IMPRESSIVE PORTRAIT OF KING MITHRADATES 11005. PONTOS, KINGS, MITHRADATES VI, Thrace, Odessos mint. Circa 80-72/1 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 16.21 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Mithradatic alliance issue. Struck circa 120-90 BC. Head of Herakles right, with the features of Mithradates VI of Pontos, wearing lion skin / Zeus Aetophoros seated left; ΛAKΩ in left field, OΔH in exergue. Price 1193; Callatay group 3 (D3/R1); Topalov, Odesos 32. Good VF, toned. Considerably better than usual portrait of this historically important and powerful king.
$850.
A BEAUTIFUL COIN 11671. AEOLIS, KYME. Circa 155-143 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 16.40 g, 12h). Stephanophoric type. Metrophanes, magistrate. Head of the Amazon Kyme right, wearing tainia / Horse prancing right; one-handled cup below raised foreleg, MHTPOΦANHΣ in exergue; all within wreath. Oakley obv. die 2; SNG Copenhagen 104. EF, attractively toned with hints of gold iridescence. A choice example both in style and sharpness of condition. One of the most beautiful of Greek coins! Provenance: From the Demetrios Armounta Collection.
10994. CILICIA, TARSOS, MAZALOS Satrap of Cilicia, 361/0-334 BC. AR Stater (24mm, 10.74 g, 11h). Baaltars enthroned left, holding grain ear, grape bunch, and scepter; grape bunch(?) below throne / Lion attacking stag to the left; letter below; all within dotted border within incuse square. Nice especially sharp reverse. SNG France 326-7. Good Fine, toned, scratches.
10738. AEOLIS, KYME. Circa 165-140 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32mm, 16.29 g, 12h). Straton, magistrate. Head of the Amazon Kyme right, wearing tainia / Horse prancing right; one-handled cup below raised foreleg; all within wreath. Oakley obv. die 41; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG von Aulock 1638 (same obv. die). Good VF, toned with some iridescence.
10407. LYCIA. AR Stater. Xanthos, satrap Kuprilli 460-440 BC. AR stater Lycian kings, Kuprilli, about 460-440 BC. AR stater, Lion left feeding on prey / Triskeles inside incuse square. 8.7 grams, VF. Very rare.
9419. MYSIA, LAMPSAKOS, 480-450 BC. Trihemiobol, AR 12 mm, 1.26 gm, Sear 3879. Janiform archaic female hd/Hd. Athena r. VF. Scarce. A superior well centered example with all types clear. Another currently (8/10) listed on VCoins at $699.
8194. CILICIA, SOLOI, 430-390 BC. AR Stater, S5600v. Amazon shooting bow l./Grape-bunch. VF. Obv. poorly struck as usual. Rare variety. Provenance: Excavated 1989, the Cilician horde.
BEAUTIFUL PATINA 8573. MYSIA, KYZIKOS, 2nd-1st century BC. AE27, BMC.165v, Sear 3867v. Laureate head of Apollo r./Large tripod lebes. VF. Nice gem-like patina, considerably better than image.
BEAUTIFUL HEAD OF ATHENA 10431. PAMPHYLIA, SIDE. Circa 205-100 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 16.70 g, 12h). Deino-, magistrate. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet / Nike advancing left, holding wreath; pomegranate in left field, ΔEI-NO across field. SNG France 677; SNG von Aulock 4787. VF, lightly toned. A beautiful coin with perfect centering.
10220. IONIA, TEOS. Ca. 500-475 B.C. AR stater (19 mm, 11.77 g). Griffin seated right, raising forepaw; below belly, M; in right field, E / Quadripartite incuse square. Balcer grp. IV, 12 corr. (A12/P16); SNG Copenhagen -. VF, uneven toning. The letter M below the griffin's belly, while faint on this coin, is still apparent. Balcer does not note it in his description for this obverse die.
RARE DEPICTION OF THE CENTAUR CHIRON 9354. BITHYNIA, KINGS, PRUSIAS II, 185-149BC. AE23, Sear 7266. Hd. Dionysos wreathed with ivy r./The Centaur Chiron stg. r. playing lyre. EF. Rare. Chiron the most famous of the centaurs was skilled in music and the healing arts, he raised many famous heroes in their childhoods, including Jason, Herakles, Aescalepius, and Achilles! Choice example with excellent sharp detail and great patina, one of the best I've seen. A choice example of a rare and desirable mythological type!
