Lot 30597 > Republic gold 4-Piece Certified "First Strike" Krugerrand Proof Set 2015 PR70 Ultra Cameo NGC, 1) 1/10 Krugerrand, AGW 0.100 oz 2) 1/4 Krugerrand, AGW 0.250 oz 3) 1/2 Kruggerand, AGW 0.500 oz 4) Krugerrand, AGW 1.00 oz A flawless quartet of South African Proofs, each representing one of the first 175 struck (the set numbered 17/175 produced). Housed in a fitted wooden Mint box with COA. Total AGW 1.850 oz.
Lot 597
Prix de départ: 1500USD
Lot 30598 > Castile & Leon. Pedro I gold Dobla of 35 Maravedis ND (1350-1369)-S AU58 NGC, Seville mint, Fr-105, Cay-1276 var. (legends). 4.50gm. + PЄTRVS : DЄI : GRA : RЄX : CASTЄLLЄ : ЄLЄGIOn, crowned bust of king left / + PЄTRVS : DЄI : GRACIA : RЄX : CASTЄLLЄ : ЄLЄGIOnIS, quartered arms with lions and castles, an "S" in the fourth quarter. A lustrous near-mint selection revealing only gentle wisps of handling in the fields, the devices nearly absent any wear.
Lot 598
Prix de départ: 1500USD
Lot 30599 > Catalonia. Philip III gold Trentin ND (1598-1621) AU53 NGC, Barcelona mint, KM-A7, Cay-2907/5016, Cal-70var (8-pointed stars, REGI in legend). 6.95gm. Imitating a gold 2 Excelentes of Ferdinand and Isabella. Variety with two 8-pointed stars. A rather elusive provincial type, struck with markedly good detail in the design features that rivals many of the official products of the Seville mint from which it draws inspiration. Mislabeled on the holder as an original 2 Excelentes of Ferdinand & Isabella from Seville.
Lot 599
Prix de départ: 750USD
Lot 30600 > Catalonia. Philip III gold Trentin ND (1598-1621) AU50 NGC, Barcelona mint, KM-A7, Fr-39a, Cay-2906/5016, Cal-69. 7.12gm. Imitating a 2 Excelentes of Ferdinand and Isabella. Variety with two 6-pointed stars on the obverse, one above and one below the facing busts of Ferdinand and Isabella. A choice example of the type, exhibiting light wear and a slightly weak strike in some areas, as typical for this hammered type, but overall quite nice, the legends legible in their entirety and indeed much of the original detail still fully present.
Lot 600
Prix de départ: 1500USD
Lot 30601 > Catalonian Union gold Specimen Pattern 20 Pesetas 1900 SP64 PCGS, Barcelona mint, Cal-88. A scarce issue struck for the Catalonian Union. Patterns were issued in a variety of denominations, each bearing the same obverse design of St. George, the patron saint of Catalonia, slaying the dragon, with the reverse designs varying by type. Struck in a matte-like finish, with crimson tones adding an enlivening color contrast.
Lot 601
Prix de départ: 775USD
Lot 30602 > Ferdinand & Isabella (1474-1504) gold Excelente ND (1476-1516)-S MS62 NGC, Seville mint, Fr-136, Cal-146. 3.47gm. An appealing example of the single Excelente denomination benefitting from a reasonably well-centered strike that leaves all major detailing within the confines of the flan. Crackling golden luster expresses itself throughout, confirming the Mint State condition of the offering.
Lot 602
Prix de départ: 750USD
Lot 30603 > Ferdinand & Isabella (1474-1504) gold Excelente ND (1476-1516)-S AU58 NGC, Seville mint, Fr-136, Cal-140. 3.51gm. Evenly rendered, with only light wear noticeable to isolated portions of the design, the surfaces otherwise remarkably clear of even regular light handling.
Lot 603
Prix de départ: 600USD
Lot 30604 > Ferdinand & Isabella (1474-1504) gold 2 Excelentes ND (1476-1516)-T AU53 NGC, Toledo mint, Fr-130, Cal-89. 6.96gm. A scarcer variety with T—+ marks on the reverse. A wholesome example, strongly struck devices clearly evident despite some circulation wear.
Lot 604
Prix de départ: 750USD
Lot 30605 > Philip II gold Cob Escudo ND (1556-1598)-AO XF Details (Damaged) NGC, Valladolid mint, Cal-128, Fr-179a (9th edition). 3.34gm. A very rare type for the Valladolid mint, with only a small handful of examples come to auction in the past several years. A fleeting opportunity thus, one that may not present itself again for quite some time.
Lot 605
Prix de départ: 775USD
Lot 30606 > Philip II gold Cob 2 Escudos ND (1556-1598) S-D MS64 NGC, Seville mint, Fr-169, Cal-60. 6.73gm. Square 'D'. As its impressive near-gem grade suggests, this piece may exhibit the usual striking weakness but shows no evidence of circulation whatsoever. Gently lustrous, with a striking crack through the reverse cross.
Lot 606
Prix de départ: 1050USD
Lot 30607 > Philip II gold Cob 2 Escudos ND (1556-1598) T-M MS63 NGC, Toledo mint, Fr-170, Cal-90. 6.71gm. 'M' in circle. Choice Mint State, all diagnostic features boldly rendered and lit through silky mint luster. Unusual quality for this Cob type.
Lot 607
Prix de départ: 1050USD
Lot 30608 > Philip II gold Cob 2 Escudos 1591/0-H MS61 NGC, Seville mint, Fr-169, Cal-72. 6.77gm. Struck with slightly rusted dies giving a speckled texture, pleasantly lit through residual luster. A more unusual overdate type to find in Mint State.
Lot 608
Prix de départ: 1050USD
Lot 30609 > Philip II gold Cob 2 Escudos ND (1556-1598) T-M AU58 NGC, Toledo mint, Fr-170, Cal-88. 6.73gm. Centrally struck, with pinpoint detail and a generally far finer production standard than is usual for the type with copious mint luster.
Lot 609
Prix de départ: 925USD
Lot 30610 > Philip IV gold Cob Escudo 1623 S-D AU50 NGC, Seville mint, KM44.2, Fr-211, Cay-6602. 3.32gm. An interesting piece with what appears to be a die shift after the "2" in the date, creating the appearance of a second "2". However, there is clearly an additional "3" to the right, leading to the conclusion that the date must be 1623. Additionally, the type is unlisted in all catalogues with a date of 1622.
Lot 610
Prix de départ: 1050USD
Lot 30611 > Philip IV gold 8 Escudos ND (1631-1653) S-R UNC Details (Reverse Damage) NGC, Seville mint, KM59.2, Cal-Type 15. 26.76gm. Immensely lustrous and quite attractive for the type, even with its noted reverse damage, this taking the form of a number of shallow gouges, all of which blend quite well into the characteristically irregular surfaces. Thus, the main impression left with the beholder is one of great quality, and the thought that, absent these reverse flaws, this example would surely have graded as one of the finest yet certified for its type.
Lot 611
Prix de départ: 1450USD
Lot 30612 > Philip IV gold Cob 8 Escudos ND (1631-1655) S-R XF45 NGC, Seville mint, KM59.2, Fr-200, Cal-51. 26.63gm. An imposing and full-sized gold denomination, struck in the heartland of the Spanish Empire, moderately circulated and with touches of graphite embracing the bold devices.
