Le più belle rappresentazioni di guerrieri

[King John]

Leu Numismatik, Web Auction 19, lot 2387, 26/02/2022

Roman Provincial
SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria. Laodicea ad Mare. Elagabalus, 218-222. Assarion (Bronze, 18 mm, 3.57 g, 1 h). [IMP C M AVR] ANTONINVS AVG Radiate head of Elagabalus to right. Rev. LAVDICEON / [Δ]Є Two nude wrestlers (Herakles and Dionysos?), standing and grappling with each other; to left, club; to right, thyrsos. BMC 105-7. SNG München 944. Struck on a slightly short flan and with a flan fault on the obverse, otherwise, about extremely fine.
From the collection of Dr. P. Vogl, ex Aufhäuser 4, 7-8 October 1987, 380 (with original ticket).

 

Modificato 20 Dicembre, 2023 da King John

[King John]

Hadrianopolis in Thracia, coins of the period of Gordian III with obverse bare-headed or laureate bust of Heracles as “Founder” of Hadrianopolis. Since Hadrian was very obviously the founder of the city, the reference might possibly allude to Commodus (who identified himself with Heracles), in connection with some actual or hoped-for imperial act of generosity.
Æ 18, 8 h, 3.48 g. Obv. TON KTICTHN. Bare-headed bust of bearded Heracles r. Rev. AΔPIANOΠOΛEITΩN. Two Erotes struggling to lift the club of Heracles (Photos courtesy of Classical Numismatic Group, Inc., www.cngcoins.com).

 

Illustrazione: Aphrodite and the Erotes. The National Bardo Museum, Tunis. 

[King John]

Classical Numismatic Group > Triton XXVII	Auction date: 9 January 2024
Lot number: 119 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction -
Lot description: THRACE, Abdera. Circa 395-360 BC. AR Stater (23mm, 12.96 g, 6h). Philados, magistrate. Griffin seated left; cicada to left, ABΔH to right / Herakles seated half-left, his head turned to half-right, on lion skin draped over rock, his right hand holding club set vertically on his knee, his left arm resting on his left thigh; EΠI ΦIΛA-ΔO(Σ retrograde) at sides; all within shallow incuse square. May, Abdera 396 (A277/P322); AMNG II 105.4 = Ars Classica XIII, lot 620 (same dies); SNG Lockett 1132 = Weber 2379 (same obv. die). Beautiful iridescent cabinet tone. Near EF. A magnificent example, possibly the finest known of the type. From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Collection of a Cosmopolitan (Künker 351, 25 September 2021), lot 100 (hammer €120,000); Hess-Divo 335 (6 December 2018), lot 20 and front cover; Giessener Münzhandlung 44 (3 April 1989), lot 152. The superbly rendered "weary Herakles" depicted on the reverse of this stunning stater is part of a well-known sculptural motif in the ancient world that includes the famous "Farnese Hercules" now in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Rome. Unlike the standing Farnese version, the die engraver of this piece depicts a seated Herakles with his heavily bearded face turned to right wearing a melancholy expression. The skin of the Nemean Lion covers the rock upon which he sits. He is surely mourning the death of his young companion Abderos, who perished while helping the hero complete his eighth labor, subduing the savage mares of Diomedes, king of the Thracian Bistones. Having captured the beasts, Herakles left them in the care of Abderos, but while he was away the youth was devoured by the mares. In a fit of rage, Herakles fed Diomedes to his own horses, and then founded a city on the site of Abderos' tomb: Abdera. Estimate: 75000 USD

[King John]

Roma Numismatics Ltd > E-Sale 116	Auction date: 18 January 2024
Lot number: 157 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction
Lot description: Thrace, Byzantion Æ 23mm. Pseudo-autonomous issue, time of Marcus Aurelius, circa AD 175. Memmios Markos Heros, second archon. ΒΥΖΑΣ, head of Byzas to right, wearing helmet / Є ΜΑΡΚOV Β ΒVΖΑΝΤΙΩΝ, galley with sail to left, two standards on stern. RPC IV.1 Online 3910 (temporary); Schönert-Geiss, Byzantion 2046. 6.79g, 23mm, 12h. Very Fine, tooled. Very Rare; only five examples cited by RPC Online. Estimate: 40 GBP

[King John]