8575. MYSIA, PERGAMON, 2nd-1st century BC. AE16, Sear 3963v. Head Athena r. wearing crested helmet ornamented with star/Owl facing with wings spread on palm branch. EF. Nice example with fine contrasting patina that brings out the detail. Much better than CNG 82, Lot: 598 which sold for $425 without 18% buyer's fee.
9417. ASIA, ROMAN PROVINCE OF, C. FABIUS PROCONSUL, 57-56 BC. AR 27 mm. Cistophoric tetradrachm, 12.02 g. Sear 5151var. Cista mystica containing serpent within ivy wreath./ Two coiled serpents either side of bowcase, EUHNOS HRWDOY. The magistrates name also appears on "proconsular cistophori" in the name of C. Fabius. Ref.: Gerd R. Stumpf, Numismatische Studien zur Chronologie der Roemischen Statthalter in Kleinasien. VF. Rare.
6537. PERGAMON, ROMAN TIMES, c. AD 40-60. AE 17, RPC 2375v. Draped bust Senate/Turreted bust Roma. EF. Choice forest green patina. Uncertain countermark in obverse field.
8193. BITHYNIA, KALCHEDON, early 4th century BC. AR Drachm, S3738. KALC, bull stg on corn ear, caduceus before/Mill sail incuse with raised dots. VF.
9400. LESBOS, METHYMNA, AR Obol, 0.65 gm. Hd. Athena wearing Attic helmet r./Turtle in incuse square with pearls. VF. Excessively rare. See another only slightly better example listed on VCoins by Dr. Martina Dieterle at $2188 as of 8/10. There is also one other occurrence in an old M&M catalog where it is listed as uncertain Asia Minor.
7708. CHOICE EXAMPLE: CARIA, KAUNOS, 2nd half 4th century BC. AE13, Sear 4821. Bull butting r. / Sphinx std. r. K A. EF. Scarce.
CHOICE EF EXAMPLE 10474. PONTOS, KINGS, MITHRADATES VI, 120-63 B.C. Gold stater (in the name of Lysimachos), time of the 1st Mithradatic War, 88-86 B.C. Head of deified Alexander the Great wearing horn of Ammon right. Rv. BASILEWS LYSIMAXOY; Athena enthroned l., Δ to inner left below her outstretched arm, &Sigma below and trident in ex. De Callatay, p.141v, SNG Cop. 1091v, AMNG 2480v. EF. Choice example much superior to almost all on the market.
7722. PONTOS, AMISOS, Late 2nd-1st century BC. AE28, 19.03 g. Hd Athena/Perseus holding harpa and hd of Medusa. VF+. Excellent example of this sought after mythological type depicting the killing of Medusa by the hero Perseus.
9415. RARE CISTOPHORIC TETRADRACHM. 9415. Likely Apameia, Phrygia, 189-133 BC, cista mystica with half-open lid from which a serpent rises, reverse: two coiled serpents around ornamented bowcase, unknown magistrate, LGYOY visible. I looked through hundreds of cistophoric tetradrachms and didn't find this one so likely quite a rare type. VF better than photo with excellent metal. SOLD.
6083. TROAS, TENEDOS, c. 400 BC. AR Tetradrachm, Sear 4152. Janiform hds. of bearded Zeus l. and Hera r./TENEDION above and both sides of double axe, grape bunch to l., lyre to r., all within incuse square. VF. Very Rare. Normal surface wear but face of Hera much clearer than Sear example. SOLD.
9425. PHRYGIA. APAMEIA. Circa 133-48 BC. AE24. Bust Athena r./ANTIFWN, eagle stg. r. on meander, caps of Dioscouri to either side. EF. Choice large medallic flan sharp example! SOLD.
7715. PAPHLAGONIA, SINOPE, Late 2nd-1stc BC. AE31. Hd Athena/Perseus holding hd of Medusa. VF+. Excellent example of this sought after mythological type depicting the killing of Medusa by the hero Perseus. Original weight adjustment marks on flan. SOLD.
7716. PAPHLAGONIA, SINOPE, Late 2nd-1stc BC. AE31. Hd Athena/Perseus holding hd of Medusa. VF+. Excellent example of this sought after mythological type depicting the killing of Medusa by the hero Perseus. SOLD.
8576. PAMPHYLIA, SIDE, 3rd-2nd century BC. AE16, Sear 5437. Hd Athena in crested helmet r./Large pomegranate. EF. Very nice example with deeply struck high profile pomegranate. RARE and seldom offered! SOLD.
