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[King John]

Roma Numismatics Limited, Auction 4, 30/09/2012, lot 280

Ionia, Klazomenai AR Drachm.
Ionia, Klazomenai AR Drachm. Circa 386-301 BC. Mandronax, magistrate. Head of Apollo facing slightly left, wearing laurel wreath / KΛ-A, swan standing left, wings spread; MANΔΡΩNA[Ξ] to left. SNG Copenhagen -; SNG München -; cf. BMC 26 (hemidrachm); SNG Lockett 2792 (same dies); Traité II 1998. 4.04g, 16mm, 7h.
Near Extremely Fine. Exceptional metal for issue. Rare.
Ex David Herman Collection, Triton X, 9 January 2007, lot 295.
Settled by colonists from Phlios and Kleonai, Klazomenai was a member of the Ionian League, and originally stood on the isthmus connecting the mainland with the peninsula on which Erythrai stood; but the inhabitants, alarmed by the encroachments of the Persians, removed themselves to one of the small islands of the bay, and there established their city.
In the King’s Peace of 386 Klazomenai is explicitly mentioned as belonging to Persia, though the city continued to mint coinage in its own name. There was a Klazomenian treasury at Delphi, and Klazomenai consulted the oracle there in 383 about their dispute with Kyme over the city of Leukai. Both cities wished to gain control of Leukai and its cult centre of Apollo, and thus the oracle responded that the city that first managed to make a sacrifice at Leukai on a specified date should be the winner of the dispute. Since it was stipulated that representatives from the two cities should depart at dawn on the day specified for the sacrifice, the Klazomenians founded a colony close to Leukai and thus won the contest.
This event was celebrated by a festival called Prophthaseia, and a beautiful series of coinage, to which this type belongs, was caused to be struck in commemoration of the city’s victory. Apollo is proudly displayed on the obverse, and the reverse bears a majestic image of a swan, a bird sacred to the god. According to myth, swans would draw the chariot in which Apollo every year flew south from his winter home in the land of the Hyperboreans. The reverse is also a punning allusion to the name of the city itself, as Klazomenai was also home to large numbers of swans, and κλaζειν meant ‘to scream’, and was used to describe the call of the swan. Leukai’s striking of similar coinage in this period (see lot 297) attests to Klazomenai’s control over that city.
This beautiful coin is believed to be an unsigned work by the famous artist Theodotus of Klazomenai, who was responsible for engraving the dies for the outstanding Klazomenian tetradrachm in the British Museum. That coin, which bears Theodotus’ signature, is of a sufficiently proximate style as to make this a very distinct probability.

ILLUSTRAZIONE: Leda e il cigno, copia romana del II secolo d.C. da un modello attico del I secolo a.C., Museo Arceologico di Venezia

[King John]

Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, eLive Auction 57, 3/12/2019, lot 108

RÖMISCHE MÜNZEN
MÜNZEN DER RÖMISCHEN KAISERZEIT
Hadrianus, 117-138.
Æ-Drachme, Jahr 14 (= 129/130), Alexandria (Aegyptus); 24,06 g. Drapierte Büste r. mit Lorbeerkranz//Adler steht v.v., Kopf l., auf Blitz, darüber liegt Zeus l. mit Zepter. Dattari/Savio 1877 f.; Geissen 1024; Kampmann/Ganschow 32.485; RPC 5743. Avers etwas korrodiert, sehr schön

ILLUSTRAZIONE: Sardonyx Cameo Fragment with Jupiter Astride an Eagle
Greek or Roman, Hellenistic or Early Imperial, 1st century BC-1st century AD

[King John]

Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 181, 6/02/2008, lot 106

BITHYNIA, Calchedon. Tranquillina. Augusta, AD 241-244. Æ 26mm (8.30 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bsut right / Apollo reclining right, resting hand on head, holding lyre, on back of swan flying left. RG 115; SNG Copenhagen 368; SNG von Aulock -. VF, green patina, a few deposits.
From the J. S. Wagner Collection.

