachm.
MACEDON, Chalkidian League. Circa 390 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 24 mm, 14.27 g, 3 h), Olynthos. Laureate head of Apollo to right. Rev. XAΛ-KIΔ-EΩN Kithara with seven strings; all within incuse square. Robinson & Clement Group F, 7 (A7/P7). SNG ANS 470. Beautifully toned and with an excellent old pedigree. Slightly granular and with some pitting, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Leu Web Auction 24, 3 December 2022, 1012, from the collection of R.C. Lockett, Glendining, 12-13 February 1958, 1225, ex Sotheby, 6 July 1921, 224, and from the M. Collignon Collection, Feuardent, 17-19 December 1919, 180
KINGS OF MACEDON. Philip II, 359-336 BC. Tetradrachm.
KINGS OF MACEDON. Philip II, 359-336 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 24 mm, 14.45 g, 1 h), Pella, circa 342/1-337/6. Laureate head of Zeus to right. Rev. ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ Young jockey, holding palm frond in his right hand and reins in his left, riding horse to right; below horse, thunderbolt; in exergue, [N]. HGC 3.1, 864. Le Rider 277b (this coin, D153/R220). SNG ANS 392 (same dies). A lovely example, beautifully toned, struck in high relief and of fine style. Good very fine.
From the collection of F. Engel-Gros, Feuardent & Leman, 17 December 1921, 16
Frédéric Engel-Gros (1843-1918) was a Swiss industrialist, philanthropist, and passionate collector of ancient art. A veteran of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, he later contributed to the inaugural exhibition of the Mulhouse Museum. In 1892, Engel-Gros acquired and meticulously restored the Château de Ripaille on Lake Geneva, where he housed his extensive collection of medieval and classical artifacts. He passed away in 1918, deeply saddened by his sons’ voluntary enlistment, mirroring his own wartime service.
Following his death, Engel-Gros’s impressive collection of art and coins was auctioned between 1921 and 1923, with the exception of a few important pieces, which were donated to the Louvre and other renowned museums, ensuring that his legacy as a patron of the arts would endure for generations to come
KINGS OF MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’, 336-323 BC. Stater.
Price: CHF 4’500.00
KINGS OF MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’, 336-323 BC. Stater (Gold, 18 mm, 8.58 g, 3 h), Babylon, struck under Archon, Dokimos, or Seleukos I, circa 323-318/7. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with a coiled serpent; to left, M. Rev. AΛEΞANΔΡOY - BAΣIΛΕΩΣ Nike standing front, head to left, with her wings spread, holding laurel wreath in her right hand and stylis in her left; to lower left, ΛY. Price 3691. Well centered and of fine Babylonian style. Light scratches and some edge marks, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Spink 1011, 30 September 2010, 23
THESSALY. Larissa. Circa 356-342 BC. Stater.
THESSALY. Larissa. Circa 356-342 BC. Stater (Silver, 23 mm, 12.32 g, 11 h). Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly to left, wearing ampyx, pendant earring and necklace. Rev. [Λ]ΑΡΙ-Σ/[Α]ΙΩΝ Bridled horse walking right. Antike Kunst (1967), pl. 52, 465 (this coin). BCD Thessaly I 1160 (same obverse die). BCD Thessaly II 310 (same obverse die). Lorber, Hoard, 64-5 (same dies). A clear and attractive piece struck on excellent silver. The obverse struck a bit off center and with a few minor die breaks, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.
From the collection of Regierungsrat Dr. iur. Hans Krähenbühl, Leu 8, 23 October 2021, 58 and previously privately acquired from Bank Leu on 7 December 1965
BOEOTIA, Federal Coinage. Circa 304-294 BC. Drachm.
BOEOTIA, Federal Coinage. Circa 304-294 BC. Drachm (Silver, 18 mm, 5.83 g, 2 h). Boeotian shield decorated with vertical kerykeion. Rev. Δ-Ι Amphora; all within incuse square. BCD Boiotia 70. BMC 23. HGC 4, 1164. McClean 5514. Struck on excellent metal and with beautiful iridescent toning. The obverse struck slightly off center, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Spink Numismatic Circular, January 1942, 12136
BOEOTIA. Thebes. Circa 395-338 BC. Stater.
BOEOTIA. Thebes. Circa 395-338 BC. Stater (Silver, 21 mm, 12.20 g), Theog..., magistrate, circa 379-368. Boeotian shield. Rev. ΘΕ-ΟΓ Amphora; above, kerykeion left; all within shallow incuse. BCD Boiotia 503. BMC 145. Hepworth 58. HGC 4, 1331. SNG Copenhagen 338. Lovely iridescent toning. Very light marks, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Künker 341, 1 October 2020, 5495 and Auctiones AG 6, 30 September 1976, 148
EUBOIA. Chalkis. Circa 338-308 BC. Drachm.
EUBOIA. Chalkis. Circa 338-308 BC. Drachm (Silver, 17 mm, 3.70 g, 12 h). Head of the nymph Chalkis to right, her hair in a roll, wearing single pendant earring. Rev. ΛA-X Eagle flying right, grasping serpent with his talons that coils around his body; to right, kantharos. BCD Euboia 126-7. HGC 4, 1463. Picard, Issue 4, 12 and pl. III, 12k. Nicely toned and of fine style. Very light marks and the obverse struck slightly off center, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Kurpfälzische Münzhandlung 2, 1971, 56
ATTICA. Athens. Circa 515-510 BC. Drachm.
ATTICA. Athens. Circa 515-510 BC. Drachm (Silver, 13 mm, 4.06 g), 'Wappenmünzen' type. Wheel with four spokes. Rev. Quadripartite incuse square, divided diagonally. Asyut 259. HGC 4, 1622. Kroll 3. SNG Copenhagen 5. Seltman pl. IV, δ. Svoronos pl. 1, 58-9. Attractive old collection toning. Slightly granular and the obverse struck somewhat off center, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Leu 74, 19 October 1998, 181
While the Athenian coinage is best known for the ubiquitous owl tetradrachms struck en masse in the 5th century BC, its origins were quite different. Athens’ first coinage emerged during the Peisistratid tyranny (546–510 BC), a period when the city had yet to transition to democracy. The obverse designs of these archaic coins - featuring motifs such as a four-spoked wheel, a scarab, and a gorgoneion - are often interpreted as emblems of powerful noble families involved in coin production. This interpretation, reflected in the German term 'Wappenmünzen' ('heraldic coins'), remains speculative due to a lack of concrete evidence.
Regardless of their origins, the fall of the Peisistratids marked the abrupt end of the 'Wappenmünzen' series. With the establishment of democracy, Athens rapidly adopted the iconic imagery of a helmeted Athena on the obverse and an owl on the reverse. This standardized design would dominate Athenian coinage for centuries, curtailing the city’s early experiments with varied numismatic imagery.
ATTICA. Athens. Circa 455-449 BC. Tetradrachm.
ATTICA. Athens. Circa 455-449 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 24 mm, 17.20 g, 3 h). Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves and palmette. Rev. AΘE Owl standing right, head facing; to left, olive sprig and crescent; all within incuse square. HGC 4, 1596. Starr Group V.B. Svoronos pl. 12 passim. A fresh and attractive piece of lovely transitional style. Very minor die shift on the reverse, otherwise, extremely fine.
Ex Roma E-Auction 78, 17 December 2020, 206
ISLANDS OFF ATTICA, Aegina. Circa 480-457 BC. Stater.
ISLANDS OFF ATTICA, Aegina. Circa 480-457 BC. Stater (Silver, 21 mm, 12.39 g). Sea turtle seen from above, head in profile, with thick collar and row of dots down its back. Rev. Square incuse with large skew pattern. Meadows, Aegina, Group IIIa. Milbank Period III, pl. I, 15. A beautifully toned and attractive piece. Struck slightly off center and with a banker's mark on the obverse, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Hess-Divo 326, 28 May 2014, 41, Künker 226, 11 March 2013, 392, Künker 204, 12 March 2012, 260, Chaponnière/Hess-Divo 1, 18 May 2010, 118 and Hess-Divo 308, 24 October 2007, 51
CORINTHIA. Corinth. Circa 375-300 BC. Stater.
CORINTHIA. Corinth. Circa 375-300 BC. Stater (Silver, 23 mm, 8.27 g, 6 h). Pegasos flying right; below, Ϙ. Rev. Head of Athena to left, wearing Corinthian helmet; behind neck guard, E and poppy. BCD Corinth 93 (same obverse die). Calciati 366 (same obverse die). Ravel 984. Lovely iridescent toning. Minor die breaks and light marks, otherwise, good very fine.
ACHAIA, Achaian League. Patrai. Circa 88-30 BC. Hemidrachm.
ACHAIA, Achaian League. Patrai. Circa 88-30 BC. Hemidrachm (Silver, 13 mm, 2.44 g, 6 h). Laureate head of Zeus to right. Rev. Achaian League monogram; above, ΛΧ; to left and right, ΠA - A; below, dolphin to right; all within laurel wreath. BCD Peloponnesos 508.1 var. (differing arrangement of controls). Benner 46. McClean 6400. Very well struck and with beautiful old collection toning. The obverse struck slightly off center, otherwise, about extremely fine.
Privately acquired from Baldwin's on 21 November 1945
CYCLADES, Paros. Early 2nd century BC. Drachm.
CYCLADES, Paros. Early 2nd century BC. Drachm (Silver, 17 mm, 3.93 g, 12 h), Mna..., magistrate. Head of Demeter (?) to right, wearing wreath of grain ears, single pendant earring and pearl necklace. Rev. ΠAPI / MNA in two lines within ivy wreath with berries above and tying below. HGC 6, 663. Tully D3.B, 6. An exceptionally attractive piece struck on excellent silver and with lovely old collection toning. Struck from slightly worn dies, otherwise, extremely fine.
From the collection of a European Connoisseur, formed before 2002, Morton & Eden 124, 26-27 September 2023, 385
KINGS OF PONTOS. Mithradates VI Eupator, circa 120-63 BC. Tetradrachm.
KINGS OF PONTOS. Mithradates VI Eupator, circa 120-63 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 32 mm, 16.72 g, 12 h), Pergamon. Year 210 of the Bithyno-Pontic era, 1st month = October 88 BC. Diademed head of Mithradates VI to right. Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ - MIΘPAΔATOY / EYΠATOPOΣ Pegasos grazing left; to left, star-in-crescent (Pontic royal badge); to right, IΣ (year) above monogram; in exergue, A (month); all within Dionysiac wreath of ivy and fruit. Callataÿ p. 15 and pl. 6. HGC 7, 338. SNG Copenhagen -. SNG Paris -. SNG von Aulock -. Sharply struck and lustrous, and of considerable historical interest. A few very light marks and with very light doubling on the reverse, otherwise, good extremely fine.
Ex Leu 16, 19 October 2024, 85 and previously from a European collection, formed before 2005
This coin was struck in October 88 BC, just a few months after the Asian Vespers, when, on the orders of Mithridates VI, an estimated 80,000 to 150,000 Romans and Italics were massacred in Asia Minor in a coordinated action. Given the orchestrated violence against a specific ethnic group, some modern historians have described the massacre as an early form of genocide. While applying such modern concepts to the ancient world is certainly debatable, there is no doubt that the Asian Vespers represents a particularly dark chapter in ancient history
PAPHLAGONIA. Sinope. Circa 330-300 BC. Drachm.
PAPHLAGONIA. Sinope. Circa 330-300 BC. Drachm (Silver, 19 mm, 5.02 g, 6 h), reduced standard, Agreo..., magistrate. Head of the nymph Sinope to left, her hair bound in a sakkos, wearing triple-pendant earring and pearl necklace. Rev. [Σ]INΩ Sea-eagle with spread wings standing on a dolphin to left; to right above, ΑΓΡ[ΕΩ]. HGC 7, 399. SNG BM Black Sea 1481-2. SNG Stancomb 770. Beautifully toned and very well struck, a lovely example. Small die break on the obverse and a few faint scratches on the reverse, otherwise, extremely fine.
Ex Sotheby's, 3 May 1984, 100
Located at the northernmost point of Asia Minor, on a peninsula extending northward, Sinope was one of the earliest Greek colonies in the Black Sea region - possibly the very first, according to Strabo. Thanks to its central position along the east-west coastal trade route and its excellent harbors, the settlement thrived, founding numerous daughter colonies such as Amisos, Kerasos, and Trapezos. Coins from the late Classical and early Hellenistic periods depict the city’s namesake nymph, Sinope, on the obverse and an eagle perched on a dolphin’s back on the reverse. In later years, the city rose to prominence as the capital of the Kingdom of Pontus before ultimately being absorbed into the Roman Empire after the defeat of Mithradates VI.
BITHYNIA. Herakleia Pontika. Timotheus & Dionysios, tyrants, 346/5-337 BC. Didrachm.
BITHYNIA. Herakleia Pontika. Timotheus & Dionysios, tyrants, 346/5-337 BC. Didrachm (Silver, 22 mm, 9.81 g, 12 h). Head of Dionysos to left, wearing wreath of ivy and fruit and with thyrsos over his shoulder. Rev. ΤΙΜΟΘΕΟΥ / [Δ]ΙΟΝΥΣΙΟΥ Herakles standing left, nude but for lion skin draped over his left arm, attaching spear to trophy consisting of helmet, round shield and cuirass; club leaning against trophy; on ground to left, head of a ram. HGC 7, 496. SNG BM Black Sea 1605-6. SNG Stancomb 817. Beautifully toned. A few light marks and with minor die rust on the obverse, otherwise, very fine.
Privately acquired from Baldwin's on 15 August 1951
Timotheos and Dionysios were the sons of Klearchos (circa 365–353 BC), the tyrant of Herakleia Pontika. Initially under the guardianship of their uncle Satyros, the brothers jointly ruled the city from 346/5 BC until Timotheos’s death in 337/6 BC. Dionysios, the younger brother, continued to govern until 306/5 BC, witnessing the conquests of Alexander the Great and the early Wars of the Diadochi. Late in his reign, Dionysios even declared himself king, following the precedent set by Alexander’s generals.
The tyrants of Herakleia Pontika exemplify a local dynasty that retained power for decades despite sweeping historical upheavals. With its formidable fleet, Herakleia Pontika was a key regional power in the western Black Sea, sought after as an ally and too strong to be easily subdued by Hellenistic generals and later kings. However, the city lost its independence in 284 BC when Amastris - a Persian princess, former wife of Alexander’s general Krateros, and widow of Dionysios - was assassinated, and Herakleia fell to Lysimachos
KINGS OF BITHYNIA. Prusias I Cholos, circa 230-182 BC. Tetradrachm.
KINGS OF BITHYNIA. Prusias I Cholos, circa 230-182 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 33 mm, 16.97 g, 12 h), Nikomedeia, circa 210/00-182. Diademed head of Prusias I to right. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ - ΠΡΟΥΣΙΟΥ Zeus standing front, head to left, crowning the king's name with his right hand and holding long scepter in his left; in inner left field, thunderbolt above two monograms. HGC 7, 614. RG 9b. SNG von Aulock 6879. Nicely toned and with an excellent portrait of elegant Hellenistic style. Minor marks, otherwise, good very fine.
From the collection of a European Conoisseur, formed before 2002, Morton & Eden 124, 26 September 2023, 399
KINGS OF BITHYNIA. Nikomedes IV Philopator, 94-74 BC. Tetradrachm.
KINGS OF BITHYNIA. Nikomedes IV Philopator, 94-74 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 33 mm, 16.18 g, 12 h), Nikomedeia, BE 214 = 85/4 BC. Diademed head of Nikomedes IV to right. Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ - EΠIΦANOΥΣ / NIKOMHΔOΥ Zeus standing front, head to left, crowning the king's name with his right hand and holding long scepter in his left; to inner left, eagle standing left on thunderbolt above monogram and ΔΙΣ; in exergue, monogram. Callataÿ p. 65, a (this coin, D229/R2). HGC 7, 646. RG -. Beautifully toned and with an attractive portrait. Minor marks, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Classical Numismatic Group 99, 13 May 2015, 168, from the Gutekunst collection, Roma VII, 22 March 2014, 733, ex Elsen 108, 12 March 2011, 132, Elsen 63, 16 September 2000, 395 and Leu 53, 21 October 1991, 97
MYSIA. Lampsakos (?). Memnon of Rhodes, mid 4th century BC. Drachm.
MYSIA. Lampsakos (?). Memnon of Rhodes, mid 4th century BC. Drachm (Silver, 15 mm, 2.89 g, 9 h), Pseudo-Rhodian type, circa 356-354. Youthful head of Helios to left on radiate solar disk. Rev. M-E Rose with buds to either side. Ashton, Memnon, p. 16, 30c (this coin, A16/P22). Ellis-Evans, Memnon, p. 63, O20/R33 c (this coin). SNG Copenhagen 913 ('Rhodes'). SNG Paris -. SNG von Aulock 2769 ('Megiste'). Attractively toned and of fine style, with a lovely head of Helios. Somewhat rough and the obverse struck slightly off center, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Leu 77, 11 May 2000, 324 corr. (as 'Megiste')
MYSIA. Parion. 4th century BC. Hemidrachm.
MYSIA. Parion. 4th century BC. Hemidrachm (Silver, 13 mm, 2.34 g, 12 h). ΠΑ/ΡΙ Bull standing left, head turned back to right; below, six-rayed star. Rev. Facing gorgoneion with protruding tongue, surrounded by serpents. BMC 35-7. A. Demeester: Les animaux et la monnaie grecque. Bruxelles 2003, 92 (this coin). SNG Copenhagen 263. SNG Paris 1368-70. SNG von Aulock 1322. An unusually well centered, boldly struck and beautifully toned example. A few very light marks, otherwise, extremely fine.
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 82, 20 May 2015, 157, Leu 50, 25 April 1990, 156 and Numismatica Ars Classica 1, 29 March 1989, 190
The important city of Parion struck a substantial number of these hemidrachms, though they were often marred by crude dies and careless production - hallmarks of mass minting. This particular specimen, however, stands as a delightful exception: while the flan is a bit tight, the dies are crisp and fresh, and the remarkable intricacy of detail, accentuated by the wonderful collection toning, is outstanding for the issue
LESBOS. Unattributed Koinon mint. Circa 510-480 BC. Stater.
LESBOS. Unattributed Koinon mint. Circa 510-480 BC. Stater (Billon, 19 mm, 10.86 g). Confronted heads of two calfs; between them, laurel tree. Rev. Rough incuse square. HGC 6, 1076. SNG Ashmolean 1488-91. SNG Copenhagen 285. SNG von Aulock 1682. Traité I, pl. XV, 14. Nicely toned and perfectly centered. Slightly porous and with a few light scratches on the reverse, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Kölner Münzkabinett 1, 18 November 1968, 96
IONIA. Phokaia. Circa 625/0-522 BC. Hekte.
IONIA. Phokaia. Circa 625/0-522 BC. Hekte (Electrum, 9 mm, 2.59 g, 12 h). Head of a river-god, in the form of a horned and bearded man-headed bull, to left; in field to right, small seal downward. Rev. Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 16. Boston MFA -. SNG Copenhagen -. SNG von Aulock -. Very rare. An exceptionally attractive example struck from dies of exquisite Archaic style. Minor edge splits, otherwise, extremely fine.
Ex Leu 14, 14 October 2023, 99 and previously from a British collection of electrum coins from Lesbos and Ionia, formed in the early 2000s
IONIA. Uncertain. Circa 600-550 BC. Trite.
IONIA. Uncertain. Circa 600-550 BC. Trite (Electrum, 12 mm, 4.73 g), Lydo-Milesian standard. Facing head of a lioness (or panther) within triangular incuse. Rev. Two incuse squares, each with raised lines within. Rosen -. SNG Kayhan -. SNG von Aulock -. Traité I, 28 and pl. I, 22. Weidauer 158-9. Very rare and of vigorous Archaic style. Minor scrapes, otherwise, about extremely fine.
Ex Peus 378, 28 April 2004, 260
KINGS OF LYDIA. Alyattes to Kroisos, circa 610-546 BC. Trite.
Price: CHF 3’750.00
KINGS OF LYDIA. Alyattes to Kroisos, circa 610-546 BC. Trite (Electrum, 12 mm, 4.70 g), Sardes. Head of a lion with sun and rays on its forehead to right. Rev. Two incuse squares, one larger than the other. SNG Kayhan 1013. SNG von Aulock 2868-9. Weidauer 86-9. Well struck and lightly toned. Light marks, otherwise, very fine.