10793. PAMPHYLIA, ASPENDOS. Circa 380/75-330/25 BC. AR Stater (22mm, 10.78 g, 12h). Two wrestlers grappling; LΦ between / Slinger in throwing stance right; triskeles to right; all within dotted square border. Tekin Series 4; SNG France 105. Good VF. Nice strike. A superior example. SOLD.
9345. MYSIA, KYZIKOS, ca. 550-475 BC. Electrum Hecte, Young male hd. l./Four-part incuse. VF. Rare. SOLD.
8571. LYDIAN KINGS, KROISOS, 560-546 BC. AR Stater, Sear 3419, 10.50 gm. Foreparts lion and bull confronted/Double punch. VF+. Rare, not the more usual half stater. A fine example of the largest type of the first silver coins ever struck. Prior to Kroisos' issuance of a bimetallic gold and silver currency, all earlier coins had been struck of electrum, a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver. Very nice example of this historic coin with old cabinet toning. SOLD.
6533. LYDIA, KROISOS, 560-546 BC. AR Stater, Sear 3419, 10.35 gm. Foreparts lion & bull confronted/Double punch. AVF. Rare, not the more usual half stater. Nice example of the first silver coins ever struck. Considerably better than image. SOLD.
8570. LESBOS, MYTILENE, ca. 1st-2nd century. AE40 Medallion. Torso of Asclepius l. of fine Classical style/Asclepius std. l. resting left arm on long staff and reaching toward serpent with right. AVF. Holed & flan chip. Extremely rare. SOLD.
8919. IONIA, SMYRNA. 2nd-1st century BC. AE18, Sear 4571v. Laureate head Apollo r./HOMER std. Rare depiction of the poet on a coin of the city where he was said to have been born. Nice example with clear figure of Homer. VF+. SOLD
7537. CHOICE EARLY ELECTRUM STATER OF MILETOS, 600-550 BC. The first true coins seem to have been minted in Asia Minor in the late 7th or early 6th century BC. These coins were struck in electrum, a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver found in the Pactolus and other nearby rivers. Several Greek cities including Miletos on the Western coast as well as the Lydian kings began minting these first coins by stamping the badge of their city into one side of a standard weight lump of electrum and various punches into the other. These devices were used to facilitate trade by certifying that the intrinsic value and weight of the metal was guaranteed by the issuing authority. Of these first coins, those of Miletos like the current example, are probably the finest from an artistic perspective. The lion, cleverly configured with its head reverted and tail curled over its haunch to neatly fit within the rectangular frame, is a masterpiece of Archaic Greek art. The vigor and ferocity of the beast are beautifully conveyed by its snarling countenance and erect mane. The current piece is an excellent example of these extremely rare coins. Most of the few surviving examples are in poor condition or with irregular lumpy flans. This is without doubt a piece worthy of the finest collection. Obverse: Lion lying left, looking back and roaring, all within a double rectangular frame divided into segments. Reverse: Three incuse punches; an oblong punch containing a fox between two square punches, one containing the head of a stag, the other a star shaped ornament. Mean Diameter: 21 x 17.5 mm. (0.827 x 0.689"). Weight: 13.91 gm. (0.435 Troy oz.). Metal composition: Gold with some silver content. References: David Sear, Greek Coins, Vol. 2, # 3439. Grade: AEF. SOLD.
7925. MILETOS, Electrum hecte. Lion hd. r./Incuse bull head r. VF. Well centered example better than image shows. SOLD.
6436. IONIA, MILETOS, Electrum hecte. Female hd. l. / Mill-sail incuse. EF. Nice well centered example on the flan. Surface brighter and better than image shows. SOLD.
9356. KARIA, APOLLONIA? imperial times. AE22, Copenhagen_, Van Aulock_, Van Aulock Supplement_, GIC_. Hd. Demos (the people) r./EPIGAIOUARAGINWN, Dionysos stg. l. with thrysos, panther at his feet. VF+. Apparently an unpublished? variant on a known type of Apollonia which lists the ethnic. This legend may be a magistrate and/or another Karian city. Very rare thus. SOLD
10747. LARGE AE36 OF CARIA, RHODES, ISLANDS off CARIA, Rhodos. Pseudo-autonomous issue. Early-mid 1st century AD. AE Drachm (36mm, 23.30 g, 12h). Chareinos, magistrate. Head of young Dionysos right, wearing ivy wreath / Nike standing left on prow, holding wreath and palm; rose to left. RPC I 2767; SNG Keckman 768; SNG Copenhagen 890. Near VF. SOLD.