Lot 612
Prix de départ: 1850USD
Lot 30613 > Charles III gold 8 Escudos 1788 S-C AU Details (Cleaned) PCGS, Seville mint, KM409.2a, Cal-263. An attractive piece despite past mishandling. AGW 0.7615 oz.
Lot 613
Prix de départ: 950USD
Lot 30614 > Ferdinand VII gold 2 Escudos 1812 C-CI MS62 NGC, Cadiz mint, KM468, Fr-313. A deceivingly rare type in Mint State condition, featuring the bare laureate bust of Ferdinand VII. Struck on a very slightly convex flan that curves minimally inward towards the peripheries only to be met by the raised denticles of the rims, creating a modest deep-dish appearance that is quite appealing to the eye. Lightly lustrous and permeated by tinges of coppery color.
Lot 614
Prix de départ: 650USD
Lot 30615 > Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1820 M-GJ MS62 NGC, Madrid mint, KM485, Onza-1242. "G·J" variety. A notably superior selection of the issue whose surfaces are bathed in warm golden luster, which immediately highlights its clear Mint State preservation. Struck only a hint off-center on the reverse, with the type's common central weakness confined to a small central section of the shield.
Lot 615
Prix de départ: 1250USD
Lot 30616 > Republic gold Proof "Scimitar-Horned Oryx" 100 Pounds AH 1396 (1976) PR68 Ultra Cameo NGC, British Royal mint, KM72. Proof mintage: 251. Conservation series issue. AGW 0.9675 oz.
Lot 616
Prix de départ: 950USD
Lot 30617 > Karl XII copper Plate Money 1/2 Daler 1718 AU, Avesta mint, KM-PM33, AAH-197 (R), Tingström-Plate 287, A1. 100x100mm. 382.55gm. Type IV. A rare and quite large one-year type, exhibiting only slight weakness on the upper areas of the stamps and overall quite nice, with a smooth chocolatey patina throughout.
Lot 617
Prix de départ: 900USD
Lot 30618 > Karl XII silver Specimen "Death of Karl XI" Medal 1697 SP53 PCGS, Hildebrand-452. 57mm. By A. Karlsteen. Struck on the death of Karl XI of Sweden, this elusive issue depicts the long-curled bust of the deceased King on the obverse, the date of his birth (November 24, 1655) written in the legend. The reverse, admirably engraved in ornate style, depicts the female personification of Sweden, mourning at Karl's sarcophagus, the Swedish lion and three-crowned shield at her sides.
Lot 618
Prix de départ: 2USD
Lot 30619 > Karl XII silver Specimen "Peace of Rijswijk" Medal 1697 SP55 PCGS, Hildebrand-484, 7. 51mm. A scarce medal struck for the Peace of Rijswijk (Ryswick), a series of treaties which ended the Nine Years' War between France and the Grand Alliance. The peace was conducted under Swedish mediation, and few of these issues survive to the present day. Toned to a soft olive, with areas of silvery luster visible underneath.
Lot 619
Prix de départ: 2USD
Lot 30620 > Ulrika Eleonora copper Plate Money 4 Daler 1719 AU, Avesta mint, KM-PM62, AAH-13, Tingström-Plate 291. 263x230mm. Some corrosion and weakness to the central stamp, otherwise with appealing dark chocolate color and cleaner surfaces for issue. A rarer early type of this extremely large denomination.
Lot 620
Prix de départ: 1000USD
Lot 30621 > Carl XIV Johan gold Ducat 1821-LB MS65+ PCGS, Stockholm mint, KM594, Fr-84, SGM-18. An impressive offering, lightly Prooflike and glowing with enchanting luster. The weakness of strike in the ear area appears on other examples to a lesser extent, perhaps indicating a later die state or excessive polishing prior to the striking of this piece. Only the second example we have offered, and by far the finest certified across both major grading companies. From the Caranett Collection
Lot 621
Prix de départ: 2100USD
Lot 30622 > Carl XIV Johan gold Ducat 1837-CB MS65 PCGS, Stockholm mint, KM628a, Fr-87, SGM-36. A superb piece with undeniably Prooflike qualities, absolutely gem and virtually as struck. From the Caranett Collection
Lot 622
Prix de départ: 1700USD
Lot 30623 > Carl XIV Johan gold Ducat 1843-AG MS66 PCGS, Stockholm mint, KM628a, Fr-87, SGM-42. A near-flawless piece, boldly struck with full details and abundant with satiny luster. About as good as it gets for this trade coinage issue, with no other examples even approaching this supreme gem status--the next finest at both NGC and PCGS ranking two full grade points lower. From the Caranett Collection
Lot 623
Prix de départ: 2100USD
Lot 30624 > Oscar I gold Ducat 1859-ST MS66 PCGS, Stockholm mint, KM668, Fr-90a, SGM-28. A jewel of the type with an essentially specimen-like finish, its clear golden surfaces decorated with a fine arrangement of horizontal die polish lines that embrace utterly sharp central features. No examples of the type certify higher above both PCGS and NGC combined, with the next highest, seen by NGC, ranking only MS63. From the Caranett Collection
Lot 624
Prix de départ: 1850USD
Lot 30625 > Carl XV Adolf gold Ducat 1864/3-ST MS66 PCGS, Stockholm mint, KM709, Fr-91, SGM-11. From a reported mintage of 38,000 pieces, this well-recognized overdate exhibits exceptional Prooflike qualities and bewitchingly watery fields, and presently stands as the finest certified by PCGS. From the Caranett Collection
Lot 625
Prix de départ: 1550USD
Lot 30626 > Oscar II Proof 2 Kronor 1907-EB PR66 NGC, Stockholm mint, KM773. A fantastic Proof with mottled, mauve-gray patination that covers the entirety of the surfaces and total reflectivity throughout the mirrors. Sublime shades of cobalt and champagne dot the legends, awakening upon rotation, and the design features are unmistakably bold. Virtually free of any instances of handling, and a conditional jewel in a coveted state of preservation. Ex. D. Moore Collection
Lot 626
Prix de départ: 1450USD
Lot 30627 > Oscar II gold Proof 10 Kronor 1874-ST PR65 Ultra Cameo NGC, Stockholm mint, KM732 (unlisted in Proof), Fr-94, SGM-29 (no Proofs recorded). A very rare type as a Proof/Specimen issue, and an offering that currently stands at the lone example certified by NGC to-date, impressively so at the gem level of certification, with satiny devices contrasting sublimely against mirrored reflective fields to yield a distinct and stark cameo contrast. A fleeting opportunity, and likely the only one of its kind that many bidders will have to acquire an example in this praiseworthy format. From the Caranett Collection
Lot 627
Prix de départ: 1500USD
Lot 30628 > Oscar II gold Proof 20 Kronor 1889-EB PR65 NGC, Stockholm mint, KM748 (unlisted in Proof), Fr-93a, SGM-20. An extraordinarily rare issue in gem Proof, undocumented as such by the Standard Catalog of World Coins, though known in Robert Delzanno's recent publication Sveriges Guldmynt. Evincing silky-smooth mirrored surfaces that radiate with a light tinge of amber, this is the sole Proof of this date we have been able to locate, and the only such certified by NGC. Sure to encounter much demand from collectors of Swedish coinage. From the Caranett Collection
Lot 628
Prix de départ: 2500USD