From a Swiss collection, Leu 11, 14 May 2022, 133 and ex Münzen & Medaillen AG FPL 519, March 1989, 16 (with collector's ticket)
KINGS OF LYDIA. Kroisos, circa 560-546 BC. 1/6 Stater.
KINGS OF LYDIA. Kroisos, circa 560-546 BC. 1/6 Stater (Gold, 9 mm, 1.33 g), light standard, Sardes. Confronted foreparts of a lion and a bull. Rev. Two incuse squares, one larger than the other. Berk 8. GRPC Lydia G54. SNG Kayhan -. SNG von Aulock -. Traité I 406. Walburg Group IV, 6 (same dies). Very rare. Minor marks, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Leu 14, 14 October 2023, 112 and previously from a Swiss collection, formed before 2005
KINGS OF LYDIA. Kroisos, circa 560-546 BC. Siglos.
KINGS OF LYDIA. Kroisos, circa 560-546 BC. Siglos (Silver, 15 mm, 5.28 g), Sardes. Confronted foreparts of a lion and a bull. Rev. Two incuse squares, one larger than the other. Berk 23. GRPC Lydia S3. Rosen 663-5. SNG Kayhan 1024-6. SNG von Aulock 2877-9. Beautifully toned. Slightly porous and with minor marks, otherwise, very fine.
Ex Astarte XXIII, 28 October 2024, 173
CARIA. Knidos. Circa 300-225 BC. 1/4 Siglos.
CARIA. Knidos. Circa 300-225 BC. 1/4 Siglos (Silver, 14 mm, 1.45 g, 12 h), Persic standard. Sostratos, magistrate. Head of Aphrodite, hair rolled, to right. Rev. ΚΝΙ / ΣΩΣΤΡΑΤΟΣ Head of a bull facing three-quarter to right. HNO 1068. SNG Oxford 163. SNG Copenhagen 303. Beautifully toned. The reverse somewhat rough, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.
From the Graeculus Collection, Peus 428, 28 April 2021, 272 and ex Peus 382, 26 April 2005, 191
ISLANDS OFF CARIA, Rhodos. Rhodes. Circa 250-229 BC. Didrachm.
Price: CHF 2’250.00
ISLANDS OFF CARIA, Rhodos. Rhodes. Circa 250-229 BC. Didrachm (Silver, 18 mm, 6.77 g, 12 h), Mnasimachos, magistrate. Radiate head of Helios facing slightly to right. Rev. ΜΝΑΣΙΜΑΧΟΣ / P - O Rose with bud to right; in field to left, Athena standing left, holding aphlaston in her right hand. Ashton 208. HGC 6, 1439. SNG Keckman 537-8. Lovely iridescent toning and with a fine old pedigree. Struck from a worn obverse die, otherwise, good very fine.
Privately acquired from Spink on 7 October 1942, ex Cahn 66, 9 May 1930, 338 and Ratto, 24 June 1929, 497
KINGS OF CAPPADOCIA. Ariarathes VII Philometor, circa 107/6-101/0 BC. Tetradrachm.
KINGS OF CAPPADOCIA. Ariarathes VII Philometor, circa 107/6-101/0 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 29 mm, 16.58 g, 12 h), in the types of Antiochos VII of Syria. Mint A (Eusebeia-Mazaka), circa 107/6-104/3. Diademed head of Ariarathes VII to right. Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ / APIAPAΘOY - ΦIΛOMH-TOPOΣ Athena standing front, head to left, holding Nike in her right hand and resting her left on shield decorated with gorgoneion and set on ground; spear behind her; to outer left, monogram above A; to inner left, O; to inner right, Λ; all within laurel wreath. Callataÿ pl. XLIV, P = Mørkholm, Coinages, pl. 42, 14 (same dies). HGC 7, 828. Houghton & Lorber, Cappadocian, Series 1, Issue 1, 6 (this coin, A3/P2). Simonetta, Coins -. Simonetta, Coinage 1. Extremely rare. A beautiful example of this important issue with a lovely portrait. Minor marks and with very light deposits, otherwise, good very fine.
From the Reverend D. R. Steel Collection (as 'John Marshall'), Spink 9008, 19 March 2009, 280 and ex Numismatica Ars Classica 27, 12 May 2004, 201
This coin is among the extremely rare tetradrachms of Ariarathes VII, which were not minted in the name of the Seleukid king Antiochos VII (138-129 BC), but instead feature his own portrait and include his name and titulature on the reverse. While the precise duration of Ariarathes VII's reign is disputed, his ultimate fate is not. As the son of Laodike, daughter of Mithridates V, he was a nephew of the famous Pontic king, Mithridates VI Eupator (circa 120-63 BC). After Ariarathes VII was deposed by Nikomedes III of Bithynia in 102 BC, his Pontic uncle restored him to the throne but demanded the return of Gordios, the assassin of the Cappadocian king’s father, Ariarathes VI. When Ariarathes VII refused and war ensued, Mithridates VI sought a meeting with his nephew before the battle to resolve the conflict peacefully. However, he treacherously murdered him in front of both armies and installed his eight-year-old son as Ariarathes IX.
KINGS OF ARMENIA. Tigranes II ‘the Great’, 95-56 BC. Tetradrachm.
Price: CHF 1’250.00
KINGS OF ARMENIA. Tigranes II ‘the Great’, 95-56 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 25 mm, 15.72 g, 12 h), Antiochia on the Orontes (?), circa 83-69. Draped bust of Tigranes II to right, wearing five-pointed tiara decorated with comet star between two eagles. Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ - TIΓPANOY The Tyche of Antioch seated right on rock, holding long palm frond in her right hand; below, river-god Orontes swimming right; on rock, monogram of ΔH; in field to right, monogram of AP; all within wreath. Kovacs 74.1. The reverse struck somewhat off center, otherwise, very fine.
SELEUKID KINGS. Antiochos I Soter, 281-261 BC. AE.
SELEUKID KINGS. Antiochos I Soter, 281-261 BC. AE (Bronze, 16 mm, 3.86 g, 3 h), Antiochia on the Orontes. Diademed head of Antiochos I to right. Rev. ANTIOXOY - ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ Apollo seated left on omphalos, holding arrow in his right hand and resting his left on grounded bow; to left, monogram of Δ, Ρ, Ω and Ο; to right, monogram of ΘΕ. HGC 9, 169. SC 351.1a. WSM 960. A splendid example with a beautiful black patina and an excellent portrait. Very minor roughness and with a thin flan crack, otherwise, about extremely fine.
From the H. A. Collection, Tradart 1, 12 December 1991, 194 and ex Hauck & Aufhäuser 6, 5 October 1989, 225
SELEUKID KINGS. Antiochos III ‘the Great’, 223-187 BC. Tetradrachm.
SELEUKID KINGS. Antiochos III ‘the Great’, 223-187 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 28 mm, 17.05 g, 12 h), ΔΕΛ-mint associated with Antiochia on the Orontes, circa 222-211 BC. Diademed head of Antiochos III to right. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ - ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ Apollo seated left on omphalos, holding arrow in his right hand and resting his left on grounded bow; to outer left, monogram of ΔΕΛ. Le Rider, Antioche, Série 1.B, p. 120, 47 (this coin, A10/P31). SC 1063. WSM 1186. A splendid, nicely toned example with a very elegant portrait struck in high relief and an impressive pedigree. Nearly extremely fine.
From the Argyros Collection, Leu 3, 27 October 2018, 119, ex Classical Numismatic Group 84, 5 May 2010, 690, The New York Sale XIV, 10 January 2007, 138, LHS 95, 25 October 2005, 711 and Münzen & Medaillen 28, 19 June 1964, 187
SELEUKID KINGS. Alexander I Balas, 152-145 BC. Tetradrachm.
SELEUKID KINGS. Alexander I Balas, 152-145 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 25 mm, 14.32 g, 11 h), Ptolemaic standard, Laodikeia in Phoenicia (Berytos), SE 163 = 150/49. Diademed head of Alexander I to right. Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ - AΛEΞANΔPOY Eagle, wings closed, standing left on palm branch; in field to left, ΓΞP above monogram; to upper right, trident. Sawaya 13-20 (D5/-). SC 1824.2. Beautifully toned. Minor die breaks on the reverse, otherwise, good very fine.
From the collection of Regierungsrat Dr. iur. Hans Krähenbühl, Leu 8, 23 October 2021, 144, ex Münzen & Medaillen AG FPL 448, September 1982, 3
SELEUKID KINGS. Antiochos VI Dionysos, 144-142 BC. Drachm.
SELEUKID KINGS. Antiochos VI Dionysos, 144-142 BC. Drachm (Silver, 18 mm, 4.35 g, 1 h), Antiochia on the Orontes, SE 170 = 143/2. Radiate and diademed head of the youthful Antiochos VI to right. Rev. [ΒΑ]ΣΙΛΕ[ΩΣ] / ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟ[Υ] - ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ / ΔΙΟΝΥΣΟΥ - OP ΣΤ[A] Apollo seated left on omphalos, holding arrow in his right hand and resting his left on grounded bow; between Apollo's legs, monogram. HGC 9, 1036a. SC 2002.2e. SMA 248. Sharply struck and exceptionally well preserved, a beautifully toned piece with a magnificent portrait of the child king. Good extremely fine.
Ex Gemini IV, 8 January 2008, 220
SELEUKID KINGS. Tryphon, circa 142-138 BC. AE.
SELEUKID KINGS. Tryphon, circa 142-138 BC. AE (Bronze, 18 mm, 5.95 g, 4 h), Antiochia on the Orontes. Diademed head of Tryphon to right. Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ / TPYΦΩNOΣ - AYTOKPATOPOΣ Spiked Macedonian (or Cretan?) helmet with cheek guards facing to left, adorned with wild goat's horn above visor; in lower field to left, pilei of the dioskouroi. CSE 259. SC 2034.2d. Well struck and with a lovely dark patina. Good extremely fine.
Ex Leu 15, 1 June 2024, 144 and previously from a European collection, formed before 2005
SELEUKID KINGS. Kleopatra Thea & Antiochos VIII, 126/5-121/0 BC. Tetradrachm.
SELEUKID KINGS. Kleopatra Thea & Antiochos VIII, 126/5-121/0 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 31 mm, 16.80 g, 12 h), Damascus, SE 192 = 121/0 BC. Jugate busts of Kleopatra Thea, diademed, veiled and wearing a stephane, and Antiochos VIII, diademed, to right. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣΗΣ / ΚΛΕΟΠΑΤΡΑΣ / ΘEAΣ - ΚΑΙ / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ / ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ Zeus seated left, holding Nike in his right hand and long scepter with his left; to outer left and below throne, monograms; in exergue, BϘP (date). HGC 9, 1182e. LSM 87. SC 2267.2a. Nicely toned and well struck. Minor marks, otherwise, good very fine.
From the Reverend D. R. Steel Collection (as 'John Marshall'), Spink 9008, 19 March 2009, 307 and ex LHS 95, 25 October 2005, 716
PERSIA, Achaemenid Empire. Time of Darios I to Xerxes II, circa 485-420 BC. Daric.
PERSIA, Achaemenid Empire. Time of Darios I to Xerxes II, circa 485-420 BC. Daric (Gold, 16 mm, 8.23 g), Lydo-Milesian standard, Sardes. Persian king or hero in kneeling/running stance to right, holding spear in his right hand and bow in his left. Rev. Oblong irregular incuse. BMC Arabia pl. XXIV, 26. Carradice Type IIIb A/B and pl. XIII, 27. Sunrise 24. Minor weakness on the obverse and with a small bang on the reverse, otherwise, good very fine.
PTOLEMAIC KINGS OF EGYPT. Ptolemy VIII Euergetes II (Physcon), second reign, 145-116 BC. Tetradrachm.
PTOLEMAIC KINGS OF EGYPT. Ptolemy VIII Euergetes II (Physcon), second reign, 145-116 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 25 mm, 14.24 g, 11 h), Alexandria, RY 25 = 146/5. Diademed head of Ptolemy I to right, wearing aegis around neck. Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΠTOΛEMAIOY Eagle with closed wings standing left on thunderbolt; in field to left, LKE (date); to right, ΠA. SNG Copenhagen 324. Svoronos 1437. Beautifully toned, very well struck and with an excellent portrait, a lovely piece of fine style. Tiny marks, otherwise, extremely fine.
Ex Spink 9008, 19 March 2009, 430 and Spink New York, 3 May 1995, 353
KINGS OF CHARACENE. Apodakos, circa 110/09-104/03 BC. Tetradrachm.
KINGS OF CHARACENE. Apodakos, circa 110/09-104/03 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 31 mm, 16.29 g, 12 h), Charax-Spasinou, SE 209 = 104/3. Diademed head of Apodakos to right. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ - ΑΓΓΟΔΑΚΟΥ (sic!) Herakles seated left, holding club set on his knee with his right hand and leaning left on rock draped with lion skin; in outer field to left, monogram; in exergue, ΘΣ (date). Alram -. De Morgan -. P. Pasmans: De zilveren muntslag in naam van Hyspaosines (132/1-121/0 v.Chr.) en zijn opvolger Apodakos (112/1-103/2 v.Chr.), koningen van Characene: in Diestse Studiekring voor Numismatiek, Jubileumboek 2006-2021 (Numismatic Studies 3, 2021), 54-64. Sunrise -. Rare and in unusually attractive condition for this difficult issue, with an excellent late Hellenistic portrait. With the usual traces of overstriking and minor areas of horn silver, otherwise, about extremely fine.
Apodakos ruled the Kingdom of Characene toward the end of the 2nd century BC. According to the Babylonian Astronomical Diaries, after the death of the elderly kingdom founder and former Seleukid satrap Hyspaosines in 124 BC, his widow Talasi'asu installed their underage son as ruler. Since the son's name is not mentioned, it remains uncertain whether he was Apodakos. However, the continuity in Characenean numismatic iconography suggests a close connection between Hyspaosines and Apodakos, making a father-son relationship likely.
The name Talasi'asu is particularly fascinating: it corresponds to the Greek name Θαλασσία (Thalassia), best translated as 'she who rules the sea'. The aptness of this name is highlighted by a recently discovered Greek inscription from Bahrain, where Thalassia is mentioned, confirming that Bahrain was part of the Characenean realm at the time. The contect of inscription also reveals that the island was previously under Seleukid control, indicating that Seleukid influence in the Persian Gulf extended much farther and lasted much longer than previously assumed
KINGS OF CHARACENE. Thionesios I, circa 25/4-19/8 BC. Tetradrachm.
KINGS OF CHARACENE. Thionesios I, circa 25/4-19/8 BC. Tetradrachm (Billon, 26 mm, 13.07 g, 12 h), Charax-Spasinou, SE 288 = 25/4. Diademed head of Thionesios I to right. Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ / ΘΙΟNHΣIOΣ - [Σ]ΩTHPOΣ / [KAI] EYEP[ΓETOY] Herakles seated left, holding club set on his knee with his right hand and leaning left on rock; above, monogram; below Herakles' arm, Θ; in exergue, ΗΠΣ (date). Alram -. De Morgan -. Nicolet-Pierre, Thionèsis, -, cf. pl. IV, 19-20 (differing monogram and control mark). Sunrise -. Triton VII (2004), 516. Extremely rare and undoubtedly among the finest known examples. A beautifully toned piece with a wonderful portrait. Slightly rough and with minor doubling on the reverse, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Classical Numismatic Group 121, 6 October 2022, 638
If we did not have the Seleukid-era dates, we would know even less about the Characenean kings. However, based on their coins, we can at least reconstruct their years of rule with relatively good precision. Thionesios ruled around 25/24-19/8 BC, during the early years of Emperor Augustus, and, like many Characenean kings, was likely under Parthian domination. His coinage, apart from his hairstyle and beard, still strongly reflects Greek-Hellenistic influences: he wears the Hellenistic royal diadem, and the reverse depicts a seated Herakles with a club familiar from earlier Seleukid and Baktrian prototypes, along with the typically Seleukid honorific titles ΣΩΤΗΡ (Sōtēr = Savior) and ΕΥΕΡΓΕΤΗΣ (Euergetēs = Benefactor).
The meaning of the name Thionesios, sometimes written as Theonesios, remains unclear. The most likely interpretation is as a combination of Θεός (Theos) and -νήσιος (-nesios), which would translate to 'he who belongs to God' or 'he who is sent by the gods', thus providing a religious justification for the king’s rule
KINGS OF PERSIS. Oxathres (Vahsir), 1st century BC-1st century AD. Drachm.
KINGS OF PERSIS. Oxathres (Vahsir), 1st century BC-1st century AD. Drachm (Silver, 20 mm, 3.87 g, 8 h), Istakhr (Persepolis). Diademed and draped bust of Oxathres to left; in field to right, monogram. Rev. Oxathres standing left, holding scepter and sacrificing before altar to left. Alram 579. Klose & Müseler 4/17. Sunrise -. Van't Haaff 579. Beautifully toned. Minor roughness, otherwise, about extremely fine.
From the Graeculus Collection, Peus 428, 28 April 2021, 390
KINGS OF PERSIS. Artaxerxes (Ardaxshir) III, 1st-2nd century AD. Hemidrachm.
KINGS OF PERSIS. Artaxerxes (Ardaxshir) III, 1st-2nd century AD. Hemidrachm (Silver, 14 mm, 1.34 g, 3 h), Istakhr (Persepolis). Diademed and draped bust of Artaxerxes III to left. Rev. Radiate, diademed and draped bust of Mithra to left. Alram 630. Klose & Müseler -. Sunrise 656 var. Van't Haaff 630. Darkly toned and with a particularly attractive reverse. Very light deposits on the reverse, otherwise, extremely fine.
From the Graeculus Collection, Peus 428, 28 April 2021, 401 and ex Peus 409, 25 April 2013, 188
BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Antimachos I, circa 180-165 BC. Drachm.
BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Antimachos I, circa 180-165 BC. Drachm (Silver, 18 mm, 4.23 g, 12 h), Baktra. Diademed and draped bust of Antimachos I to right, wearing flat topped kausia. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΘΕΟΥ - ΑΝΤΙΜΑΧΟY Poseidon, nude to the waist, standing facing, holding long trident in his right hand and filleted palm branch in his left; to lower right, monogram. Bopearachchi 2A. HGC 12, 109. MIG 125b. A beautifully toned and exceptionally well preserved example struck on sound metal. Tiny marks in the right obverse field, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.
From the Graeculus Collection, Peus 428, 28 April 2021, 499 (but without further pedigree), ex Gorny & Mosch 141, 10 October 2005, 181 and Rauch 73, 17 May 2004, 369
BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I, circa 170-145 BC. Drachm.
BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I, circa 170-145 BC. Drachm (Silver, 20 mm, 4.26 g, 12 h), Baktra, circa 170-162. Diademed and draped bust of Eukratides I to right. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ - ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ The Dioskouri galloping to right, each holding spear and palm frond; to left, A; to lower right, monogram. Bopearachchi 2D. HGC 12, 135. Fresh and attractive. Minor marks and with light doubling on the reverse, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.
Ex Leu Web Auction 25, 12 March 2023, 1148
BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I, circa 170-145 BC. Tetradrachm.
BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I, circa 170-145 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 32 mm, 16.82 g, 12 h), Baktra or an uncertain mint in the Paropamisadai or Gandhara, circa 162-145. Diademed and draped bust of Eukratides I to right, wearing crested Macedonian helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear. Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOΥ / EΥKΡATIΔOY The Dioskouri galloping to right, each holding spear and palm branch; to lower right, monogram. Bopearachchi Série 6W. HGC 12, 131. MIG Type 177f. Beautifully toned and with a particularly vigorous portrait. Slightly rough, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.
Ex Leu 11, 14 May 2022, 180, from the collection of Walter Weise, Künker 347, 22 March 2021, 891 (with collector's ticket) and ex Münzen & Medaillen AG FPL 539, January 1991, 30
BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I, circa 170-145 BC. Drachm.
BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I, circa 170-145 BC. Drachm (Silver, 18 mm, 4.20 g, 12 h), Baktra or an uncertain mint in the Paropamisadai or Gandhara, circa 162-145. Diademed and draped bust of Eukratides I to right, wearing crested Macedonian helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear. Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOΥ / EΥKΡATIΔOY The Dioskouri galloping to right, each holding spear and palm branch; to lower left, monogram. Bopearachchi 7J. HGC 12, 136. Well struck and clear. Good very fine.
Ex Leu Web Auction 24, 4 December 2022, 1735 and previously from an American collection, formed before 2005
MOESIA INFERIOR. Nicopolis ad Istrum. Caracalla, 198-217. Tetrassarion.
MOESIA INFERIOR. Nicopolis ad Istrum. Caracalla, 198-217. Tetrassarion (Bronze, 29 mm, 14.83 g, 1 h), Flavius Ulpianus, legatus consularis, circa 210-211. AY K•M•AYP ANTΩNINOC Laureate and cuirassed bust of Caracalla to right, seen from behind. Rev. Y ΦΛ•OYΛΠIAN NIKOΠΟΛI/T•ΠPOC I Zeus seated left on low throne, holding phiale in his right hand and long scepter in his left. AMNG I 1564. Hristova/Jekov 8.18.1.4. Varbanov 3155. A beautiful piece with a very attractive glossy patina. A few faint scratches on the obverse, otherwise, about extremely fine.
Ex Leu 11, 14 May 2022, 188 and Classical Numismatic Review XLV.1, winter 2020, inv. no. 528353, from the E. L. Collection, Gorny & Mosch 265, 14 October 2019, 769 and ex Lanz 109, 27 May 2002, 611
THRACE. Pautalia. Caracalla, 198-217. Tetrassarion.
THRACE. Pautalia. Caracalla, 198-217. Tetrassarion (Bronze, 30 mm, 15.05 g, 6 h). AYT K M AYPH ANTΩNEINOC Laureate head of Caracalla to right. Rev. OYΛΠIAC ΠAYTAΛIAC Coiled serpent (Glykon) with bearded head to right. Ruzicka -. Tachev -. Varbanov 5205. A lovely coin with a beautiful and unusually detailed rendering of the serpent Glykon. Somewhat smoothed and with minor traces of corrosion, otherwise, extremely fine.
From a European collection, formed before 2005
IONIA. Smyrna. Vespasian Junior, Caesar, circa AD 94/5. Hemiassarion.
IONIA. Smyrna. Vespasian Junior, Caesar, circa AD 94/5. Hemiassarion (Bronze, 18 mm, 2.56 g, 1 h). O[Y]ЄCΠAC[I]ANOC NЄ[ΩTЄPOC] Bare-headed and draped bust of Vespasian junior to right. Rev. ZMYPNAIΩN Nike advancing left, holding wreath in her right hand and palm frond in her left. BMC 316-7. Klose XLII, 6-10. RPC II 1029. Very rare and with a charming portrait of the young heir to the throne. Struck somewhat off center, otherwise, very fine.
Ex Olympus 13, 14 June 2024, 965 (expertly cleaned since)
The siblings Vespasian and Domitian Junior (their birth names are unknown) were the children of Titus Flavius Clemens and Flavia Domitilla, and therefore also the grandsons of Vespasian's older brother, Titus Flavius Sabinus. Domitian, whose own son (also named Domitian) had died in 82, adopted the two infants in early 95 and renamed them in honor of himself and his father. The rare coinage bearing the name of Vespasian Junior, issued in Smyrna, strongly suggests that he was Domitian's chosen heir. However, both Vespasian and Domitian Junior vanished from history after their parents, Sabinus and Domitilla, were executed and exiled in May 95 on charges of atheism. Domitian did not survive his cousin for long, as he was murdered by a freedman of Domitilla, named Flavius Stephanus, just sixteen months later, bringing the rule of the Flavian dynasty to an abrupt end.
LYDIA. Hyrcanis. Pseudo-autonomous issue. Hemiassarion.
LYDIA. Hyrcanis. Pseudo-autonomous issue. Hemiassarion (Bronze, 16 mm, 2.63 g, 6 h), time of Commodus, circa 180-182 (?). MAKЄΔONΩ Mask of Silenos to right, wearing wreath of ivy and fruit. Rev. YPKANΩN Pan, nude and with animal tail, dancing to right, holding pedum in his right hand and raising his left. BMC 2 = RPC IV.2 online 1746.1 (same reverse die). Winterthur 3748 (same reverse die). Very rare. An exceptionally well preserved example of this very interesting issue, perfectly struck and by far the finest known. Extremely fine.
Ex Leu 14, 14 October 2023, 124, from the Vineyard Collection, Nomos 17, 26 October 2018, 193 corr. (reverse misdescribed) and ex Münzen und Medaillen AG 88, 17 May 1999, 331 (illustrated on the front cover!)
Hyrcanis was a Seleukid foundation in the Hyrcanian Plain, west of Sardis, a fertile region in the Hermos Valley. It was named after colonists from Hyrcania, located on the southeast shore of the Caspian Sea, who were settled there by the Achaemenid kings. The Seleukid interest in the area stemmed from the need to defend their Anatolian possessions from the Galatian threat, and Hyrcanis was just one of many military colonies where the Kings of Asia settled veterans to strengthen local defenses.
RPC roughly dates our coin to the second half of the 2nd century AD, but we can perhaps be more precise. Its Dionysian motifs, along with the inscriptions, align closely with a series of 'mythological' coins struck under Commodus, one of which depicts a procession of Dionysus on the reverse (RPC IV.2 online 11429). The remarkable legends demonstrate the citizens of Roman Hyrcanis' strong awareness of their heritage. The obverse references the Macedonians, while the name of the polis on the reverse alludes to the distant Hyrcanians from the Caspian region. This connection is also reflected in Pliny's Natural History and Tacitus' Annals, where they speak of 'the Macedones, surnamed Hyrcani' (Plin. Nat. Hist. 5.31) and the 'Hyrcanian Macedonians, as they were called' (Tac. Ann. 2.47), respectively
PHRYGIA. Prymnessus. Pseudo-autonomous issue. AE.
PHRYGIA. Prymnessus. Pseudo-autonomous issue. AE (Bronze, 15 mm, 2.24 g, 12 h), time of the Antonines, 138-192. ΜΙΔΑϹ Draped bust of Midas to right, with donkey ear and wearing Phrygian cap and pearl necklace. Rev. ΠΡΥΜΝΗϹϹЄΩΝ The river-god Kaystros (?) reclining left, holding reed in his right hand and leaning left on urn from which water flows. BMC 3. RPC IV.2 online 1919. Rutten, Midas, 1. Von Aulock, Phrygien II, 858-68. Rare and in exceptional condition for the issue, with a beautiful rendering of Midas. The reverse slightly smoothed, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Bucephalus Gold Auction 7, 30 September-1 October 2022, 789 (expertly cleaned since)
Adorned with both an animal ear and the iconic Phrygian cap, this coin depicts the the fabled Phrygian King Midas whose touch turned all he laid hands upon into gold. According to the myth, Midas' encounter with Dionysos led to his ears being transformed into those of a donkey, a symbolic punishment for his misguided judgment of the god's musical performance in a contest with Pan
PHRYGIA. Sebaste. Gordian III, 238-244. Tetrassarion.
PHRYGIA. Sebaste. Gordian III, 238-244. Tetrassarion (Bronze, 29 mm, 13.00 g, 6 h). ΑΥΤ Κ Μ ΑΝΤΩ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟϹ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III to right, seen from behind. Rev. ϹЄΒΑϹΤΗΝΩΝ Kybele seated to left, holding patera in her right hand and leaning left on tympanon; at her feet, lion recumbent to left, looking back. BMC 39-40 (same dies). RPC VII.1 736.3 = SNG von Aulock 3953 (this coin). Beautiful brown patina and with a fine pedigree. Good very fine.
Ex Leu 11, 14 May 2022, 199, Leu 10, 29 May 1974, 314, and from the collection of H. von Aulock (1906-1980)
PAMPHYLIA. Side. Aemilian, 253. Pentassarion.
PAMPHYLIA. Side. Aemilian, 253. Pentassarion (Bronze, 32 mm, 16.93 g, 7 h). AYTO•K•MAP AI AIMIΛIANON ЄYC Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Aemilian to right, seen from behind; before, Є (mark of value). Rev. CIΔHTΩN Archaic statue of Apollo advancing to left, holding patera in his right hand and small bow and arrow in his left. RPC IX 1163.4 (this coin). Very rare. The finest known example and in exceptional condition for a provincial issue of Aemilian. Minor smoothing, otherwise, extremely fine.
Ex Leu 11, 14 May 2022, 200, Triton XXII, 8-9 January 2019, 503 and Tkalec, 23 October 1992, 396
Only a few cities issued Roman Provincial coins in the name of the usurper Aemilian, namely Viminacium, the Dacian province, Parium, Amisus, Gordus-Julia, Side, Antioch in Pisidia, Aegeae, and Alexandria in Egypt
ARMENIA MINOR, Koinon of Armenia. Trajan, 98-117. 'Sestertius'.
ARMENIA MINOR, Koinon of Armenia. Trajan, 98-117. 'Sestertius' (Bronze, 37 mm, 28.09 g, 12 h), Nicopolis ad Lycum, RY 17 and CY 43 = 113/4. AΥΤ ΚΑΙϹ ΝЄΡ ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟϹ ϹЄΒ ΓЄΡΜ ΔΑΚ ΤΟ ΖΙ Laureate head of Trajan to right, with slight drapery on his left shoulder. Rev. ΚΟΙΝΟΝ ΑΡΜЄΝΙΑϹ ЄΤΟΥ ΜΓ Armenia, wearing tiara, seated left on shields, propping her head on her right hand in attitude of mourning; to left, trophy of arms. Kovacs 302. RPC III 2944. Very rare. An unusually complete example of this historically important issue. Good fine.
From a European collection, formed before 2005
This extremely rare coin from the Armenian Koinon commemorates Trajan's conquest and annexation of Armenia in 114. It is dually dated, with the obverse reflecting the emperor's regnal year and the reverse featuring the civic era of Nicopolis ad Lycum, which was introduced in 71/2 following the dissolution of the Kingdom of Armenia Minor and its incorporation into the province of Galatia-Cappadocia. The coin's style and size closely resemble imperial sestertii, and the type is clearly influenced by Roman imperial propaganda, suggesting it was struck in support of, or by command from, Roman military forces. This is further supported by the fact that Nicopolis ad Lycum was located at a strategically significant crossroads on the route to the Armenian front
SYRIA, Decapolis. Dium. Geta, as Caesar, 198-209. Diassarion.
Price: CHF 2’250.00
SYRIA, Decapolis. Dium. Geta, as Caesar, 198-209. Diassarion (Bronze, 25 mm, 10.52 g, 12 h), CY 270 = 207/8. Π•CЄΠ• ΓЄTAC Bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust of Geta to right, seen from behind. Rev. ΔЄIH-NⲰN War-god standing facing, wearing horned kalathos, holding eagle-tipped scepter in his right hand and Nike in his left; recumbent bulls flanking; to right, OC (date). Rosenberger 6. Sofaer 6-7. Spijkerman 7. In exceptional condition for the issue, very sharply struck and very likely the finest known. Good extremely fine.
Ex Leu 7, 24-25 October 2020, 1505
EGYPT. Alexandria. Domitian, 81-96. Obol.
EGYPT. Alexandria. Domitian, 81-96. Obol (Orichalcum, 18 mm, 3.35 g, 12 h), RY 11 = 91/2. ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ΔΟΜΙΤ ϹЄΒ ΓЄΡΜ Laureate head of Domitian to right. Rev. L IA Sphinx reclining right. Dattari (Savio) 570. Emmett 326.11. K&G 24.181. RPC II online 2645.10 (this coin). An exceptional example, certainly among the finest known of this difficult issue. Patina stripped, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Naville E-Auction 76, 2 October 2022, 185
While many Alexandrian coins adhered to Greco-Roman motifs, the coinage was also infused with distinctly Egyptian elements, such as local deities, canopi, and temples. One of the most striking reverse types in this regard is undoubtedly the sphinx. Although the winged sphinx was not new - due to its role in Greek tragedy and its use as an iconographic element on coins - the sphinx on our coin is distinctly more Egyptian in style (and male, unlike the Greek sphinx), evoking the Great Sphinx of Giza. Whether the latter is actually depicted is uncertain; the nearby Great Pyramids, for example, were never featured on Alexandrian coins, and sphinxes were relatively ubiquitous in Egypt (the dromos connecting the temples of Karnak and Luxor, for instance, was lined with smaller sphinxes). Nonetheless, the impressive appearance of the sphinx on Alexandrian coins reflects Rome's appreciation - and perhaps even admiration - for Ancient Egypt's monumental art.
EGYPT. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm.
EGYPT. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 35 mm, 28.77 g, 1 h), RY 7 = 143/4. ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤⲰΝΙΝΟC ЄΥCЄΒ• Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Antoninus Pius to right, seen from behind. Rev. L Z Nike advancing left, holding wreath in her right hand and trophy in her left. Dattari (Savio) 2700 (this coin). Emmett 1609.7. K&G 35.216. RPC IV.4 online 15549.4 (this coin). Very rare for this regnal year. A few edge cracks, otherwise, very fine.
Ex Leu 11, 14 May 2022, 206, from the collection of a historian ('Aus der Sammlung eines Altertumswissenschaftlers'), Künker 347, 22 March 2021, 176, previously privately acquired from Günther Schlüter (Berlin) in August 1992, who reportedly acquired it from Kobe von Koppenfels in October 1979, and from the collection of G. Dattari (1853-1923)
This reverse most likely refers to Antoninus Pius' military campaign in Britain, which saw the temporary conquest of southern Scotland and the construction of the Antonine Wall in 142
EGYPT. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm.
EGYPT. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 34 mm, 23.90 g, 12 h), RY 10 = 146/7. AYT K T AIΛ AΔP ANTⲰNЄINOC Laureate head of Antoninus Pius to right. Rev. L ΔЄKATOY Herakles and the Apples of the Hesperides: Herakles standing right, reaching with his right hand for the Apples of the Hesperides hanging from branch of tree to right, and holding lion’s skin and club over his left shoulder; to right, tree with the serpent Ladon coiled around the trunk, an arrow pierced through its neck. Dattari (Savio) 2604 & 8495-6. Emmett 1554.10. K&G 35.354. RPC IV.4 980. Rare. Well centered and struck, a beautiful example of this iconic reverse type. A few faint scratches on the reverse, otherwise, very fine.
For his eleventh labor, Herakles was commanded by the cowardly Eurystheus to retrieve the Apples of the Hesperides, golden fruits that Gaia had gifted to Hera on her wedding day. These apples were tended by the Hesperides - nymphs said to be either the daughters of Atlas or Nyx - and guarded by the monstrous, hundred-headed serpent Ladon. In one version of the myth (Apollonius 4.1396-1405), Herakles slew Ladon with arrows dipped in the venom of the Lernaean Hydra, much to the despair of the nymphs. In another account, Herakles persuaded Atlas to fetch the apples while he temporarily bore the weight of the sky on his shoulders. Regardless of the method, after Herakles delivered the apples to Eurystheus, Athena returned them to their rightful place. On this beautiful coin, the narrative clearly favors the more violent version of the myth, albeit with a notable modification: Ladon is depicted with only a single head
EGYPT. Alexandria. Maximianus, first reign, 286-305. Tetradrachm.
EGYPT. Alexandria. Maximianus, first reign, 286-305. Tetradrachm (Potin, 19 mm, 6.96 g, 12 h), RY 10 = 294/5. ΜΑΞΙΜΙΑΝΟC CЄΒ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Maximianus to right, seen from behind. Rev. L - I Helmeted and cuirassed bust of Ares to left, seen from behind, holding spear pointing forward in his right hand and shield decorated with Nike flying left with his left. Dattari (Savio) 10695. Emmett 4146.10. K&G 120.105. Köln 3339. RPC X online ID 76750. Very rare and with an unusual and highly attractive reverse type. The obverse struck slightly off center, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.
From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, privately acquired from Barry Murphy on 5 January 2012
The striking bust on the reverse of this remarkable late tetradrachm from Alexandria has been interpreted in various ways - as Athena, Ares, or even as an imperial portrait. Despite its beardless appearance, the bust is undoubtedly male. However, it is not an imperial portrait, but should rather be interpreted as a Comes type: the emperor on the obverse, accompanied by his divine companion on the reverse. This particular depiction represents the war god Ares, whose features, including the prominent forehead wrinkles, were deliberately aligned with the physiognomy of the tetrarchic emperors.
This coin belongs to a series of Alexandrian issues from 294/5, featuring busts of Ares (RPC online ID 76126 and 76750) and depictions of military victories. These include emperors trampling their enemies (RPC X online ID 76110-76111) or standing between two captives (RPC X online ID 76114). Interestingly, these types were minted only for Maximianus and Constantius I, and not for Diocletian or Galerius. This suggests they were not generic designs but specific references to Maximianus's campaigns along the Rhine frontier and Constantius' campaigns against Carausius in 293-294. In 293, Constantius recaptured Gesoriacum, the most important Roman port on the Channel coast, driving Carausius off the mainland shortly before the usurper was murdered by Allectus.
These Alexandrian coins reveal that even authorities in Egypt followed the military triumphs of the emperors along the Rhine and the Channel with keen interest. Historical references of this specificity are rare in Alexandrian coinage, making these issues especially significant. The annual dating of these coins provides a rare and invaluable tool for reconstructing events and their reception - a remarkable boon for both historians and numismatists
Anonymous, circa 310-300 BC. Didrachm.
Anonymous, circa 310-300 BC. Didrachm (Silver, 21 mm, 7.16 g, 12 h), Neapolis (?). Bearded head of Mars to left, wearing crested Corinthian helmet; to right, oak spray. Rev. Head of a bridled horse to right on base inscribed [ROMANO]; to left, stalk of grain. Crawford 13/1. HN Italy 266. RBW 3. Sydenham 1. Light scratches and with some doubling on the reverse, otherwise, very fine.
From the collection of Dipl.-Ing. Adrian Lang, Leu 12, 15 May 2022, 1001, from the JD Collection, Part II, Numismatica Ars Classica 72, 16 May 2013, 954, ex Münzzentrum Köln 24, 12 May 1976, 256
Anonymous, circa 225-217 BC. Aes Grave As.
Anonymous, circa 225-217 BC. Aes Grave As (Bronze, 67 mm, 268.63 g, 12 h), libral cast series. Rome. Head of bearded Janus; below, - (mark of value); all on a raised disk. Rev. Prow of galley to right; above, I (mark of value); all on a raised disk. Crawford 35/1. HN Italy 337. ICC 74. RBW 84-5. Sydenham 72. Somewhat rough and with minor deposits, otherwise, good very fine.
From a Swiss collection, formed before 2005
Anonymous, circa 217-215 BC. Uncia.
Anonymous, circa 217-215 BC. Uncia (Bronze, 23 mm, 13.61 g, 6 h), semilibral standard, Rome. Radiate and draped bust of Sol facing; to lower left, pellet (mark of value). Rev. ROMA Crescent; above, pellet (mark of value) between two eight-rayed stars. Crawford 39/4. RBW 108. Sydenham 96. Lovely olive green patina. A few tiny flan faults, otherwise, very fine.
Ex Schulman 238, 10-13 February 1964, 820
C. Servilius M.f, 136 BC. Denarius.
C. Servilius M.f, 136 BC. Denarius (Silver, 20 mm, 3.88 g, 7 h), Rome. ROMA Head of Roma to right, wearing winged helmet, pendant earring and elaborate necklace; behind, wreath above mark of value. Rev. C•SERVEILI•M•F The Dioscuri on horseback rearing in opposing directions, heads facing one another, each holding couched spear; above, stars. Babelon (Servilia) 1. Crawford 239/1. RBW 984. Sydenham 525. Beautiful iridescent toning. A few light marks, otherwise, good extremely fine.