10335. CARIA, RHODES. AE10. Female head right. Reverse: Rose. VF and a choice example of this small coin type. SOLD.
8568. CARIA, KINDYA. Circa 510-480 BC. AR Tetrobol (10mm, 1.99 g). Head of Ketos left / Geometric pattern within incuse square. Kagan & Kritt 1; SNG Keckman 920; SNG von Aulock 2340; SNG Kayhan 810; Asyut 687; Rosen 617. Good VF, toned. One of the finest examples known. SOLD.
6525. Greek Satraps of Caria, Mausolos (365-351 BC). Ar Tetradrachm (14.8 gm), 21.5 x 21.5 mm. Obverse facing head of Apollo. Reverse Zeus Labraundos, holding double-headed axe. Choice Very Fine, with muted gray toning and appealing style. The reverse shows weakness, probably due more to strike than to wear. SOLD.
6074. CARIAN SATRAPS, MAUSALOS, 365-351 BC. AR Tetradrachm (14.8 gm), 21.5 mm. Facing hd. Apollo/Zeus Labraundos, holding double-headed axe. Choice VF with muted gray toning and appealing style. The Apollo hd. rendered with exceptional expression. SOLD.
6526. Greek Satraps of Caria, Hidreaus (351-344 BC). Ar Tetradrachm (15.12 gm). Obverse laureate head of Apollo, facing slightly to the right. Reverse Zeus Labraundos, holding double-headed axe, M to left, inscription IDPIEWS. S4958. Toned EF, of exceptional style. SOLD.
10496. BITHYNIA, KINGS, NIKOMEDES II. Circa 149-120 BC. AR Tetradrachm (16.68 gm). Obverse: His diademed head right. Reverse: Zeus standing left, holding wreath and scepter; eagle on thunderbolt above monogram and date to left. Waddington, RG pg. 229; BMC Pontus -; SNG von Aulock -; SNG Copenhagen -. EF. Medium dark patina. SOLD.
6524. AEOLIS, MYRINA, c. 155-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm, 16.79 gm. SNG Cop. 221, Sear 4216. Laureate head of Apollo of Grynion r./Apollo of Grynion stg. r. holding phiale and laurel branch with fillets, omphalos and amphora at feet, monogram behind, all within laurel wreath. EF. This superb obverse die one of the great accomplishments of Hellenistic art. Ex. Freeman & Sear. This monogram apparently unrecorded. SOLD.
10495. AIOLIS, AEGAE. AR 15 mm. hemidrachm, 2.23 gm, Obverse: Male head right. Reverse: Forepart of goat right. Near VF. Extremely rare, only a few examples known. BCD 387-90. Ex BCD collection. SOLD.
6523. AIOLIS, ELAIA, time of Faustina II, 161-176. Bust Athena r./. EF. Scarce. Ex. Athena GmbH. Rare. SOLD.
8050. PAMPHYLIA, PERGE, AR Tetradrachm, 3rd century BC. 28 mm. 16.53 g. Sear_, Copenhagen_. Laur. hd. Artemis r., quiver behind neck/Artemis stg. l., stag at her side, cult statue of Artemis of Ephesus in field to. r., ARTEMIDOS PERGAIAE. Lamination flake on cheek. VF. Scarce! SOLD.
10758. PONTOS, AMISOS, Circa 100-85 BC. AE 20-21mm. Helmeted head of youthful Ares / Sword in sheath. SNG BM Black Sea 1147-9. VF. Superior example. SOLD.
9358. PONTOS, AMISOS, 2nd-1st century BC. AE20, Sear 3642. Aegis with Gorgon's head at center/Nike adv. r. carrying palm. EF. Superior example with clear Gorgon head. SOLD.
10760. PONTOS, CHABACTA, Circa 100-85 BC. AE 20-21mm. Helmeted head of youthful Ares / Sword in sheath. Star above crescent and monogram on reverse. SNG BM Black Sea 1250-1. VF. Scarce mint. Excellent example. SOLD.
9357. PHRYGIA, EUMENEIA, after 133 BC. AE22, BMC 13. Hd. young Dionysos, wreathed with vine/Tripod lebes. VF. Rare. SOLD
7714. PAPHLAGONIA, SINOPE, Late 2nd-1stc BC. AE31. Hd Athena/Perseus holding hd of Medusa. VF+. Excellent example of this sought after mythological type depicting the killing of Medusa by the hero Perseus. SOLD.