Lot 30629 > Oscar II gold Proof 20 Kronor 1898-EB PR67 Cameo NGC, Stockholm mint, KM748 (unlisted in Proof), Fr-93a, SGM-23. A simply astonishing grade for the type, both from a purely technical standpoint as well in terms of its distinction as a Proof, very nearly approaching technical perfection without the least trace of bagmarks across its surfaces. Despite being one of the most prolific mintage dates for the type, out of nearly 350 currently seen in the NGC census, only four business strikes have reached the MS67 level, only one example received the Prooflike designation and none besides the present piece having been certified as indisputably Proof. Of great rarity as such, and sure to be a centerpiece for the specialist in Swedish rarities. From the Caranett Collection
Lot 629
Prix de départ: 6250USD
Lot 30630 > Oscar II gold Specimen 20 Kronor 1898-EB SP64 PCGS, Stockholm mint, KM748 (unlisted in Proof or Specimen), Fr-93a, SGM-23. Imbued with a light honey hue, this is the first example of the issue we have seen or indeed of which we have been able to locate. Watery near-cameo mirrored fields and a superb strike leave no doubt of the assigned Specimen designation. From the Caranett Collection
Lot 630
Prix de départ: 1250USD
Lot 30631 > Oscar II gold Proof 20 Kronor 1899-EB PR65 Cameo NGC, Stockholm mint, KM748 (unlisted in Proof), Fr-93a, SGM-24. Boasting wonderfully cameo surfaces with a crisp texture to the devices, the present offered represents yet another significant rarity of the modern Swedish series, entirely absent from auction records for the past 2 decades. From the Caranett Collection
Lot 631
Prix de départ: 1750USD
Lot 30632 > Oscar II gold Specimen 20 Kronor 1900-EB SP66 PCGS, Stockholm mint, KM748 (unlisted in Proof or Specimen), Fr-93a, SGM-25. An exciting piece bounding with eye appeal, honeyed surfaces awash with bright, near-cameo mirrors. Hardly imaginable finer, with intensive die polish lines studding both sides of this splendid example. From the Caranett Collection
Lot 632
Prix de départ: 2100USD
Lot 30633 > Oscar II gold Proof 20 Kronor 1901-EB PR64 NGC, Stockholm mint, KM765 (unlisted in Proof), Fr-93b, SGM-26 (no Proofs recorded). Perhaps unique in this Proof format, with even Delzanno's recent work recorded no sales results in this format. Of immense rarity and desirability as such, and a coin that is sure to not go overlooked. From the Caranett Collection
Lot 633
Prix de départ: 1550USD
Lot 30634 > Oscar II gold Proof 20 Kronor 1902-EB PR67 Cameo NGC, Stockholm mint, KM748 (unlisted in Proof), Fr-93a, SGM-27. Simply superb, every tiny detail of the hair and coat of arms razor-sharp and standing in stark contrast to the backdrop of liquid reflectivity in the fields. Presently the finest certified at NGC, with no business strikes even certifying above an MS66 out of 139 graded. From the Caranett Collection
Lot 634
Prix de départ: 6250USD
Lot 30635 > Basel. City gold 2 Ducats ND (1680-1700) AU55 NGC, KM-Unl, Fr-85. 6.68gm. An elaborately-designed issue showing an elevated city view with the iconic arms of Basel in the radiant clouds above. The reverse illustration is equally engaging, showing the popular narrative of the birth of Christ, with three gift-bearing magi greeting the newborn Jesus. Because of this depiction, this issue is sometimes referred to as the Christmas Ducat. Besides a few die cracks, this offering is without significant detractions and indeed its highpoint softness appears more indicative of a soft strike than circulation wear, its fields reflective and with a pale peach tone. An undeniably beautiful and very rare type.
Lot 635
Prix de départ: 1750USD
Lot 30636 > Basel. Canton Taler 1741 MS63 NGC, KM149, Dav-1750. An alluring example of this popular city view type, cobalt and magenta hues cascading the surfaces of both sides, coupled with a superb strike that makes this piece a must-have for the collector of Crown-sized issues.
Lot 636
Prix de départ: 750USD
Lot 30637 > Bern. City gold Ducat 1741 MS66 PCGS, KM103, Fr-172, HMZ-2-215d. An impressive piece in staggering quality given its age, its molten gold surfaces superbly struck and watery in texture. The finest specimen we have yet had the privilege of handling. From the Caranett Collection
Lot 637
Prix de départ: 1500USD
Lot 30638 > Bern. City Taler 1795 MS64+ PCGS, KM149, Dav-1759. A light silver patina enhances the presentation of this popular taler type revealing underlying luster throughout, the central expanses framed by legends dressed in subtly darkened tones.
Lot 638
Prix de départ: 1USD
Lot 30639 > Lucerne. Canton gold 10 Franks 1804 MS63 NGC, KM98, Fr-327. Highly Prooflike, a conservatively graded piece with glossy fields and comparatively frosted devices. Its surfaces bear the adjustment marks commonly found on this issue, but they have been almost completely obscured by the strike and indeed, if anything, provide a pleasant underlying texture. One of the finest of this type we have had the pleasure to offer.
Lot 639
Prix de départ: 2100USD
Lot 30640 > Zurich. Canton gold Ducat 1745 MS66 NGC, KM140, Fr-486a, HMZ-2-1161cc. A deluxe gem offering a simultaneous display of near-pristine fields, lightly speckled by just a hint of die rust, and razor sharp devices contrasting slightly against the surfaces surrounding. Nearly unimprovable, and essentially irreproachable for a coin of its age and type. From the Caranett Collection
Lot 640
Prix de départ: 1500USD
Lot 30641 > Confederation gold "Fribourg Shooting Festival" 100 Francs 1934-B MS67 PCGS, Bern mint, KM-XS19, Fr-505, Häb-21. From a mintage of only 2,000 pieces. Certainly one of the finest extant specimens of this one-year commemorative type, with the obverse particularly attractive, exhibiting fully Prooflike fields and heavily frosted devices.
Lot 641
Prix de départ: 2000USD
Lot 30642 > Confederation gold "Fribourg Shooting Festival" 100 Francs 1934-B MS66 PCGS, Bern mint, KM-XS19, Fr-505, Häb-21. From a mintage of 2,000, an appealing commemorative issue with pristine frosted devices over mirrored fields. Indeed, despite its Mint State attribution, every production element of this offering appears more akin to a Proof than a business strike. Accompanied by its rare original case of issue.
Lot 642
Prix de départ: 1350USD
Lot 30643 > Confederation gold "Fribourg Shooting Festival" 100 Francs 1934-B MS65+ PCGS, Bern mint, KM-XS19, Fr-505, Häb-21. Mintage: 2,000. Struck to commemorate the shooting festival at Fribourg. Flashy and reflective, with a nearly full cameo effect displayed on the obverse.
Lot 643
Prix de départ: 1250USD
Lot 30644 > Confederation gold "Fribourg Shooting Festival" 100 Francs 1934-B MS64 Prooflike NGC, Bern mint, KM-XS19, Fr-505, Häb-21. From a mintage of only 2,000 pieces, struck to commemorate the shooting festival at Fribourg. A superb example of the type, deeply mirrored fields and frosty devices rendering it fully deserving of its scarce Prooflike designation.
