Eugène Delacroix (1798-1863). Studies of four Greek coins. 1825. Lithograph. 20x18cm. Third state of four. Signed and dated in stone. Delteil 43. Usual foxing. Of great numismatic interest. From a private collection
Beyond his most emblematic works, it is less known that the young Eugène Delacroix had a taste for the design of ancient coins. For two years, between 1824 and 1825, he thus produced several lithographs depicting Greek coins (still perfectly recognizable today) from the Cabinet des médailles (Paris). Art historian Théophile Silvestre even described these studies as "the foundation of Delacroix's drawing system"!
Lot 1
Starting price: 200€
Eugène Delacroix (1798-1863). Studies of nine greek coins. 1825. Lithograph. 30x21cm. Fourth state of five. Signed and dated in stone. Delteil 46. Usual foxing. Of great numismatic interest. From a private collection
Beyond his most emblematic works, it is less known that the young Eugène Delacroix had a taste for the design of ancient coins. For two years, between 1824 and 1825, he thus produced several lithographs depicting Greek coins (still perfectly recognizable today) from the Cabinet des médailles (Paris). Art historian Théophile Silvestre even described these studies as "the foundation of Delacroix's drawing system"!
Lot 2
Starting price: 200€
Coordination des Comités d'Action. Paris. May 1968. Revolutionary poster. 56x45cm. Amazing caricature of the popular French coin type 'La Semeuse'. Usual foxing. Of great numismatic interest. From a private collection
May 1968 events were a volatile period of civil unrest punctuated by demonstrations and massive general strikes as well as occupations of universities and factories across France. Protests reached such a point that political leaders feared a civil war... and even a revolution. The government itself momentarily ceased to function after the president secretly left France for a few hours. Although the events could have been violent, they also had artistic and festive aspects with many songs, graffitis, posters and slogans.
Lot 3
Starting price: 200€
The Numismatic Auction. 1. New-York. 13 December 1982. Parviz Nemati auctioneer. Advertising poster. 53x36cm. The Galba cover coin, former J.P.O. collection, was published in Tradart,
Lot 4
Starting price: 100€
The Numismatic Auction. 2. New-York. 12 December 1983. Dany Bendenoun auctioneer. Advertising poster. 53x36cm. The Nero cover coin, former Baron Philippe Snoy collection, was published in Tradart, "Les monnaies de l'antiquité, splendeurs et témoignages". From a private collection
Lot 5
Starting price: 100€
The Numismatic Auction. 3. New-York. 1 December 1985. Dany Bendenoun auctioneer. Advertising poster. 53x36cm. The Orrescii cover coin, former Jacques De Lodder collection, was published in Tradart, "Les monnaies de l'antiquité, inestimables richesses de l'histoire", and then sold by Numismatica Ars Classica. From a private collection
Lot 6
Starting price: 100€
Bibliothèque nationale. "Tanis, les pharaons de l'incertitude". Cabinet des médailles, Paris. 31 May 1991 - 20 October 1991. Exhibition poster. 58x40cm. From a private collection
Lot 7
Starting price: 100€
Bibliothèque nationale. "Monnaies de Chine". Cabinet des médailles, Paris. 8 September 2002 - 6 December 2002. Exhibition poster. 58x40cm. From a private collection
Lot 8
Starting price: 100€
Bibliothèque nationale. "Musée des monnaies, médailles et antiques". Paris. 2002. Advertising poster. 58x40cm. From a private collection
The Cabinet des médailles is the oldest museum in France. Opened in the 17th century, its starting point is the treasure of the Kings of France. Over the centuries, it has been enriched with leading collections (Comte de Caylus, Duc de Luynes...) and through revolutionary seizures (treasure of Abbey of Saint-Denis). Its famous collections (numismatics, ceramics, ivories, gems, jewels, bronzes, marbles...) are important benchmarks throughout the world.
Lot 9
Starting price: 100€
Bibliothèque nationale. "Caylus, mécène du roi. Collectionner les antiquités au XVIIIe siècle". Cabinet des médailles, Paris. 17 December 2002 - 17 March 2003. Exhibition poster. 58x40cm. From a private collection
Friend of Watteau, Anne Claude de Caylus (1692-1765) was a famous scholar, archaeologist, collector, antique dealer and engraver. A pioneer of archaeology as a science, he bequeathed his collection of antiques to the Cabinet des médailles in 1762.