7717. PAPHLAGONIA, SINOPE, Late 2nd-1stc BC. AE31. Hd Athena/Perseus holding hd of Medusa. VF+. Excellent example of this sought after mythological type depicting the killing of Medusa by the hero Perseus. SOLD.
7718. PAPHLAGONIA, SINOPE, Late 2nd-1stc BC. AE31. Hd Athena/Perseus holding hd of Medusa. VF+. Excellent example of this sought after mythological type depicting the killing of Medusa by the hero Perseus. SOLD.
8551. LYCIAN LEAGUE, OLYMPOS MINT, ca. 168 BC. AR Drachm Head Apollo r./Lyre in form of bucranium, Macedonian helmet to l., shield with crossed arms to r. See NNM 162 (The coinage of the Lycian League, by H. Troxell) plate 7, # 42.1 to 42.3. Near VF. SOLD.
10281. ISLANDS off IONIA. CHIOS. Circa 431-412 BC. AR Drachm (13mm - 3.47 g). Sphinx seated left; grapes and amphora in front / Quadripartite incuse square, the incises with granular surfaces. Baldwin, Chios 79; SNG Copenhagen 1546; SNG von Aulock 2275. VF, darkly toned, nice metal for issue and well struck. Scarce archaic issue. SOLD.
10280. IONIA, EPHESOS, Circa 500-420 BC. AR Drachm (12mm - 3.11 g). Bee with curved wings and coiled tendrils / Quadripartite incuse square. Karwiese Series VI, group 2A; SNG Kayhan 120. VF, toned, light porosity. Scarce archaic issue. SOLD.
7713. IONIA, EPHESOS, 390-330 BC, Diobol, Sear 4375. Bee/EF over two stags hds facing each other. VF. Scarce. SOLD.
8566. IONIA, KOLOPHON WITH THE FIGURE OF THE POET HOMER. 2nd-1st century BC. AE18, Sear 4357. Homer std. l. holding scroll, resting his head on his r. hand/Apollo Kitharoidos advancing r. VF. Rare. Kolophon was one of several Greek cities that claimed to be the birthplace of Homer. However it's coins depicting Homer are much rarer than those of Smyrna. A very nice example with clear figures considerably superior to the Sear plate coin. SOLD.
8567. IONIA, MILETOS, ca. 525-500 BC. AR Trihemitartemorion, 0.16 gm. Rosen.408. Lion's head r./Quail within incuse square, two pellets around. Sharp EF. Extremely rare. One of the smallest coins known demonstrating the Greek die engravers ability to produce great art on the smallest surface. One of the finest examples of this coin known. SOLD
6081. CILICIA, TARSOS, DATAMES, 378-362 BC. AR Stater, Sear 5645. Baal of Tarsos enthroned r. within border of battlements of the city/Satrap enthroned right checking arrow, winged sun disk upper r. EF. SOLD.
6077. CILICIA, ISSOS, c. 380 BC. AR Stater, Sear 5555 (£2500). Hd. Athena 3/4 face to l. wearing crested helmet/IS, bare hd. of young Herakles r. VF+. Quite rare! SOLD.
7711. CILICIA, AIGEAI, AR Tetradrachm, S_, Cop_, Von Aulock_. Turreted hd Tyche r/Minerva stg l. EF. An exceptionally rare coin. Until a small group was found only 8 were known. Missing from most major collections. Choice and one of the best from the group. Much better than lousy image! SOLD.
4970. CARIA, CAUNUS, Civic Coinage. 200-100 BC. Obv: Youthful head of Dionysos right, wreathed with ivy. Rev: K-AY above, MN-H across fields, naked male figure standing right, his right hand outstretched (holding patera or bird) and with his left hand holding transverse sceptre, the lower end of which is serpent-entwined. Imhoof "Kleinasiatische MŸnzen", 2; Waddington Collection 2292. Imhoof lists two coins, the first has KAY SW-TAS and that is the one that is on plate V, no. 12. The Waddington coin is the same as this one, but the PDF of that work and that particular image is just a black and white blob. Waddington describes the obverse correctly (in my opinion) as Dionysos, Imhoof just as a youthful male head right. Waddington describes the person on the reverse as "ephebus" which is simply Greek for a young male. Imhoof writes: "The figure on the reverse possibly represents the Heros Eponymos the city of Kaunos. The figure appears in similar form as Heros on coins of the Opuntii...." All three coins (1x Waddington, 2x Imhoof) are 16mm. EF. Very rare. Provenance: The Thomas Virzi collection. SOLD.