Lot 644
Prix de départ: 1050USD
Lot 30645 > Confederation gold "Eternal Pact" 1/4 Unze (1/4 oz) 1986-(+M) MS69 NGC, Bern mint, KM-XMB4. An impressive example of this 1/4 Unze (1/4 Ounce) type combining vivid imagery with immaculate surface preservation.
Lot 645
Prix de départ: 500USD
Lot 30646 > Republic gold Proof "Cheetahs" 1500 Shilingi 1974 PR69 Ultra Cameo NGC, KM9. Mintage: 886. Conservation series, featuring a seated Cheetah. AGW 0.9675 oz.
Lot 646
Prix de départ: 800USD
Lot 30647 > Rama IV gold 4 Baht ND (1863) XF Details (Removed From Jewelry) NGC, Bangkok mint, KM-Y14, Fr-16. An elusive issue bearing evidence of cleaning and mountmarks in line with it having been placed in jewelry; pleasing nonetheless as an example of the type.
Lot 647
Prix de départ: 1050USD
Lot 30648 > Gabriel Bethlen gold Ducat 1620-AI MS61 NGC, Karlsburg mint, KM126, Fr-353, Resch-40. 3.41gm. GABRIEL D G P R | IN TRAN, armored bust right wearing fur cap, A-I to either side across fields / PAR • RE • HVNG • DOM • ET • SIC • COM • 1620, crowned arms of Bethlen. An exceedingly handsome and carefully produced ducat, exhibiting an engaging glassy luster in the margins and hardly the least evidence of waviness or bending in the flan.
Lot 648
Prix de départ: 1250USD
Lot 30649 > Achatius Barcsai Taler 1660-CB VF Details (Mount Removed) NGC, KM330.4, Dav-4765, Resch-20. An extremely scarce type issued during the rule of Turkish vassal Achatius Barcsai and bearing his name in the obverse legends. Though hairlined in the fields the offering displays a balanced strike with light toning having taken hold over the surfaces, and for collectors of the popular 17th century Transylvanian series the present example may serve as a unique opportunity to fill a near-certain gap in their collection.
Lot 649
Prix de départ: 1500USD
Lot 30650 > Michael Apafi Taler 1680-AI AU Details (Mount Removed) NGC, KM474A, Dav-4818, Resch-237. A lovely example of the type offering well-balanced eye appeal despite signs of prior mounting, a couple of minor edge irregularities noted solely for completeness. The fields retain glints of argent mint luster, with a steel-hued tone gracing the surfaces throughout.
Lot 650
Prix de départ: 750USD
Lot 30651 > British Colony. Elizabeth II gold Proof 100 Pounds 2014 PR69 Ultra Cameo NGC, KM-Unl, Fr-Unl. Mintage: 500. Struck for the canonization of Pope John Paul II. Sold with original COA of issue.
Lot 651
Prix de départ: 700USD
Lot 30652 > Republic gold Proof "5th Anniversary of the Formation of the Emirates" 1000 Dirhams 1976 PR68 NGC, KM13, Fr-1. The finest example of the type that we have offered to date, slightly cameo and with essentially flawless surfaces. AGW 1.1775 oz.
Lot 652
Prix de départ: 1250USD
Lot 30653 > Republic "Montevideo Siege" Peso 1844 MS63 NGC, Montevideo mint, KM5, Almeida-032 (R1). Coin alignment. An iconic one-year siege issue numbering only 1,226 pieces struck. Struck over two days at the reopened Casa de Moneda in Montevideo after the long civil war and city siege by General Oribe. Despite many examples showing imperfections due to the mint's limited technical capabilities, they were often held as keepsakes, in remembrance of the melted down silver spared by the local families and churches that was used to strike them. However, this piece has retained far better surface preservation than most, displaying no wear and fields that are virtually free of contact marks. Deep gunmetal toning pervades the surfaces, with muted luster shining through beneath.
Lot 653
Prix de départ: 1250USD
Lot 30654 > Republic "Montevideo Siege" Peso 1844 AU58 NGC, Montevideo mint, KM5, Almeida-032 (R1). Coin alignment. A rare one-year siege issue from a mintage of only 1,226, and quite rare in higher grades. This specimen has been somewhat weakly struck on the reverse but nonetheless retains satisfying detail, the planchet toned a handsome grey-gold over muted luster. Seldom seen in this quality and highly desirable thus.
Lot 654
Prix de départ: 750USD
Lot 30655 > Republic gold "Battle of Yatay" Chief's Medal 1865 UNC, Barac-9 (unpriced), Fonrobert-Unl., R&S-Uy9. 34x28mm. 20.78gm. With integral mount and ring. Instituted 30 September 1865. Obv. Arms of Uruguay with 3 stars to either side, VENCEDORES - DEL YATAY above and below. Rev. 17 De AGOSTO DE 1865 in 5 lines within wreath. By all indications an excessively rare Uruguayan decoration, entirely missing from the Fonrobert collection and unpriced in Barac, awarded the Uruguayan soldiers who defeated a Paraguayan army at the Battle of Yatay on August 17, 1865. Perhaps the most significant battle of the Triple Alliance War for the nation, Yatay marked major victory for Uruguay as its soldiers played the leading role in defeating the invading army of Paraguayan dictator Solano Lopez--a decisive event which prevented Paraguay from being able to mount any further major offensives in the war. Visually, the piece appears remarkably original and free of any signs of cleaning or damage so common on Latin American medals of the period. This is the sole example of this medal in gold we have been able to locate coming to auction, certainly marking this as a covetable opportunity for any serious collector of Latin American medals! Reportedly privately purchased in 1958. From the Dresden Collection
Lot 655
Prix de départ: 1000USD
Lot 30656 > Republic gold Specimen Essai 5 Pesos 1930 SP64 PCGS, Paris mint, KM-E14. By Bazor. A choice example of this scarce Essai, produced to commemorate the centenary of the Constitution of Uruguay in 1830 and rarely seen in this condition. A light tinge of rose gold accentuates the fields of an already superb example of the type.
Lot 656
Prix de départ: 1500USD
Lot 30657 > Caracas. Ferdinand VII 2 Reales (Morilleros) 1817-BS VF30 NGC, Caracas mint, KM-C6.1, Stohr-11-C6, OAV-2R-C.B.1. A charming example of this seldom-seen date, the first and scarcest in the type's five-year series. Rare with such little circulation wear and without major surface issues, the finest we have had the privilege of offering to date. Portions of the design are softly struck, but the legends are otherwise bold and legible, set on a backdrop of silvery white.
Lot 657
Prix de départ: 875USD
Lot 30658 > Caracas. Ferdinand VII 4 Reales 1819-BS XF Details (Whizzed, Tooled) NGC, Caracas mint, KM-C7.2, Stohr-12-C7, OAV-4R-C.B.1. Castle in upper left quadrant. A very rare Royalist issue, highly appealing even with its surface alterations; fully struck with a dappled gold tone over the lightly lustrous planchet, with no particular areas of weakness to the designs. Close inspection leads one to believe this piece could be worthy of an AU certification.
Lot 658
Prix de départ: 1600USD
Lot 30659 > Republic Centavo 1858-HEATON MS67 Red NGC, Heaton mint, cf. KM-Y7. With "LIBERTAD" incuse. Plain edge. Rare in this condition, with fully red surfaces that glow with a soft peach color in some areas. Interestingly, there appear to be a couple of instances of die clashing evident around the 12 o'clock areas on both sides of the piece.