[King John]

Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG, Auction 25, 25/06/2003, lot 60

Greek Coins
Camarina
No.: 60
Schätzpreis - Estimate CHF 65000
d=23 mm
Didrachm before 405, AR 8.29 g. Bust of young river-god Hipparis, facing three-quarter l., with horns on forehead and hair flying behind in loose curls; a fish ascending on either side. Rev. KAM – A – PI – NA The nymph Camarina, head turned l. and hair bound in sphendone, riding on swan swimming l., with spread wings and curved neck; naked from the back upwards, she seats with crossed feet, l. hand clasping the swan’s neck while r. holds billowing chiton. Beneath swan, curled waves among which fish; to r., another fish. Kunstwerke der Antike-Robert Käppeli collection, Exhibition Catalogue 1963, F 57 (this coin). AMB 318 (this coin). C. Boehringer, Der sizilische Stempelschneider SIKA, Q. Tic 14, 1985, pl. III, Y (this coin). Westermark-Jenkins 163.1 both sides enlarged pl. 25 obverse, pl. 30 and on the cover page reverse (this coin). Unique. A superb specimen of enchanting style, well-struck in high relief.
The portrait of the river-god Hipparis of demonic intensity and a
fascinating reverse composition finely detailed. Toned and extremely fine
Ex Münzen und Medaillen 25, 1962, 407 and NAC 13, 1998, 318 sales. Käppeli and A.D.M. collections.
The artistic impact of this numismatic tour de force is one of arrested action. The young river-god is captured as if having just turned his head toward the viewer after being startled: his hair flows liberally to the sides and over the horns above his forehead; his eyes and his expression suggest a heightened state of mind. Fish are shown as if sprouting from the base of his neck. The reverse scene, recalling the myth of Leda and the swan, in some respects is even more exciting, for it is shows a light-hearted and playful scene unfolding before our very eyes. The nymph Camarina devotes her attention to assuring her chiton billows in the wind above her head as she reclines carelessly on the back of her swan, steadying her position by placing her right hand upon the swan’s breast. At this very moment the powerful, yet elegant bird is preparing to take flight or has just landed on the water, as its great wings are sprung into action, waves crest below, and two fish, in response to the alarming state of affairs, are stirred, one propelling itself skyward. The inscription does not interfere with the delicate composition of this complicated design, which required an optimal effort from a renowned engraver
The importance of this coin – the reverse of which appears on the cover of the standard work on Camarina by Westermark and Jenkins – is difficult to understate: not only is it unique, but it surely represents a height in Sicilian coin artistry of the high Classical period. Four artists signed at Camarina during the period in which this coin was struck, and our dies probably were engraved by Euainetos and/or by Exakestidas. Considering the only other obverse die of this series documented by Westermark and Jenkins bears the signature of Euainetos of Syracuse (EYAI), this obverse die almost certainly was signed. The artist’s identification remains a mystery only because the truncation of Hipparis’ neck – where Euainetos’ signature occurs on the other known die – is obscured by a die break
Camarina was located near the terminations of the Oanis and Hipparis rivers on the southern coast of Sicily. It may be of some consequence that on both the obverse and the reverse of this coin show two fish; they could represent the two nearby rivers, or, perhaps even more likely, they could symbolize the river and the sea, both of which were important to Camarina. The Hipparis, the larger and more important of these two rivers, issued into the sea less than two miles from Camarina, and the Oanis was closer still. The Hipparis was personified in god-form, and is honored on Camarina’s coins. On this issue he is shown nearly full-facing, and on other didrachms of this period he is shown in profile and his name is engraved. A similar river-god portrait, this time depicting Amenanos and engraved by Choirion, occurs on a slightly later drachm of Catana on the east coast of Sicily, and clearly was inspired by this issue of Camarina

 

[King John]

Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 123, 23/05/2023, lot 401

Roman Provincial
CILICIA, Tarsus. Maximinus I. AD 235-238. Æ (38mm, 24.55 g, 6h). Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / The Three Graces (Charites) standing with arms around one another; central figure seen from behind, each holds a flower; B to right. RPC VI Online 7112.16 (this coin); SNG BN 1605 (same dies); SNG Levante 1096 var. (radiate bust & arrangement of rev. legend). Green patina, minor deposits on reverse. Good VF.
From the D.K. Collection. Ex Berk BBS 217 (30 November 2021), lot 426; Classical Numismatic Review XLV.1, (Winter 2020), no. 528365; Gorny & Mosch 265 (14 October 2019), lot 1103; Gorny & Mosch 176 (10 March 2009), lot 1727.
The Three Graces (or Charites) were goddesses of beauty, charm, and amusement, the embodiment of loveliness in all its aspects. Although their names varied from place to place, the most commonly encountered are Aglaea ("Beauty"), Euphrosyne ("Cheer"), and Thalia ("Flowering"). Over time an artistic convention of depicting the Graces developed: the three deities were shown undraped, each with one arm placed on the figure adjacent to them, the central figure standing facing the opposite direction as the others. This is the convention that one finds in numismatic depictions of the goddesses. By the representation of the Three Graces, the city of Tarus emphasized its claim for beauty according to its status "Kalliste", the most beautiful city.

