Katalog - Auktion 2

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Denarius. 1st century BC. 19.00 mm. 3h
Obv. Head of Roma right, wearing pendant earring, necklace and helmet decorated with griffin crest; X behind.
Rev. NATTA (TA ligate), Victory driving galloping biga right, whip in right hand, reins in left; ROMA in linear frame in exergue.
This coin is imitating a Roman Republican denarius of Pinarius Natta (149 BC). See Cr. 208/1, Syd. 390 for for prototype.
An exceptional example in an unusally fine style. Lightly toned and good EF.
Ex From the L.I.M.B. Collection of Celtic coins, formed over the past two decades (Leu Numismatik Web Auction 31, 2024, Lot 153).

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Didrachm or AR-Nomos. Struck circa 443-400 BC. 7h
Obv. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested and laureate Attic helmet.
Rev. ΘΟΥΡΙΩN Bull walking right; below, E; to lower right, Y; in exergue, fish to right.
HN Italy 1761; SNG ANS -; SNG Ashmolean 1050.
Very Rare. A Beautiful coin with a lovely old cabinet tone and a remarkable pedigree.
Ex. Feuardant Sale, June 1913, Lot 39.

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Nomos. Struck circa 325-280 BC. 21.00 mm. 5h
Obv. Nude warrior, holding shield and two spears, stabbing with another spear held in his right hand, on horse galloping to right; E-Π-A around above, API below.
Rev. Youthful Oecist, nude, riding dolphin to left, holding kantharos in his right hand and rudder in his left; above to left, ΚΛ.
Vlasto 634 (this obverse die); SNG ANS 1012 (these dies); Fischer-Bossert 931c (this coin); Historia Numorum Italy 939.
A coin of enchanting beauty, the work of a very talented master engraver. Superbly struck on an exceptionally fresh metal from stunningly detailed dies of fine style. A choice specimen with a beautiful iridescent tone. Almost invisible mark on obverse, o
Ex Leu Auction 71, 24 October 1997, Lot 15. Ex Künker Auction 333, 16 March 2020, Lot 658 (from the collection of a North German antiquity enthusiast). Ex NAC Auction 150, 2 September 2024, Lot 508 (from the 'England' and a Scandinavian private collection).

The cavalry of the Tarentines was renowned throughout the entire Greek World. The Tarentine aristocracy was especially proud of this reputation, which is clearly reflected on the coins of the Tarentines. The obverse of this piece shows a rider on horseback, elegantly practicing his fighting skills. The scene on the reverse is dedicated to the founding myth of the city of Tarentum. The identity of the rider of the dolphin is still being debated; one belief is that it could have been Taras, the son of Poseidon and the nymph Satyrion. According to legend, Taras was thrown into the sea during a shipwreck. His father then sent a dolphin to rescue him, and at the place where he came ashore, he founded the city of Tarentum, which is named after him. However, it could also have been Phalanthus, the leader of a group from Sparta. According to legend, Phalanthus also suffered a shipwreck and was brought ashore by a dolphin.

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Stater. Struck circa 350-300 BC. 21.00 mm. 6h
Obv. Eagle with spread wings and head raised standing left on olive branch.
Rev.[KPOTΩ]NIATAN, tripod lebes with legs terminating in lion's feet; B on the right.
SNG ANS 359 (same dies); HGC 1, 1464; HN Italy 2171.
Rare. Beautiful old cabinet tone. Struck slightly off center, otherwise, very fine.
Ex. Leu Numismatik Web Auction 32, 07 December 2024, Lot 134. Ex. Heritage 232430, 24 July 2024, Lot 64009. Ex. Roma Auction XXX, 21 March 2024, Lot 51. Ex. Roma Auction XXIII, 24 March 2022, 31. Ex. Roma Auction XX, 29 October 2020, 35.

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Didrachm. Struck circa 490/85-480/75 BC. 20.00 mm. 7h
Obv. Nude warrior riding right on prancing horse, wearing a high helmet and preparing to throw a spear, which he holds in his raised right hand while holding the reins in his left hand.
Rev. Forepart of bearded, man-faced bull rushing to right (river god Gelas) within circular incuse; below CEΛAΣ.
SNG ANS 11 (these dies); BMC 19 (these dies); Jenkins, Gela, Group Ib, 65 (O20/R28); HGC 2, 363.
An outstanding depiction of the river god Gela in fine style. Lovely old cabinet tone and struck on fresh metal. Obverse struck from a worn die, otherwise obverse: good very fine / reverse: extremely fine.
Ex CNG Electronic Auction 366, 16 March 2020, Lot 386 (From the Camerata Romeu Collection). Ex NAC Auction 150, 2 September 2024, Lot 539 (From a Scandinavian private collection).