Lot 659
Prix de départ: 1000USD
Lot 30660 > Republic 5 Bolivares 1929-(p) MS62 PCGS, Philadelphia mint, KM-Y24.2. Glowing argent luster illuminates the surfaces of this borderline choice selection, exhibiting only light instances of handling to establish the assigned grade.
Lot 660
Prix de départ: 210USD
Lot 30661 > Republic gold 100 Bolivares 1889 UNC Details (Reverse Rim Damage) NGC, Caracas mint, KM-Y34, Fr-2. A popular type that sees much demand in any uncirculated condition. The rim damage appears as a bump on the 6 o'clock area of the reverse. AGW 0.9334 oz.
Lot 661
Prix de départ: 825USD
Lot 30662 > Republic gold 100 Bolivares 1889 AU58 NGC, Caracas mint, KM-Y34, Fr-2. A near-Mint State representative of this popular type featuring the bust of Simon Bolivar. AGW 0.9334 oz.
Lot 662
Prix de départ: 825USD
Lot 30663 > Republic gold 100 Bolivares 1889 AU58 NGC, Caracas mint, KM-Y34, Fr-2. A handsome example of this ever-popular issue, displaying only a touch of wear on the high points. AGW 0.9334 oz.
Lot 663
Prix de départ: 875USD
Lot 30664 > Republic gold 100 Bolivares 1889 AU Details (Reverse Rim Damage) NGC, Caracas mint, KM-Y34, Fr-2. A small bump in the 6 o'clock area of the reverse accounts for the grade. AGW 0.9334 oz.
Lot 664
Prix de départ: 825USD
Lot 30665 > Republic gold Proof "Cock of the Rock" 1000 Bolivares 1975 PR69 Ultra Cameo NGC, British Royal mint, KM-Y48.1, Fr-8. Mintage: 483. Detailed Wings variety. A nearly unhandled example of this popular and low-mintage modern type.
Lot 665
Prix de départ: 1400USD
Lot 31001 > SICILY. Siculo-Punic. Ca. 320-300 BC. AR tetradrachm (25mm, 17.06 gm, 1h). NGC Choice AU S 5/5 - 5/5. Head of Arethusa/Persephone right, wreathed with barley ears, triple pendant earring and necklace; four dolphins swimming around, dotted border / 'MHMHNT (Punic for People of the Camp), head and neck of horse left; palm tree with two clusters of dates behind, linear border. HGC 2, 286. Jenkins 178. Apparently extremely rare - only one example in sales archives. cf. Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 50, (23 June 1999), lot 523.
Lot 1001
Prix de départ: 2500USD
Lot 31002 > ZEUGITANA. Carthage. Ca. 350-320 BC. AV stater (19mm, 9.35 gm, 2h). NGC MS 5/5 - 4/5. Bust of Tanit left, hair wreathed with barley ears, wearing triple-pendant earring, and necklace with eight pendants; dotted border / Horse standing right on exergual line; three pellets to lower right at shin height, dotted border. Jenkins & Lewis, Group IIIh.
Lot 1002
Prix de départ: 3000USD
Lot 31003 > MACEDON. Chalcidian League. Ca. 432-348 BC. AR tetradrachm (25mm, 14.46 gm, 12h). NGC Choice AU 5/5 - 4/5. Olynthus, ca. 390 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Χ-Α-Λ-ΚΙΔ-ΕΩΝ, cithara (lyre) with seven strings. Robinson & Clement group F - (unlisted dies). Jameson 941ff. Ex Heritage Auction 3021 (NYINC 6 January 2013), lot 21143; Classical Numismatic Group, private sale with old dealer tag The Chalcidice is a three-fingered area of land extending from eastern Macedon into the Aegean Sea. Wary of Athenian imperialism and the rising power of the Macedonian Kingdom, the free cities of the Chalcidice banded together in 432 BC to form a defensive coalition called the Chalcidian League, with its capital of Olynthus. The silver coinage struck at Olynthus was on the Macedonian standard, somewhat lighter than the Attic standard employed by most of Greece, and was legal tender at all cities belonging to the league. The standard design featured a head of Apollo, god of beauty, art and music, with a type of lyre called a cithara on the reverse. The heads of Apollo on these pieces are remarkable for the strength and beauty of their style. Sadly, the Chalcidian League's coinage came to an end with the capture and destruction of Olynthus by King Philip II of Macedon in 348 BC.
Lot 1003
Prix de départ: 2500USD
Lot 31004 > MACEDON. Acanthus. Ca. 470-430 BC. AR tetradrachm (28mm, 17.21 gm, 5h). NGC Choice AU 5/5 - 4/5, Fine Style. Lion springing right, biting into hind quarters of bull kneeling to left with head lowered; tunny fish left in exergue, thick beaded border / ΑΚΑ-Ν-ΘΙΟ-Ν, legend in raised letters on incuse band, around raised quadripartite square, all within shallow incuse square. Desneux 95.
Lot 1004
Prix de départ: 2500USD
Lot 31005 > MACEDONIAN KINGDOM. Alexander III the Great (336-323 BC). AV distater (21mm, 17.21 gm, 10h). NGC Choice XF 5/5 - 4/5. Lifetime issue of Amphipolis, 325-323 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, double necklace and triple crested Corinthian helmet with long divergent crest ends, pushed back on head, the bowl decorated with coiled serpent right, three tight corkscrew curls hanging straight and loose hair across left shoulder / ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, Nike standing facing, head left, wreath upward in right hand, stylis cradled in left arm; vertical thunderbolt in outer left field, AO monogram below wing in inner left field. Price 191. Müller 1. Troxell Studies, Group B. Gulbenkian 843. Excellent strike and centering from dies of lovely style.
Lot 1005
Prix de départ: 10000USD
Lot 31006 > MACEDONIAN KINGDOM. Philip III Arrhidaeus (323-317 BC). AV stater (19mm, 8.59 gm, 8h). NGC Choice MS 5/5 - 4/5. Babylon. Head of Athena right, wearing necklace and triple-crested Corinthian helmet with long parallel crest ends, pushed back on head, the bowl decorated with coiled serpent right, hair falling loose / ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ-ΒΑ-ΣΙΛΕΩΣ, Nike standing left, wreath upward in right hand, stylis cradled in left arm; M in outer left field, ΛΥ below wing in left field. Price P180.
Lot 1006
Prix de départ: 2500USD
Lot 31007 > THRACIAN KINGDOM. Lysimachus (305-281 BC). AR tetradrachm (30mm, 17.04 gm, 12h). NGC MS 5/5 - 4/5, Fine Style. Pergamum, ca. 287/6-282 BC. Diademed head of deified Alexander III right, with horn of Ammon; K below, dotted border / BAΣIΛEΩΣ / ΛYΣIMAXOY, Athena seated left, Nike crowning royal name in right hand, resting left arm on grounded shield decorated with gorgoneion head boss, transverse spear in background; herm left in outer left field, archaic xoanon (cult image) in inner left field, ΕΠ monogram in exergue. Thompson, Essays Robinson, 220 var. (monogram). Müller 287 (uncertain Thrace). Alexander the Great's meteoric 13-year career of conquest left the classical world profoundly transformed by the time of his premature death in 323 BC. In the immediate aftermath, Alexander's generals carved up his immense new empire into spheres of influence, although maintaining the fiction of a unified leadership. Territorial disputes soon led to civil wars, with the rival warlords contending for supreme power. Chief among these was Lysimachus, who at various times controlled Thrace, Macedon and much of Asia Minor. For the obverse of his silver his coinage, Lysimachus claimed the mantle of Alexander by choosing the image of the conqueror himself, now shown as a god wearing the ram's horn of the Greco-Egyptian deity Ammon. The image is one of the earliest true portraits to appear on a coin, and one of the finest. The reverse, depicting Athena enthroned, likewise proved extremely influential throughout history, forming the archetype for the figure of Britannia on modern English coins.