[King John]

Emporium Hamburg > Auction 104	Auction date: 20 November 2023
Lot number: 306 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction
Lot description: RÖMISCHES REICH, Nero, 54-68, AE Sesterz, Rom. Belorb. Büste l., NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER PM TRP IMP PP. Rs.Nero r. reitend, hält eingelegte Lanze, dahinter Soldat mit Vexillum r. reitend, DEVCRSIO, S-C. 24,67g. Prachtex., vz RIC 168; Kampm.14.31 Starting price: 3700 EUR

[King John]

Roma Numismatics Ltd > Auction XXIX	Auction date: 9 November 2023
Lot number: 169 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction
Lot description: Bithynia, Herakleia Pontika AR Stater. Time of Satyros, tyrant, circa 352-345 BC. Head of Herakles, facing slightly to right, wearing lion skin headdress tied at neck / HPAKΛEIA, Nike, nude to the waist, wearing necklace with circular pendant, kneeling to left on club, raising right hand to inscribe city's name; below club, ΣΙ (retrograde). M.J.P. Six, Sinope, in NC 5 (1885), p. 62, 65; Imhoof-Blumer, Griechische Münzen in der Grossherzoglichen Badischen Sammlung in Karlsruhe, in ZfN VII (1880), p. 23, 5 / pl. I, 13; Kraay - Hirmer 726 var. (no ΣΙ). 7.17g, 21mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; old cabinet tone, sharply struck and of incomparable artistic style. Very Rare. Ex Nomos AG, Auction 25, 20 November 2022, lot 157. The Bithynian coastal city of Herakleia was founded in circa 550 BC by Megaraian and Boiotian colonists, who quickly developed two artificial harbours, a fortification wall and a large navy to make it a significant naval power. Klearchos I was established as the city's first tyrant in circa 364 BC: upon his assassination in 353/2 BC, his brother Satyros assumed control, and acted as guardian to his sons, Timotheos and Dionysios, until they began to rule as joint tyrants in circa 345 BC. The famous hero Herakles, the city's namesake, and attributes such as his club featured on the civic silver coinage of Herakleia Pontika from as early as the fifth century BC, and such types continued to be struck after a change in weight standard after the establishment of the tyranny. It is believed that Herakles entered the underworld through a cave supposedly situated nearby to carry out his twelfth and final labour to capture Cerberus, the three-headed dog who guards the gates of the underworld. The hero is rendered in powerful detail, the three-quarters facing perspective, furrowed brow and wide staring eyes lending a uniquely emotional charge to the portrait. It is the reverse that is particularly interesting; poised atop Herakles' club is the elegant figure of Nike, carved in beautiful classical style. Her pose and act of inscribing are incredibly reminiscent of the roughly contemporaneous staters of Mallos (cf. SNG BnF 405) on which Nike inscribes her own name. This conscious reference to the craftsman's own act of die-engraving transcends the boundaries of the canvas as Nike inscribes the ethnic of the city. This very rare issue, of which this is the finest example on CoinArchives, was apparently struck from only two pairs of dies, with only three other examples known. The reverse of this particular coin bears the letters 'ΣΙ' retrograde below the club which perhaps refer to Satyros, or to an uncertain magistrate, making it quite probably unique. Estimate: 27500 GBP

[King John]

Numismatica Ars Classica > Auction 140	Auction date: 7 November 2023
Lot number: 126 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction
Lot description: Crete, Gortyna Stater circa 330, AR 32 mm, 11.94 g. Europa, in attitude of mourning, seated r. on tree. Rev. ΛODT–VNS – ON Bull standing l., head turned back. Svoronos, Crète 35 and pl. XIII, 9. Le Rider 9 and pl. XI, 22-23 (these dies). SNG Delepierre 2367. Very rare and undoubtedly the finest specimen known. A coin of enchanting beauty and fascination struck on excellent metal on a very broad flan. Light old cabinet tone and good extremely fine Ex Hess-Leu 24, 1964, 171; Leu 15, 1976, 258 (illustrated on the front cover page), 258 and NGSA 6, 2010, 76 sales. From the R.A. van Every collection. This tetradrachm presents a Cretan version of the myth of Europa as a means of presenting Gortyna as the preeminent city on the island, particularly against Cnossos, which was Gortyna's chief rival for supremacy. Having become deeply enamored of the Phoenician princess, Zeus, took on the form of a bull and carried her across the sea to the island of Crete. Upon their arrival, Zeus revealed himself to Europa as the king of the gods and his desire for her beneath a plane tree, which is still exhibited to modern tourists at the site of ancient Gortyna. From the union of god and mortal were three children: Minos, Sarpedon, and Phaestos, the mythical kings of Knossos, Malia, and Phaistos, respectively. Thus, from the mythological perspective at least, Gortyna could claim superiority to Cnossos, Malia, and Phaistos as their mother city. The types of the tetradrachm seem to have been intended to be read together and reflect the moments before the consummation of the relationship between Zeus and Europa. On the obverse, Europa is shown seated in the plane tree, apparently wrestling with the revelation made by the bull depicted on the reverse. Not only had she been carried off far from her home, but she was to become the mother of great kings fathered by the greatest of the Olympians. It must have been a lot to digest, even if we set aside that it was a bull explaining it to her. It is probably for this reason that Europa is often described as mourning from her seat in the tree. Estimate: 150000 CHF illustrazione: Marble bust of an ancient greek woman - Antalya Archaeology Musuem.