Lot 10
Starting price: 100€
Hispania. Castulo. 1st century BC. Æ Semis (4.31g, 6h). SNG Spain 1377; Tradart 6.1 (this coin). Superb green patina. Perfectly centered and struck. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; former M.B. collection; Numismatik Lanz 1989 (50) lot 6
Lot 11
Starting price: 200€
Hispania. Rodeton. 3rd century BC. AR Drachm (4.41g). CNH 1; ACIP 10. Old cabinet tone. Unusually well preserved. Several scratches under tone, otherwise, good very fine. From a private collection
Lot 12
Starting price: 400€
Gallia. Massalia. 520-500 BC. AR Hemidrachm (2.69g). Auriol aa1; Tradart 6.33 (this coin). Old cabinet tone. Exceptional for issue. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; Auctiones 1989 (18) lot 885; Bank Leu 1977 (18) lot 113; probably from the 1867 Auriol hoard (IGCH 2352)
A medium-sized town near Marseilles (France), Auriol is where farmers have grown olive trees and vines for centuries. One of the stories of the find relates that in 1867 a farmer hit a large stone while plowing his field. With the help of his son, he removed it, founding a jar containing 2,137 silver Greek coins (about 1,500g). He tried to bargain away his discovery for a gold watch... but was offered only a silver watch instead and so broke off the negotiations with the watchmaker. Thus the coins were saved from being melted!
Lot 13
Starting price: 1000€
Gallia. Massalia. 410-300 BC. AR Obol (0.69g, 3h). Depeyrot 31; SNG Copenhagen 723. Old cabinet tone. Lovely portrait. Good very fine. From the Sadijas collection; Ponterio 2008 (145) lot 101
Lot 14
Starting price: 200€
Gallia. Massalia. 410-300 BC. AR Obol (0.67g, 3h). Depeyrot 10; SNG Copenhagen 722. Lightly toned. Good very fine. From a private collection
Lot 15
Starting price: 200€
Gallia. Massalia. 130-121 BC. AR Tetrobol (2.24g, 5h). Depeyrot 45/3; SNG Copenhagen 774. Old cabinet tone. A few old scratches under tone, otherwise, choice extremely fine. From a private collection; former G.G. (1933-2015) collection
Lot 16
Starting price: 200€
Campania. Neapolis. 360-340 BC. AR Nomos (7.46g, 2h). HN Italy 565; Gillet 16. Old cabinet tone. A lovely coin. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; Numismatica Ars Classica 2000 (18) lot 7
The types of the Neapolitan coins are probably agonistic. The head of most frequent occurrence on the obverses would seem to be that of the Siren Parthenope. In her honour, annual games were celebrated. The man-headed bull on the reverses is thought to be the River-god Acheloös, the father of the Sirens, whose cultus was wide-spread throughout the Greek world.
Lot 17
Starting price: 4000€
Campania. Cales. 260-240 BC. Æ (6.34g, 3h). Laffaille 1 = Strauss 9 = Tradart 2.4 (this coin). Splendid emerald patina. Exceptional for issue. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; former Maurice Laffaille (1902-1989) collection, Münzen & Medaillen 1991 (76) lot 9
With his special bright colors, pomp and pride, the rooster attracts the attention of any person. He faithfully served many Greek gods: Apollo, Athena, Hermes, Asclepius. In one of the myths of Ares, the god of war, turned his servant into a rooster when he did not wake up Ares and his mistress Aphrodite in time during one of their secret meetings! Since then, a servant in the guise of a rooster woke his master before dawn.
Lot 18
Starting price: 1000€
Etruria. Populonia. 211-206 BC. AR 20 asses (9.08g). Vecchi 51/59 = AMB 11 = Tradart 2.2 (this coin). Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck. One of the finest known. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; Tradart 1999 (9) lot 4 (cover coin); former Athos Moretti (1907-1993) collection, Numismatica Ars Classica 1998 (13) lot 11
In ancient Greece, the Gorgoneion was a special apotropaic amulet showing the Gorgon head. Often worn by the Olympian Athena and Zeus as a protective pendant, it established their descent from earlier deities considered to remain powerful. It was equally assumed by many rulers of the Hellenistic age as a royal aegis to imply divine birth or protection, as shown for instance on the Alexander mosaic and Gonzaga cameo.