The second tyrant of the city of Gela, Hippocrates, ruled the city from 498 to 491 B.C. The name Hippocrates means horse power. Hippocrates developed an especially good light cavalry. With the help of this cavalry in particular, Hippocrates conquered significant parts of Sicily. These included the cities of Leontini, Naxos, Zankle/Messana and others. After his death, Hippocrates’ former cavalry commander, Gelon, took power and became the new tyrant of the city of Gela. It is therefore not surprising that the depiction on the obverse is dedicated to the importance of the aristocratic cavalry. It also celebrates Gelon's successes as a cavalry commander during the conquests under Hippocrates and his associated rise. Gelon modernized the monetary system and introduced the minting of didrachms. The present coin is one of them. These were also primarily needed to pay for his military operations, especially for the later capture of Syracuse (see also number 5). The protome of the man-headed bull charging to the right on the reverse is an artistic representation of the personification of the river Gela, at the mouth of which the city lay. The symbolism goes back to Achelous, the father of all river, whom was depicted in a similar way. The river gave the city its name and means "cold" in the language of the Siculi. Virgil and Ovid had already reported how particularly dangerous the river was, which is why it is depicted as stormy and brutal.

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Tetradrachm. Circa 430-425 BC. 24.00 mm. 1h
Obv. Head of Apollo left, with flowing hair, wearing laurel wreath, dotted border.
Rev. Lion's head left, with open jaws and tongue protruding; three barley grains and, behind, laurel leaf. LEO – N – TI – NON around.
Rizzo pl. XXIIII, 4 (these dies). SNG ANS 229 (these dies). AMB 353 (these dies). Boehringer, Studies Price, pl.12, 55 (these dies).
A magnificent specimen of excellent classical style with an elegant portrait. Boldly struck with a lovely light iridescent tone. Some minor scuffs under the tone, otherwise superb EF.
Ex. Numismatic Fine Art Auction 1, 22 November 2024, Lot 11. Ex. NAC Auction 146, 2024, Lot 2079 (From an Exceptional Collection assembled between the early 70s and late 90s). Leontinoi was founded in 729 BC by Chalcidian settlers from the town of Naxos. Leontinoi was situated on a wide, fertile plain. Exports of grain to Greece and other Sicilian cities brought Leontinoi wealth.

NGC certification Grade Ch AU Strike: 5/5 Surface: 3/5 - scuffs. Leontinoi was repeatedly under the rule of the tyrants of Syracuse. Between 466 B.C. and 422 B.C. it was temporarily freed from Syracuse and the democracy was restored. This was reflected in the coinage, in which new coin types were developed. Apollo was chosen as the new motif for the obverse. Apollo was the patron god of the city of Leontini, as his oracle in Delphi revealed the location of the new city. This tetradrachm was minted towards the end of this short period. The reverse shows the influence that Syracuse continued to have on Leontinoi (compare number 5). Instead of the Arethusa head, a lion's head was used and the dolphins are replaced by barley grains. The barley grains are a reference to the exceptional fertility of the area, while the lion is an allusion to the name of the city. In fact, the Greek Leon means lion. This coin is the work of an artist termed, after Rizzo, the "maestro della foglia" ("Master of the Leaf"), because of his use of leaves as a form of signature. He was an exceptionally talented and skilled master-engraver.

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Punic occupation (Circa 425-300 BC). Tetradrachm. Struck about 360-340 BC. 5h
Obv. Slow Quadriga driving left, Nike flying l. to crown horses. "SYS" in punic ethnic in exergue.
Rev. Head of Nymph Arethusa to left, surrounded by four dolphins. Her hair rolled in an ampyx and she wears an ear-pendant and a necklace.
Jenkins, CPS I, 49, 42 (same dies); SNG Oxford 2138.
Rare. In a very good condition for the issue. Old cabinet tone. Slightly irregularly shaped flan. Good very fine.

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Gelon I (484-477 BC). Tetradrachm. circa 485-480 BC, Syracuse. 26.00 mm. 9h
Obv. Slow quadriga driven to the left by charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding the reins with his right hand, the kentron in his left hand; above, Nike with wide open wings flying to the left, crowning the horses.
Rev. ΣVR - A - KO - ΣI - O - N. Pearl-diademed head of the nymph Arethusa, wearing necklace, the long hair tied up in her pearl diadem in the back of the head. Around, four dolphins.
Boehringer 79 (same dies); Boston 341 (same dies); Randazzo 248 (same dies).
Rare. A highly attractive example of this stunning masterwork of late archaic art. Perfectly centered on a very large flan. Beautiful cabinet tone with golden hues around the devices, some minor marks, otherwise almost extremely fine.
Ex AUCTIONES AG Basel Auction 25, 1995, lot 202. Ex Hess Divo Auction 342, 1 December 2024, Lot 9 (From a Swiss collection).