[King John]

Paul-Francis Jacquier > Auctions 51-52	Auction date: 15 September 2023
Lot number: 421 Price realized: 420 EUR   (Approx. 448 USD)   Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees.
Lot description: Denar, 45. ACISCVLVS. Kopf des Apollo mit Taenia rechts, darüber Stern, dahinter Acisculus (Spitzhacke). Rv/ L VALERIVS. Europa, ihren vom Wind geblähten Schleier mit beiden Händen festhaltend, auf einem n. rechts schreitenden Stier reitend. Bab. (Valeria) 17; Sydenham 998; Sear Imperators 90; Crawford 474/1a; RBW 1656. 4,01 g. Feine Tönung, fast vorzüglich Starting price: 230 EUR

[King John]

Numismatica Ars Classica > Auction 140	Auction date: 7 November 2023
Lot number: 43 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction
Lot description: Bottians of Bottike Trihemiobol (?), Kalindoia 500-475, AR 10 mm, 0.93 g. Jugate heads of Europa, hair bound in taenia, and bull r. Rev. Quadripartite incuse square. Svoronos, Hellénisme Primitif pl. VI, 8 (Dionysiae). Tzamalis 14. Rosen 165. Nomos sale 26, 2023, 238 (these dies) Very rare. A jugate portrait of excellent Archaic style struck on a broad flan and with a lovely old cabinet tone. About extremely fine Ex Sternberg XXV, 1991, 92; Leu 57, 1993, 59 and DNW A10, 2011, 107 sales. Estimate: 2500 CHF ILLUSTRAZIONE: KORE DEL 530 A.C. CIRCA, ATENE

[King John]

Leu Numismatik, Web Auction 14, 12/12/2020,  lot 943

Roman Provincial
PONTUS. Amasia. Severus Alexander, 222-235. Hexassarion (Bronze, 32 mm, 22.00 g, 1 h), CY 228 = 225/6. [ΑΥΤ Κ] ϹЄΟΥ ΗΡ ΟϹ ΑΛЄΞΑΝΔΡΟϹ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Severus Alexander to right, seen from behind. Rev. ΑΔΡ ϹЄΥ ΑΛЄΞ ΑΜΑϹΙΑϹ ΜΗΤ Ν // Π ΠΟΝΤ૪ / ЄΤ / ϹΚ/Θ Europa riding on bull to right, holding bridle in her left hand and pointing forward with her right. Dalaison 583. RPC VI online 6469. Well struck and with a lovely reverse. Somewhat smoothed, otherwise, about extremely fine.

ILLUSTRAZIONE: affresco pompeiano raffigurante Europa

Modificato 2 Novembre, 2023 da King John

[King John]

Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XXIII, 14/01/2020, LOT 589

Roman Republican

L. Volteius L.f. Strabo. 81 BC. AR Serrate Denarius (17.5mm, 4.00 g, 11h). Rome mint. Laureate head of Jupiter right; F to left / Europa seated on bull galloping left, holding veil over her head; thunderbolt to right, vine leaf on tendril below, L • VO • L • F • S(TR)(AB) in exergue. Crawford 377/1; Sydenham 743; Volteia 6; BMCRR Rome 3143; Kestner 3204; RBW 1400. Lightly toned. Near EF. Rare.
From the Jack A. Frazer Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 55 (13 September 2000), lot 1051.