Ex Leu 11, 14 May 2022, 212 and Rauch 48, 6 April 1992, 195
M. Aemilius Scaurus and Pub. Plautius Hypsaeus, 58 BC. Denarius.
M. Aemilius Scaurus and Pub. Plautius Hypsaeus, 58 BC. Denarius (Silver, 18 mm, 3.90 g, 5 h), Rome. M SCAVR / AED CVR / [E]X - S C / [REX ARETAS] Nabatean king Aretas kneeling right, holding olive branch and reins of camel standing beside him. Rev. P HVPSAE / AED CVR / CAPTV / C HVPSAE COS / PREIVE Jupiter in quadriga left, holding reins in his left hand and hurling thunderbolt with his right; below the horses, scorpion. Babelon (Aemilia) 8 and (Plautia) 10. Crawford 422/1b. RBW 1519. Sydenham 913. Beautiful old collection toning. Struck from slightly worn dies, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.
M. Junius Brutus, 54 BC. Denarius.
M. Junius Brutus, 54 BC. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 3.85 g, 2 h), Rome. BRVTVS Bearded head of L. Junius Brutus to right. Rev. AHALA Bearded head of C. Servilius Ahala to right. Babelon (Junia) 31. Crawford 433/2. RBW 1543. Sydenham 907. An unusually well centered example with beautiful iridescent toning. A few faint scratches on the reverse, otherwise, about extremely fine.
Struck during M. Junius Brutus' tenure as moneyer in 54 BC, this issue shows two of his most illustrious ancestors. On the obverse, we find the image of M. Junius Brutus, Rome's legendary first consul, who supposedly expelled his uncle, Tarquinius Superbus, the last Roman king, in 509 BC, whereas the reverse portrays C. Servilius Ahala, another legendary figure from the early Roman Republic, whose fame derived from killing the would-be tyrant, Spurius Maelius, in 439 BC. With our hindsight knowledge of Brutus' role in the assassination of Julius Caesar on the Ides of March in 44 BC, the motives shown on this coin appear almost prophetic. On the other hand, it was common practice for Rome's moneyers to portray famous ancestors on their denarii as a means of aggrandizing their family's glory in a time when social norms still rigidly prohibited the use of their own portraits
C. Coelius Caldus, 53 BC. Denarius.
C. Coelius Caldus, 53 BC. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 4.01 g, 6 h), Rome. C•COEL•CALDVS / COS Bare head of the consul C. Coelius Caldus to right; to left, tablet inscribed L•D (libero damno). Rev. [CA]LDVS•III•VIR Radiate head of Sol to right; to left, S above oblong Gallic shield ornamented with thunderbolt, to right, round Spanish shield. Babelon (Coelia) 5. Crawford 437/1b. RBW 1550. Sydenham 892. An exceptional example with two superb portraits struck on excellent silver. The reverse struck slightly off center, otherwise, good extremely fine.
From the collections of Regierungsrat Dr. iur. Hans Krähenbühl, Leu 8, 23 October 2021, 262 and that of Dr. E. P. Nicolas, Leu 17, 3-4 May 1977, 638
Albinus Bruti f, 48 BC. Denarius.
Albinus Bruti f, 48 BC. Denarius (Silver, 17 mm, 4.00 g, 2 h), Rome. A POSTVMIVS COS Bare head of A. Postumius to right. Rev. ALBINVS / BRVTI F within wreath of grain ears. Babelon (Postumia) 14 and (Junia) 29. Crawford 450/3a. CRI 27. RBW 1578. Sydenham 943a. Beautifully toned and with a wonderful portrait. Struck slightly off center, otherwise, about extremely fine.
Ex Leu 91, 10 May 2004, 479
It is not entirely certain whose portrait appears on the obverse of this remarkable denarius: it could be either Aulus Postumius Albinus, consul in 151 BC, or the consul of the same name from 99 BC. The latter is more likely, and he may have been the adoptive father of the moneyer, Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus (not to be confused with Junius Brutus!), who would later become one of the key instigators of Julius Caesar's assassination. The reverse type, featuring the moneyer's name within a wreath of grain ears, suggests that he was responsible for supplying Rome during a time of hardship
Cnaeus Pompey Jr, 48-45 BC. Denarius.
Cnaeus Pompey Jr, 48-45 BC. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 3.63 g, 6 h), with Marcus Poblicius, legatus pro praetore, Corduba, 46-45. M•POBLICI•LEG•PRO - PR Head of Roma to right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet. Rev. CN•MAGNVS•IMP Hispania standing right, with shield slung on her back, holding two spears in her left hand and presenting palm frond to Pompeian soldier, standing to left on prow of ship and placing his left hand on hilt of sword. Babelon (Pompeia) 9 and (Poblicia) 10. Crawford 469/1c. CRI 48. RBW -. Sydenham 1035. Beautifully toned. Struck somewhat off center, otherwise, about extremely fine.
From the collection of Dipl.-Ing. Adrian Lang, Leu 12, 15 May 2022, 1010
Julius Caesar, 49-44 BC. Denarius.
Julius Caesar, 49-44 BC. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 3.98 g, 6 h), military mint moving with Caesar in Africa, 48-47. Diademed head of Venus to right. Rev. CAESAR Aeneas advancing left, carrying palladium in his right hand and Anchises on his left shoulder. Babelon (Julia) 10. Crawford 458/1. CRI 55. RBW 1600. Sydenham 1013. A very well struck and beautifully toned example. Nearly extremely fine.
Julius Caesar, 49-44 BC. Denarius.
Julius Caesar, 49-44 BC. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 3.91 g, 1 h), uncertain mint (Utica?), 46. DICT•ITER - COS•TERT Head of Ceres to right, wearing wreath of grain ears. Rev. [A]VGVR / PONT•MAX Simpulum, aspergillum, jug and lituus; to right, D (donativum). Babelon (Julia) 16. Crawford 467/1a. CRI 57. RBW 1637. Sydenham 1023. Beautifully toned and sharp, an unusually attractive piece. Minor weakness on the obverse and the reverse struck slightly off center, otherwise, extremely fine.
From the collection of Regierungsrat Dr. iur. Hans Krähenbühl, Leu 8, 23 October 2021, 278, privately acquired from Bank Leu on 28 August 1974
Julius Caesar, 49-44 BC. Denarius.
Julius Caesar, 49-44 BC. Denarius (Silver, 18 mm, 3.89 g, 6 h), military mint moving with Caesar in Spain, 46-45. Diademed head of Venus to right; behind, cupid. Rev. CAESAR Trophy of Gallic arms; at base to left, draped female captive seated to left, in mourning attitude; at base to right, bearded Gaulish captive kneeling right, his head turned back toward trophy. Babelon (Julia) 11. Crawford 468/1. RBW 1639. Sydenham 1014. Fresh and struck in high relief. The reverse struck slightly off center, otherwise, extremely fine.
Ex Leu 14, 14 October 2023, 157
Julius Caesar, 49-44 BC. Denarius.
Julius Caesar, 49-44 BC. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 3.58 g, 6 h), with P. Sepullius Macer. Rome, after January-February 44. CAESAR•IMP Wreathed head of Julius Caesar to right; behind, eight-pointed star. Rev. P•SEPVLLIVS - MACER Venus standing front, head lowered to left, holding Victory in her right hand and long scepter set on star in her left. Babelon (Julia) 46 and (Sepullia) 1. Crawford 480/5b. RBW 1679. Sydenham 1071. Lustrous, fresh and exceptionally well preserved, with a magnificent portrait. A few faint scratches and the reverse struck slightly off center, otherwise, good extremely fine.
Ex Leu 14, 14 October 2023, 159
This coin, showing a vigorous portrait of Julius Caesar, was struck during the beginning of the year before his assassination on 15 March 44 BC. One of the most shocking innovations Caesar had introduced in the Roman coinage was the use of his own portrait in the style of a Hellenistic monarch, the first time a living Roman had done so in Rome itself. This was a scandalous development to the Roman elite, and was one of many causes of his assassination. While Caesar's portrait continued to be used after his death, interestingly, rather than the contentious title of 'Dictator (in) Perpetuo' used right before his demise, the moneyers, M. Mettius and P. Sepullius Macer, opted for the more neutral 'Imperator', just as they had for this issue. This probably reflects a healthy amount of caution on the moneyers' part, who had to work during one of the most pivotal and politically dangerous periods of Roman history
Julius Caesar, 49-44 BC. Denarius.
Julius Caesar, 49-44 BC. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 3.91 g, 12 h), L. Flaminius Cilo, moneyer. Rome, August, 43. Wreathed head of Julius Caesar to right. Rev. L•FLAMINIVS - IIII•VIR Venus (or Pax) standing front, head lowered to left, holding caduceus in her right hand and long scepter in her left. Babelon (Julia) 44 and (Flaminia) 3. Crawford 485/1. CRI 113. RBW -. Sydenham 1089. An absolutely magnificent piece, perfectly centered and fresh, and with an exceptionally attractive portrait. Small banker's mark on the obverse, otherwise, extremely fine.
Ex Leu 13, 27 May 2023, 202
The moneyer, L. Flaminius Cilo, issued two pro-Caesarean coin types: one featuring an idealized portrait of Caesar, foreshadowing his apotheosis under Octavian’s direction on 1 January 42 BC; and another with Venus on the obverse and Victory driving a galloping biga on the reverse (Crawford 485/2). Despite their strong imagery, these issues did not ultimately advance Cilo’s career. He appears to have been proscribed by the triumviral government later that year, though the reasons remain unclear.
Cilo held the title of <i>primus flavit</i>, indicating he was the first among his college to strike coins and likely served as the monetary college’s superintendent that year. If so, his proscription might have been tied to the lackluster designs of his colleagues, whose less overtly pro-Caesarean types could have reflected poorly on him. As superintendent, he would have borne responsibility for the college’s entire output, including his peers’ issues as well as his own
Octavian, 44-27 BC. Denarius.
Octavian, 44-27 BC. Denarius (Silver, 20 mm, 3.53 g, 3 h), uncertain mint in Italy (Rome?), autumn 32-summer 31. Diademed and draped bust of Pax to right; behind, cornucopiae; before, olive branch. Rev. CAESAR - DIVI•F Octavian, in military attire, advancing right, raising his right hand in salute and holding inverted spear over his shoulder in his left. Babelon (Julia) 107. BMC 611. CBN 6. Cohen 72. CRI 400. RIC 253. Lustrous and well centered. Tiny marks and with a thin die break on the obverse, otherwise, good extremely fine.
Augustus, 27 BC-AD 14. Denarius.
Augustus, 27 BC-AD 14. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 3.75 g, 6 h), Lugdunum, 8 BC. AVGVSTVS DIVI•F Laureate head of Augustus to right. Rev. IMP•XIIII Augustus, on the right, togate, seated left on curule chair set on low platform, extending his right hand toward a cloaked barbarian, on the left, standing right, presenting a child held out with both hands toward the emperor. BMC 494. CBN 1453. Cohen 175. Giard 65. RIC 201a. Very fine.
From the collection of Dipl.-Ing. Adrian Lang, Leu 12, 15 May 2022, 1019
Divus Augustus, died AD 14. Dupondius.
Divus Augustus, died AD 14. Dupondius (Orichalcum, 29 mm, 16.39 g, 7 h), Rome, struck under Gaius (Caligula), 37-41. DIVVS•AVGVSTVS / S - C Radiate head of Divus Augustus to left. Rev. CONSENSV•SENAT•ET•EQ•ORDIN•P•Q•R• Gaius, togate, seated to left on curule chair, holding olive branch in his right hand and globe in his left. BMC 88. Cohen 87. RIC 56. A splendid piece with a wonderful deep green patina. Light deposits and with small spots of corrosion, otherwise, extremely fine.
Ex Leu 11, 14 May 2022, 229 and from the collection of M. P. Vautier & Prof. M. Collignon, Naville II, 12-14 June 1922, 95
Nero Claudius Drusus, died 9 BC. Aureus.
Nero Claudius Drusus, died 9 BC. Aureus (Gold, 20 mm, 7.71 g, 2 h), Lugdunum, struck under Claudius, circa 41-45. NERO•CLAVDIVS•DRVSVS•GERMANICVS•IMP Head of Nero Claudius Drusus to left, wearing oak wreath. Rev. Triumphal arch surmounted by equestrian statue between two trophies; on architrave DE GERMANIS. Antike Kunst (1967), pl. 52, 486 (this coin). BMC 100. Calicó 316. Cohen 3. RIC 71. Rare. A beautiful piece with a lovely portrait struck on a very broad flan. Very fine.
From the collection of Regierungsrat Dr. iur. Hans Krähenbühl, Leu 8, 23 October 2021, 290 and ex Hess-Leu 28, 5-6 May 1965, 369
When Octavian fell in love with Livia in 39 BC, she was pregnant by her first husband, Tiberius Claudius Nero, who agreed to divorce her in order to please his master. Drusus was born in early 38 BC, just months after Octavian married his mother, and he and his older brother, Tiberius, grew up in their stepfather’s household. As they came of age, Octavian - now Augustus - gradually began entrusting his stepsons with important duties. When the Roman army launched a series of offensives against barbarian tribes in central and northern Germany between 12 and 9 BC, Drusus led the charge. The young general proved to be an able commander, winning several battles and pushing deep into enemy territory.
In 9 BC, the Romans reached the Albis (Elbe), but, to Augustus's great grief, Drusus died during the return march after falling from his horse and sustaining fatal injuries. His body was retrieved in Germany by his brother Tiberius whom Augustus did not favor but who would eventually succeed him as emperor in 14 AD. Though no coins were struck in Drusus’ lifetime, his son Claudius issued a commemorative series in his father’s name after his accession to the throne in 41 AD. In these coins, Claudius praised Drusus as the defeater of the Germans, possibly attempting to confer some of his father's military glory upon himself. The triumphal arch depicted on the reverse of the aureus, meanwhile, was commissioned by Augustus to commemorate his beloved stepson’s victories in Germania
Claudius, 41-54. Denarius.
Claudius, 41-54. Denarius (Silver, 10 mm, 3.89 g, 12 h), Lugdunum, 44-45. TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG P M TR•P•IIII Laureate head of Claudius to right. Rev. PACI AVGVSTAE Pax-Nemesis, winged, standing right, holding winged caduceus pointing down at snake in her left hand and holding out fold of drapery below chin with her right. BMC 27. CBN 56. Cohen 51. Ghey 98 (this coin). RIC 28. SF-8C645E-253 (this coin). Lightly toned, struck in high relief and with an excellent portrait. Minor marks and with a light scratch on the obverse, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Noonans 303, 18 September 2024, 270 and from the Helmingham Hoard, found in Helmingham Hall, Suffolk in September of 2019, submitted for consideration as Treasure to the PAS (SF-8C645E, 2020 SF-521A7C and 2021 SF-AEA396), passed through the treasure process (2019T974, 2020T915 and 2021T655 respectively), and allocated special find numbers
Helmingham Hall is a picturesque manor house with a moat, dating back to the 16th century. Not far from the Tudor-style house, an almost 2,000-year-old secret was uncovered by George Ridway in September 2019. The hoard that came to light included 724 Roman silver denarii, 19 gold staters, and 4 quarter staters of Cunobelin. This is the largest known mixed hoard of British Iron Age and Roman coins ever discovered in Britain. The latest coins in the hoard were minted in 46-47 AD, providing a terminus post quem within the reign of Emperor Claudius, just a few years after the Roman conquest of Britain.
At that time, Helmingham was situated in the midst of these dramatic events, located just 43 kilometers north of Camulodunum, a significant early Roman settlement. Veterans of Legio XX Valeria Victrix, which arrived in Britain in 43 AD and played a pivotal role in the conquest, settled in Camulodunum before 49 AD. While we will never fully uncover the original owner’s precise connection to the conquest of Britain, it is highly likely that the Helmingham Hoard should be understood within this historical context.
This denarius of Claudius, minted between 44 and 45 AD, stands out as one of the final coins added to the hoard before its burial in 46-47 AD. Consequently, it exhibits only minimal signs of circulation, a striking contrast to the typically well-worn Claudian silver coinage, making it a particularly appealing example
Nero, 54-68. Dupondius.
Nero, 54-68. Dupondius (Orichalcum, 29 mm, 15.20 g, 6 h), Lugdunum, circa 64. NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P Radiate head of Nero to right, small globe at point of bust. Rev. VICTORIA AVGVSTI / S - C / II Victory advancing left, holding wreath in her right hand and palm frond in her left. BMC -. CBN 57. Cohen 349. RIC 379. WCN 495. A lovely example with a bold portrait and an attractive dark green patina. Minor smoothing and with very light roughness on the reverse, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.
Ex Leu 13, 27 May 2023, 258 and from the Aes Augustorum Collection, formed since the late 1990s
Vespasian, 69-79. Denarius.
Vespasian, 69-79. Denarius (Silver, 18 mm, 3.00 g, 12 h), Ephesus, 69-70. IMP CAES VESPAS AVG Laureate head of Vespasian to right. Rev. CONCORDIA AVG Ceres seated to left on ornamented throne, holding poppy and two grain ears in her right hand and cornucopiae in her left; in exergue, Φ (vertically). BMC 434A. Cohen 65. RIC 1400. RPC II 809.11 (this coin). Lightly toned and with a bold portrait. A few minor marks, otherwise, extremely fine.
Ex Leu 11, 14 May 2022, 240, from the Viggo collection of Flavian Imperial Coins from provincial mints, Numismatica Ars Classica 125, 23 June 2021, 530 and previously privately acquired from Freeman & Sear on 17 November 2006
Divus Vespasian, died 79. Sestertius.
Divus Vespasian, died 79. Sestertius (Orichalcum, 34 mm, 26.21 g, 7 h), Rome, struck under Titus, 80-81. DIVO / AVG / VESP / S P Q R Divus Vespasian, radiate and togate, seated right in quadriga of elephants with riders, holding Victory in his right hand and scepter in his left. Rev. IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII around large S C. BMC 221. CBN 229. Cohen 205. RIC 257. Rare and unusually attractive, with a beautiful rendering of the elephant quadriga. Somewhat smoothed, otherwise, good very fine.
This striking sestertius of Divus Vespasian exhibits remarkably fine detail. On the obverse, the deified Vespasian is depicted seated to the right in an ornate chariot drawn by four elephants, each guided by its own mahout. He holds a small winged Victory and a scepter, symbols of his apotheosis and imperial authority. The accompanying legend, DIVO AVG VESP and SPQR, indicates that the coin was issued to commemorate the deceased emperor’s deification and was struck under the authority of the Senate and people of Rome.
In contrast to the intricate obverse, the reverse is relatively austere. It features only an inscription identifying Vespasian’s son and successor, Titus, as the issuer, along with a prominent S C (Senatus Consulto), reaffirming that the coin was minted under the auspices of the Roman Senate
Domitian, 81-96. Dupondius.
Domitian, 81-96. Dupondius (Orichalcum, 28 mm, 15.15 g, 7 h), Rome, 85. IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XI Radiate head of Domitian to right, with aegis on his left shoulder. Rev. S - C Mars, helmeted and in military attire, advancing to left, holding Victory in his right hand and trophy over his left shoulder; parazonium on his left side. BMC 308. Cohen 427. RIC 293. A lovely example with a fine portrait. Good very fine.
Ex Leu 11, 14 May 2022, 255 and Künker 347, 22 March 2021, 413, previously acquired from Günther Schlüter in August 2001 and from Dr. Schlagowsky in July 1964
Domitian, 81-96. Dupondius.
Domitian, 81-96. Dupondius (Orichalcum, 28 mm, 12.87 g, 5 h), Rome, 92-94. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XVI CENS PER P P Radiate head of Domitian to right. Rev. VIRTVTI AVGVSTI / S - C Virtus standing right, placing her left foot on helmet, holding spear in her right hand and parazonium in her left. BMC 468. CBN 496. Cohen 659. RIC 754. Struck on a broad flan and with a beautiful green patina. Very minor smoothing, otherwise, extremely fine.
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 84, 20 May 2015, 972
Trajan, 98-117. Aureus.
Trajan, 98-117. Aureus (Gold, 19 mm, 7.52 g, 6 h), Rome, 98. IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM Laureate head of Trajan to right. Rev. PONT MAX TR POT COS II Germania, nude to waist, seated left on pile of shields, resting left arm on hexagonal shield and holding olive branch in her outstretched right hand; below shields, helmet. BMC 8. Calicó 1070. Cohen 290. RIC 15. Woytek 23a. Rare and with a fine pedigree. Struck from a slightly worn reverse die and with minor scratches and edge scuffs, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Hess-Leu 22, 4 April 1963, 174
This rare aureus of Trajan, struck shortly after his accession to the throne, features a reverse depicting Germania reclining on a pile of hexagonal shields. The iconography references Trajan's involvement in the German campaigns under Domitian, during which he served as governor of Germania and Pannonia and earned distinction for his military achievements. Germania is depicted atop captured German arms, including shields and a helmet, symbolizing her submission to Rome. Her outstretched hand holding an olive branch - a universal emblem of peace - is not the gesture of an equal partner but the compelled offering of a defeated people. This imagery encapsulates a core principle of Roman state ideology: Rome does not seek peace through negotiation but imposes it through conquest and domination.