Lot 19
Starting price: 4000€
Calabria. Tarentum. 272-235 BC. AR Nomos (6.47g, 7h). SNG ANS 1165; Vlasto 836. Old cabinet tone. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; Tradart 2001 (10) lot 87; Münchner Münzhandlung 1980 (176) lot 251
Lot 20
Starting price: 400€
Bruttium. The Brettii. 211-208 BC. Æ (7.92g, 2h). Laffaille 18 = Strauss 75 (this coin). Wonderful green patina. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; Tradart 1992 (2) lot 27; former Maurice Laffaille (1902-1989) collection, Münzen & Medaillen 1991 (76) lot 75
Lot 21
Starting price: 600€
Bruttium. Rhegium. 415-387 BC. AR Tetradrachm (16.77g, 3h). Herzfelder 95f = Larizza 248 (this coin). Old cabinet tone. Struck from high relief dies of lovely style. Insignificant double-strike on reverse. Splendid pedigree. Good very fine. From the E.L. collection; Adolph Hess 1983 (254) 63; former Barone Pompeo Bonazzi di Sannicandro (1876-1956) collection, Rodolfo Ratto 1926 (25 January) lot 776; Naville 1923 (5) lot 758; former Wilhelm Fröhner (1834-1925) collection, Rodolfo Ratto 1912 (13 May) lot 353; idem, Rodolfo Ratto 1909 (26 April) lot 1059; former Charles Billoin (1813-1869) collection, Rollin & Feuardent 1886 (22 March) lot 159; former Ferdinand Bompois (1813-1881) collection
The classical ideal of beauty reaches here its most accomplished results. This image of Apollo is generally considered as one of the best in the entire art history thanks to the wonderful expressiveness of the young god as well as the delicate rendering of his profile, in perfect contrast to the powerful image on obverse shown by means of such a relief which amazingly emphasizes the sculptural effect of the huge lion’s head. As a matter of fact, sculpture first enters the art of coinage with the series of Rhegium.
Lot 22
Starting price: 6000€
Lucania. Metapontum. 340-330 BC. AR Nomos (7.86g, 9h). Johnston B2.24; Tradart 2.17 (this coin). Lightly toned. Good very fine. From a private collection; former L.D.J. collection; former H.A. collection, Tradart 1991 (1) lot 16
The head of Leukippos is a common obverse type in Metapontum from the mid-fourth century. According to the foundation legend, he was sent by the Achaeans at the request of Sybaris to refound the city after its destruction by the Samnites. The resettlement of the city was undertaken explicitly to prevent its territory from falling into the hands of Taras, with which the Sybarites were not on friendly terms. The figure of Leukippos thus does not only represent the founder of Metapontum, making it an obvious iconographic choice, but is also an anti-Tarentine symbol.
Lot 23
Starting price: 600€
Lucania. Metapontum. 220-200 BC. Æ (5.08g, 3h). HN Italy 1714; Tradart 6.10 (this coin). Wonderful dark green patina. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; former M.B. collection; Giessener Münzhandlung 1990 (48) lot 42
Lot 24
Starting price: 400€
Lucania. Thurium. 380-360 BC. AR Dinomos (15,89g, 3h). Noe F14; HN Italy 1805. Old cabinet tone. Of lovely classical style. Insignificant die-break on obverse, otherwise, choice extremely fine. From the E.L. collection; Coin Galleries 1993 (14 April) lot 114; Santamaria 1961 (4 May) lot 23
The head of Athena is probably that of Athena Skyletria, a sea-goddess whose worship appears to have prevailed at many dangerous places on the Bruttian coasts. Concerning the meaning of the bull, there have been several hypotheses. Some take it to be a symbol of Dionysos, others to be the rushing bull indicative of the fountain Thuria from which the city took its name, while others again look upon it as symbolizing the river Krathis, and as merely an artistic development of the bull which was the type of the archaic coins of Sybaris.
Lot 25
Starting price: 1000€
Sicily. Camarina. 340-300 BC. Æ (3.56g, 1h). SNG Copenhagen 170; Westermark 208. Lovely green patina. Perfectly centered and struck. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; Tradart 2001 (10) lot 17; The New-York sale 2000 (3) lot 87
Lot 26
Starting price: 400€
Sicily. Messana. 420-413 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.08g, 3h). Boutin 1093 = Caltabiano 533.1 (this coin). Old cabinet tone. Slightly rusty dies, otherwise, choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; Gerhard Hirsch 1986 (150) lot 112; former Captain Edward George Spencer-Churchill (1876-1964) collection, Naville 1929 (14) lot 97; former Pasquale del Pezzo, Duke of Caianello, Marquis of Campodisola (1859-1936) collection, Sambon-Canessa 1927 (27 June) lot 820; former Samuel Pozzi (1846-1918) collection, Naville 1921 (1) lot 490
Here we have one of very few Greek depictions that refer to a distinct historic event and were probably meant to be read this way already in Antiquity. In 480 Anaxilas, tyrant of Rhegium, came out victorious in the mule race in Olympia, celebrating this success by introducing this new coin type. Related to the god Pan, the hare also refers to Anaxilas: according to Aristotle, the tyrant imported them into Sicily to alleviate food shortages.