 

[King John]

Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 124, lot 7981, 16/03/2007

GRIECHISCHE MÜNZEN (GREEK COINS)       CRETA, KNOSSOS.
Æs, um 220 v. Chr.; 4.52 g. Europa mit wehendem Schleier auf Stier l., unten zwei Delphine//Labyrinth. Svoronos 122. RR Braune Patina, fast vorzüglich
Exemplar der Auktion Sternberg 12, Zürich 1982, Nr. 177. Labyrinth bedeutet ursprünglich etwa Haus der Doppeläxte - diese waren ein weit verbreitetes Symbol der minoischen Kultur, und die kretischen Paläste waren üppig damit ausgeschmückt. Den frühen Griechen muß der Palast von Knossos in seiner Größe aber unheimlich erschienen sein, so daß der Begriff Labyrinth seine heutige Bedeutung (Irrgarten) annahm.
Estimate: 400 EUR

[King John]

Classical Numismatic Group > Electronic Auction 550	Auction date: 15 November 2023
Lot number: 118 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction
Lot description: KINGS of PAEONIA. Patraos. Circa 335-315 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 12.39 g, 1h). Astibos or Damastion mint. Laureate head of Apollo right / Warrior on horse rearing right, spearing enemy who defends with shield and spear; wreath to lower left. Paeonian Hoard 276–81 (same dies); Peykov E2180; HGC 3, 148. Toned, double struck on obverse, flan flaw at edge on reverse. Good VF. Estimate: 300 USD

[King John]

Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 88, 14/09/2011

BITHYNIA, Nicomedia. Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. Æ (25mm, 9.96 g, 12h). Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Theseus standing left, head right, holding club and kneeling Minotaur by horns. Voegtli, p. 94; Corsten -; RG -; SNG von Aulock 784 (same dies); J.-P. Righetti Collection (Münzen und Medaillen AG 15), 426 (same dies). Good VF, light green patina, obverse pitted. Extremely rare.
From Group CEM.
Theseus, son of Aegeus, the king of Athens, was known for a number of heroic feats on the model of Hercules. The most famous of these feats was his slaying of the Minotaur. Because the city was a tributary subject to Minos, the king of Crete, it was forced each year to send seven youths and seven maidens to the Cretan capital of Cnossus to feed the Minotaur, a half-man, half-bull who lived in the Labyrinth. To liberate Athens from this humiliating tribute, Theseus connived with his father to join the next shipment of youths. Once in Crete, he would slay the Minotaur, free his fellow victims, and return home. If successful, his returning ship would bear a white sail; if not, the sail would remain the black with which he left. With the help of Minos’ daughter, Ariadne, who had developed a passion for him, Theseus entered the Labyrinth and slew the Minotaur. On his return voyage, however, Theseus forgot to replace the black sail, and Aegeus, seeing this, hurled himself in despair into the sea which now is called Aegean.

Modificato 6 Novembre, 2023 da King John

[King John]

Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 171 | Silver	Auction date: 20 August 2023
Lot number: 104 Price realized: 125 EUR   (Approx. 136 USD)   Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees.
Lot description: Caria. Kindya circa 510-480 BC. Tetrobol AR 12 mm, 1,88 g Head of ketos to right / Geometric pattern within incuse square. good very fine SNG Kayhan 813-4. In ancient Greek mythology, a "ketos" (plural: ketoi) refers to a sea monster, often depicted as a giant sea serpent or a creature with a combination of fish and serpent features. The concept of the ketos was prevalent in Greek mythology and art, and it had a significant presence in various stories and legends. One of the most famous tales involving a ketos is the story of Andromeda. According to the myth, Andromeda, the daughter of King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia of Ethiopia, was chained to a rock as a sacrifice to a ketos. The sea monster was sent by the god Poseidon in response to Cassiopeia's boasting that her daughter was more beautiful than the Nereids (sea nymphs). Andromeda was later rescued by the hero Perseus, who slew the ketos and saved her from her fate. Ketoi were often associated with the perils of the sea and represented the dangers that sailors and travelers faced while navigating treacherous waters. They were also symbolic of chaos and the untamed forces of nature. Starting price: 50 EUR

[King John]

Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG, Auction 39, lot 55, 16/05/2007