Although Rome continued to wage wars against various Germanic tribes well into the fifth century, Trajan’s reign marked an era when Germans were increasingly settled along the empire’s borders. Many of their warriors, now subjugated, served as auxiliaries within the Roman legions, reflecting the complex and evolving relationship between Rome and its Germanic neighbors.
Trajan, 98-117. Denarius.
Trajan, 98-117. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 3.24 g, 7 h), Rome, circa 103-107. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P Laureate head of Trajan to right. Rev. S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI Pax standing front, head to left, holding olive branch in her right hand and cornucopiae in her left, her right foot set on bust of Dacia, which rises from the ground. BMC 212. Cohen 400 var. (bust with aegis). RIC 190a var. (bust with aegis). Woytek 194aA. Lustrous and with a particularly expressive portrait. Minor edge splits and with very light weakness on the reverse, otherwise, good extremely fine.
Ex Leu 11, 14 May 2022, 256 and Numismatica Ars Classica 101, 24 October 2017, 247
Trajan, 98-117. Sestertius.
Trajan, 98-117. Sestertius (Orichalcum, 33 mm, 26.88 g, 6 h), Rome, 103-107. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P Laureate head of Trajan to right, with slight drapery on his left shoulder. Rev. S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI / S - C Pax standing front, head to left, holding olive-branch in her right hand and cornucopiae in her left, placing her right foot on half-length Dacian bust to left. BMC 800. Cohen 407. RIC 503 var. (differing bust type). Woytek 200bA-1.3 and pl. 36 (this coin). An excellent piece with a bold early style portrait and an impressive pedigree. Minor smoothing, otherwise, about extremely fine.
From the collection of Dipl.-Ing. Adrian Lang, Leu 12, 15 May 2022, 1114, ex Rauch 87, 8 December 2010, 437 and Heritage 686, 30 May 2008, 50119, and from the collections of Hall Park McCullough, Stack's, 20 November 1967, 1212 and M. P. Vautier & Prof. M. Collignon, Naville II, 12-14 June 1922, 644
Trajan, 98-117. Aureus.
Trajan, 98-117. Aureus (Gold, 19 mm, 7.11 g, 8 h), Rome, autumn 116-August 117. IMP CAES NER TRAIAN OPTIM AVG GERM DAC Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Trajan to right, seen from behind. Rev. PARTHICO P M TR P COS VI P P S P Q R• Radiate and draped bust of Sol to right. BMC 621. Calicó 1038a. CBN 880. Cohen 187 corr. (GERM not GER). RIC 329f. Woytek 572f. Boldly struck and with a lovely rendering of Sol. Tiny bump on the edge, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.
The alignment of Roman rulers with the sun god Sol-Helios can be traced back to Hellenistic models, and the radiate crown of the god evolved into one of the most important imperial symbols of power, notably used to mark double pieces such as biniones, antoniniani, and dupondii in Roman coinage. In the 3rd century, Aurelian (270-275) was to introduce the cult of Sol Invictus, the invincible Sun, which, despite the rise of Christianity, would remain popular among the pagan elite and soldiers well into the 4th and 5th centuries, continuing to exert its influence even as the Roman Empire underwent monumental religious changes
Matidia, Augusta, 112-119. Denarius.
Matidia, Augusta, 112-119. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 3.51 g, 7 h), Rome, 112-117. MATIDIA AVG DIVAE MARCIANAE F Draped bust of Matidia to right, wearing double stephane. Rev. PIETAS AVGVST Matidia standing front, head to left, placing her hands on the heads of Sabina and Matidia Minor, who stand on either side, raising a hand to her. BMC 660. Cohen 10. RIC 759. Woytek 729. An attractive, nicely toned example with an excellent portrait. Good very fine.
Ex Leu 14, 14 October 2023, 209 and Giessener Münzhandlung 67, 2 May 1994, 497
Hadrian, 117-138. Sestertius.
Hadrian, 117-138. Sestertius (Orichalcum, 32 mm, 26.42 g, 6 h), Rome, 128-129. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P Laureate head of Hadrian to right. Rev. HILARITAS•P•R / S - C // COS III Hilaritas standing front, head to left, holding palm in her right hand and cornucopiae in her left; to left and right, male and female child grasping palm and dress, respectively. BMC 1370. Cohen 819. RIC 988. An attractive piece with a lovely brown patina and a fine pedigree. Tiny flan faults on the obverse, otherwise, good very fine.
From the collection of Dipl.-Ing. Adrian Lang, Leu 12, 15 May 2022, 1145, ex Künker 288, 13 March 2017, 554 and Schweizerische Kreditanstalt Monetarium FPL 57, spring 1992, 158, and from the collection of Prof. A. Signorelli, Part III, Santamaria, 13 March 1953, 164
Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Denarius.
Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 2.68 g, 6 h), Rome, 140-143. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III Bust of Antoninus Pius to right with slight drapery on his left shoulder, wearing wreath consisting of grain ears and poppies. Rev. AEQVITAS AVG Aequitas standing front, head to left, holding scales in her right hand and cornucopiae in her left. BMC -. CNG Triton XVIII (2015), 1099 (same obverse die). Cohen -. RIC -. Of the highest rarity, apparently the second known example. A highly interesting and important piece with a fascinating bust type. A few light marks, otherwise, nearly very fine.
Ex Leu Web Auction 26, 8-13 July 2023, 4442
This intriguing denarius features Antoninus Pius adorned with a wreath of grain ears and poppies, a departure from the ubiquitous laurel wreath typically seen on denarii. The grain wreath is unmistakably a symbol of Demeter, and some scholars have speculated that this unusual depiction is linked to the Eleusinian Mysteries, the celebrated cult of Demeter and Persephone in Attica. A similar connection has been suggested for a curious series of heavy aurei issued under Gallienus, which depict the emperor wearing a wreath of grain leaves, also thought to reference Eleusis.
However, while Antoninus Pius’ adoptive father, Hadrian, was a noted initiate of the Eleusinian Mysteries, Antoninus Pius himself famously never left Italy and thus could not have participated in the cult’s rites. A more plausible interpretation is that the grain wreath symbolizes Antoninus Pius’ deep concern for Rome’s grain supply - a theme prominently reflected in his coinage, which frequently features Annona on the reverse
Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Sestertius.
Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Sestertius (Orichalcum, 33 mm, 26.13 g, 6 h), Rome, 140-144. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III Laureate head of Antoninus Pius to right, with slight drapery on his left shoulder. Rev. GENIO SENATVS / S - C The Genius of the Roman Senate, togate, standing front, head to left, holding olive branch in his right hand and scepter in his left. Banti 164. BMC 1246 var. (differing bust type). Cohen 401 var. (differing bust type). RIC 605 var. (differing bust type). Extremely rare with this bust type. A beautifully patinated piece. Light deposits and with a spot of corrosion on the reverse, otherwise, about extremely fine.
From the collection of Dipl.-Ing. Adrian Lang, Leu 12, 15 May 2022, 1158, ex UBS 78, 9-10 September 2008, 1657 and previously privately acquired from Münzhandlung Basel
Faustina Senior, Augusta, 138-140/1. As.
Faustina Senior, Augusta, 138-140/1. As (Copper, 28 mm, 12.25 g, 4 h), Rome, 139. FAVSTINA AVG ANTONINI AVG PII P P Diademed and draped bust of Faustina Senior to right. Rev. IVNONI REGINAE / S - C Juno, veiled, standing front, head to left, holding patera in her right hand and long scepter in her left; at her feet to left, peacock standing left, head right. BMC 1130. Cohen 217. RIC 1091. A very attractive coin with a lovely portrait and a beautiful brown patina. Minor deposits, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex The Bru Sale 1, 21 November 2012, 125, Tradart MBS, 2001, 187 and The Numismatic Auction 1, 13 December 1982, 366
The vast majority of coins issued for Faustina Senior were struck after her death in 140/1 AD, which is hardly surprising. At the time of her passing, her husband, Antoninus Pius, had been emperor for only 2-3 years but would go on to rule for another two decades, until his death in 161 AD at the venerable age of 74. Coins minted during Faustina’s lifetime are easily distinguishable from the posthumous issues, as the latter always depict her as Diva, a deified empress. While coins struck during her lifetime are not particularly rare, they are notably scarcer than the posthumous issues, and bronze examples in such exceptional condition as the present piece - further enhanced by its beautiful patina - are very difficult to find
Diva Faustina Senior, died 140/1. Aureus.
Diva Faustina Senior, died 140/1. Aureus (Gold, 20 mm, 7.18 g, 12 h), Rome, after 147. DIVA FAVSTINA Diademed and draped bust of Diva Faustina to right. Rev. AVGVSTA Ceres, veiled, standing facing, head to left, holding torch in her right hand and long scepter in her left. Antike Kunst (1967), 496 (this coin). BMC 395. Calicó 1763a. Cohen 95. RIC 356. A splendid piece, well struck and with a fine portrait struck in high relief. Tiny scrapes on the reverse, otherwise, good extremely fine.
From the collection of Regierungsrat Dr. iur. Hans Krähenbühl, Leu 8, 23 October 2021, 308, previously privately acquired from Bank Leu on 13 July 1964, and from the collection of Vicomte Louis de Sartiges, Naville XVIII, 10 October 1938, 253
Pertinax, 193. Aureus.
Pertinax, 193. Aureus (Gold, 19 mm, 7.28 g, 6 h), Rome, 1 January-28 March 193. IMP CAES P HELV PERTIN•AVG Laureate head of Pertinax to right. Rev. LAETITIA•TEMPOR•COS•II Laetitia standing front, head to left, holding wreath in her right hand and long scepter in her left. BMC 7. Calicó 2383. Cohen 19. Lempereur 101b (this coin, D40/R66). RIC 4A. Rare. A wonderful piece with a particularly noble portrait. Nearly extremely fine.
From the collection of Regierungsrat Dr. iur. Hans Krähenbühl, Leu 8, 23 October 2021, 315, previously privately acquired from Bank Leu on 2 July 1968, ex Münzen & Medaillen AG XXI, 19 March 1960, 61, and from the collection of F. McClean ('Astronomer'), Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 13-18 June 1906, 76
Born of humble origins - his father was a Ligurian freedman - Pertinax rose to prominence under Marcus Aurelius, building a distinguished career through his service in key military campaigns. These included the Parthian Campaign of Lucius Verus (161-166) and the fiercely contested Marcomannic Wars (166-180). His military successes earned him a formidable reputation and brought him into Marcus Aurelius’ inner circle in the late 170s. This led to his appointment as suffect consul in 175 and subsequent governorships of Moesia Inferior (176-177), Moesia Superior (177), Dacia (178-179), and Syria (179-180).
Pertinax’s career faced a setback during the early reign of Commodus, but he returned to prominence between 185 and 192. During this period, he served as governor of Britannia (185-187), <i>praefectus alimentorum</i> (187-188), proconsul of Africa (188-190), and finally <i>praefectus urbi</i> (190-192), a prestigious position close to the emperor. His political ascension culminated in his joint consulship with Commodus in 192.
When the Praetorian Prefect, Aemilius Laetus, orchestrated the assassination of Commodus on 31 December 192, the 66-year-old Pertinax was proclaimed emperor. A highly respected statesman and veteran of Roman politics, Pertinax sought to restore order to the res publica after the chaotic reign of Commodus, striving to return to the prudent governance of Marcus Aurelius. However, his financial austerity measures and attempts to reimpose discipline alienated the Praetorian Guard. Misjudging his authority, Pertinax underestimated the guards’ power and dependence on their favor. On 28 March 193, they assassinated him and infamously auctioned the throne to Didius Julianus for the staggering sum of 25,000 sestertii per soldier.
Despite his tragic end, Pertinax was later deified as Divus Pertinax Pater by Septimius Severus, who captured Rome on 9 June 193 and established the Severan dynasty (193-235)
Clodius Albinus, as Caesar, 193-195. Sestertius.
Clodius Albinus, as Caesar, 193-195. Sestertius (Orichalcum, 30 mm, 24.05 g, 12 h), Rome, 195. D CLOD SEPT ALBIN CAES Bare head of Clodius Albinius to right. Rev. CONCORDIA / S - C Concordia seated to left, holding patera in her right hand and double cornucopiae in her left. BMC 483. Cohen 7. RIC 62. A lovely coin with an attractive even patina. Very fine.
From the collection of Dipl.-Ing. Adrian Lang, Leu 12, 15 May 2022, 1230, ex Künker 216, 8 October 2012, 1101, Hess-Divo 317, 27 October 2010, 891, The New York Sale XXIII, 6 January 2010, 188 and Nomisma, 1994, 256
Septimius Severus, 193-211. Denarius.
Septimius Severus, 193-211. Denarius (Silver, 20 mm, 3.48 g, 1 h), Rome, 206-208. SEVERVS PIVS AVG Laureate head of Septimius Severus to right. Rev. VOTA SVSCEPTA XX Septimius Severus standing right, veiled, sacrificing out of patera over lighted tripod with his right hand; to right, attendant standing left, holding rod in his left hand; in background, flute-player standing facing. BMC 377. Cohen 794. RIC 309. Rare and with an interesting reverse type. Slightly rough and with minor weakness, otherwise, very fine.
Divus Septimius Severus, died 211. Denarius.
Divus Septimius Severus, died 211. Denarius (Silver, 20 mm, 3.33 g, 6 h), Rome, mid to late 211. DIVO SEVERO PIO Bare head of Septimius Severus to right. Rev. CONSECRATIO Eagle standing front on thunderbolt, wings spread and head turned to left. BMC 24. Cohen 82. RIC 191B. Lightly toned and with a superb portrait of refined style. Nearly extremely fine.
Ex Grigoli 8, 24 May 1992, 315
This lovely denarius in honor of the deified Septimius Severus was struck shortly after the emperor died at York, in the province of Britannia. Unlike most of Severus's denarii, whose portraits tend to mediocrity, this coin exhibits a majestic and incredibly fine portrait of the newly deified god, with a handsome portrait of refined sensitivity. The eagle on the reverse, standing on Jupiter's thunderbolt and with his wings displayed, appears to be awaiting the soul of the deceased to climb upon his back so that he can fly him to Mount Olympus, where the deified emperor will take his place amongst the other gods
Severus Alexander, 222-235. Dupondius.
Severus Alexander, 222-235. Dupondius (Orichalcum, 26 mm, 12.11 g, 12 h), Rome, 229. IMP SEV ALEXANDER AVG Radiate head of Severus Alexander to right, with slight drapery on his left shoulder. Rev. P M TR P VIII COS III P P / S C Severus Alexander standing right in slow quadriga, extending his right hand and holding eagle-tipped scepter in his left. BMC 580. Cohen 380 var. (no drapery). RIC 497. Rare. An attractive example with an enchanting glossy light green patina. Minor breaks in patina on the edge and with very light doubling on the obverse, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Leu 13, 27 May 2023, 301 and previously from the Aes Augustorum Collection, formed since the late 1990s
Severus Alexander, 222-235. Sestertius.
Severus Alexander, 222-235. Sestertius (Orichalcum, 28 mm, 17.69 g, 1 h), Rome, 232. MP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG Laureate head of Severus Alexander to right, with slight drapery on his left shoulder. Rev. PROVIDENTIA AVG / S - C Annona standing front, head to left, holding two grain ears in her right hand and cornucopiae in her left; at feet to left, modius with grain ears. BMC 883. Cohen 503 var. RIC 642. A beautiful example with an enchanting turquoise patina and a very old pedigree. Minor breaks in patina on the edge, otherwise, about extremely fine.
From an old Swiss collection, acquired from Schweizerische Kreditanstalt Bern in 1974 and ex Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 27 February 1908, 26
Gordian III, as Caesar, 238. Denarius.
Gordian III, as Caesar, 238. Denarius (Silver, 21 mm, 3.46 g, 6 h), Rome, circa April-June 238. M ANT GORDIANVS CAES Bare-headed and draped bust of Gordian III to right, seen from behind. Rev. PIETAS AVGG Lituus, knife, jug, simpulum and aspergillum. BMC 62. Cohen 182. RIC 1. Lustrous and with a magnificent portrait of the child emperor. Minor flan fault on the reverse, otherwise, virtually as struck.
Ex Leu 10, 24 October 2021, 2342
Gordian III, 238-244. Antoninianus.
Gordian III, 238-244. Antoninianus (Silver, 21 mm, 4.39 g, 11 h), Antiochia, 239. IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III to right, seen from behind. Rev. P M TR P II COS P P / AVG Gordian III, veiled and togate, driving slow triumphal quadriga to left, holding patera in his right hand and short scepter in his left. Bland -. R. Bland: An imperial visit to Antioch in AD 239, in: Mélanges Amandry (2017), p. 352, 1.1 (this coin). Cohen -. Michaux 519 (this coin illustrated). RIC -. Tkalec (18 February 2002), 224 (same dies). Of the highest rarity, apparently the second known example of this historically interesting issue. The reverse struck slightly off center and with a few faint scratches, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.
From the collection of Dipl.-Ing. Adrian Lang, Leu 12, 15 May 2022, 1375 and ex Numismatica Ars Classica 64, 17 May 2012, 1243.
Numismatic evidence suggests an otherwise unattested stay of Gordian III and his entourage in the East early in his reign. The unusual depiction of the emperor as a togate and veiled figure in a quadriga indicates that he also held his <i>processus consularis</i> there in 239
Gordian III, 238-244. Sestertius.
Gordian III, 238-244. Sestertius (Orichalcum, 30 mm, 19.29 g, 11 h), Rome, 241-243. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III to right, seen from behind. Rev. LAETITIA AVG N / S - C Laetitia standing front, head to left, holding wreath in her right hand and anchor in her left. Cohen 122. Michaux 189. RIC 300a. A very attractive example with a beautiful reddish-brown patina and a particularly sharp portrait. Light smoothing and minor doubling on the reverse, otherwise, extremely fine.
Ex Leu 14, 14 October 2023, 233 and previously from the Lucien Birkler Collection
Philip I, 244-249. Sestertius.
Philip I, 244-249. Sestertius (Orichalcum, 29 mm, 17.08 g, 12 h), Rome, 248. IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG Laurate, draped and cuirassed bust of Philip I to the right, seen from behind. Rev. SAECVLARES AVGG / S C She-wolf standing left, head facing, suckling the twins Romulus and Remus. Cohen 179. RIC 159. Very well struck for the issue and with an attractive green and brown patina. Very minor roughness and with light doubling on the reverse, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.
This beautiful sestertius of Philip I commemorates the founding of Rome in 753 BC, as indicated by the legend on the reverse, SAECVLARES AVGG. The accompanying type, depicting the she-wolf suckling the twins Romulus and Remus, reinforces the legend. According to the foundation myth, the twins were placed in a basket and floated down the Tiber River to escape certain death at the command of King Amulius of Alba Longa. The basket eventually came to rest near the future site of Rome, where a she-wolf found it. She nursed and cared for the twins until they were discovered by the shepherd Faustulus, who took them home to his wife and raised them as his own children
Volusian, 251-253. Sestertius.
Volusian, 251-253. Sestertius (Orichalcum, 29 mm, 16.36 g, 12 h), Rome, 251-252. IMP CAE C VIB VOLVSIANO AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Volusian to right, seen from behind. Rev. IVNONI MARTIALI / S - C Distyle and garlanded round temple set on podium of two steps; within, Juno seated facing on throne, holding two grain ears in her right hand. Cohen 46. Hunter 30. RIC 253a. A very attractive example with a lovely brown patina and an excellent portrait. Minor weakness on the reverse, otherwise, good very fine.
From a German collection, formed in the 1960s
Cornelia Supera, Augusta, 253. Antoninianus.