Nomos AG > obolos 30	Auction date: 17 December 2023
Lot number: 2 Price realized: 160 CHF   (Approx. 185 USD / 168 EUR)   Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees.
Lot description: NORTHEAST GAUL, Veliocassi. 50-30 BC. Unit (Bronze, 16 mm, 1.89 g, 6 h), 'au taureau' type, Suticos. [SVTICOS] Head of male (?) warrior, wearing crested helmet; behind, floral ornament. Rev. Bull standing to right, over boar standing to right; both surrounded by by floral ornaments. D&T 648. De la Tour 7363. Scheers 611. Particularly uncommon; fine olive green patina and very attractive for type. Flakes in patina close to edge, otherwise, good very fine. From the Dr. Paul Peter Urone Collection, acquired from Tom Cederlind in 12 December 2014. Starting price: 100 CHF

[King John]

Stack's Bowers Galleries (& Ponterio) > January 2024 NYINC Auction	Auction date: 12 January 2024
Lot number: 50003 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction
Lot description: ITALY. Calabria. Tarentum. AR Didrachm (Nomos) (7.91 gms), ca. 315-302 B.C. NGC Ch AU★, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 4/5. Fine Style. HGC-1, 803; Vlasto-614 & 616 (same dies); HN Italy-937; Fischer-Bossert-886 (V347/R688). Obverse: Warrior, holding shield and two spears, preparing to cast a third, on horseback rearing right; ΣA below; Reverse: Phalanthos, holding kantharos and trident, riding dolphin left; Ω above arm, Σ below; below, dolphin left. A stunning example of the type that possesses a well centered and well executed strike, this specimen is undoubtedly fully deserving of its star for exceptional eye appeal and flair. To view all items From the Sydney F. Martin Collection, click here. From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Ex: J. M. Collection (Vinchon 4/1990) Lot # 4. Estimate: $10000 - $20000

[King John]

Roma Numismatics Ltd > E-Sale 116	Auction date: 18 January 2024
Lot number: 736 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction
Lot description: Augustus AR Denarius. Emerita, 25-23 BC. P. Carisius, legatus pro praetore. IMP CAESAR AVGVST, bare head to right / P CARISIVS LEG PRO PR, round shield with central boss, spear head to left, curved sword to right. RIC I 2a; BMCRE 278; RSC 400b. 3.50g, 19mm, 3h. Very Fine. Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., E-Live Auction 3, 25 October 2018, lot 611. Estimate: 200 GBP ILLUSTRAZIONE: SPADA RICURVA DETTA IN GRECO KOPIS O MACHAIRA

[King John]

Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger > Auction 386	Auction date: 7 February 2024
Lot number: 1031 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction -
Lot description: GRIECHISCHE MÜNZEN, ITALIEN, BRUTTIUM, LOKROI EPIZEPHYRIOI. Stater. 300-268. Belorbeerter Zeuskopf l. Rs: Adler fliegt l., in den Fängen einen Hasen tragend. Beizeichen Blitz. SNG COP. 1859. SNG München 1492. 7.72g, Schöne Tönung. ss-vz Erworben bei Baldwins. Estimate: 2500 EUR

Modificato 31 Dicembre, 2023 da King John

[King John]

Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger > Auction 386	Auction date: 7 February 2024
Lot number: 1300 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction
Lot description: RÖMISCHE MÜNZEN, RÖMISCHES KAISERREICH VESPASIANUS. 69-79, Sesterz. Belorbeerter Kopf r. Rs: Mars r. mit Speer und Tropaeum. C. 441. R.I.C. 199. Schöne dunkle Patina. Schön zentriert. vz Estimate: 2750 EUR ILLUSTRAZIONE: CALCEDONIO DEL XVI SECOLO SU CUI E' RAFFIGURATO MARTE CON TROFEO, MUSEO ARCHEOLOGICO DI FIRENZE

Modificato 2 Gennaio da King John

[santone]

Bello,

particolare anche il rovescio con Romolo :

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=http://www.ilgiornaledellanumismatica.it/la-lente-un-sesterzio-antonino-pio-del-140-d-c/&ved=2ahUKEwiIutTqnr-DAxUaQPEDHXBrAw4QFnoECBoQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1AhoW_KGtnaruDlIUicgbI

[King John]