Lot 1007
Prix de départ: 2500USD
Lot 31008 > LYDIAN KINGDOM. Alyattes or Walwet (ca. 610-546 BC). EL third-stater or trite (12mm, 4.72 gm). NGC Choice XF S 5/5 - 4/5. Uninscribed, Lydo-Milesian standard, Sardes. Head of lion right, mouth open, mane bristling, radiate globule above eye / Two square punches of different size, side by side, irregular interior surfaces. Weidauer 86. Boston 1764. SNG von Aulock 2868. SNG Kayhan 1013.
Lot 1008
Prix de départ: 2500USD
Lot 31009 > LYDIAN KINGDOM. Croesus (561-546 BC). AV stater (17mm, 10.77 gm). NGC AU 5/5 - 5/5. Sardes, 'heavy' standard, ca. 561-550 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion right and bull left, both with outstretched foreleg / Two incuse squares, side-by-side, with irregular interior surfaces. Berk "100 Greatest Ancient Coins", 9.2. BMC Lydia 30. Boston MFA 2068. Gulbenkian 756. Bright, lustrous surfaces.
Lot 1009
Prix de départ: 7500USD
Lot 31010 > LYDIAN KINGDOM. Croesus (561-546 BC). AV stater (17mm, 10.74 gm). NGC AU 5/5 - 5/5. Sardes, 'heavy' standard, ca. 561-550 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion right and bull left, both with outstretched foreleg / Two incuse squares, side-by-side, with irregular interior surfaces. Berk "100 Greatest Ancient Coins", 9.2. BMC Lydia 30. Boston MFA 2068. Gulbenkian 756. Beautiful style dies struck on satiny surfaces.
Lot 1010
Prix de départ: 7500USD
Lot 31011 > LYDIAN KINGDOM. Croesus (561-546 BC). AV third-stater or trite (12mm, 3.60 gm). NGC MS 5/5 - 4/5, light scuff. Sardes, 'heavy' standard, ca. 561-550 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion right and bull left, both with outstretched foreleg / Bipartite incuse rectangle with irregular interior surfaces. Berk "100 Greatest Ancient Coins", 9.5. Traité I 399. SNG von Aulock 8210. SNG München 7. Sunrise 8.
Lot 1011
Prix de départ: 3000USD
Lot 31012 > LYDIAN KINGDOM. Croesus (561-546 BC). AV 1/12 stater or hemihecte (7mm, 0.89 gm). NGC Choice MS 5/5 - 5/5. Sardes, 'heavy' standard, ca. 561-550 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion right and bull left, both with outstretched foreleg / Incuse square punch with irregular interior surfaces. Walburg Group V. Berk 9. Traité I -. Perfectly centered and sharply struck on shimmering flan. An absolutely fantastic example of the type. Very rare denomination in heavy standard. Of the 25 total certified Croesus hemihectes (includes both heavy and light standard), only four have graded Mint State, and the present example is the only Choice Mint State.
Lot 1012
Prix de départ: 2500USD
Lot 31013 > LYDIAN KINGDOM. Croesus (561-546 BC). AV stater (16mm, 8.05 gm). NGC Choice AU 5/5 - 3/5. Sardes, 'light' standard, ca. 553-539 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion right and bull left, both with outstretched foreleg / Two incuse square punches of unequal size, side by side, with irregular interior surfaces. Carradice 8. BMFA 2073. SNG von Aulock 2875.
Lot 1013
Prix de départ: 10000USD
Lot 31014 > ACHAEMENID PERSIA. Darius I-Xerxes II (ca. 485-420 BC). AV daric (16mm, 8.38 gm). NGC Choice MS S 5/5 - 5/5. Lydo-Milesian standard. Sardes mint. Persian king or hero, wearing cidaris and candys, quiver over shoulder, in kneeling-running stance right, transverse spear in right hand, bow in outstretched left hand / Rectangular irregular incuse punch. Carradice Type IIIb, Group A/B.
Lot 1014
Prix de départ: 2600USD
Lot 31015 > PTOLEMAIC EGYPT. Arsinöe II Philadelphus (died 270/268 BC). AV mnaieion or octodrachm (27mm, 27.69 gm, 12h). NGC XF 5/5 - 3/5, Fine Style. Posthumous issue of Alexandria, under Ptolemy II, ca. 253/2 BC. Veiled head of deified Arsinöe II right, wearing diademed stephane and horn of Ammon, scepter surmounted by lotus over far shoulder; Θ in left field, dotted border / APΣINOHΣ-ΦIΛAΔEΛΦOY, double cornucopia bound with fillet, containing pyramidal cakes, pomegranates and other fruits, grape cluster hanging from the rim of each horn; dotted border. CPE 388. Svoronos 460.
Lot 1015
Prix de départ: 4000USD
Lot 31016 > PTOLEMAIC EGYPT. Arsinöe II Philadelphus (died 270/268 BC). AV mnaieion or octodrachm (28mm, 27.73 gm, 11h). NGC MS 5/5 - 4/5. Posthumous issue of Alexandria, under Ptolemy VI-VIII, after 193/2 BC. Veiled head of deified Arsinöe II right, wearing diademed stephane and horn of Ammon, scepter surmounted by lotus over far shoulder; K in left field, dotted border / APΣINOHΣ-ΦIΛAΔEΛΦOY, double cornucopia bound with fillet, containing pyramidal cakes, pomegranates and other fruits, grape cluster hanging from the rim of each horn; dotted border. Svoronos 1498-9. SNG Copenhagen 321-2. Incredible high-relief portrait on blazing lustrous flan. Ex UBS Gold & Numismatics, Auction 76 (22 January 2008), lot 1316; Auction Bank Leu 54, (28 April 1992), lot 206; Ed Milas Collection, Chicago; Auction Vinchon (Coll. Pflieger), (April 1985), lot 424. It has been speculated that the later K-type mnaieions issued during the reigns of Ptolemy VI through VIII feature a disguised portrait of Cleopatra II, who was the sister and later wife of both brothers. If such is the case, the K behind the head could refer to Kleopatra (on the original issues of Ptolemy II-III, from which the later issues were copied, the K was one of several letters used to designate obverse dies). Certainly the portrait on these later issues bears little resemblance to the face of Arsinoë II found on the gold pieces minted closer to her lifetime. Whether or not these pieces do bear portraits of concurrent figures, it is a historical fact that the strongest of the later Ptolemaic rulers invariably were women, including the last of the line, Cleopatra VII.
