Britannia. Trinovantes. Addedomaros. 40-30 BC. AV Stater (5.55g). SCBC 200; VA 1605.1. Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck. Minor flan cracks on obverse. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; Leu Numismatics 2000 (79) lot 16
Lot 1
Precio inicial: 800€
Britannia. Trinovantes. Dubnovellaunos. 30-25 BC. AV 1/4 Stater (1.29g, 6h). SCBC 208; VA 1660.1. Lightly toned. Minor flan crack, otherwise, choice extremely fine. From a private collection, acquired from Arnumis (Anne Demeester), Brussels, 1998
Lot 2
Precio inicial: 400€
Gallia. Tolosates. 2nd century BC. AR Drachm (2.65g). LT 2986; Savès 75. Old cabinet tone. The sole Celtic coinage depicting an Ethiopian! Choice extremely fine. From a private collection
"We are whiter and brighter in our souls than the whitest of you" (Pseudo-Callisthenes 3.18). The Ethiopians were indeed considered in ancient times as the most religious people. Diodorus of Sicily also claimed that Heracles and Dionysus were both "awaded by the piety" of the Ethiopians, whose sacrifices were the most acceptable to the gods
Lot 3
Precio inicial: 200€
Gallia. Sotiates. 2nd century BC. AR Drachm (2.88g). LT 3015; Savès 236. Old cabinet tone. One of the finest known. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; possibly from the 1899 Le Causé hoard (ABT 244)
Lot 4
Precio inicial: 200€
Gallia. Santones. 1st century BC. AR Quinarius (1.91g, 9h). DT 3265; LT 4525. Old cabinet tone. A lovely coin. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection, acquired from Arnumis (Anne Demeester), Brussels, 1996
Lot 5
Precio inicial: 200€
Gallia. Aulerci Eburovices. 2nd century BC. AV Hemistater (3.13g, 9h). DT 2395; LT 7019. Old cabinet tone. Among the finest known. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection
Lot 6
Precio inicial: 800€
Gallia. Ambiani. 1st century BC. AV Stater (5.73g). Class 5. DT -; LT -. Very rare. Lightly toned. Boldly struck. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; Jean Elsen 2009 (103) lot 10
Lot 7
Precio inicial: 800€
Gallia. Nervii. 1st century BC. AV Stater (5.62g, 6h). DT 623; LT 8766. Old cabinet tone. Edge splits. With full inscription on reverse. Good very fine. From a private collection; Gemini 2007 (3) lot 1
"Horum omnium fortissimi sunt Belgae!" The Nervii were indeed one of the most powerful Belgic tribes. Their lifestyle was a Spartan one, not wanting alcoholic beverages or any other such luxury because feeling that the mind must remain clear to be brave
Lot 8
Precio inicial: 800€
Gallia. Helvetii. Early 3rd century BC. AV Stater (8.45g, 1h). Imitation of Philip II of Macedon. Apparently unpublished and unique. Perfectly centered and struck on a broad flan. Some scattered marks and scuffs, possibly once mounted. A coin of great numismatic interest. Good very fine. From a private collection
Lot 9
Precio inicial: 3000€
Gallia. Sequani. 1st century BC. Æ Potin (5.13g, 3h). DT 3095; LT 5390. Lovely dark patina. Inventory number on reverse. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; former Johns Hopkins University collection, Numismatic Fine Arts & Bank Leu 1984 (16 October) lot 45; former John Work Garrett (1872-1942) collection
Lot 10
Precio inicial: 200€
Eugène Delacroix (1798-1863). Sheet of nine greek coins. 1825. Lithograph. 30x21cm. Signed and dated in stone. Printed by Bertauts, published by L'Artiste, Paris. Fourth state of five. Delteil 46. Usual foxing. Of great numismatic interest. From a private collection
Beyond his most emblematic works, it is less known that the young Delacroix had a taste for 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 11
Precio inicial: 200€
Eugène Delacroix (1798-1863). Sheet of twelve greek coins. 1825. Lithograph. 30x24cm. Signed and dated in stone. Printed by Bertauts, published by L'Artiste. Third state of five. Delteil 47. Usual foxing. Of great numismatic interest. From a private collection
Beyond his most emblematic works, it is less known that the young Delacroix had a taste for 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 12
Precio inicial: 200€
Hispania. Castulo. 1st century BC. Æ Semis (4.31g, 6h). SNG Spain 1377; Tradart 6.1 (this coin). Lovely green patina. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; Numismatik Lanz 1989 (50) lot 6