Roma Numismatics Ltd > E-Sale 116	Auction date: 18 January 2024
Lot number: 189 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction
Lot description: Paphlagonia, Sinope AR Drachm. Circa 330-300 BC. Aeginetic standard. Phageta-, magistrate. Head of nymph to left, hair in sakkos / Sea-eagle on dolphin to left; Φ[AΓETA] below wings, ΣΙΝΩ below. SNG BM Black Sea 1490; SNG Stancomb 777; HGC 7, 399. 4.95g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone. Acquired from Leu Numismatik AG. Estimate: 750 GBP

[King John]

Roma Numismatics Ltd > E-Sale 116	Auction date: 18 January 2024
Lot number: 33 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction
Lot description: Bruttium, Kroton AR Stater. Circa 350-300 BC. Eagle standing to left with spread wings and head turned up, holding hare; V above / Tripod, KPO to left, heron standing to left on Δ to right. SNG ANS 370 (same dies); HN Italy 2175. 7.88g, 22mm, 4h. Good Very Fine; light cleaning marks to fields, attractive cabinet tone. Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., E-Sale 90, 18 June 2021, lot 62. Estimate: 320 GBP

[King John]

Kölner Münzkabinett > Auction 119	Auction date: 6 October 2023
Lot number: 367 Price realized: 160 EUR   (Approx. 169 USD)   Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees.
Lot description: RÖMISCHE REPUBLIK C. Vibius C. f. C. n. Pansa Caetronianus, 48 v. Chr. AR-Denar Rom Vs.: PANSA, Maske des Pan n. r., Rs.: C·VIBIVS·C·F·C·N· - IOVIS·AXVR·, Iupiter Axurus sitzt mit Patera und Szepter n. l. Craw. 449/1a; Syd. 947. 3.50 g. kl. Schrötlingsfehler, ss ex Hirsch, Auktion 261, 2009, Los 502 Estimate: 80 EUR

Modificato 4 Gennaio da King John

[King John]

Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 187 | Silver	Auction date: 10 December 2023
Lot number: 9 Price realized: 80 EUR   (Approx. 86 USD)   Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees.
Lot description: Macedon. Under Roman Protectorate circa 167-165 BC. Bronze Æ 23 mm, 10,49 g Facing mask of Silenos, wearing ivy wreath / MAKEΔONΩN in two lines, D above, all within ivy wreath. Very Fine SNG Copenhagen 1324-6. Silenos, a captivating figure in Greek mythology, stands out as a companion to the god of wine and revelry, Dionysus. Depicted as a satyr with the upper body of a man and the lower body of a goat, Silenos exudes an air of merriment and wild celebration. What makes him intriguing is the juxtaposition of his seemingly comical appearance with the wisdom he was believed to possess. In the realm of Greek mythology, Silenos played a pivotal role as a tutor and advisor to Dionysus, imparting his accumulated wisdom to the god and his followers. Despite the often chaotic and drunken nature attributed to him, Silenos carried an aura of ancient knowledge, symbolizing the harmony of revelry and wisdom. Art and literature of ancient Greece frequently featured Silenos, showcasing his jovial escapades and close association with Dionysus. Scenes of him riding a donkey or surrounded by satyrs underscored his connection to the untamed and joyous aspects of life. One notable myth involving Silenos centers around King Midas of Phrygia, who, after capturing Silenos, received a wish from Dionysus. The consequence of Midas' wish for the golden touch, a tale that has transcended myth into the realms of cautionary folklore, adds another layer to Silenos' narrative. Starting price: 50 EUR ILLUSTRAZIONE: PARTICOLARE DI UN AFFRESCO POMPEIANO DELLA VILLA DEI MISTERI CHE RAFFIGURA UN SILENO E ALLE SUE SPALLE UNA MASCHERA DI SILENO

[King John]