Cornelia Supera, Augusta, 253. Antoninianus (Silver, 21 mm, 3.13 g, 12 h), Rome. COR SVPERA AVG Diademed and draped bust of Cornelia Supera set to right on crescent. Rev. IVNONI AVG Juno seated left, holding flower in her right hand and infant cradled in her left. Cohen 3. RIC 31. Extremely rare. A beautiful example of this very difficult issue. Areas of weakness, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.
Ex Leu Web Auction 18, 20 December 2021, 3109
For many emperors and would-be emperors of the 3rd century, we know little about their lives and achievements beyond their coins or a few scattered literary references. Even less is known about their wives. Such is the case with Cornelia Supera, the wife of Aemilian, who ruled for only three months in 253. It is likely that Cornelia accompanied her husband as he defeated Trebonianus Gallus in Italy, but soon the situation shifted when Valerian declared himself emperor at the Rhine frontier and marched towards Rome with a considerable force. Aemilian’s soldiers, believing the situation hopeless, turned on their commander and killed him at Spoletium. It remains unclear whether Cornelia Supera shared her husband’s fate or if Valerian spared her; her coins are, after all, the only testament to her existence
Gallienus, 253-268. Antoninianus.
Gallienus, 253-268. Antoninianus (Bronze, 23 mm, 3.56 g, 6 h), Rome, 267-268. GALLIENVS AVG Radiate head of Gallienus to right. Rev. SOLI CONS AVG / XI Bull standing right. Cohen 983. MIR 749b. RIC 285. Wolkow 28a11. Two flan cracks and minor weakness on the obverse, otherwise, about extremely fine.
Victorinus, Romano-Gallic Emperor, 269-271. Antoninianus.
Victorinus, Romano-Gallic Emperor, 269-271. Antoninianus (Silvered bronze, 20 mm, 3.40 g, 6 h), Treveri, mid 269. IMP C M PIAVVONIVS VICTORINVS P F AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Victorinus to right. Rev. FIDES MILITVM Fides standing front, head to left, holding signum in each hand. AGK (corr.) 5a. Cunetio 2515. Elmer 648 ('Cologne'). RIC V.4 500. Rare and unusually complete. Struck from slightly worn dies and with 'R' written in ink on the reverse, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.
Tetricus II, Romano-Gallic Emperor, 273-274. Antoninianus.
Tetricus II, Romano-Gallic Emperor, 273-274. Antoninianus (Bronze, 18 mm, 3.38 g, 11 h), Cologne, 274. C PIV ESV TETRICVS CAES Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Tetricus II to left. Rev. SPES [AVG]G Spes advancing left, holding flower in her right hand and raising skirt with her left. AGK (corr.) 9c. Cunetio 2655. Elmer 793 ('Treveri'). RIC V.4, 794/2. Rare. Struck from somewhat worn dies, otherwise, good very fine.
Aurelian, 270-275. Aureus.
Aurelian, 270-275. Aureus (Gold, 21 mm, 4.75 g, 12 h), Siscia, October-November 270. IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Aurelian to right, seen from behind. Rev. VIRTVS AVGVSTI Trophy between two seated and bound captives, the one on the left looking up at trophy. Calicó 4054. CBN 674. Cohen 278. Estiot, L'or romain I, 98c (this coin, D67/R83). RIC 99 corr. ('Mediolanum'). RIC V online 1907.4 (this coin). Very rare. Beautifully toned and with an important pedigree. Plugged hole at 12 o'clock and with light scratches and traces of mounting, otherwise, good very fine.
From the collection of Sir Arthur J. Evans, Ars Classica XVII, 3 October 1934, 1784
Despite the repaired hole, this is an exceptionally desirable coin, featuring a striking portrait and being one of the earliest issues of Aurelian, struck immediately following his assumption of power after the death of Claudius II. Additionally, it once belonged to the world-renowned numismatist and archaeologist, Sir Arthur J. Evans (1851-1941), best known for his excavations at Knossos in Crete and for transforming the Ashmolean Museum into a premier institution for art and archaeology. The museum’s exceptional collection of Minoan artifacts, which Evans donated, remains the finest outside of Crete.
This aureus, with its finely detailed portrait of Aurelian, was struck at Siscia, one of the two or three locations believed to be Aurelian’s birthplace. On the reverse, the coin depicts a military trophy flanked by two seated, bound captives. These captives are almost certainly Goths, whom Aurelian had defeated shortly before Claudius's death. He resettled the survivors along Rome’s eastern frontier and incorporated the able-bodied men into Rome's auxiliaries
Vabalathus, usurper, 268-272. Antoninianus.
Vabalathus, usurper, 268-272. Antoninianus (Bronze, 20 mm, 3.30 g, 6 h), Antiochia, March-May 272. IM C VHABALATHVS AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Vabalathus to right, seen from behind. Rev. VICTORIA AVG Victory advancing left, holding wreath in her right hand and palm frond in her left; in field to left, star. Bland 27. Cohen 6. RIC 6. RIC V online 3120. Rare. An attractive example of this difficult issue. Somewhat rough, otherwise, very fine.
Ex Leu Web Auction 28, 9-14 December 2023, 4280 and previously from a European collection, formed before 2005
Probus, 276-282. Antoninianus.
Probus, 276-282. Antoninianus (Silvered bronze, 24 mm, 3.95 g, 6 h), Siscia, 278. IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG Radiate and cuirassed bust of Probus to right. Rev. P M TRI P COS II P P / XXIP Lion walking right; to left, head of a bull left. Alföldi 44/6 (1 specimen). Cohen -. Gysen -. RIC 612. Very rare and nearly fully silvered. The obverse a bit weak, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.
Diocletian, 284-305. Antoninianus.
Diocletian, 284-305. Antoninianus (Silvered bronze, 21 mm, 3.44 g, 11 h), Rome, 293-294. IMP DIOCLETIANVS AVG Radiate bust of Diocletian to left in consular robes, holding eagle-tipped scepter in his right hand. Rev. PRIMIS X MVLTIS XX / XXIB Jupiter, nude, standing front, head to left, holding thunderbolt in his right hand and long scepter in his left; in field to right, R. Cohen 386. RIC 175. Very rare and with a highly interesting reverse. Struck from slightly worn dies, otherwise, good very fine.
This very rare type, among the final Antoniniani issued by Diocletian before his major monetary reform, was struck to commemorate his Decennalia celebration. The reverse legend PRIMIS X MVLTIS XX marks the fulfillment of vows (vota) for the first 10 years of his reign and the declaration of new vows for an additional 20 years, which the emperor formally announced on this occasion
Maximianus, first reign, 286-305. Argenteus.
Maximianus, first reign, 286-305. Argenteus (Silver, 18 mm, 3.39 g, 1 h), Siscia, autumn 294-295. MAXIMIA-NVS AVG Laureate head of Maximianus to right. Rev. VIRTVS M-ILITVM The four tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod in front of eight-turreted camp gate. Gautier 22. Jelocnik 12b. D. Mannsperger: ROM ET AUG. Die Selbstdarstellung des Kaisertums in der römischen Reichsprägung, in: ANRW II.1 (1974), pl. 13, 148 f (this coin). RIC 46b. RSC 625†f. Sharply struck and with beautiful iridescent toning. Thin flan crack and minor die breaks on the reverse, otherwise, good extremely fine.
Ex Leu 14, 14 October 2023, 244 and previously from the collection of Prof. Dr. D. Mannsperger, privately acquired from Hess AG on 15 December 1969
Maximianus, first reign, 286-305. Follis.
Maximianus, first reign, 286-305. Follis (Bronze, 27 mm, 8.26 g, 7 h), Treveri, circa 298-299. IMP MAXIMIANVS AVG Laureate, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Maximianus to left, wearing balteus, holding spear over his right shoulder and shield with his left hand. Rev. GENIO POPVLI ROMANI / B - ✱ / TR The Genius of the Roman people standing front, head to left, holding patera in his right hand and cornucopiae in his left. RIC -. Apparently unpublished and with an impressive military bust type, a beautiful coin. Slightly rough and with light deposits, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.
The richly adorned helmet depicted on this unpublished follis of Maximianus is very likely an imperial parade helmet. These helmets were worn by the emperor on ceremonial occasions, such as triumphal processions or during an <i>adlocutio</i> (a formal address to the troops). While no examples of imperial parade helmets have survived, the discovery of a very few cavalry parade helmets, such as the Guisborough Helmet or the Ribchester Helmet, illustrates the extraordinary craftsmanship lavished even on the equipment of ordinary soldiers or lower-ranking officers.
The splendor of an imperial parade helmet - surely adorned with elaborate goldwork and gemstone inlays - can only be imagined. On this coin, the decorations are suggested by an 'X' on the neck guard and a thyrsus (?) adorned with a crescent between two volutes on the helmet bowl. The ensemble is further elevated by an impressive crest and a laurel wreath draped over the helmet, symbolizing Maximianus' rank as Augustus. Completing the attire are a spear, shield, cuirass, and balteus (military belt), all of which emphasize the military context of this extraordinary issue - undoubtedly one of the most striking of the Tetrarchy
Constantius I, 305-306. Argenteus.
Constantius I, 305-306. Argenteus (Silver, 20 mm, 3.38 g, 1 h), Serdica. CONSTAN-TIVS AVG Laureate head of Constantius I to right. Rev. VIRTVS MILITVM / •SM•SDΔ• Campgate with three turrets and no doors. Gautier 51. RIC 11a var. (unlisted officina). RSC 304A corr. (reverse legend). Lustrous and lightly toned, a beautiful coin. Struck from the usual somewhat worn dies with tiny die breaks on the obverse, otherwise, virtually as struck.
Constantius I, as Caesar, 293-305. Aureus.
Constantius I, as Caesar, 293-305. Aureus (Gold, 19 mm, 4.96 g, 12 h), Rome, 293-294. D N CONSTA-NTIO CAES Laureate head of Constantius I to right. Rev. PRINCIPI IVV-ENTVTIS / PROM Constantius standing front in military attire, head to left, holding standard in his right hand and long scepter in his left. Calicó 4866. Cohen 233. Depeyrot 9/13. RIC -. Very rare. Struck on a broad flan and with an excellent pedigree. Light die wear and with very minor marks and a small edge bump, otherwise, about extremely fine.
From the collection of Dr. August Voirol, Münzen & Medaillen AG 38, 6-7 December 1968, 576 and from the Franz Trau Collection, Gilhofer & Ranschburg and Hess, 22 May 1935, 3522
Although it is commonly referred to as the 'Franz Trau Collection', this renowned assemblage is actually the work of three generations. It began with Carl Trau (1811-1887), the founder of the Trau trading and collecting dynasty. Carl made his fortune in the tea trade, importing tea initially from London and later directly from China. This venture sparked his interest in Oriental and Japanese art, but he also collected medieval art, early manuscripts, and prints. His numismatic passion was focused on coins from Carinthia, his wife’s homeland, and he was a founding member of Austria's Numismatic Society, established in 1870.
Under Franz Trau Sr. (1842-1905), both the family business and the art collection expanded significantly. Unlike his father, who was fascinated by the Middle Ages, Franz focused more on antiquities. He was deeply engaged in numismatics, meeting regularly with fellow enthusiasts who adopted pseudonyms reflecting their collecting interests - Theodor Rohde became Aurelius, while Franz took the name Carus. Meanwhile, the family business thrived, with Franz elevating it to the status of the leading tea merchant in the Habsburg Empire.
Franz Trau Jr. (1881-1931), the dynasty's last active collector, brought the collection to its final form. His focus spanned Oriental art - including the remarkable acquisition of Prince Henry of Bourbon's 18,000-piece collection - and an exceptional assembly of Roman coins. After his death, this coin collection was auctioned by Gilhofer & Ranschburg and Hess in 1935, becoming one of the most important sales of Roman coins in the first half of the 20th century. The Trau collection is distinguished by its breadth and quality, showcasing coins in superb condition while also including numerous great rarities, even when these are not perfectly preserved. This dual focus reflects the shared dedication of all three collectors, who sought not only aesthetic perfection but also scholarly depth. Their passion for numismatics extended beyond assembling flawless pieces to creating a collection of historical and scientific significance, demonstrating a profound engagement with the study and context of the coins.
It’s no surprise that Franz Trau Sr., who even used the pseudonym 'Carus' among friends, had a special affinity for the 3rd century. This beautiful aureus of Constantius I - later part of the esteemed collection of Dr. August Voirol - reflects his passion for this era. We hope it will now find a place in the collection of another devoted admirer of the fascinating Roman coinage of the 3rd century
Divus Constantius I, died 306. Follis.
Divus Constantius I, died 306. Follis (Bronze, 24 mm, 6.90 g, 12 h), Ticinum, autumn 307-spring 308. DIVO CONSTANTIO AVG Veiled head of Divus Constantius to right. Rev. MEMORIA DIV-I CONSTANTI / ST Domed double door shrine with lion-headed door handles, surmounted by eagle standing right, wings spread and head to left. RIC 97. Boldly struck and with excellent details. Traces of cleaning, otherwise, about extremely fine.
Galerius, as Caesar, 293-305. Follis.
Galerius, as Caesar, 293-305. Follis (Silvered bronze, 27 mm, 10.92 g, 5 h), Ticinum, circa 296-297. MAXIMIANVS NOB CAES Laureate head of Galerius to right. Rev. GENIO POPVLI ROMANI / * // ST The Genius of the Roman people, nude but for chlamys, standing front, head to left, wearing kalathos and holding patera from which liquor flows in his right hand and cornucopiae in his left. RIC 32b. Sharply struck and fresh, and mostly silvered. Good extremely fine.
Galerius, as Caesar, 293-305. Aureus.
Galerius, as Caesar, 293-305. Aureus (Gold, 17 mm, 4.86 g, 7 h), Treveri, 303. MAXIMI-ANVS NOB C Laureate head of Galerius to right. Rev. IOVI CONSERVAT AVGG ET CAESS NN / TR Jupiter seated to left on throne, holding thunderbolt in his right hand and long scepter in his left. Calicó 4914 (same dies as illustration). Cohen 121. Depeyrot 10B/3. RIC 53. Well struck and with a bold and attractive portrait. Very minor deposits, otherwise, good very fine.
Constantine I, 307/310-337. Follis.
Constantine I, 307/310-337. Follis (Bronze, 18 mm, 3.27 g, 11 h), Constantinopolis, 327. CONSTANTI-NVS MAX AVG Laureate head of Constantine I to right. Rev. SPES - PVBLIC / CONS Labarum, with three medallions on drapery and surmounted by Christogram, piercing serpent; in field to left, A. Ramskold, Constantine's SPES PVBLIC coins (2020a), p. 225, fig. 6, no. 35 (this coin). RIC 19. An unusually attractive example of this difficult issue, very well struck and with an exceptionally detailed reverse. Light cleaning marks, otherwise, about extremely fine.
Ex Leu 3, 27 October 2018, 284
One of the most famed coin types of Late Antiquity is no doubt Constantine's 'SPES PVBLIC' reverse, showing a labarum surmounted by a Christogram piercing a serpent. At first glance, it seems like an open-and-shut case: the first openly Christian emperor introducing the first overtly Christian type in the Roman coinage, which referred to Constantine defeating the pagan Licinius, or evil in general, symbolized by a serpent. Certainly, this is the view Constantine's biographer, Eusebius of Caesarea, would have preferred (Vita Constantini 3.3), who described how the emperor had a painting commissioned for his palace in Constantinople which showed the emperor trampling a serpent while piercing it with a spear under what was presumably a Christogram.
Though this view remains popular today, the past decades have seen much doubt cast upon it. Questions have been raised about the identity of the snake, the significance of the Christogram and the labarum, and, indeed, the very nature of Constantine's conversion to Christianity. Ramskold (Constantine's SPES PVBLIC coins [2020a]) has convincingly argued that to view the 'SPES PVBLIC' coinage as an explicit Christian type is to fall into the trap of Eusebius' construction of Constantine as the ideal Christian ruler. Rather, the legends and the types are so ambiguous that they could be interpreted as Christian symbols by those who truly wished it, but they mainly referred to Constantine's status as a victorious emperor.
Thus, the labarum was Constantine's personal imperial standard, carried along in the campaigns against Maxentius and Licinius, while the Christogram was his victory symbol, which only later took on a Christian connotation. Indeed, both the labarum and Christogram continued to be used as Constantinian symbols under Constantine's successors, a fact seen most clearly in the coinage of Vetranio, who employed both symbols together with the legend 'HOC SIGNO VICTOR ERIS' to express his allegiance to the Constantinian house, rather than to express his identity as a Christian emperor.
Moreover, while much has been made of Christianity's traditional hostility towards serpents, these also had an ambiguous status in pagan culture. Surely, serpents such as those associated with Asclepius or the Egyptian Agathodaemon were good-natured, but we may also think of Apollo battling the giant Python, or Hera sending snakes into Hercules' crib after his birth, which he then strangled. This cataloguer would argue that this, in fact, may hold the key to interpreting the 'SPES PVBLIC' type. Through his military might, blessed by the Divine (be it Sol, or Christ, or someone else), Constantine has conquered the enemies of the empire (symbolized by the serpent) time and again, be it barbarians at the gates or power-hungry tyrants within, a message which would have been palatable to pagans and Christians alike.
One mystery remains, however. Ramskold's analysis indicates that the 'SPES PVBLIC' coins were withdrawn from circulation, suggesting that the reverse image had somehow become undesirable. There is no clear reason why this should be the case, though the order must have come from the court. Arguments have been made for pagan outrage over Christian symbolism, but as stated, the imagery is not strictly Christian, and the type was produced in two emissions, indicating that withdrawal did not occur immediately. Whatever the underlying reason, it only adds to the mystery of one of Constantine's most fascinating coin types.
Constantius II, 337-361. Medallion.
Constantius II, 337-361. Medallion (Bronze, 34 mm, 18.38 g, 6 h), Rome, spring-3 June 350 (?). D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG Rosette-diademed bust of Constantius II to left, wearing imperial mantle and chlamys and raising his right hand in salute. Rev. VICTORIA• - AVGVSTORVM Constantius II, on the right, standing front, head to left, in military attire, holding olive branch in his right hand and spear in his left; on the left, Victory standing facing, head to right, holding palm frond in her right hand and placing her left arm around the emperor's shoulders. Froehner p. 309. Gnecchi II, 35 and pl. 137, 5 (same dies). Ntantalia 133 (V95/R88). RIC 409. Extremely rare and of great historical interest. A spectacular medallion with an impressive portrait and a very attractive reverse. Minor traces of cleaning, otherwise, very fine.
Ex Leu 13, 27 May 2023, 359
Kent was the first to notice the tight die-linking among a series of medallions issued in Rome in the names of Constans, Constantius II, Magnentius, and Decentius. He suggested that our type was issued by Magnentius in the spring to summer of 350, before Nepotian's revolt on 3 July, which caused turmoil in Rome (recently redated by Clay and Caza to May or June 351). However, the existing die links to medallions in the names of Constans, who was killed on 18 January 350, and of Decentius, whom Magnentius made Caesar in the summer of 350 (or possibly 351), highlight the complexity of these issues. This is especially true since Magnentius revolted against Constans and would spend most of his reign fighting against Constantius II.
Yet, there is evidence that Magnentius initially sought Constantius' recognition, despite having murdered his brother. Thus, striking medallions that depicted both the usurper and his purported senior Augustus made perfect sense. The continued use of the reverse dies under changing political circumstances - first, under the co-rule of Constantius II and Constans; then, in the early months of Magnentius' rule, for both Constantius II and the usurper; and finally for Magnentius and his Caesar Decentius - illustrates how the mint of Rome operated during this turbulent period. Ultimately, Constantius II emerged victorious in the epic struggle between the armies of the West and East, defeating and killing Magnentius in August 353
Constantius II, 337-361. Solidus.
Constantius II, 337-361. Solidus (Gold, 21 mm, 4.37 g, 7 h), Sirmium, September 351-6 November 355. FL IVL CONSTAN-TIVS PERP AVG Pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Constantius II facing, his head turned slightly to right, holding a spear in his right hand and with a shield, decorated with a horseman spearing fallen enemy, on his left shoulder. Rev. GLORIA REI PVBLICAE / ✱SIRM✱ Roma, helmeted, seated facing on the left, and Constantinopolis, turreted, seated to left with her right foot on prow on the right, holding between them a shield inscribed VOT / XXX / MVLT / XXXX. Depeyrot 6/1. RIC 8. Well centered and with a very old pedigree. Slightly clipped and the edge filed, otherwise, very fine.