Lot 27
Starting price: 2000€
Sicily. Katane. 415-405 BC. AR Litra, possibly a work of the Master Euainetos (0.76g, 3h). Gillet 376; Tradart 2.36 (this coin). Old cabinet tone. A masterpiece in miniature. Some minor corrosion spots on reverse, otherwise, good very fine. From the Sadijas collection; Tradart 1991 (1) lot 37; Gerhard Hirsch 1986 (150) lot 38
Greek coins and Attic vases often depict satyrs as being strongly built with flat noses, large pointed ears, long curly hair and full beards and sometimes ivy wreaths circling their balding heads. The satyrs, whose chief was Silenos (here depicted on obverse), are described as roguish, subversive, dangerous, and greatly dreaded by mortals (Theokritos 13.44); they love music, wine, women and always ready for every physical pleasure.
Lot 28
Starting price: 400€
Sicily. Leontinoi. 450-440 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.27g, 1h). SNG ANS 230; Gillet 441. Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck. Lovely early classical style. Choice extremely fine. From the B.H. collection; Gorny & Mosch 2001 (112) lot 4027
This outstanding coin of Leontinoi was produced in a period of relative peace between the overthrow of the Deinomenid dynasty (465 BC) and the assumption of Dionysios (405 BC). The obverse features a head of Apollo, so beautiful and delicate that it approaches the feminine. The reverse type features a dramatic lion head as a punning badge of the city (the Greek word for lion was leon...) and the four barleycorns that surround the head allude to the fertility of the Leontinoi's territory; their arrangement reflects a Syracusan influence, whose contemporary coins depict the head of Aretusa surrounded by four dolphins.
Lot 29
Starting price: 6000€
Sicily. Syracuse. 485-480 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17,23g, 9h). Boehringer 45; Jameson 742. Old cabinet tone. Perfectly centered and struck on a broad flan. A lovely and poetic example of late archaic style. Choice extremely fine. From the B.H. collection; Bank Leu 1981 (28) lot 38
"Time goes. All die. Even marble feels death’s dews.
Agrigentum’s but a shade, and Syracuse
Sleeps under the shroud of her indulgent sky;
And naught but love-wrought metal undecayed,
On silver medals, guards in flower the high,
Immortal beauty of Sicilian maid"
Jose-Maria de Heredia, Antique medal
Lot 30
Starting price: 10000€
Sicily. Syracuse. 460-440 BC. AR Tetradrachm (16.82g, 11h). Boehringer 517; SNG ANS 166. Lightly toned. Struck on a broad flan. Minor traces of overstriking. Good very fine. From the Sadijas collection
Lot 31
Starting price: 2000€
Sicily. Syracuse. 413-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm, obverse die signed by the Master Euainetos (17.15g, 11h). Tudeer 38; Tradart 2.48 (this coin). Old cabinet tone. Perfectly centered and struck on a broad flan. A wonderful specimen of enchanting beauty from one of the most celebrated Sicilian engravers. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; Numismatik Lanz 1988 (46) lot 80
It is generally agreed that the golden age of the numismatic art falls into the decades immediately following the crushing defeat of the Sicilian expedition (415-413 BC) dispatched by Athens in the hope of conquering Syracuse. This flowering of the engraver’s art at this time may have been due in large part to the plunder taken from the Athenians... Just as the metal of the coins produced at this period represented the triumph of Syracuse over Athens, so too did the high artistry advertise a triumph of spirit. Thus, the Syracusan artists developed vibrant creations and, filled with pride in their work, often signed their dies. The present tetradrachm, signed by Euainetos, "the Phidias of die-engraving" according to François Lenormant, represents one of the very best examples of the engraver’s art in this generally sublime period of coin artistry.