Lot 1016
Prix de départ: 10000USD
Lot 31017 > PTOLEMAIC EGYPT. Arsinöe II Philadelphus (died 270/268 BC). AV mnaieion or octodrachm (28mm, 27.75 gm, 12h). NGC MS 5/5 - 3/5, edge mark. Posthumous issue of Alexandria, under Ptolemy VI-VIII, after 193/2 BC. Veiled head of deified Arsinöe II right, wearing diademed stephane and horn of Ammon, scepter surmounted by lotus over far shoulder; K in left field, dotted border / APΣINOHΣ-ΦIΛAΔEΛΦOY, double cornucopia bound with fillet, containing pyramidal cakes, pomegranates and other fruits, grape cluster hanging from the rim of each horn; dotted border. Svoronos 1498-9. SNG Copenhagen 321-2.
Lot 1017
Prix de départ: 5000USD
Lot 31018 > PTOLEMAIC EGYPT. Ptolemy II Philadelphus (285/4-246 BC). AV trichryson or triple stater (pentadrachm) (23mm, 17.70 gm, 12h). NGC XF 5/5 - 2/5, edge marks, scratches. Phoenicia, Tyre, ca. 275/4 BC. Diademed head of Ptolemy I Soter right, aegis tied around neck; dotted border / ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ-ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ, eagle standing left on thunderbolt, wings closed; H above club in left field, dotted border. CPE 555. Svoronos 636.
Lot 1018
Prix de départ: 3000USD
Lot 31019 > PTOLEMAIC EGYPT. Ptolemy III Euergetes (246-222 BC). AV mnaieion or octodrachm (27mm, 27.74 gm, 11h). NGC AU 5/5 - 4/5. Posthumous issue of Alexandria, under Ptolemy IV, ca. 219-217 BC. Bust of deified Ptolemy III right, wearing radiate diadem and aegis, ornate trident over left shoulder, the central tine ornamented with lotus finial; dotted border / ΠTOΛEMAIOY-BAΣIΛEΩΣ, cornucopia bound with radiate royal diadem, containing grain ear, pyramidal cake and pomegranate, grape cluster hanging from left side of rim; ΔI below, dotted border. CPE 888. Svoronos 1117. No other kingdom or empire in the ancient world could produce such large gold coins, and this display of economic clout drew thousands of mercenary soldiers into Egypt's service. This large and powerful army was put to maximum use by the third king of the Ptolemaic dynasty, Ptolemy III Euergetes. Shortly after inheriting the throne of the Pharaohs, he launched a massive invasion of the neighboring Seleucid Kingdom of Syria. Easily crushing all resistance, he even reached Babylon, where he proclaimed himself King of Kings. Ptolemy III's powerful portrait appears on gold mnaieions struck by his son, Ptolemy IV Philopator, who succeeded him in 221 BC. A very special thanks to Catharine Lorber, who provided this research and commentary, to give some perspective of the enormous purchasing power of mnaieions: It is tricky to estimate the purchasing power of the Ptolemaic mnaieion in terms of the modern economy. Although we possess price and wage data from Ptolemaic Egypt, our modern standard of living is so much higher that comparisons may not be entirely reliable. The average price of an artaba of wheat during the reign of Ptolemy II was 2 drachms. The mnaieion, equivalent to 100 drachms, could purchase 50 artabas at this average price. The current price of wheat in the US, as of 30 August 2019, is $4.60 per bushel. The bushel and the artaba are nearly identical measures of volume-a bushel is equivalent to 27.2155 kg, an artaba to 30 kg. The current price of 50 bushels of wheat, $230, could be deemed more-or-less equivalent to the mnaieion. This figure should be increased by 10%, to $250, to account for the 10% difference between the bushel and the artaba. However we should take into account that one of the blessings of modern life is an abundance of inexpensive food. The typical pay of an ordinary soldier in third-century Ptolemaic Egypt was 1 drachm per day, thus 30 drachms per month. (The Egyptian month was exactly 30 days long.) The mnaieion was equivalent to a soldier's pay for 3-1/3 months. Current pay for an enlisted soldier in the US Army, at the lowest pay grade, is $1680.90 per month (1). This amounts to $5703 for 3-1/3 months. According to this measure, then, the mnaieion would be equivalent to $5703. During the reign of Ptolemy II the pay of a mounted patrolman was 100 drachms per month, exactly one mnaieion (2). This may be compared with the pay of a California Highway Patrolman (3): minimum $4357.25 per month, average $7443 per month, maximum $12,714 per month. The average pay of a Texas Ranger is $4167 per month (4). It would be tempting to adopt the low figures of $4167 and $4357.25 because of their congruence with one another, and their relative closeness to the figure derived from military pay. But documents from third-century Ptolemaic Egypt indicate that the pay of mounted patrolmen fell in a range from 20 to 100 drachms per month (5). There were probably different pay grades, just as in the modern military and in other modern organizations, and 100 drachms per month was apparently the top pay rate. According to this example, the mnaieion would be equivalent to $12,714. We can certainly conclude that the mnaieion had great purchasing power, but in terms of its modern equivalent the best we can do is suggest a range between $4000 and $13,000. 1 Source: pay.defense.gov. 2 P. Rev. Col. 12 (259/8 B.C.) 3 Annual minimum $52,287, annual average $89,316, annual maximum $152,570, according to www.payscale.com/research/US/Employer=California_Highway_Patrol/Salary?page-2 4 Based on average annual pay of $50,000. Source: www.answers.com. 5 P. Petr. III 93, 20 drachms; P. Petrie III 128 239 B.C.), 30, 40, 50, 80 drachms.
Lot 1019
Prix de départ: 4000USD
Lot 31020 > CYRENAICA. Cyrene. Ca. 480-435 BC. AR tetradrachm (27mm, 17.18 gm, 11h). NGC Choice XF 3/5 - 4/5. In alliance with Euhesperides. Ε-Υ-Ε-Σ (partially off flan), silphium plant / KVPA, laureate, bearded head of Zeus Ammon right; all within prominent dotted border within incuse circle. Cf. BMC p. xlii, 60e and pl. VII, 19. SNG Copenhagen 1174 var (no ethnic on obverse). Beautiful style, with areas of luster and rainbow toning. Silphium, a rather mysterious plant that grew wild in the environs of Cyrene, was widely used as an all-purpose seasoning and medicament in the classical ancient world. Important to the local economy, it was frequently shown on the coins of Cyrene, including this splendid tetradrachm. It was said to be something of a wonder drug, used to treat cough, sore throat, fever, indigestion, and other maladies, in addition to its alleged use as a contraceptive (or abortifacient), or perhaps even an aphrodisiac. Its heart-shaped seed pod or fruit may have originated the attachment of that shape to love and romance. Modern herbalists suspect it was a type of giant fennel belonging to the gens ferula. Ancient writers were convinced silphium had gone extinct due to over-harvesting and over-grazing by animals. Pliny the Elder reported that the last known stalk of silphium found in Cyrenaica was given to the Emperor Nero "as a curiosity."
Lot 1020
Prix de départ: 2500USD
Lot 31021 > JUDAEA. The Jewish War (AD 66-70). AR shekel (23mm, 13.75 gm, 11h). NGC AU 5/5 - 4/5. Jerusalem, dated Year 1 (AD 66/7). Shekel of Israel (Paleo-Hebrew), Omer cup (ritual chalice) with pearled rim, the base resting on raised projections; Year 1 above / Jerusalem the holy (Paleo-Hebrew) around staff with three pomegranate buds, globular base. Hendin 1354.