From the Colonel R. H. Morcom Collection, Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 2-3 December 1924, 264
Magnentius, 350-353. Solidus.
Magnentius, 350-353. Solidus (Gold, 22 mm, 4.33 g, 6 h), Treveri, 350. IM CAE MAGN-ENTIVS AVG Bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust of Magnentius to right. Rev. VICTORIA•AVG•LIB•ROMANOR / TR Victory, on the left, holding palm frond over her left shoulder, and Libertas, on the right, holding transverse scepter in her left hand, both supporting trophy between them. Bastien 7. Depeyrot 8/1. RIC 247. Rare. A splendid and fresh example with a superb portrait. Two light scratches on the reverse, otherwise, extremely fine.
Ex Peus 345, 1 November 1995, 823
Magnentius, a <i>comes</i> of Franco-Britannic descent, rebelled on 18 January 350 in Augustodunum (modern Autun) against Constans, who was killed shortly thereafter following a failed escape to Spain. The revolt gained momentum quickly, with Britain, Spain, Africa, and Northern Italy joining the cause in quick succession. However, resistance emerged in the form of Vetranio, an elderly general in Sirmium, who, at the instigation of Constantia, sister of both Constans and Constantius II, secured the loyalty of the Illyrian legions to the Constantinian dynasty.
Meanwhile, Nepotian incited a pro-Christian revolt in Rome against the pagan usurper. Though quickly crushed by Magnentius' <i>magister officiorum</i>, Marcellinus, the revolt bought Constantius II the time needed to conclude peace with the Sasanids and march westward. Magnentius was defeated for the first time in the fierce Battle of Mursa Major on 28 September 351, and again two years later at the Battle of Mons Seleucus in southeastern Gaul. The usurper fled to nearby Lugdunum, where he committed suicide on 10 August 353
Valens, 364-378. Siliqua.
Valens, 364-378. Siliqua (Silver, 18 mm, 1.45 g, 11 h), Antiochia, 367-375. D N VALENS P F AVG Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Valens to right. Rev. VOT / X / MVLT / XX in four lines within laurel wreath; in exergue, ANT. RIC 34b. RSC 96†e. Very sharply struck and with beautiful iridescent toning. Minor edge split, otherwise, extremely fine.
Ex Peus 431, 27 April 2022, 3629 and Münz Zentrum Rheinland 145, 3 September 2008, 1753
Gratian, 367-383. Solidus.
Gratian, 367-383. Solidus (Gold, 21 mm, 4.45 g, 6 h), Antiochia, 372. D N GRATI-ANVS AVG Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Gratian to right. Rev. VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM / ANOBA Victory seated right on shield and cuirass, inscribing VOT / V / MVL / X on shield set on her left knee; in field to right, christogram. Depeyrot 38/9 corr. (obverse legend). RIC -, cf. 21c (differing diadem and officina). An extremely rare variety. Beautifully struck and very well preserved. Faint marks, otherwise, good extremely fine.
Ex Rauch 109, 11 November 2019, 541
Eugenius, 392-394. Siliqua.
Eugenius, 392-394. Siliqua (Silver, 18 mm, 2.07 g, 1 h), Lugdunum. D N EVGENI-VS P F AVG Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Eugenius to right. Rev. [VR]BS ROMA / [L]VGPS Roma seated left on cuirass, holding Victory on globe in her right hand and inverted spear in her left. Bastien 230. RIC 46. RSC 18A. Struck on excellent silver and with beautiful iridescent toning. Small flan crack and with tiny scratches on the obverse, otherwise, extremely fine.
Contemporary sources blame the <i>magister militum</i> Flavius Arbogastes for the death of Emperor Valentinian II on 15 May 392. However, evidence suggests that Valentinian committed suicide: Arbogast had little to gain from the emperor’s death and seemed caught off guard by the event. Following the emperor’s demise, Arbogast requested that Theodosius I appoint a successor, but the eastern emperor hesitated, likely unwilling to entrust one of his young sons, Arcadius or Honorius, to the powerful Frankish general who controlled the western court.
As a non-Roman and a military officer, Arbogast was barred from claiming the imperial throne himself. Consequently, he elevated Flavius Eugenius to the rank of Augustus on 22 August 392 in Lugdunum. Eugenius, first attested as a <i>vir clarissimus</i> in 385, was of noble descent but an improbable contender for the throne. A teacher of rhetoric and grammar, his political fortunes depended entirely on the patronage and influence of Arbogast.
Even after Eugenius's accession, both he and Arbogast sought to reconcile with Theodosius, offering gestures of goodwill such as minting coins that depicted Theodosius and his sons and inscribing their names in public dedications. Despite these overtures, Theodosius refused to compromise and began preparations for war.
The two sides finally clashed in the Battle of the Frigidus, fought over two days on 5–6 September 394. This bloody confrontation, one of the most devastating in Roman history, culminated in the defeat of Eugenius and Arbogast. Eugenius was captured and executed, while Arbogast took his own life.
Theodosius’s victory reunited the Roman Empire under a single ruler for the final time. However, his death only a few months later led to the permanent division of the empire into western and eastern halves, an arrangement that would endure for the remainder of antiquity.
Honorius, 393-423. Tremissis.
Honorius, 393-423. Tremissis (Gold, 12 mm, 1.46 g, 5 h), Ravenna, 408-423. D N HONORIVS P F AVG Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Honorius to right. Rev. VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM / R - V / COMOB Victory advancing right, head to left, holding wreath in her right hand and globus cruciger in her left. Depeyrot 11/1. RIC 1340. Lightly toned and with an excellent pedigree. Minor graffiti and with light areas of weakness, otherwise, very fine.
Ex Rauch 98, 21 September 2015, 711 and from the Franz Trau Collection, Gilhofer & Ranschburg with Hess, 22 May 1935, 4647
Although it is commonly referred to as the 'Franz Trau Collection', this renowned assemblage is actually the work of three generations. It began with Carl Trau (1811-1887), the founder of the Trau trading and collecting dynasty. Carl made his fortune in the tea trade, importing tea initially from London and later directly from China. This venture sparked his interest in Oriental and Japanese art, but he also collected medieval art, early manuscripts, and prints. His numismatic passion was focused on coins from Carinthia, his wife’s homeland, and he was a founding member of Austria's Numismatic Society, established in 1870.
Under Franz Trau Sr. (1842-1905), both the family business and the art collection expanded significantly. Unlike his father, who was fascinated by the Middle Ages, Franz focused more on antiquities. He was deeply engaged in numismatics, meeting regularly with fellow enthusiasts who adopted pseudonyms reflecting their collecting interests - Theodor Rohde became Aurelius, while Franz took the name Carus. Meanwhile, the family business thrived, with Franz elevating it to the status of the leading tea merchant in the Habsburg Empire.
Franz Trau Jr. (1881-1931), the dynasty's last active collector, brought the collection to its final form. His focus spanned Oriental art - including the remarkable acquisition of Prince Henry of Bourbon's 18,000-piece collection - and an exceptional assembly of Roman coins. After his death, this coin collection was auctioned by Gilhofer & Ranschburg and Hess in 1935, becoming one of the most important sales of Roman coins in the first half of the 20th century. The Trau collection is distinguished by its breadth and quality, showcasing coins in superb condition while also including numerous great rarities, even when these are not perfectly preserved. This dual focus reflects the shared dedication of all three collectors, who sought not only aesthetic perfection but also scholarly depth. Their passion for numismatics extended beyond assembling flawless pieces to creating a collection of historical and scientific significance, demonstrating a profound engagement with the study and context of the coins.
Theodosius II, 402-450. Solidus.
Theodosius II, 402-450. Solidus (Gold, 21 mm, 4.48 g, 6 h), Constantinopolis, 430-440. D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG Helmeted and cuirassed bust of Theodosius II facing, his head turned slightly to right, wearing pearl diadem and holding spear in his right hand and with a shield, decorated with a horseman spearing a fallen foe, over his left shoulder. Rev. VOT XXX MVLT XXXX Z / CONOB Constantinopolis seated left, resting her left foot on prow, holding globus cruciger in her right hand and scepter in her left; shield at her side; in field to right, star. Depeyrot 81/1. MIRB 25b. RIC 257. Fully lustrous and boldly struck on a full flan, an exceptional piece. Virtually as struck.
Ex Gorny & Mosch 284, 7 March 2022, 1122
Constantine III, 407-411. Siliqua.
Constantine III, 407-411. Siliqua (Silver, 17 mm, 1.16 g, 6 h), Treveri, 408-411. D N CONSTAN-TINVS P F AVG Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Constantine III to right. Rev. VICTORI-A AAVGGG / TRMS Roma seated left on cuirass and throne, holding Victory in her right hand and inverted spear in her left. Lafaurie 11. RIC 1533. RSC 4A. Rare. Beautifully toned and well struck on magnificent metal, an exceptional piece. Nearly extremely fine.
Ex Elsen 85, 10 September 2005, 453 and Peus 380, 3 November 2004, 973
The usurpation of Constantine III is intricately tied to the so-called Crossing of the Rhine on 31 December 406 (or possibly 405). This event marked a large-scale invasion of Roman Gaul by barbarian groups, which led to the destruction of numerous <i>limitanei</i> garrisons along the frontier and the collapse of civic order in the hinterland. Amidst the ensuing chaos, the remaining Roman troops in Britain proclaimed their own Augustus, Flavius Claudius Constantinus, in the hope that he would defend the neglected and endangered province - something the imperial court in Ravenna had clearly failed to do.
Constantine III, as he is known today, was reportedly a common soldier of humble origins. However, this characterization likely stems from later hostile sources, and it has been suggested that he may, in fact, have held the prestigious rank of <i>comes britanniarum</i>, the senior commander of the province. Regardless of his background, Constantine’s ambitions extended far beyond Britain. In 408, he crossed into Gaul, taking with him the province’s last remaining <i>comitatenses</i> (field troops) and leaving behind only the locally recruited <i>limitanei</i> on the <i>Vallum Hadriani</i> and the Saxon Shore, who were disinclined to join a distant civil war.
Initially, Constantine achieved significant successes. He secured the Rhine frontier and captured the key cities of Lugdunum and Arelate, making the latter his capital in May 408. His fortunes shifted in 410 when he launched an invasion of Italy, a bold move that ultimately failed, forcing him to retreat to Arelate. By 411, Constantine’s position had crumbled under the pressure of internal rebellions. He surrendered to Flavius Constantius, the future emperor Constantius III, and was executed shortly thereafter
Anastasius I, 491-518. Solidus.
Anastasius I, 491-518. Solidus (Gold, 22 mm, 4.49 g, 6 h), Constantinopolis, 491-498. D N ANASTASIVS P P AVG Pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Anastasius I facing slightly to right, holding spear in his right hand and with a shield, decorated with a horseman spearing a fallen foe, over his left shoulder. Rev. VICTORIA AVGGG Θ / CONOB Victory standing front, head to left, holding long voided cross in her right hand; in field to right, star. DOC 3h. MIB 3-5. SB 3. Light doubling, otherwise, extremely fine.
From the collection of Dr. A. Ulrich, Künker 365, 4 April 2022, 5533 and ex Hirsch 153, 18-20 February 1987, 773
Heraclius, with Heraclius Constantine and Heraclonas, 610-641. Solidus.
Heraclius, with Heraclius Constantine and Heraclonas, 610-641. Solidus (Gold, 20 mm, 4.46 g, 6 h), Constantinopolis, circa 639-641. Heraclonas, Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine standing facing, each wearing crown ornamented with cross and holding globus cruciger in his right hand. Rev. VICTORIA AVGЧ B / CONOB Cross potent on base and three steps; in field to left, Heraclian monogram. DOC 43a. MIB 50. SB 769. Well centered on an exceptionally broad flan. Struck from slightly worn dies, otherwise, about extremely fine.
From an old Swiss collection, started in the 19th century
Constans II, with Constantine IV, 641-668. Solidus.
Constans II, with Constantine IV, 641-668. Solidus (Gold, 19 mm, 4.45 g, 7 h), Constantinopolis, circa 654-659. δ N CONSTANTINЧS C CONSTANI Crowned and draped bust of Constans II facing, with long beard and whiskers, on the left; crowned, draped and beardless bust of Constantine IV facing, on the right; above, cross. Rev. VICTORIA AVζЧ S / CONOB Cross potent on base and three steps. DOC 25f. MIB 26. SB 959. Lustrous and fresh. Minor die break on the obverse, otherwise, virtually as struck.
Ex Tkalec-Rauch, 14 April 1986, 524
Theophilus, 829-842. Semissis.
Theophilus, 829-842. Semissis (Gold, 12 mm, 1.87 g, 6 h), Syracuse, circa 829-830. ΘЄOFILOS Facing bust of Theophilus, wearing crown surmounted by cross and chlamys, holding globus cruciger in his right hand. Rev. ΘЄOFILOS Facing bust of Theophilus, wearing crown surmounted by cross and loros, holding globus cruciger in his right hand. DOC 26a. SB 1673. A beautiful, sharply struck and very attractive piece. Extremely fine.
Ex Schweizerische Kreditanstalt Monetarium FPL, February 1989, 67
Johannes Doukas, kaisar, 1060-1071. Seal.
Johannes Doukas, kaisar, 1060-1071. Seal (Lead, 20 mm, 8.76 g, 12 h). +ΘKЄ ROHΘ, TⲰ CⲰ Δ૪ΛⲰ / MHP - [ΘV] Nimbate Mother of God 'Nikopoios' facing, holding medallion of Christ with both hands. Rev. [IⲰ] TⲰ ЄVTVXЄCTAT, KAICAPI ('John, the most fortunate kaisar') Facing bust of Johannes Doukas, bearded, holding cross in his right hand and wearing stephanos surmounted by cross, divisiton and richly ornamented chlamys. Zacos/Veglery 2683d. A well preserved portrait of one of the most intriguing figures in Byzantine history. Minor flatness, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Zeus 25, 23 October 2022, 698
Johannes Doukas was the sole brother of the emperor, Constantine X (1059-1067), who elevated him to the rank of kaisar in 1060. Contemporary sources usually speak quite favorably of him and simply call him 'the Kaisar'. In 1071, upon the ascension of his nephew, Michael VII, to the throne, Johannes became the tutor of the new emperor and acquired the special dignity of basileopator. A few years later, he became involved in a plot against the emperor, however, but the conspiracy was discovered and Johannes was arrested. To avoid punishment, he became a monk and entered Constantinopolis in 1075 in monastic garb. We can trace Johannes' career through his seals, which fall into three distinct groups. The first, to which our seal belongs, dates to 1060-1071 and mentions the title of kaisar and the epithet eutychestatos, 'most fortunate'. The second, dated to 1071-circa 1074, mentions the dignity of basileopator (Zacos/Veglery 2684). Lastly, there is a third group, which was produced from circa 1075 until his passing in circa 1088, recording the name and titles Ignatios, monachos and kaisar
Anonymous, 11th-12th century. Seal.
Anonymous, 11th-12th century. Seal (Lead, 26 mm, 13.57 g, 12 h). M / ΘV - IC / XC - O / ЄV/[ЄP]/ΓЄ/T ('Mother of God. Jesus Christ the Benefactor'). Rev. H KHMI/C, The Dormition of the Virgin (Koimesis): Christ at the center, standing left, holding soul of the Virgin; below, bier with the reclining Virgin surrounded by rows of apostles; below to right, Saint Peter swinging a censer; to upper left and right, two half-length busts of angels. Do Seals VII 1.12. Sandrovskaja, Sfragistika no. 805. A marvellous iconographic seal with an extremely rare Dormition scene. Some flatness, otherwise, very fine.
Ex Papillon E-Auction 5, 6 March 2021, 802
Though Scripture does not refer to the Dormition of the Virgin (Koimesis in Greek), a lively tradition surrounding her passing developed in Late Antiquity. In contrast to Christ's suffering at the Cross, the Dormition is a tranquil event, the soul of the Virgin endearingly being carried off by the Lord as the apostles, who were magically teleported to Mary's deathbed, look on. The scene was a beloved topic on Byzantine icons, and its appearance on our piece attests the influence of contemporary art on seals
Israel, second half of the 570s. Chrysos.
Israel, second half of the 570s. Chrysos (Gold, 18 mm, 1.48 g, 9 h). ✠BACIΛΙ AξⲰHΙ Draped half-length bust of Israel to right, wearing tiara and circular earring; to left and right, ears of barley; all within circular border. Rev. ✠IC✠ΡΑ✠H✠Λ Draped half-length bust of Israel to right, wearing tight-fitting head cloth and circular earring; to left and right, ears of barley; all within circular border. Hahn, Aksumite, 46. Hahn & Keck, MAKS, 77. Munro-Hay, AC, type 143. Rare. An attractive and unusually fresh example. Struck from somewhat worn dies and with light scratches on the reverse, otherwise, very fine.
From the Dr. Stephan Coffman Collection, Leu Web Auction 28, 9-14 December 2023, 5575
After the reign of Ella Gabaz/Wazen Agad, the exact succession of the Axumite kings becomes increasingly uncertain, though Hahn & Keck in MAKS prefer the order Israel-Gersem-Joel-Hethasas/Hataza, based on a series of anonymous argyroi closely copying those of Ella Gabaz/Wazen Agad, which carry the legend 'ngs ʼksm', or 'King of Axum', a title also used on the chrysoi of Israel (and which had fallen into disuse on the coinage for a while after the reign of Mhdys in the middle of the 5th century). The 'King of Axum' title was likewise employed on the gold coinage of Joel, but this king struck argyroi under his own name and of a different type, implying Israel was closer to Ella Gabaz/Wazeb Agad than Joel was. While we follow Hahn & Keck's order here, it is not unlikely that future evidence will further refine the chronology of the later coin-producing kings. It is worth noting that the king's name, Israel, was the name given to the patriarch Jacob after wrestling with an angel (Genesis 32:24-32), from which the Israelites derived their name
LOMBARDS, Beneventum. Sicard, 832-839. Solidus.
LOMBARDS, Beneventum. Sicard, 832-839. Solidus (Electrum, 23 mm, 3.75 g, 11 h). SIC-ARDV• Crowned, draped and cuirassed bust of Sicardo facing, holding globus cruciger. Rev. ✠ PRINCIB - VICTOR• / CONOB Cross on three steps between S-I. BMC Vandals 1-4. MEC 1108. Good very fine.
From an American collection, ex Artemide Aste LVI, 23-24 October 2021, 479
CRUSADERS. Lusignan Kingdom of Cyprus. Henry I, 1218-1253. Denier.
CRUSADERS. Lusignan Kingdom of Cyprus. Henry I, 1218-1253. Denier (Bronze, 20 mm, 1.90 g, 3 h). Triple-towered gateway; across gateway, REX. Rev. +ҺЄnRICVS: Cross pattée. CCS 28. Metcalf, Crusades, 660. Wäckerlin 322. Rare and exceptionally well preserved. Good very fine.
From the collection of J. F. L. Blankenberg, Elsen 150, 18 March 2022, 359 and Lanz 149, 24 June 2010, 752
CRUSADERS. Principality of Achaea. Guillaume II de Villehardouin, 1246-1278. Denier.
CRUSADERS. Principality of Achaea. Guillaume II de Villehardouin, 1246-1278. Denier (Billon, 17 mm, 0.88 g, 12 h). •✠•G•PRINCEPS Bare head of Guillaume facing. Rev. •✠•AChAIE Cross pattée. CCS 5. Metcalf, Crusades, 870. Wäckerlin -. Rare. A well struck and beautifully toned example. About extremely fine.
From the collection of J. F. L. Blankenberg, Elsen 150, 18 March 2022, 547
ISLAMIC, al-Maghreb (North Africa). Almoravids (al-Murabitun). 'Ali ibn Yusuf, AH 500-537 / AD 1107-1142. Dinar. Aghmat, AH 510 = 1116/7.