In 485 BC, Gelon, the tyrant of Gela, conquered the city of Syracuse (for Gelon, please see also coin number 3 from Gela). He then handed over the government of Gela to his brother Hieron and took power over Syracuse. The expansion of the territory under his control, political alliances and a major victory against the Carthaginians at Himera in 4100 BC led to Syracuse becoming the most important city in Sicily. Under Gelon's rule, the city became extremely prosperous. Great artists and talents were brought to the city to increase its influence and reputation. This is also the reason for the present masterpiece. The early Syracusan tetradrachms of Gelon, to which the present piece belongs, reflect this culture of luxury and aesthetic refinement well. As Gelon came to power, the local tetradrachms also changed slightly. The flying Nike is added to the obverse. This depiction on the obverse is an allusion to Gelon's victory in the chariot race at the Olympic Games in 488/487 BC. The attractive portrait in late Archaic style on the reverse depicts the nymph Arethusa. Syracuse was founded in the eighth century BC as the second Greek colony by Corinthian settlers. The first colony was established on the island of Ortygia. According to legend, the river god Alpheios fell in love with Arethusa. Pursued by Alpheios, Arethusa asked Artemis for help. Artemis heard her and brought her to the island of Ortygia and turned her into a freshwater spring. The four dolphins represent the salt water that surrounds the spring and the island of Ortygia. The spring was very important for the development of the city and the depiction became the symbol of Syracuse and was shown on all tetradrachms for the coming decades.

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Dionysios I (405-367 BC). Tetras. Struck circa 390 BC. 13.00 mm. 9h
Obv. Facing head of the nymph Arethusa, wearing necklace, turned slightly to left.
Rev. Octopus.
CNS 29; SNG ANS 385; SNG Copenhagen 679.
Tooled surfaces, artificial patina, otherwise good VF.

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Timoleon and the Third Democracy (344-317 BC). Stater. circa 344-339/8 BC, Syracuse. 25.00 mm. 3h
Obv. Pegasos flying left.
Rev. ΣYPAKOΣIΩN. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with griffin on bowl.
SNG Lloyd 1442; SNG Ashmolean 2032; SNG ANS 504; AMB 495; Pegasi 2; HGC 2, 1400.
A gorgeous and outstanding coin with a lovely light tone. Struck on excellent metal, minor die shift on reverse, otherwise superb extremely fine .
Ex Schweizerischer Bankverein sale 41, 1996, lot 26. Ex NAC Auction 150, 2 September 2024, Lot 566 (From a Scandinavian private collection).

NGC is included with this lot. Graded Ch AU strike 4/5, surface 4/5 - die shift, NGC certification number 8230102-015. In the middle of the fourth century, Syracuse was oppressed by the tyrants Dionysius II and Hiketas and threatened by the Carthaginians. The Syracusans finally sent a delegation to Corinth to ask their mother city for help. Timeleon, a member of a prestigious Corinthian family, was chosen to take back control of Syracuse. He defeated and expelled the tyrants Dionysius II and Hiketas from the city, carried out extensive democratic reforms and brought many new settlers from Greece. He finally defeated the Carthaginians decisively and thus severely limited Carthage's influence in Sicily for many years. At the beginning of his mission, there were not enough Greek coins in Syracuse. For several decades, no coins had been minted and the circulating coins must have been very worn. In order to finance his expedition to restore freedom and prosperity, he had to reform the coinage system. He decided to adopt the denomination and iconography of his Corinthian homeland, the silver stater with the images of Athena and Pegasus, except the ethnicon, style and the design were based on Syracuse.

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Agathokles (317-289 BC). Stater. Struck circa 317-310 BC. 9h
Obv. Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet decorated with griffin on the bowl and pearl necklace; behind, trophy left.
Rev. Pegasos flying left; triskeles below, ΣYP-A-KOΣIΩ-N around.
Calciati, Pegasi 11; BAR Issue 3; SNG ANS 558; HGC 2, 1402.
A lovely example, lightly toned with golden hues around the devices. Good Very Fine.