Classical Numismatic Group > Triton XXVII	Auction date: 9 January 2024
Lot number: 299 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction -
Lot description: DYNASTS of LYCIA. Perikles. Circa 380-360 BC. AR Stater (25mm, 9.77 g, 12h). Struck circa 380-375 BC. Head of Perikles facing slightly left, wearing laurel wreath, drapery around neck / Warrior, nude but for crested Corinthian helmet, in fighting attitude right, holding sword aloft in right hand, shield on left arm; triskeles to lower right, PERI-KLE (in Lycian) around; all within shallow incuse square. Mildenberg, Mithrapata 25 (dies 15/20); Podalia 419–25 (A2/P6); Müseler VII 36 (same obv. die); Falghera –; SNG Copenhagen Supp. 478 (same obv. die); SNG von Aulock 4253 (same obv. die). Toned, typical die wear on obverse. Good VF. Well centered. Ex Dr. G. W. Collection (Gorny & Mosch 269, 9 March 2020), lot 476 (hammer €4600); Classical Numismatic Group 54 (14 June 2000), lot 740. The portraits on coins in the later Lycian series are among the finest of the Classical period. Among the earliest to attempt depictions of their rulers on coinage, the Lycians' first portraits in the later 5th century BC were innovative, but static, idealized forms lacking individual characterization. Over the next half-century, however, the style progressed significantly toward realism, culminating in the issues of the dynasts Mithrapata and Perikles in the early-mid 4th century BC. The coins of Mithrapata came first, depicting on their reverse the profile portrait of a man with distinctive elderly features. Through the relative chronology established in L. Mildenberg's die study, one can even see the portrait become more aged as time progressed, reflecting the realism that had been captured in these issues. The coins of Perikles, Mithrapata's successor, continue this trend, but also have two innovations that set them at the pinnacle of classical portraiture. First, the portrait is moved to the obverse of the coin, emphasizing the importance of the individual. Second, and most prominently, the portrait is not in the traditional profile, but in a dramatic facing state. Obviously influenced by Kimon's facing Arethusa-head coinage at Syracuse, these depict Perikles looking out from the surface of the coin with a serene countenance and his hair flowing around him as if blown by the wind. This depiction captures the essence of the earlier idealized portraits, conveying to the viewer a sense that Perikles was more than a mere man, but retaining the realism in its individualized features. Interestingly, both Mithrapata and Perikles are depicted without any sort of satrapal headgear, which was always included in earlier Lycian portraits, perhaps indicating that they had declared their independence from the Persian king. Unfortunately, these astonishing developments in portraiture came to an abrupt end in Lycia when Maussollos of Caria invaded the region circa 360 BC. Estimate: 3000 USD

[King John]

Classical Numismatic Group > Triton XXVII Online Sessions	Auction date: 17 January 2024
Lot number: 5175 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction
Lot description: MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. Fourrée Hekte – Sixth Stater (10.5mm, 1.95 g). Hoplite, nude but for crested helmet, kneeling left, bow hanging from arm, testing arrow; to right, tunny upward / Quadripartite incuse square. For prototype: cf. Von Fritze I 116; cf. Boston MFA 1485 = Warren 1513. Scratches, breaks in plating that expose core. Good VF. Estimate: 300 USD

[King John]

Heritage World Coin Auctions > NYINC Signature Sale 3114	Auction date: 16 January 2024
Lot number: 33085 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction
Lot description: Ancients MYSIA. Cyzicus. Ca. 450-350 BC. EL sixth-stater or hecte (11mm, 2.60 gm). NGC XF★ 5/5 - 4/5. Owl standing right on tunny right / Quadripartite incuse square. Cf Von Fritze 180, pl. V, 28 for similar type with stars. Cf. Roma Numismatics, Auction XVII (28 March 2019), lot 494 for same design as 1/12 stater. SNG France -. SNG von Aulock -. SNG Copenhagen -. BMC -. Greenwell -. Extremely rare and possibly unique with no examples in sales archives or standard references. Warm amber toning with a precious and sharp owl.

 

Modificato 8 Gennaio da King John

[santone]

Sempre affascinanti le civette

[King John]