The Barry Feirstein Collection of Ancient Coins Part I
Greek Coins
Crete, Cnossus
No.: 55
Estimate: CHF 18000
d=25 mm
Stater circa 420, AR 11.92 g. KNOSI[ON] Minotaur running r., head facing with r. hand lowered and l. raised holding unidentified object. Rev. Labyrinth in the shape of counter-clockwise swastika with floral pattern in the centre; sunk squares in the four corners. Svoronos -; see Addenda, Arc. Eph. 1899, pl. 11, 14. Wroth, NC 1896 pl. 7, 6 var. = Le Rider p. 99, 5 and 25, 1 var. (this obverse die, but the labyrinth clockwise).
Very rare and in unusually good condition for this interesting issue. Toned and good very fine
Ex Leu sale 76, 1999, 135. From the collection C. Gillet.
The earliest coinage of Crete was struck much later than its appearance would suggest. This stater, for example, looks very much like a product from the Archaic period, yet archaeological and hoard data shows it was struck well into the Classical period – at least half a century later than its style and fabric would suggest. The relative isolation of Crete assured that in many other ways, such as forms of speech, it also developed more slowly than most other Greek lands. Crete had yet another interesting consideration for its coinage, namely that it relied upon imported coins for its silver; thus, this coin was probably overstruck on a stater of Aegina, the coinage that most frequently reached the island before about 330 B.C. This coin is one of the earliest from Cnossus, a city on the northern coast of the island. Not surprisingly, its designs derive from the city’s most famous mythological episode, the Minotaur in the labyrinth. The Minotaur had the body of a man and the head of a bull – a predictable composition for a creature born of an intimate encounter between a bull and Pasiphae, the wife of the Cretan king Minos. (Oddly enough, Suetonius tells us Pasiphae was claimed as an ancestress by the emperor Galba). The Minotaur was kept by Minos in a specially constructed labyrinth at Cnossus and was fed with condemned criminals, maidens and young boys sent from Athens as tribute to the Cretan king. It has been noted that the Phoenician Baal Moloch shared the form of the Minotaur and likewise fed on human sacrifice victims.

[santone]

Interessante 

[King John]

Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG, Auction 134, lot 167, 21/11/2022

Greek Coins. Metapontum.
Nomos circa 440-430, AR 7.63 g. META retrograde Barley ear; in l. field, grasshopper. Rev. AΨEΛO – SO – AEΘΛON partially retrograde Achelous standing facing, in human form but with bull's head, holding patera and reed. Kraay-Hirmer 230. Jameson 265 (this coin). Noe-Johnston 311a (this coin). Gillet 134 (this coin). Holloway, Art and Coinage in Magna Graecia, p. 118 (this coin illustrated). Historia Numorum Italy 1491 (these dies).
Extremely rare, the only specimen in private hands of four known. An interesting and
fascinating issue of great importance and fascination. Minor areas of corrosion
on reverse, otherwise good very fine
Ex NAC sale 10, 1997, 38. From the Jameson, Nervegna, Gillet and Athos and Dina Moretti collections and anExceptional Collection assembled between the early 70s and late 90s.
In 630 BC, Greek colonists from Achaea founded the city of Metapontum in southern Italy. The site of the new settlement commanded an agricultural hinterland with rich soil that soon brought wealth to the city through the grain trade. Metapontum was so closely connected with its grain that the Metapontines are said to have once dedicated a "golden harvest" at Delphi. This is presumed to have been a dedication of sheaves of grain fashioned from gold. Thus, it is not surprising that an ear of grain became a badge of the city very early on. The origin of the grain ear on the obverse of this extremely rare silver nomos of the later fifth century BC can be traced back to the city's earliest coins, which were first produced around 540 BC. Here the iconic grain ear type has a grasshopper clinging to it, perhaps serving as a reminder of the risks involved in wealth derived from agriculture. If the grasshopper were a locust, the golden harvest of Metapontum would be devoured and the wealth that it represented turned into valueless stubble in the fields. At first glance, the figure on the reverse of the coin might seem to be a representation of the Minotaur-the most famous bull-headed humanoid of Greek mythology, but the epichoric Greek inscription makes it clear that this is actually a depiction of the river-god Achelous. The bull-headed figure is a remarkable departure from the usual custom in Magna Graecia and Sicily, which commonly represented water deities as bulls with human faces. Here instead, we find the head of a bull grafted onto the body of a man. It is unclear whether the more usual iconography of the man-faced bull was consciously developed in order to avoid confusion with the Minotaur. To help distinguish the figure on the Metapontine coin as the river-god, he also carries reeds and a patera from which he pours his waters.