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Tetradrachm. circa 288/7-282/1 BC, Amphipolis. 30.00 mm. 7h
Obv. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, wearing royal diadem and the horn of Ammon.
Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ - ΛYΣIMAXOY. Athena Nikephoros, wearing long chiton, peplos and helmet, seated left on throne, arm resting on shield, holding crowning Nike, transverse spear in background; monograms to outer left and outer right.
Müller 548; Thompson 199; HGC 3.2, 1750l.
An excellent portrait of Alexander the Great of fine stile, struck in high relief. Beautiful old cabinet tone, a few minor marks, otherwise, extremely fine.
Ex Leu Auction 65, 21 May 1996, Lot 127.

Lysimachus was one of Alexander's most effective successors. He first received the small and endangered province of Thrace as his satrapy. However, he steadily and successfully expanded his sphere of influence. He later also controlled Macedonia and a large part of Asia Minor. Like Alexander's other successors, Lysimachus continued to use Alexander's coin types at the beginning of his reign (compare also number 13). He later introduced his own coin type. He made some modifications to the old coin type but remained very subtle. He continued to use Alexander's portrait on the obverse, though now depicted as a god, wearing the ram's horn of the Greek-Egyptian deity Ammon. This is one of the first genuine portraits to appear on coins. On the reverse, he chose his patron goddess Athena. He also called himself King Lysimachus for the first time on a coin. The depicted Nike crowns the name of Lysimachus to honor him and his victories. The lion on the shield at Athena's side refers to Lysimachus' famous heroic act of killing a lion with his bare hands. Lysimachus thus creates a link to Alexander and his power and courage.

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Tetradrachm. circa 90-81 BC, Byzantion. 11h
Obv. Diademed head of the deified Alexander the Great to right, wearing horn of Ammon.
Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ - ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟ[Υ], Athena Nikephoros seated left, holding Nike, crowning the king's name, in her right hand and leaning with her left arm on shield decorated with gorgoneion; monogram to inner left; on throne, BY; in exergue, ornamented trident to left.
De Callataÿ 125, group 3, D 53 (same obv. die); Marinescu -. Müller 157; HGC 3.2, 1402-7.
In exceptional condition for the issue. Lovely light golden and bluish iridescent toning. Extremely Fine.

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Tetradrachm. circa 323-315 BC, Pella. 26.00 mm. 4h
Obv. Laureate head of Zeus to right.
Rev. ΦIΛIΠ – ΠOY. Naked youth on horseback right, carrying palm; coiled serpent below; Boeotian shield below raised foreleg.
Le Rider 525a (D279/R433); cf. SNG ANS 449.
A choice specimen in an outstanding condition. An elegant portrait of Zeus struck in high relief and exceptionally fine style on excellent metal with a lovely iridescent tone. Well centered and boldly struck on a large flan. Exceptionally detailed revers
Ex Ira & Larry Goldberg Auction 72, 3 February 2013, Lot 4043. (Ex Harlan J. Berk Buy or Bid Sale 184, 2013, Lot 52.) Ex NAC Auction 150, 2 September 2024, Lot 592 (From the Peter Bowe collection).

From the middle of the fourth century BC, the system of city-states (poleis) was questioned more and more. The idea of panhellenic unity arose. King Philip wanted to unite the Greek powers to confront the Persians. In 338–337 BC Philipp created a league of city-states to unify the Greek military forces under Macedonian leadership. The league was intended to guarantee peace in Greece and provide Philipp with military support against Persia. Philip reformed the coinage system very early on in his reign when he gained control of Mount Pangaeos, where huge silver deposits were located. He adopted the Panhellenic idea to the coinage system at an early stage. The use of Zeus was a novelty in Macedonian coinage, but it fit perfectly with Philip's Panhellenic strategy. Olympia was one of the most important Panhellenic sanctuaries and was specifically associated with Zeus. The reverse of the coin symbolizes Philip II's victory in the horse race at the 106th Olympic Games in 356 BC. This same horse is possibly depicted here, together with the young jockey holding the victory palm branch. The coin type is also an allusion to the name of the King of Macedon, as the name Philip means "horse lover". The silver and gold coins of Philip II were minted in immense quantities and the acceptance was great (compare also coin number 8). This was extremely important for Philip's plans. The coin type was again minted in large quantities after the death of his son Alexander, like the present piece. This shows the great influence that the coin type retained, despite the huge flood of Alexandrian coins that followed. Alexander's new types were readily embraced by Greeks and Orientals. However, they were never really accepted by the barbarians of Europe. If we compare this superb portrait of Zeus with the portraits found in Philip II's tomb in Verina, we might well think that this is actually a portrait of Philip II.