Leu Numismatik AG > Web Auction 26	Auction date: 8 July 2023
Lot number: 2737 Price realized: 70 CHF   (Approx. 79 USD / 72 EUR)   Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees.
Lot description: SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria. Antioch. Pseudo-autonomous issue. Trichalkon (Bronze, 18 mm, 4.27 g, 12 h), time of Hadrian, CY 177 = 128/9. [ΑΝΤΙΟΧЄΩΝ ΤΗϹ] ΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΛЄⲰϹ Turreted and veiled head of Tyche of Antioch to right. Rev. ЄΤ ΖΟΡ - A Ram leaping right, head to left; above, star within crescent. Butcher 267. McAlee 125a. RPC III online 3730.3 (this coin). Harshly cleaned and the obverse struck slightly off center, otherwise, good very fine. From the collection of Eric ten Brink, ex Solidus E-Auction 6, 19 July 2015, 224. After a quarter of a century without civic issues and several experiments to substitute small Roman Imperial denominations for the civic coins, Antioch struck again minor civic coins under Hadrian, first a small issue in 123/4 and then a more substantial issue in 128/9. On this issue, the Greek marks of three officinae (Α, Β, Γ) appear on the reverse, together with the civic date according to the Caesarean Era, ZOP (= 128/9). Starting price: 25 CHF

[King John]

Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. > Buy or Bid Sale 226	Auction date: 13 February 2024
Lot number: 462 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction
Lot description: Philip I. Antoninianus; Philip I; 244-249 AD, Rome, 248 AD, Antoninianus, 4.84g. RIC-58, C-17. Obv: Radiate draped bust r. Rx: AETERNITAS AVGG Elephant with driver l. From a collection formed c. 1980s-1990s, with ticket.. MS Estimate: 300 USD

[King John]

Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger > Auction 386	Auction date: 7 February 2024
Lot number: 1107 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction
Lot description: GRIECHISCHE MÜNZEN, GRIECHISCHES MUTTERLAND, PELOPONNES, SIKYONIA, SIKYON. Stater. 431-400. Chimaira l. Rs: Taube fliegt l. in Olivenkranz, im Schnabel Olive mit Stengel. SNG COP. -, vgl. 31. BCD Coll. 198,3 (Rs. stgl.). 12.09g, Schöne Tönung. Hohes Relief. Rs. kl. Stempelfehler. R ss/vz-ss Ex Sammlung Robert P. Ball. Ex Spink NY 380, Los Nr. 521. Die Chimaira bezieht sich ebenso wie der Pegasos auf den Münzen der Nachbarstadt Korinth auf den Bellerophon-Mythos. Dem einheimischen Heros gelang es vom Rücken des geflügelten Pferdes aus, das Mischwesen aus Löwe, Ziege und Drachen zu erlegen. Die Taube wurde wegen ihrer Fruchtbarkeit als heiliges Tier der hier besonders verehrten Aphrodite angesehen. Estimate: 2250 EUR

 

Modificato 10 Gennaio da King John

[King John]

Heritage World Coin Auctions > NYINC Signature Sale 3113	Auction date: 8 January 2024
Lot number: 31020 Price realized: 15,000 USD   (Approx. 13,674 EUR)   Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees.
Lot description: Ancients ELIS. Olympia. Ca. 450-440 BC. AR stater (23mm, 12.43 gm, 10h). NGC Choice XF★ 5/5 - 4/5, countermarks. Eagle flying right, wings spread above and below body, grasping hare in its talons and tearing at prey's neck with beak; two countermarks in field to right / F-A, thunderbolt adorned with wings below and volutes above. BCD 31 (this coin). Seltman 59 (AK/). SNG Berry 821. Extremely rare, especially in such lovely condition. Bold dimensionality with a moody patina disrupted by an electric blue halo around the thunderbolt. From The Bob Klein History of Money Collection. Ex Heritage Auctions, Auction 3061 (8 January 2018), lot 32031; LHS Numismatik 102 (29 April 2008), lot 210; Star-BCD collections (Leu 90, 10 May 2004), lot 31; R. Pflieger Collection (Vinchon, 13 April 1985), lot 307. Located on the northwest corner of the Peloponnesos, the sacred shrine of Olympia became established as the site of the most important Greek festival of athletics in the eighth century BC. The first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC, consisting solely of a foot race, or stadion, won in that year by Koroibus of Elis. As time went on, more events were added, including wrestling, boxing, long jump, javelin, discus, and chariot races. The contests became so important that Greek cities at war would declare a truce for the duration. Soon a permanent complex was built to house the games, and a magnificent temple of Zeus containing a statue ranked as one of the Seven Wonders of the World was completed in 463 BC. The first coins of Olympia date to the games of 468 BC, and new types were issued at four year intervals (to coincide with the games) thereafter. Three basic types were struck, depicting a head of Zeus, Hera, or an eagle at rest or in flight, as seen on this specimen. The finest die engravers were employed in their production and coins of Olympia rank as some of the greatest masterpieces of Greek coinage.