[King John]

Heritage World Coin Auctions > Showcase Auction 61347	Auction date: 14 November 2023
Lot number: 22002 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction -
Lot description: Ancients CAMPANIA. Neapolis. Ca. 350-325 BC. AR didrachm (21mm, 7.30 gm, 7h). NGC XF 4/5 - 3/5, Fine Style, die shift. Head of nymph right, wearing broad headband, pendant earring and necklace; E behind / NEOΠΟΛITHΣ, man-headed bull walking right; E below, Nike flying right above to crown the bull. HN Italy 565. Ex JMG Collection (Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XVII, 7 January 2014), lot 2; Classical Numismatic Group, Triton III (30 November 1999), lot 28. ILLUSTRAZIONE: River-God and Naiad Nymph, Campanian red-figure amphora C4th B.C., British Museum

Modificato 9 Novembre, 2023 da King John

[King John]

Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG, Auction 114, lot 44, 6/05/2019

Greek coins
Gela. Tetradrachm circa 415-405, AR 16.48 g. ΓΕ – ΛΩ – [ΙΩ – Ν] Fast quadriga driven r. by Nike, holding kentron and reins; above eagle flying r. and, in exergue, large pellet. Rev. ΓΕΛΑΣ retrograde Forepart of man-headed bull (the river-god Gela) advancing l. through reeds; ibis and garlanded altar before his mid section. In l. field, fish swimming upwards and above, barley grain. Jenkins O 96 / reverse unlisted.
Of the highest rarity, the finest of only two specimens known. A spectacular reverse
composition, undoubtedly one of the most interesting of the mint of Gela.
Perfectly struck on a full flan. Old cabinet tone and about extremely fine
Ex SBV Zürich 1, 1977, 52 and NAC 9, 1996, 155 sales. From the A.D.M. and Harald Salvesen collections.
In 689/8 BC, Gela was jointly founded by colonists from the Rhodian city of Lindos and a group of Cretans. Despite conflicts with the native Sicanian peoples, Gela prospered and by the early sixth century BC the city was extending its influence into western Sicily by founding Acragas. By the end of the century, however, political discord in the city had permitted Cleander, the son of Pantares, to overthrow the traditional oligarchic government and establish himself as tyrant in 505 BC. Although Cleander was later assassinated by the city’s democratic faction, this did not prevent his son, Hippocrates, from becoming the new tyrant of Gela in 498 BC. Under Hippocrates the power of Gela expanded immensely as his mercenary armies conquered the Greek cities of Callipolis, Leontini, Naxos, and Zankle. Victory over Syracuse also resulted in the addition of Camarina to Hippocrates’ Geloan empire. Although the Geloans still desired a return to constitutional government, after the death of Hippocrates in 491 BC, the tyranny was assumed by Gelon, a former bodyguard of Hippocrates. Gelon not only preserved previous gains but even captured Syracuse, where he became the founder of the city’s Deinomenid dynasty of tyrants. Syracuse became Gelon’s new capital and Gela was left to be administered by his brother, Hieron. When Gelon died in 485 BC, Hieron succeeded to the tyranny at Syracuse and Gela was ruled in turn by his brother, Polyzelos. However, by the mid-fifth century BC the tyranny was abolished and the old oligarchic government was restored at Gela. In the late fifth century BC, Gela was notable as one of the first Sicilian Greek cities to contribute military aid to Syracuse when it became the primary target of the Athenian Sicilian Expedition in 415–413 BC. When the Carthaginians besieged Gela’s old colony, Acragas, in 406 BC, the Geloans also dispatched reinforcements and, after the city fell, provided refuge to the homeless Acragantines. The Geloans faced the same tidal wave of Carthaginian arms in 405 BC, but received little aid from Syracuse and its tyrant, Dionysios I. The city was overwhelmed and destroyed, but the Carthaginians permitted those who had fled to return on the condition that they would not rebuild the fortification walls and pay tribute to Carthage—cold comfort for a people who had once been the preeminent power in Sicily. The present tetradrachm, which is the better of just two known, was struck in the period between the Sicilian Expedition and the Carthaginian conquest probably to finance the numerous military campaigns in which Gela was engaged. The types of quadriga and man-faced bull are traditional at Gela, going back to the early fifth century BC and the age of the great tyrants; however, here they have been updated to keep pace with the artistic developments of Syracusan coinage. Whereas the old quadriga was of the slow variety and driven by a human charioteer crowned by Nike, here Nike drives the chariot herself at what seems to be breakneck speed. Likewise, while the man-faced bull reverse, representing the local river-god, Gela, was a commonplace image on previous Geloan coins, here he is placed in context. The man-faced bull advances out of his comfortable river-bed surrounded by reeds and bulrushes in the company of an ibis to receive the sacrifice made at a nearby altar. This type is remarkable not only for its artistry but also for the way it illustrates the depth of Greek belief in nature deities like river-gods. Gela was considered a real divine presence that, if a worshipper was fortunate, might actually come forth to accept the gifts offered to him.