Lot 32
Starting price: 10000€
Sicily. Syracuse. 405-400 BC. Æ (3.31g, 11h). SNG ANS 417; CNS 24. Wonderful glossy green patina. Perfectly centered and struck on a broad flan. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection
Lot 33
Starting price: 400€
Sicily. Syracuse. 405-400 BC. AV Tetradrachm (1.16g, 11h). SNG ANS 351; Berend 3. Lightly toned. Slightly rusty reverse die, otherwise, choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; Millon Cornette de Saint Cyr 2009 (8 December) lot 768
Lot 34
Starting price: 1000€
Sicily. Syracuse. 317-300 BC. AR Stater (8.52g, 9h). SNG ANS 554; Pegasi 10. Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck. A charming coin. Exceptional for issue. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; Frank Sternberg 1990 (24) lot 22
Pegasos, the famous mythological winged-horse, appeared on Greek pottery, the earliest being Corinthian wares from the 7th century BC, and was also a popular design on coins, in particular from Corinth and later Syracuse. A famous representation in sculpture is from the pediment of the temple of Artemis on Corcyra. The Bellerophon and Pegasos myth was also popular in Roman art - especially cameos and floor mosaics - where the horse became symbolic of immortality.
Lot 35
Starting price: 1000€
Sicily. Syracuse. 310-305 BC. Æ (4.23g, 3h). SNG ANS 646; CNS 85. Splendid dark green patina. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; Tradart 1992 (2) lot 42; Münzen & Medaillen 1989 (522) lot 11
Lot 36
Starting price: 200€
Sicily. Syracuse. Hiero II. 274-216 BC. AV Drachm (4.26g, 12h). Duchastel 174; Tradart 2.52 (this coin). Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck. Of remarkably fine style. A lovely coin. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection
Former general of Pyrrhus and an important figure of the first Punic war, Hiero was the Greek tyrant of Syracuse from 270 to 215 BC and the illegitimate son of a Syracusan noble, Hierokles, who claimed descent from Gelon. A picture of the prosperity of Syracuse during his rule is given in the sixteenth idyll of Theokritos, his favourite poet. In "the Prince", Machiavelli cites Hiero as an exceptionally virtuous man and a rare example of someone who rose to princely power from previously being a private individual... comparing him to Moses, Cyrus, Romulus and Theseus.
Lot 37
Starting price: 2000€
Sicily. Syracuse. Republic. 214-212 BC. AR 8 Litrai (6.71g, 1h). Burnett 94; HGC 1414. Old cabinet tone. Perfectly centered and struck. A charming coin. Insignificant flan crack. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; Giessener Münzhandlung 1988 (42) lot 112
Lot 38
Starting price: 400€
Sicily. The Carthaginians. 350-320 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.33g, 1h). SNG Lloyd 1630; Jenkins 141. Old cabinet tone. Perfectly centered and struck on a broad flan. Exceptional for issue. Choice extremely fine. From the B.H. collection; former Y.L. collection; Numismatic Fine Arts 1987 (18) lot 71
In the final decade of the 5th century, Carthaginians launched a series of invasions of Sicily, conquering much of the western half of the island and bringing devastation to many formerly flourishing Greek settlements. They struck, during their time of occupation, an extensive coinage in Sicily for the purpose of financing their military operations and the maintenance of troops. Obverses et reverses are thus mostly influenced by Sicilian prototypes, particularly those of Syracuse.
Lot 39
Starting price: 6000€
Sicily. The Carthaginians. 330-300 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.14g, 11h). Jenkins 189; Tradart 6.128 (this coin). Old cabinet tone. Struck on a broad flan. Of late classical style. Good very fine. From the Sadijas collection; Tradart 1994 (4) lot 123; The Numismatic Auction 1982 (1) lot 177
The horse is usually considered part of the foundation myth of Carthage: "Deep in the city’s heart there was a grove of beauteous shade, where once the Tyrians, cast here by stormful waves, delved out of earth that portent which Queen Juno bade them find... the head of a proud horse, that ages long their boast might be wealth, luxury and war" (Virgil, Aeneid, 1.441).