UNCERTAIN MINT
BITHYNIA
10496. BITHYNIA, KINGS, NIKOMEDES II. Circa 149-120 BC. AR Tetradrachm (16.68 gm). Obverse: His diademed head right. Reverse: Zeus standing left, holding wreath and scepter; eagle on thunderbolt above monogram and date to left. Waddington, RG pg. 229; BMC Pontus -; SNG von Aulock -; SNG Copenhagen -. EF. Medium dark patina.
SOLD.
CARIA
SOLD.
8568. CARIA, KINDYA. Circa 510-480 BC. AR Tetrobol (10mm, 1.99 g). Head of Ketos left / Geometric pattern within incuse square. Kagan & Kritt 1; SNG Keckman 920; SNG von Aulock 2340; SNG Kayhan 810; Asyut 687; Rosen 617. Good VF, toned. One of the finest examples known.
SOLD.
6525. Greek Satraps of Caria, Mausolos (365-351 BC). Ar Tetradrachm (14.8 gm), 21.5 x 21.5 mm. Obverse facing head of Apollo. Reverse Zeus Labraundos, holding double-headed axe. Choice Very Fine, with muted gray toning and appealing style. The reverse shows weakness, probably due more to strike than to wear.
SOLD.
6074. CARIAN SATRAPS, MAUSALOS, 365-351 BC. AR Tetradrachm (14.8 gm), 21.5 mm. Facing hd. Apollo/Zeus Labraundos, holding double-headed axe. Choice VF with muted gray toning and appealing style. The Apollo hd. rendered with exceptional expression.
SOLD.
6526. Greek Satraps of Caria, Hidreaus (351-344 BC). Ar Tetradrachm (15.12 gm). Obverse laureate head of Apollo, facing slightly to the right. Reverse Zeus Labraundos, holding double-headed axe, M to left, inscription IDPIEWS. S4958. Toned EF, of exceptional style.
SOLD.
6075. CARIAN SATRAPS, PIXODAROS, 340-334 BC. AR Didrachm, Sear 4966. Laur. hd. Apollo 3/4 face to r./Zeus Labraundos stg. r. holding double axe. EF.
CILICIA
SOLD.
6077. CILICIA, ISSOS, c. 380 BC. AR Stater, Sear 5555 (£2500). Hd. Athena 3/4 face to l. wearing crested helmet/IS, bare hd. of young Herakles r. VF+. Quite rare!
SOLD.
6081. CILICIA, TARSOS, DATAMES, 378-362 BC. AR Stater, Sear 5645. Baal of Tarsos enthroned r. within border of battlements of the city/Satrap enthroned right checking arrow, winged sun disk upper r. EF.
IONIA
SOLD.
7192. IONIA, KOLOPHON, 390-350BC. AR Drachm, S4346(£250). Hd Apollo l/Lyre. VF.
SOLD.
7537. CHOICE EARLY ELECTRUM STATER OF MILETOS, 600-550 BC. The first true coins seem to have been minted in Asia Minor in the late 7th or early 6th century BC. These coins were struck in electrum, a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver found in the Pactolus and other nearby rivers. Several Greek cities including Miletos on the Western coast as well as the Lydian kings began minting these first coins by stamping the badge of their city into one side of a standard weight lump of electrum and various punches into the other. These devices were used to facilitate trade by certifying that the intrinsic value and weight of the metal was guaranteed by the issuing authority. Of these first coins, those of Miletos like the current example, are probably the finest from an artistic perspective. The lion, cleverly configured with its head reverted and tail curled over its haunch to neatly fit within the rectangular frame, is a masterpiece of Archaic Greek art. The vigor and ferocity of the beast are beautifully conveyed by its snarling countenance and erect mane. The current piece is an excellent example of these extremely rare coins. Most of the few surviving examples are in poor condition or with irregular lumpy flans. This is without doubt a piece worthy of the finest collection. Obverse: Lion lying left, looking back and roaring, all within a double rectangular frame divided into segments. Reverse: Three incuse punches; an oblong punch containing a fox between two square punches, one containing the head of a stag, the other a star shaped ornament. Mean Diameter: 21 x 17.5 mm. (0.827 x 0.689"). Weight: 13.91 gm. (0.435 Troy oz.). Metal composition: Gold with some silver content. References: David Sear, Greek Coins, Vol. 2, # 3439. Grade: AEF.