[King John]

Roma Numismatics Ltd > E-Sale 116	Auction date: 18 January 2024
Lot number: 223 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction
Lot description: Phrygia, Laodicea ad Lycum Æ 19mm. Pseudo-autonomous issue, time of the Severans, AD 198-235. ΔΗΜΟϹ, diademed head of Demos to right / ΛΑΟΔΙΚЄΩΝ, river Kapros as boar seated to left, with paw resting on inverted vase out of which flows water. BMC 111 var. (illustration in BMC depicts older, bearded head on obverse, perhaps erroneously as the description is of 'young Demos'); SNG Copenhagen -; SNG von Aulock -; cf. Roma E-101, 415 and Leu Web 8, 684 (a companion type with a wolf representing the river Lykos on the reverse). 5.30g, 19mm, 6h. Very Fine. Possibly unique or second known. The wolf and boar represent the two rivers in the city, Kapros and Lykos which mark the boundaries of the city of Laodicea ad Lycum. The wolf and boar often appear together on coins of the city. Estimate: 50 GBP

[VALTERI]

Probabilmente già comparso tra i 4748 post di questo lunghissimo compendio, un comunque, come da didascalia, " highly attractive " esemplare dai mercenari campani in Tauromenio : al diritto l' importante accessorio per guerrieri, un bell' elmo ed al rovescio particolare monogramma in ghirlanda .

Sarà a giorni il 18 Gennaio, in vendita RomaNum. 116 al n. 44 .

[King John]

Heritage World Coin Auctions > NYINC Signature Sale 3113	Auction date: 8 January 2024
Lot number: 31033 Price realized: 16,000 USD   (Approx. 14,586 EUR)   Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees.
Lot description: Ancients CYPRUS. Marion. Sasmas (ca. 470-450 BC). AR stater (23mm, 11.12 gm, 4h). NGC Choice XF★ 4/5 - 4/5, edge marks. Sa-sa-ma-o to-ka-ro-to-sa (Cypriot for Sasmas, son of Doxandros), lion standing right, licking its right foreleg; Boeotian shield above, floral pattern in exergue / Ma-ri-eu-se (Cypriot for of Marion), Phrixus, son of Athamas, King of Boeotia, standing left, clinging to the back of a ram standing left; Boeotian shield on ground, all in incuse square. Zapiti & Michaelidou 1. Tziambazis 50. BMC p. 71, 1 = Traité II 1366. SNG Copenhagen 24. ACGC 1108 = E.S.G. Robinson, "British Museum Acquisitions for the Years 1933-1934" in NC 1936, 45; E.S.G. Robinson, "British Museum Acquisitions for 1930-31" in NC 1932, 10. Kunstfreund 168. Triton XVII, lot 356 = Triton XV, lot 1264 (all from the same obv. die). This extremely rare and exquisite specimen boasts dynamic imagery on both facets of the coin, enveloped in deep cabinet toning that enriches its allure. The interplay of dark brown and cerulean blue hues across the surfaces lends a captivating visual charm, making it a truly distinguished piece. The finest certified, with the next closest a Choice VF and no others with a star designation. Ex Roma Numismatics, Auction XIX (26 March 2020), lot 579. Seated majestically on the island's north-western front and presenting an awe-inspiring vista of the Mediterranean, Marion was a focal point of Hellenic culture and influence. Its geographical advantage further-endowed its significance, as it lay at the crossroads of key maritime routes, becoming a hub for trade and cultural exchange. Marion flourished notably in the Archaic and Classical periods, its prosperity reflecting the city's position as a vital trading center, dealing in timber, copper, precious metals, and other commodities to the Aegean world and beyond. Marion's coinage was also significant, bearing the typology of animals such as lions, stags, rams, and bulls. Despite its turbulent history, particularly its ultimate destruction by Ptolemaic Egypt in the late 4th century BC, and subsequent re-founding as Arsinoe, Marion's intrinsic legacy remains. Archaeological findings, including temple remains, funerary monuments, and inscriptions, offer profound insights into its distinct socio-political dynamics and cultural narratives, breathing life into the city's ancient stones. Estimate: 8000-12000 USD