Lot 40
Starting price: 2000€
Thrace. Lysimachos. Kolophon. 299-297 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.14g, 1h). Müller 19; Price L23. Old cabinet tone. Good very fine. From a private collection; Tradart 1993 (3) lot 49; Bank Leu 1987 (42) lot 158
Lot 41
Starting price: 1000€
Thrace. Lysimachos. Lampsakos. 297-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (16.99g, 1h). Thompson 59; Tradart 6.43 (this coin). Lightly toned. Struck on a broad flan with a portrait of particularly fine style. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; former H.A. collection, Tradart 1991 (1) lot 76
No life-time coin portraits of Alexander are known, and the first coins bearing his effigy were minted at Alexandria shortly after his death. They are, however, surpassed by the expression, the power and the brilliance of the Alexander's heads on issues of Lysimachos struck in Northern Greece and Asia Minor of which our tetradrachm is an outstanding example. The ram horn alludes to Alexander's visit to the Ammon oracle in the oasis of Siwa, where the god allegedly greeted him as his son.
Lot 42
Starting price: 1000€
Thrace. Lysimachos. Mytilene. 294-290 BC. AR Drachm (4.23g, 2h). Müller -; Tradart 6.42 (this coin). Old cabinet tone. Perfectly centered and struck. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; former M.B. collection; Tkalec 1992 (23 October) lot 83
Lot 43
Starting price: 600€
Thrace. Lysimachos. Asia Minor (?). 3rd century BC. AV Stater (8.49g, 1h). Nomos 2017 (15) lot 50; Tradart 2.77 (this coin). Lightly toned. Probably the 2nd and finest specimen known of this fascinating and intriguing issue. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; Giessener Münzhandlung 1989 (44) lot 179
According to the Nomos AG numismatists, exactly who is meant to be portrayed on the obverse of this coin is uncertain; what we can say is that it is certainly not Alexander! This portrait looks much more like a Seleucid (Hierax?) or even a Cappadocian (Ariarathes IV?) king. A number of posthumous staters struck in the name of Philip II are known bearing distinctively individual portraits, so the possibility of this exceptional coin being struck in the name of Lysimachos, but bearing the portrait of a contemporary ruler would be quite reasonable.
Lot 44
Starting price: 2000€
Thrace. The Orrescii. 500-480 BC. AR Tristater (28.78g). Tzamalis D4.R4; Tradart JDL 12. Old cabinet tone. Perfectly centered and struck on a broad flan. An impressive and outstanding coin. Possibly the finest known. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; former W.E. collection
This splendid tristater of the Orrescii - a tribe known only from its coinage - bears a composition that is virtually identical to that found on coins of the same denomination issued contemporarily by the Edones, the Ichnai and the Tyntenoi. The meaning of this pastoral design, which shows a naked, bearded man wearing a Causia and conducting two oxen, is not certainly known. It may be a herdsman or a local hero performing a feat from some local myth, more probably the god Hermes in the midst of stealing the cattle of the sun.
Lot 45
Starting price: 20000€
Thrace. The Derrones. 500-480 BC. AR Tetrastater (39.94g). Boutin 1463; Tzamalis B2. Old cabinet tone. Usual small pits. An impressive and fascinating archaic coin of great numismatic interest. From a private collection; probably from the 1912 Štip hoard (IGCH 355)
Lot 46
Starting price: 6000€
Thrace. Apollonia Pontika. 420-400 BC. AR Tetradrachm (16.91g, 1h). Paunov 29 = Topalov 20.1 (this coin). Lightly toned. Apparently the 3rd and finest specimen known. Choice extremely fine. From the B.H. collection; Numismatik Lanz 1994 (68) lot 80
Lot 47
Starting price: 6000€
Thrace. Abdera. 395-360 BC. AR Stater (12.80g, 1h). May 393; Tradart 1991 (1) lot 68. Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck. Minor area of corrosion on obverse. A superb coin of charming late classical style. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; former W.E collection; probably from the 1986 Thrace hoard (CH 8.103)
The griffin is a legendary powerful and majestic creature with the body, tail and back legs of a lion, and the head and wings of an eagle. Like numismatists and collectors... they were known for guarding treasures! Here, the engraver has allowed the abstract and decorative qualities of his subject to predominate, producing a deliciously curvaceous and flowing design, interwoven with anatomical details which succesfully depict this fanciful creature.