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Drachm. circa 319-305 BC, Magnesia ad Maeandrum. 16.00 mm. 11h
Obv. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress.
Rev. Zeus seated to left, feet on stool, eagle in right hand, scepter in left; AΛΕΞΑΝΔ[ΡΟΥ] to right, monograms in left field and below throne.
Price 1967.
A very attractive coin with an light old cabinet tone and an interessting and fine portrait of Herakles. A very detailed reverse but lightly brushed, otherwise, extremely fine.

In the name and types of Alexander III the Great (336-323 BC). Early posthumous issue of Antigonos I Monophthalmos. As Strategos of Asia (320-306/5 BC) or perhaps as king (306/5-301 BC).

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Drachm. 306/5-301, Lampsakos. 16.00 mm. 6h
Obv. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress.
Rev. Zeus seated to left, feet on stool, eagle in right hand, scepter in left; AΛΕΞΑΝΔΡ[ΟΥ] to right, in field to left, forepart of Pegasos flying left; below throne, Artemis Phosphoros advancing left.
Price 1387.
Light old cabinet tone, almost extremely fine.

In the name and types of Alexander III the Great (336-323 BC). Posthumous issue of Antigonos I Monophthalmos, as king (306/5-301 BC).

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Stater. circa 250-200, Uncertain in the Black Sea region. 19.00 mm. 12h
Obv. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with a griffin springing right.
Rev. [A]ΛEΞANΔΡO[Υ] - ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ, Nike standing front, head to left, with her wings spread, holding laurel wreath in her right hand and stylis in her left; below right wing, monogram.
Price -; cf. 1334.
Sharply struck in high relief and with a portrait of fine style. Minor marks and with some scrapes on the reverse, otherwise, Extremely Fine.

We have a very interesting spelling mistake here: ??SE??OS instead of ??S???OS. Seemingly unique and unpublished.

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Tetradrachm. circa 174-173 BC, Pella or Amphipolis. 32.00 mm. 12h
Obv. Diademed head of Perseus right.
Rev. ΒΑΣΙ – ΛΕΩΣ / ΠΕΡ – ΣΕΩΣ. Eagle, wings spread, standing right on thunderbolt; ZΩ (mintmaster's) monogram above, ZΩ monogram to right, ΛΩ monogram between legs; all within oak wreath; star below.
Mamroth, Perseus 14; HGC 3, 1091; De Luca 32a (this coin illustrated).
A lovely example with a nice portrait and an attractive light iridescent tone, minor marks, otherwise about extremely fine.
Ex Oslo Myntgalleri Auction 21, 2020, Lot 116. Ex Elsen Auction 93, 15 September 2007, lot 677. Ex CNG Electronic Auction 412, 17 January 2018, Lot 111. Ex NAC Auction 150, 2 September 2024, Lot 605 (From a Scandinavian private collection).

This piece was struck under the mintmaster Zoilos, whose monogram the piece bears on the reverse.

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Tetradrachm. circa 311-300 BC, Babylon I. 24.00 mm. 9h
Obv. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves and palmette.
Rev. AΘE Owl standing right, head facing; behind, crescent and olive fruit with two leaves; all within shallow incuse square.
Svoronos, A. Tf. 14, 21. SNG Delepierre 1426.
A beautiful piece with a lovely old cabinet tone. Obverse slightly off center, otherwise, extremely fine.
Ex Hess Divo Auction 327, 22.10.2014, Lot 38. Ex Hess Divo Auction 340, 01.06.2022, Lot 36.

Athenian tetradrachms were among the most widespread and popular coin types of antiquity. They were readily accepted throughout the entire Mediterranean area, and even far beyond. They were popular thanks to their well-known long-term stability of the fineness of silver, their full weight and their gigantic minting volume. They have been minted tens of millions of times and were also imitated by various cultures. Athenian tetradrachms became the preferred international trading currency. For this purpose, a motif was chosen that recurred over many decades. Athena and the owl is certainly the best known and most influential of all ancient Greek coins. Athena, her owl and the olive branch tell the legend of how Athena became the patron goddess of Athens. Poseidon and Athena competed against each other on the Acropolis for the right to become the city's patron god. Poseidon struck a rock with his trident, causing a spring to burst forth. But people didn't like it much because the water was salty. Athena then knelt and planted a seed in the ground. In a few moments, a fully grown olive tree sprouted. The tree was a great source of wood, and the olives were nutritious and could also be processed into oil that could be used in many ways. The people were delighted and declared Athena the victor and patron goddess of the city, which was to be called Athens from then on.