SOLD.
6436. IONIA, MILETOS, Electrum hecte. Female hd. l. / Mill-sail incuse. EF. Nice well centered example on the flan. Surface brighter and better than image shows. $1250
SOLD.
6530. IONIA, SAMOS, c 200BC. AR Drachm, Hd.517. Lion scalp facing/Forepart bull r. VF. Old cabinet toning. Scarce.
LESBOS
SOLD.
8570. LESBOS, MYTILENE, ca. 1st-2nd century. AE40 Medallion. Torso of Asclepius l. of fine Classical style/Asclepius std. l. resting left arm on long staff and reaching toward serpent with right. AVF. Holed & flan chip. Extremely rare.
LYCIA
LYDIA
SOLD.
8571. LYDIAN KINGS, KROISOS, 560-546 BC. AR Stater, Sear 3419, 10.50 gm. Foreparts lion and bull confronted/Double punch. VF+. Rare, not the more usual half stater. A fine example of the largest type of the first silver coins ever struck. Prior to Kroisos' issuance of a bimetallic gold and silver currency, all earlier coins had been struck of electrum, a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver. Very nice example of this historic coin with old cabinet toning.
SOLD.
6533. LYDIA, KROISOS, 560-546 BC. AR Stater, Sear 3419, 10.35 gm. Foreparts lion & bull confronted/Double punch. AVF. Rare, not the more usual half stater. Nice example of the first silver coins ever struck. Considerably better than image.
MYSIA
SOLD.
7724. UNPUBLISHED PERGAMON BRONZE, AE8. Facing hd. 3/4 l./Bull butting l. VF. Very rare.
PAMPHYLIA
SOLD.
6082. PAMPHYLIA, ASPENDOS, c. 420-360 BC. AR Hemiobol (0.46 gm), SNG France 3, 39-43. Humanized facing hd. of Gorgon/Hd. & neck of lion r. AEF with exceptional high relief obv. and excellent centering.
SOLD.
6535. PAMPHYLIA, SIDE. AR Tetradrachm, ca. 190-160 BC. Obverse head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet. Reverse winged Nike advancing left, holding wreath, pomegranate in left field, magistrate’s symbol in right field. Choice VF and attractively toned, with superior style for the type. The compact head imparts a sense of higher relief than the norm.
PAPHLAGONIA
PHRYGIA
SOLD.
7532. PHRYGIA, AKMONEIA, c. 133-48 BC. AE23 (7.62 gm). SNG Copenhagen 8-9 var. (magistrates); BMC Phrygia pg. 6, 15; SNG von Aulock -; Laffaille -. Bust Athena r., wearing hight-crested Corinthian helmet and aegis/ (A)KMONE(WN), eagle alighting from thunderbollt, flanked by stars; magistrates MHNODOTOS and SILLWN. EF, golden tan patina. Very rare. Ex. David Freedman Collection. Choice example.
PISIDIA
PONTOS
SOLD.
7720. PONTOS, AMASTRIS, Late 2nd-1stc BC. AE31, Sear 3674. Hd Athena/Perseus holding harpa and hd of Medusa. VF+. Excellent example of this sought after mythological type depicting the killing of Medusa by the hero Perseus.
TROAS
SOLD.
6083. TROAS, TENEDOS, c. 400 BC. AR Tetradrachm, Sear 4152. Janiform hds. of bearded Zeus l. and Hera r./TENEDION above and both sides of double axe, grape bunch to l., lyre to r., all within incuse square. VF. Very Rare. Normal surface wear but face of Hera much clearer than Sear example.
ROMAN RULE
9414. ASIA, ROMAN PROVINCE OF, C. FABIUS PROCONSUL, 57-56 BC. AR Cistophoric tetradrachm, Sear 5151var. Cista mystica containing serpent within ivy wreath./ Two coiled serpents either side of bowcase, EUHNOS HRWDOY. The magistrates name also appears on "proconsular cistophori" in the name of C. Fabius. Ref.: Gerd R. Stumpf, Numismatische Studien zur Chronologie der Roemischen Statthalter in Kleinasien. VF. Rare. Nice bright shiny surface with good metal much better than image shows.
SOLD.
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