Lot 48
Starting price: 6000€
Thrace. Istros. 280-255 BC. AR Drachm (6.16g, 6h). AMNG 423; Tradart 6.37. Old cabinet tone. A lovely coin. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; former R.D. collection; Numismatik Lanz 1994 (70) lot 34
Lot 49
Starting price: 600€
Thrace. Thasos. 435-411 BC. AR Drachm (3.46g). SNG Copenhagen 1018; Le Rider 8. Old cabinet tone. Perfectly centered and struck. A lovely coin. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; former Raul Abecassis (1905-1977) collection, Bank Leu 1983 (33) lot 269; former Jules Desneux (1885-1962) collection, Adolph Hess & Bank Leu 1971 (49) lot 98
The overtly sexual displays seen on many early Greek coins can be disconcerting to the modern eye viewing them through the lens of centuries of Christian fulminations against paganism and its erotic excesses. These graphic scenes show the interplay of nymphs and satyrs. Cities and tribes of this region were only newly introduced to Greek influences and were still close to their roots in farming and herding cultures; their gods were not Olympian but more the spirits of nature, and the emphasis was on celebrating the fecundity of fields and flocks.
Lot 50
Starting price: 1000€
Macedon. Philip II. Pella. 342-336 BC. AR Tetradrachm (14.45g, 1h). SNG ANS 385; Le Rider 280. Old cabinet tone. Insignificant double strike on reverse. Wonderful portrait of superb style. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; Tradart 1998 (8) lot 48
"Philip took care to have his victories at Olympia engraved upon his coins" said Plutarch (4.9). Used to advertise victories at Olympia and other games, he displayed his synoris (two-horse chariot race) victories on gold coins and his keles (horseback race) victories on silver coins. It was a double triumph for Philip because he not only won the race but, more importantly, he had been admitted to the games as a true Greek; indeed a barbarian, as many enemies called him, was note eligible.
Lot 51
Starting price: 1000€
Macedon. Philip II. Asia Minor. After 294 BC. AV Stater (8.61g, 12h). Le Rider -; Tradart 6.59 (this coin). Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck. Exceptional for issue. Choice extremely fine. From the B.H. collection; Tradart 1994 (4) lot 45; former Y.L. collection
This outstanding coin is one of a very small group of staters struck in the name of Philip II which bear portraits of individuals rather than generic heads of Apollo. Most were struck from the 3rd century, however the identities of the people portrayed are very often uncertain (Philip V, Nabis of Sparta, Hierax and various tyrants have been suggested).
Lot 52
Starting price: 4000€
Macedon. Alexander III. Kallatis. 250-225 BC. AV Stater (8.59g, 1h). Price 893; Müller -. Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck on a broad flan. Artistic dies. Insignificant die-break on obverse. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; Giessener Münzhandlung 1999 (96) lot 103
Lot 53
Starting price: 2000€
Macedon. Alexander III. Abydos (under Leonnatos, Arrhidaios or Antigonos Monophthalmos). 323-317 BC. AV Stater (8.51g, 11h). Price 1525; Tradart 6.61 (this coin). Lightly toned. Insignificant scratches under tone. Good very fine. From the Sadijas collection
Lot 54
Starting price: 2000€
Macedon. Alexander III. Lampsakos (under Leonnatos, Arrhidaios or Antigonos Monophthalmos). 330-320 BC. AV Stater (8.40g, 12h). Price 1368; Anadol 228. Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck on a broad flan. A coin of great elegance and delicacy. Exceptional for issue. Choice extremely fine. From the B.H. collection
"Give me all Alexander’s coins you have, so that I can bring hopes of luck to all my friends" asked the well-known French novelist, journalist and politician Maurice Barrès (1862-1923). Nobody more than Alexander the Great has stimulated our imaginations, he who left in India on the side of the Hydaspes river, over-lifesize beds to let posterity dream...
Lot 55
Starting price: 4000€
Macedon. Alexander III. Pella (under Antipater or Polyperchon). 325-315 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.20g, 11h). Price 213; Demanhur 1601. Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck. Exceptional for issue. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection
"Alexander fought many battles, captured fortresses, and put the kings of the earth to death. He advanced to the ends of the earth, gathering plunder from many nations; the earth fell silent before him, and his heart became proud and arrogant. He collected a very strong army and won dominion over provinces, nations, and rulers, and they paid him tribute. But after all this he took to his bed, realizing that he was going to die. So he summoned his noblest officers, who had been brought up with him from his youth, and divided his kingdom among them while he was still alive. Alexander had reigned twelve years when he died. So his officers took over his kingdom, each in his own territory, and after his death they all put on diadems, and so did their sons after them for many years, multiplying evils on the earth" (1 Maccabees 1).