Lot 1021
Prix de départ: 2500USD
Lot 31022 > JUDAEA. The Jewish War (AD 66-70). AR shekel (22mm, 13.80 gm, 11h). NGC MS 5/5 - 3/5. Jerusalem, dated Year 2 (AD 67/8). Shekel of Israel (Paleo-Hebrew), ritual chalice with pearled rim, the base resting on raised projections; Year 2 above / Jerusalem the holy (Paleo-Hebrew), staff with three pomegranate buds, globular base. Hendin 1358.
Lot 1022
Prix de départ: 2500USD
Lot 31023 > JUDAEA. Bar Kokhba Revolt (AD 132-135). AR sela (26mm, 14.15 gm, 1h). NGC MS 4/5 - 4/5, overstruck. Dated Year 2 (AD 133/134). Jerusalem (Paleo-Hebrew), on three sides divided by star above façade of the Jerusalem Temple, the Ark of the Covenant (or showbread table) seen from end in center of entrance / Year Two of the Freedom of Israel (Paleo-Hebrew), lulav with etrog at left. Hendin 1388.
Lot 1023
Prix de départ: 2500USD
Lot 31024 > SASANIAN KINGDOM. Shapur I the Great (AD 240-272). AV dinar (22mm, 7.39 gm, 3h). MS. Mint I ("Ctesiphon"), Phase II, ca. AD 260-272. Bust of Shapur I right, wearing mural tiara with korymbos and long ear flap, large floriate brooch on left shoulder / Large flaming fire altar flanked by two attendants, both wearing mural crowns and holding scepters. Sunrise 739. SNS type IIc/1b. Göbl type I/1. Overall very well struck and centered with sharp details on satiny flan. The second Sasanian ruler, Shapur I's long and energetic reign raised Persia to glories it had not known since the heyday of the Achaemenid Kingdom. He captured and sacked Antioch, the third greatest city of the Roman Empire, and then defeated the Roman army and captured the Emperor Valerian alive, the greatest feat of arms yet by a Sasanian monarch. His military exploits enriched the treasury and enabled him to engage in stupendous building projects. A devout Zoroastrian, he was nevertheless tolerant of other faiths and is warmly mentioned as a just king in Jewish writings. Like many Sasanian kings, his silver coinage is vast while gold is rare.
Lot 1024
Prix de départ: 2500USD
Lot 31025 > Anonymous. Ca. 211 BC. AV 60 asses (14mm, 3.39 gm, 8h). NGC Choice AU 4/5 - 4/5. Head of Mars right, bearded, wearing crested Italo-Corinthian helmet pushed back on head; VIX (VI ligate, mark of value) beneath / ROMA, eagle standing right on thunderbolt, wings spread. Crawford 44/2. Bahrfeldt 4a. Sydenham 226. Rome's capture and plundering of Syracuse in 212 BC and successes in Spain around this time provided the gold for the first large Roman coinage in that metal, circa 211 BC. Gold pieces in three denominations, with numerals setting their values at 60, 40 and 20 copper asses, were introduced alongside the silver denarius, quinarius, quadrigatus and sestertius. Although the overall coinage reform proved lasting, the gold denominations were only struck for two or three years and soon disappeared from circulation.
Lot 1025
Prix de départ: 2500USD
Lot 31026 > Julius Caesar, as Dictator (49-44 BC). AV aureus (20mm, 8.23 gm, 5h). NGC Choice AU 5/5 - 4/5. Rome, 46 BC, Aulus Hirtius, praetor. C•CAESAR-COS TER, veiled female head (Vesta or Pietas?) right, with features of Julius Caesar / A•HIRTIVS•P R, lituus, capis and securis, all turned left (emblems of the augurate and pontificate). Crawford 466/1. Sydenham 1017-1018. Hirtia 1 and Julia 22. Calicó 37c. Aulus Hirtius was a key supporter of Caesar who might have ended up as his successor in power, had events taken a different turn. An experienced soldier, he served as one of Caesar's legates in Gaul from about 54 BC and was an envoy to Pompey in 50 BC. He served Caesar loyally during the Civil War against Pompey and his successors in 48-45 BC and was appointed as Caesar's mintmaster in Rome in 46 BC, when he struck the first truly large issue of gold aurei from the spoils of Caesar's campaigns. These aurei, which bear a rather enigmatic veiled female head on the obverse, were used to pay Caesar's soldiers after the great triumphal parade. After Caesar's assassination, Hirtius initially supported Marc Antony but, after taking over as Consul in 43 BC, he raised an army against Antony at the instigation of Cicero and Octavian. His army defeated Antony at Mutina in April of 43 BC, but Hirtius was killed in the fighting; his consular colleague Pansa died days later, leaving Octavian and Antony masters of Rome. Modern historians owe Hirtius a debt of gratitude for preserving and editing Caesar's Commentaries on the Gallic and Civil Wars.
Lot 1026
Prix de départ: 4600USD
Lot 31027 > Julius Caesar, as Dictator (49-44 BC). AR denarius (20mm, 3.52 gm, 5h). NGC Choice AU 4/5 - 4/5. Rome, January-February 44 BC, moneyer P. Sepullius Macer. CAESAR•IMP, laureate head of Julius Caesar right, eight-pointed star behind / P•SEPVLLIVS-MACER, Venus Victrix standing facing, head left, Victory left in right hand, scepter set on star in left. Crawford 480/5b. Sydenham 1071. RSC 41.
Lot 1027
Prix de départ: 2650USD
Lot 31028 > Augustus (27 BC-AD 14). AV aureus (20mm, 7.82 gm, 7h). NGC Choice XF 5/5 - 2/5, Fine Style, bent, marks. Lugdunum, 11-10 BC. ΛVGVSTVS-DIVI•F, laureate head of Augustus right / IMP•XII, bull charging right, head lowered, right foreleg raised, lashing his tail. RIC I 186a. Calicó 222. Augustus' large 'bull coinage' strike at the Gallic mint of Lugdunum came at a time of aggressive expansion for the regime. The bull is a visual reference to the city of Thurium in Lucania, to which Octavian's household had a strong connection. While serving as Praetor, the father of Octavian, Gaius Octavius, led Roman forces to victory over a band of rebel slaves near Thurium in 60 BC. Probably in commemoration of this victory, Octavius bestowed on his then three-year-old son the cognomen Thurinus. Octavius died the following year and young Octavian soon dropped Thurinus from his name completely, but after his rise to power he recalled the familial connection by using a charging bull (the type used by Thurium in its Greek coinage of previous centuries) in its imagery.
Lot 1028
Prix de départ: 6000USD
Lot 31029 > Tiberius (AD 14-37). AV aureus (18mm, 7.84 gm, 9h). NGC AU 5/5 - 3/5. Lugdunum. TI CAESAR DIVI-AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head of Tiberius right / PONTIF-MAXIM, Livia, as Pax, seated right, olive branch in left hand, spear in right, feet on stool; chair with ornate legs, triple line below. RIC I 27. Calicó 305.
Lot 1029
Prix de départ: 3000USD
Lot 31030 > Tiberius (AD 14-37). AV aureus (18mm, 7.41 gm, 6h). NGC AU 5/5 - 2/5, ex-jewelry, bent. Lugdunum. TI CAESAR DIVI-AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head of Tiberius right / PONTIF-MAXIM, Livia, as Pax, seated right, olive branch in left hand, scepter in right, feet on stool; chair with ornate legs, single line below. RIC I 29. Calicó 305b. Ex Nelson Bunker Hunt Collection (Sotheby's, 20 June 1991), lot 684