ISLAMIC, al-Maghreb (North Africa). Almoravids (al-Murabitun). 'Ali ibn Yusuf, AH 500-537 / AD 1107-1142. Dinar (Gold, 25 mm, 4.16 g, 7 h), Aghmat, AH 510 = 1116/7. Within a circle, ‘lā ilāha illā Allāh / Muḥammad rasūl Allāh / amīr al-muslimīn ʿAlī / ibn Yūsuf’ (‘There is no deity but Allah. Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. The Commander of the Muslims, Ali son of Yusuf’ in Arabic); in the margin, ‘wa man yabtagh ghayr al-ʾIslām dīnan falan yuqbala minhu wa huwa fī al-ʾākhirati min al-khāsirīn’ (‘And whoever desires a religion other than Islam, it will not be accepted from him, and in the hereafter he will be among the losers’ in Arabic; Qurʾān 3: 85). Rev. Within a circle, ‘al-imām / ʿabd / Allāh / amīr al-muʾminīn’ (‘The Imam, the Servant of Allah, the Commander of the Believers’ in Arabic); in the margin, ‘bism Allāh ḍuriba hādhā al-dīnār bi Aghmāt sana ʿashra wa khamsa miʾa’ (‘In the name of Allah. This dinar was struck in Aghmat in the year 510’ in Arabic). Album 466.1. Areas of weakness, otherwise, very fine.
Ex Leu Web Auction 26, 8-13 July 2023, 6188 and previously from a European collection, formed before 2005
ISLAMIC, al-Maghreb (North Africa). Almoravids (al-Murabitun). 'Ali ibn Yusuf, AH 500-537 / AD 1107-1142. Dinar. Aghmat, AH 514 = 1120/1.
ISLAMIC, al-Maghreb (North Africa). Almoravids (al-Murabitun). 'Ali ibn Yusuf, AH 500-537 / AD 1107-1142. Dinar (Gold, 25 mm, 4.10 g, 11 h), Aghmat, AH 514 = 1120/1. Within a circle, ‘lā ilāha illā Allāh / Muḥammad rasūl Allāh / amīr al-muslimīn ʿAlī / ibn Yūsuf’ (‘There is no deity but Allah. Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. The Commander of the Muslims, Ali son of Yusuf’ in Arabic); in the margin, ‘wa man yabtagh ghayr al-ʾIslām dīnan falan yuqbala minhu wa huwa fī al-ʾākhirati min al-khāsirīn’ (‘And whoever desires a religion other than Islam, it will not be accepted from him, and in the hereafter he will be among the losers’ in Arabic; Qurʾān 3: 85). Rev. Within a circle, ‘al-imām / ʿabd / Allāh / amīr al-muʾminīn’ (‘The Imam, the Servant of Allah, the Commander of the Believers’ in Arabic); in the margin, ‘bism Allāh ḍuriba hādhā al-dīnār bi Aghmāt sana arbaʿa ʿashar wa khamsa miʾa’ (‘In the name of Allah. This dinar was struck in Aghmat in the year 514’ in Arabic). Album 466.1. Struck from a somewhat worn obverse die and with light doubling on the reverse, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Leu Web Auction 26, 8-13 July 2023, 6195 and previously from a European collection, formed before 2005
ISLAMIC, al-Maghreb (North Africa). Almoravids (al-Murabitun). 'Ali ibn Yusuf, AH 500-537 / AD 1107-1142. Dinar. Sijilmasa (Segilmesa), AH 523(?) = 1129.
ISLAMIC, al-Maghreb (North Africa). Almoravids (al-Murabitun). 'Ali ibn Yusuf, AH 500-537 / AD 1107-1142. Dinar (Gold, 26 mm, 4.10 g, 11 h), Sijilmasa (Segilmesa), AH 523(?) = 1129. Citing his son Sir as heir. Within a circle, ‘lā ilāha illā Allāh / Muḥammad rasūl Allāh / amīr al-muslimīn ʿAlī ibn Yūsuf / walī ʿaḥduhū al-amīr / Sīr’ (‘There is no deity but Allah. Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. The Commander of the Muslims, Ali son of Yusuf. His heir Sir’ in Arabic); in the margin, ‘wa man yabtagh ghayr al-ʾIslām dīnan falan yuqbala minhu wa huwa fī al-ʾākhirati min al-khāsirīn’ (‘And whoever desires a religion other than Islam, it will not be accepted from him, and in the hereafter he will be among the losers’ in Arabic; Qurʾān 3: 85). Rev. Within a circle, ‘al-imām / ʿabd / Allāh / amīr al-muʾminīn’ (‘The Imam, the Servant of Allah, the Commander of the Believers’ in Arabic); in the margin, ‘bism Allāh ḍuriba hādhā al-dīnār bi Sijilmāsa sana thalāth wa ʿishrīn wa khamsa miʾa’ (‘In the name of Allah. This dinar was struck in Sijilmasa in the year 523’ in Arabic). Album 466.2. Double struck, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Leu Web Auction 26, 8-13 July 2023, 6201 and previously from a European collection, formed before 2005
ISLAMIC, al-Maghreb (North Africa). Marinids. temp. Abu'l-Hasan 'Ali, AH 731-752 / AD 1331-1351. Dinar. Sijilmasa (Segilmesa).
ISLAMIC, al-Maghreb (North Africa). Marinids. temp. Abu'l-Hasan 'Ali, AH 731-752 / AD 1331-1351. Dinar (Gold, 31 mm, 4.60 g, 12 h), with the Nasrid term ‘lā ghālib illā Allāh’, Sijilmasa (Segilmesa). Within a square, ‘bism Allāh al-raḥmān al-raḥīm / ṣalla Allāh ʿalā Muḥammad / lā ilāha illā Allāh / Muḥammad rasūl Allāh / al-ʾamr kulluhū lillāh’ (‘In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. May Allah bless Muhammad. There is no deity but Allah. Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. The entire affair belongs to Allah’ in Arabic); illegible margin. Rev. Within a square, ‘al-shukr lillāh / wa al-minnat lillāh / wa al-ʿaẓamat lillāh / wa lā ghālib illā Allāh / wa al-ʾamr kulluhū lillāh’ (‘Thanks be to Allah, and gratefulness be to Allah, and grandeur be to Allah, and there is no overcomer save Allah, and the entire affair belongs to Allah’ in Arabic); illegible margin. Album 528.2. Areas of weakness, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Leu Web Auction 27, 9-11 September 2023, 2481 and previously from a European collection, formed before 2005
ISLAMIC, al-Maghreb (North Africa). Marinids. temp. Abu'l-Hasan 'Ali, AH 731-749 / AD 1331-1348. Dinar. Sijilmasa (Segilmesa), without date.
ISLAMIC, al-Maghreb (North Africa). Marinids. temp. Abu'l-Hasan 'Ali, AH 731-749 / AD 1331-1348. Dinar (Gold, 31 mm, 4.63 g, 12 h), Sijilmasa (Segilmesa), without date. With the Nasrid term ‘lā ghālib illā Allāh’. Within a square, ‘bism Allāh al-raḥmān al-raḥīm / ṣalla Allāh ʿalā Muḥammad wa ālihī / wa al-ḥamd lillāh waḥdahū / lā ilāha illā Allāh / Muḥammad rasūl Allāh’ (‘In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. May Allah bless Muhammad and his household. And praise be to Allah, the One. There is no deity but Allah. Muhammad is the messenger of Allah’ in Arabic); in the margin within a circle, ‘wa ilāhukum / ilāh wāḥid / lā ilāha illā huwa / al-raḥmān al-raḥīm’ (‘And your God is One God; there is no God save Him, the Beneficent, the Merciful’ in Arabic; Qurʾān 2: 163). Rev. ‘al-shukr lillāh / wa al-minnat lillāh / wa al-ʿaẓamat lillāh / wa lā ghālib illā Allāh / wa al-ʾamr kulluhū lillāh’ (‘Thanks be to Allah, and gratefulness be to Allah, and grandeur be to Allah, and there is no overcomer save Allah, and the entire affair belongs to Allah’ in Arabic); in the margin within a circle, ‘ḍuriba bi madīnat / Sijilmāsa / ḥarasahā / Allāh taʿālā’ (‘Struck in the city of Sijilmasa, may Allah, the Exalted, protect it’ in Arabic). Album 528.2. Minor areas of weakness, otherwise, very fine.
Ex Leu Web Auction 26, 8-13 July 2023, 6228 and previously from a European collection, formed before 2005
COLOMBIA, Colonial. Fernando VII, king of Spain, 1808-1833. 8 Escudos 1810.
COLOMBIA, Colonial. Fernando VII, king of Spain, 1808-1833. 8 Escudos 1810 (Gold, 38 mm, 27.06 g, 12 h), Popayán. FERDND (sic!) •VII•D•G• - HISP•ET IND•R• / •1810• Draped and cuirassed bust of Fernando VII to right. Rev. IN•UTROQ•FELIX• - •AUSPICE•DEO / •P• - •JF• Crowned coat of arms within Collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece; in field to left and right, 8 - S. Friedberg 61. Fresh and attractive. Areas of weakness and light scratches, otherwise, about extremely fine.
CHILE, Colonial. Fernando VII, king of Spain, 1808-1833. 8 Escudos 1813.
CHILE, Colonial. Fernando VII, king of Spain, 1808-1833. 8 Escudos 1813 (Gold, 38 mm, 27.02 g, 12 h), Santiago. FERDIN•VII•D•G• - HISP•ET IND•R• / •1813• (recut from 1812) Draped and cuirassed bust of Fernando VII to right. Rev. IN•UTROQ•FELIX• - •AUSPICE•DEO / •(mintmark)• - •F•JV Crowned coat of arms within Collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece; in field to left and right, 8 - S. Friedberg 29. Lustrous and attractive. Light marks and the minor weakness on the portrait, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.
FRANCE, Royal. Louis XVI, 1774–1793. 30 Sols 1792 A.
FRANCE, Royal. Louis XVI, 1774–1793. 30 Sols 1792 A (Silver, 29 mm, 10.15 g, 6 h), Paris. LOUIS XVI ROI DES FRANÇOIS / •1792• Bare bust of Louis XVI to left. Rev. REGNE DE LA LOI // 30 - SOLS• / L'AN 4 DE LA / LIBERTÉ Winged genius standing to right, writing on tablet. Duplessy 1720. Gadoury 39. KM 606.1. Lightly toned. Adjustment marks and minor areas of weakness, otherwise, extremely fine.
FRANCE, Provincial. Valence et Die. Jean de Genève, 1283-1298. Gros.
FRANCE, Provincial. Valence et Die. Jean de Genève, 1283-1298. Gros (Silver, 23 mm, 3.00 g, 3 h). ✠ IOhAnЄS ЄPISCOP' Large cross with an annulet in the first quarter and a star in the third. Rev. ✠ VALЄnTIn ЄT DIЄn Eagle with spread wings standing slightly to left. Boudeau 1025. PdA. 4703. Very rare. Beautifully toned. Tiny deposits on the reverse, otherwise, good very fine.
Ex Monnaies d'Antan 21, 20 May 2017, 845
GERMANY. Donauwörth (Stadt). Taler 1545.
GERMANY. Donauwörth (Stadt). Taler 1545 (Silver, 40 mm, 28.74 g, 7 h). MO NO ARGE CIVI SVE WERDA 45 Crowned double eagle, shield with W on its chest. Rev. CARILVS V ROMA IMP SEMP AVG Cuirassed crowned half-length bust of Karl V to right, holding scepter over his shoulder with his right hand and placing his left on his sword. Davenport 9170. Gebhart 92. Darkly toned. Good very fine.
From the collection of Dr. Max Blaschegg (1930-2021, with collector’s ticket), Leu Web Auction 22, 20-21 August 2022, 1099, and previously privately acquired from Hirsch in August 1985
GERMANY. Sachsen-Albertinische Linie. August, 1553-1586. Taler 1583.
GERMANY. Sachsen-Albertinische Linie. August, 1553-1586. Taler 1583 (Silver, 41 mm, 29.00 g, 1 h), Dresden HB (mintmaster H. Biener). •AVGVSTVS•D:G•DVX•SAXO•SA•ROMA•IMP• Cuirassed half-lenght bust of August to right, holding sword in both hands; date 15-83 across field. Rev. ARCHIMARS - CHAL•ET•ELEC Coat of arms. Davenport 9798. Keilitz/Kahnt 68. Beautifully toned and very well preserved. Extremely fine.
Ex Schulman 366, 4 March 2021, 166
ITALY. Carmagnola. Michele Antonio di Saluzzo, 1504-1528. Cornuto.
ITALY. Carmagnola. Michele Antonio di Saluzzo, 1504-1528. Cornuto (Silver, 29 mm, 5.43 g, 10 h). MICHAEL ANT M SALVTIARV (with abbreviation marks) Helmeted arms. Rev. SANCTVS CONSTANTIVS St. Constance riding right, holding banner over his right shoulder. MIR 146. Beautifully toned. Extremely fine.
From the collection of Dr. Max Blaschegg (1930-2021, with collector’s ticket), Leu Web Auction 22, 20-21 August 2022, 1724, ex Hess-Divo 264, 15-16 May 1995, 467
ITALY. Firenze. Repubblica, 1189-1532. Fiorino di stella da 12 denari.
ITALY. Firenze. Repubblica, 1189-1532. Fiorino di stella da 12 denari (Silver, 19 mm, 1.59 g, 3 h). ✠ FLORENTIA Fleur de lis. Rev. ✠ S IOHANNE B Bust of St. John, nimbate, facing, raising his right hand in benediction and holding cross in his left. Biaggi 783. MIR 38. Beautifully toned and exceptionally well preserved. Light doubling, otherwise, extremely fine.
From the collection of Dr. Max Blaschegg (1930-2021, with collector’s ticket), Leu Web Auction 22, 20 August 2022, 1737 and ex Schweizerische Kreditanstalt Monetarium FPL 29, summer 1979, 664
ITALY. Firenze. Repubblica, 1189-1532. Grosso da 5 Soldi 6 Denari.
ITALY. Firenze. Repubblica, 1189-1532. Grosso da 5 Soldi 6 Denari (Silver, 23 mm, 2.54 g, 11 h). DET TIBI FLORERE XPS FLORENTIA VERE Fleur de lis. Rev. SANTVS IOHNNES BATISTA St. John, nimbate, seated facing, raising his right hand in benediction and holding cross in his left. Biaggi 793. MIR 60, Tav. XXV/5 (1427). Beautifully toned. Short flan, otherwise, extremely fine.
From the collection of Dr. Max Blaschegg (1930-2021), Leu Web Auction 22, 20 August 2022, 1739 and ex Hild 74, 30-31 May 1997, 477
ITALY. Napoli (Regno). Ferdinando I (Don Ferrante), 1458-1494. Coronato.
ITALY. Napoli (Regno). Ferdinando I (Don Ferrante), 1458-1494. Coronato (Silver, 29 mm, 4.00 g, 3 h), Napoli, 1462-1472. CORONATVS⦂Q⦂LEGITIME⦂CERTAVI Ferdinando I seated facing, holding scepter in his right hand and globus cruciger in his right, being crowned by a cardinal standing on the left; to right, bishop standing front, holding book of gospels in his hands. Rev. +FERDINANDVS•D•G•R•SICILIE•RVG Cross potent; below, ᙏ. MIR 66/3. Pannuti-Riccio 12b. Beautifully toned. About extremely fine.
RUSSIA, Tsars of Russia. Nikolai II Aleksandrovich, 1894-1917. Medal 1899.
RUSSIA, Tsars of Russia. Nikolai II Aleksandrovich, 1894-1917. Medal 1899 (Silver, 50 mm, 58.83 g, 12 h), Ministry of Finance Award, granted for diligence and care, presented on the occasion of the first International Poultry Show in St. Petersburg 1899. By A. Vasyutinsky and S. Pogonov. St. Petersburg. Б.М.НИКОЛАЙ II ИМПЕРАТОРЪ - И САМОДЕРЖЕЦЪ ВСЕРОСС. Bare head of Nikolaus II to left. Rev. ЗА / ТРУДОЛБIE / И / ИСКУССТВО / ОТЬ / МИНИСТЕРСТВА
/ ФИНАНСОВЪ in seven lines, within wreath. Edge inscription: * I Я МЕЖДУНАРОДНАЯ ВЫСТАВКА ИТИДЕВОДСТВА 1899 г. ВБ С•П•Б•. Diakov 1143.1. Rare and with beautiful iridescent toning. Minor marks, otherwise, good extremely fine.
SWITZERLAND. Bern. Stadt. Taler 1679.
SWITZERLAND. Bern. Stadt. Taler 1679 (Silver, 41 mm, 27.90 g, 12 h). MONETA•REIPVBLICAE•BERNENSIS Coat of arms. Rev. BENEDICTVS.SIT.IEHOVA.DEVS.1679.(monogram) Large cross formed out of four crowned double Bs; in center, star. HMZ 2-190d. Cleaned and with a small scratch on the obverse, otherwise, extremely fine.
Ex Leu Web Auction 25, 14 March 2023, 3951
SWITZERLAND. Bern. Stadt. 10 Kreuzer 1790.
SWITZERLAND. Bern. Stadt. 10 Kreuzer 1790 (Silver, 20 mm, 2.20 g, 12 h). MONETA REIPUB•BERNENS•1790 Crowned arms between palm branches. Rev. DOMINUS PROVIDEBIT Large cross formed out of four crowned double Bs; in center, the eye of God. HMZ 2-222n. Lustrous, fresh and sharp. Virtually as struck.
Ex Leu Web Auction 25, 14 March 2023, 3952
SWITZERLAND. Bern, Stadt. Halbtaler 1797.
SWITZERLAND. Bern, Stadt. Halbtaler 1797 (Silver, 35 mm, 14.87 g, 6 h). RESPUBLICA - BERNESIS Crowned coat of arms. Rev. DOMINUS - PROVIDEBIT / 1797 Soldier standing front, head to right, wearing plumed hat and holding reversed sword in his right hand. HMZ 2-219c. Lustrous and lightly toned. Very light adjustment marks and slightly cleaned, otherwise, virtually as struck.
SWITZERLAND. Genf (Geneva). Bistum, 14th century. Denier.
SWITZERLAND. Genf (Geneva). Bistum, 14th century. Denier (Silver, 17 mm, 0.95 g). ✠ GENEVAS Cross with S in first and pellet in fourth quarter. Rev. ✠ S PETRUS Abstract head of St. Peter. HMZ 1-295 a. Darkly toned and unusually attractive. Extremely fine.
SWITZERLAND. Lausanne, Bistum. Anonymous. Late 12th-mid 13th century. Denier.
SWITZERLAND. Lausanne, Bistum. Anonymous. Late 12th-mid 13th century. Denier (Silver, 19 mm, 1.00 g, 3 h). LAVSANNA Temple. Rev. MONETAS Cross with S in second and third quarter. HMZ 1-485 Db. Good extremely fine.
SWITZERLAND. Waadt (Vaud). Kanton. 10 Batzen 1811.
SWITZERLAND. Waadt (Vaud). Kanton. 10 Batzen 1811 (Silver, 30 mm, 7.52 g, 6 h). CANTON DE VAUD / 1823 Coat of arms inscribed LIBERTÉ / ET / PATRIE between grapevines and grain ears. Rev. CONFÉDÉRATION SUISSE / 10. BATZ Knight standing facing, holding halberd in his left hand and placing his right on shield inscribed XXII / CANT. HMZ 2-1000c. Lustrous, fresh and nicely toned. A few light marks, otherwise, virtually as struck.
From the Vaterland Collection, Lugdunum 22, 15 December 2022, 930
SWITZERLAND. Zürich, Stadt. Halbtaler 1768.
SWITZERLAND. Zürich, Stadt. Halbtaler 1768 (Silver, 33 mm, 13.09 g, 12 h). MONETA REIPUBLICAE TIGURINAE (star) Lion rampant to left, holding imperial sword in his right hand and placing his left on coat of arms of Zürich; below, value 1/2 within cartouche. Rev. TIGURUM above city view, date 1768 in cartouche below. Divo/Tobler 436z. HMZ 2-1165hhh. Some adjustment marks on the reverse, otherwise, good extremely fine.
SWITZERLAND. Zürich. Stadt. 10 Schilling 1810.
SWITZERLAND. Zürich. Stadt. 10 Schilling 1810 (Silver, 27 mm, 4.59 g, 12 h). MONETA REIPUB.TIGURINAE Decorated shield between two rosettes. Rev. PRO / DEO / ET / PATRIA / 1810 in five lines within cartouche between laurel and palm branch; below, value 10 within cartouche. HMZ 2-1176e. Lightly toned. Light marks, otherwise, good extremely fine.