Lot 56
Starting price: 4000€
Macedon. Alexander III. Babylon. 317-311 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.07g, 2h). Price 3704; Tradart 2.102 (this coin). Lightly toned. A superb coin of enchanting beauty. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; Numismatik Lanz 1992 (62) lot 193
Lot 57
Starting price: 1000€
Macedon. Alexander III. Asia Minor. 323-280 BC. AR Drachm (4.27g, 12h). Price 2705; SNG Copenhagen 992. Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; Numismatica Ars Classica 2002 (23) lot 1189; Astarte 1999 (2) lot 129
Lot 58
Starting price: 600€
Macedon. Philip III. Babylon (under Archon, Dokimos or Seleukos). 323-317 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.15g, 2h). Price P205; Müller P117. Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; Numismatik Lanz 1992 (62) lot 220
Lot 59
Starting price: 1000€
Macedon. Philip III. Kolophon (under Menander or Kleitos). 322-319 BC. AR Drachm (4.29g, 1h). Price P46; Müller P135. Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; Gerhard Hirsch 1990 (166) lot 227
Lot 60
Starting price: 400€
Macedon. Demetrios Poliorketes. Amphipolis. 291-283 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.15g, 3h). Newell 89; Tradart 6.65 (this coin). Old cabinet tone. Perfectly centered and struck. Lovely portrait. Insignificant scratches, otherwise, choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; Tradart 1999 (9) lot 42; Jean Vinchon 1999 (26 April) lot 100
About 291 BC, Demetrios replaced the Alexandrine coin types in use in Macedon with his own head, adorned with bull's horns. The bull was sacred to Poseidon, his divine protector, and the horns symbolize the apotheosis of the king himself. This was a significant change, which inaugurated a long tradition of numismatic portraits of monarchs. This innovation was such that - according to Roman historians - Demetrios subjects were scandalized by his hubris, and these coins precipitated his downfall.
Lot 61
Starting price: 2000€
A Greek amethyst intaglio with Herakles. 3rd-2nd centuries BC. 13mm. From a private collection; former Félix-Bienaimé Feuardent (1819-1907) collection
"What numismatics and archaeology owe to Félix-Bienaimé Feuardent is what numismatists and antique dealers around the world know" (Ernest Babelon). Life-long friend of the painter Jean-François Millet, Félix-Bienaimé Feuardent, after having worked as a bookseller-numismatist, left Cherbourg for Paris to settle down with Claude Camille Rollin. His professional reputation quickly encouraged him to expand his activity and to open additional offices in New York, Berlin and London, which earned him a reputation as an international expert. Legend has it that, with closed eyes and wearing thick gloves (!), he could distinguish and recognize the profile of any emperor, even on very worn Roman bronzes!
Lot 62
Starting price: 6000€
Macedon. Antigonos Gonatas. Amphipolis. 270-239 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.11g, 11h). Merker 46; Tradart 2.110 (this coin). Old cabinet tone. Perfectly centered and struck. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; former B.L.G.V collection; Tradart 1995 (5) lot 53; The Numismatic Auction 1982 (1) lot 68
From 270 BC, Antigonos Gonatas issued a new type of silver tetradrachms. The obverse depicts the head of the god Pan with a 'pedum' at his shoulder placed as the central emblem on a Macedonian shield, a reference to the help of the god when he caused a panic terror among the Gauls during Antigonos battle with them near Lysimachia in 277 BC.
Lot 63
Starting price: 2000€
Macedon. Philip V. Pella or Amphipolis. 184-179 BC. AR Tetrobol, reverse die probably signed by the Master Zoïlos (2.50g, 11h). Liampi M39a; Callataÿ in Revue Archéologique 1995/1. Old cabinet tone. Perfectly centered and struck. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; Tradart 2001 (10) lot 55; possibly from the 1983 Macedonia hoard (CH 8.419)
Lot 64
Starting price: 200€
Macedon. Perseus. Pella or Amphipolis. 174-173 BC. AR Tetradrachm, reverse die probably signed by the Master Zoïlos (16.79g, 1h). Mamroth 4; Callataÿ in Revue Archéologique 1995/1. Old cabinet tone. Lovely portrait. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection
Lot 65
Starting price: 1000€
Macedon. Perseus. Pella or Amphipolis. 170-168 BC. AR Tetradrachm (15.28g, 1h). Mamroth 25; SNG München 1199. Old cabinet tone. Choice extremely fine. From the E.L. collection; Coin Galleries 1984 (24 February) lot 83; Coin Galleries 1973 (18 July) lot 207