Modificato 10 Novembre, 2023 da King John

[King John]

Classical Numismatic Group, Web Shop

828461.
Sold For $895
ATTICA, Athens. Circa AD 145/55-175. Æ Drachm (20mm, 5.70 g, 4h). Helmeted head of Athena right / Theseus standing right, holding club and horn of the Minotaur kneeling right, whom he is preparing to slay. Kroll 276; SNG Copenhagen 341. Good VF, brown patina, minor surface roughness.
Theseus, son of Aigeus, the king of Athens, was known for a number of heroic feats on the model of Herakles. The most famous of these feats was his slaying of the Minotaur. Because the city was a tributary subject to Minos, the king of Crete, it was forced each year to send seven youths and seven maidens to the Cretan capital of Knossos to feed the Minotaur, a half-man, half-bull who lived in the Labyrinth. To liberate Athens from this humiliating tribute, Theseus connived with his father to join the next shipment of youths. Once in Crete, he would slay the Minotaur, free his fellow victims, and return home. If successful, his returning ship would bear a white sail; if not, the sail would remain the black with which he left. With the help of Minos' daughter, Ariadne, who had developed a passion for him, Theseus entered the Labyrinth and slew the Minotaur. On his return voyage, however, Theseus forgot to replace the black sail, and Aigeus, seeing this, hurled himself in despair into the sea which now is called Aegean.

[King John]

Nomos AG > Auction 30    Auction date: 6 November 2023

Lot number: 1284 Price realized: 18,000 CHF   (Approx. 20,071 USD / 18,676 EUR)   Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees.

THESSALY. Kierion. Circa 400-360 BC. Hemidrachm (Silver, 16 mm, 2.97 g, 8 h). Laureate head of Zeus to right; behind his neck, vertical thunderbolt. Rev. KΙΕ-ΡΙΑΙ-ΟΝ / ΑΡΝΑ The nymph Arne kneeling to right, with her right knee lowered nearly to the ground, her head turned back to left and glancing downwards, nude to the waist, playing with some knucklebones she has thrown from her right hand while resting her left arm on her left knee. BCD Thessaly I, 1067. Traité II, 4, 510 and pl. CCLXXXIX, 23 (same dies). Extremely rare, apparently the third and best example known. An absolute tour de force by an artist-engraver of outstanding talent. The humanity of the head of Zeus, with his short beard and open mouth is virtually unique, and the way Arne twists her body has been handled masterfully. Some very minor deposits, otherwise, good extremely fine. Estimate: 7500 CHF

[King John]

Numismatica Ars Classica > Auction 140	Auction date: 7 November 2023
Lot number: 79 Price realized: 6,500 CHF   (Approx. 7,248 USD / 6,744 EUR)   Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees.
Lot description: Kierion Trihemiobol circa 360, AR 15 mm, 1.46 g. Head of nymph Arne r., wearing pendant earring and necklace. Rev. ΚΙΕΡΙ – IEΩΝ The nymph Arne kneeling r. on one knee, her head turned back, wearing drapery that leaves her nude to the waist, playing with knucklebones thrown from her r. hand and resting her l. arm on her l. knee. Traité IV, 511 and pl. CCLXXXIX, 1 (these dies). BMC 2 (these dies). BCD Thessaly 1, 1072 (this coin). Very rare. An attractive portrait of fine style and a lovely old cabinet tone. About extremely fine Ex Nomos sale 4, 2011, BCD, 1072. It was generally believed that the city of Kierion was originally founded as Arna (the name of a nearby river) by Aiolian Greeks. However, during the Greek Dark Age (c. 1100-800 BC), or 60 years after the Trojan War according to Thucydides, the Arnaians were driven out by the arrival of the Dorian Greek Thessalians. The dispossessed Arnaians then moved south to settle in the region of Boiotia while the Thessalian conquerors settled in Arna and renamed it Kierion. The obverse of this trihemiobol depicts the head of nymph Arne and the reverse features the nymph playing knucklebones. Knucklebones was a popular pastime in antiquity similar to the more modern game of jacks, involving the tossing and catching of sheep anklebones (astragaloi) that could involve gambling and divination. The depiction of Arne playing this game on coins of Kierion probably reflects the influence of the fifth-century obols of Larissa, which frequently carry types showing the local nymph playing ball. Estimate: 2500 CHF

[King John]

Spink > Auction 23108	Auction date: 24 October 2023
Lot number: 1244 Price realized: 110 GBP   (Approx. 134 USD / 126 EUR)   Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees.
Lot description: Sicily, Mamertini (late 3rd century BC), AE Pentonkion, laureate head of Zeus right, rev. MAMERTINON, helmeted, naked warrior advancing right holding spear and shield, P to right, 9.95g (SNG ANS 441), pleasing bottle-green patina, small cracks in flan, very fine. Estimate: £50 - £70