Lot 13
Precio inicial: 200€
Gallia. Massalia. 215-200 BC. AR Obol (0.61g, 6h). Obverse die signed by the master PAR... LT 687; MHM 20. Lightly toned. A lovely coin. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; Millon & Associés 2008 (21 May) lot 11
Lot 14
Precio inicial: 200€
Etruria. Populonia. 211-206 BC. AR 20 Asses (9.08g). Basel 11 = Tradart 2.2 = Vecchi 51.59 (this coin). Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck. Superb extremely fine. From a private collection; former Athos Moretti (1907-1993) collection, Numismatica Ars Classica 1998 (13) lot 11
In ancient Greece, Gorgoneion was a special apotropaic amulet showing the Gorgon head. Often worn by Athena and Zeus as a protective pendant, it established their descent from earlier deities considered to remain powerful. It was also 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 15
Precio inicial: 2000€
Campania. Phistelia. 360-340 BC. AR Obol (0.48g, 7h). SNG ANS 567; SNG France 1117. Old cabinet tone. A charming coin. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; former H.A. collection, Tradart 1991 (1) lot 4
Lot 16
Precio inicial: 200€
Calabria. Tarentum. Alexander the Molossian. 334-332 BC. AV Hemistater (4.21g, 3h). Fischer-Bossert G7.y (this coin); Kraay-Hirmer 317. Very rare. Old cabinet tone. A work of a talented artist. Good very fine. From a private collection; Numismatik Lanz 1984 (30) lot 43; Münzen & Medaillen 1953 (11) lot 28; former Count Alessandro Magnaguti (1887-1966) collection, Santamaria 1949 (12 October) lot 144
Lot 17
Precio inicial: 6000€
Calabria. Tarentum. Pyrrhos of Epeiros. 276-272 BC. AV Obol (0.85g, 12h). Fischer-Bossert G34 (same dies); Jameson 162 (same dies). Very rare. Lightly toned. Well centered. Minor traces of overstriking on reverse. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection
Lot 18
Precio inicial: 1000€
Lucania. Sybaris. 525-500 BC. AR Nomos (8.31g, 12h). Schefold 442 (this coin); SNG München 1154. Very rare. Old cabinet tone. Perfectly centered and struck. Of wonderful archaic style. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; Münzen & Medaillen 1975 (52) lot 47; former Robert Käppeli (1900-2000) collection
The first coins struck in Italy are of a unique and original form, whose invention has been attributed to none other than Pythagoras, the famous philosopher and mathematician. Impressed in relief on one side and incuse or intaglio on the other, perhaps adopted from repoussé work, these silver nomos were struck on the Italic-Achaean weight standard of about 8 grams which on the authority of Aristotle was called nomos, meaning 'law or convention'
Lot 19
Precio inicial: 4000€
Bruttium. Caulonia. 525-500 BC. AR Nomos (8.58g, 12h). Johnston-Noe A9; SNG ANS 145 (this obverse die). Very rare. Old cabinet tone. Perfectly centered and struck on a full flan. A coin of great elegance and charm. Possibly the finest known. Superb extremely fine. From a private collection; former Armand Trampitsch (1893-1975) collection, Jean Vinchon 1986 (13 November) lot 37
The amazing figure of Apollo on the archaic coinage of Caulonia has been much discussed, as it appears to represent a particular part of the legend of Apollo, the famous god of prophecy at Delphi. In the foundation myth of this shrine, Apollo was said to have killed the serpent Pytho, and in order to purify himself, he went to the Vale of Tempe, a gorge in Thessaly. A messenger carried a branch of laurel back to Delphi, whose small figure can be seen running on this coin on Apollo's outstretched left arm. In the archaic period Caulonia was a Greek colony of considerable importance though very little is known of its history. In antiquity it was said to be one of the places in which the Greek philosopher Pythagoras was active
Lot 20
Precio inicial: 20000€
Sicily. Acragas. 460-450 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.17g, 9h). Baldwin Brett 223 = Westermark 423.2 (this coin). Very rare. Old cabinet tone. Perfectly centered and struck on a full flan. Insignificant traces of overstriking on reverse. The second known from these dies. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; Numismatic Fine Arts 1987 (18) lot 28; former Boston Museum of Fine Arts collection, Numismatic Fine Arts 1980 (8) lot 16
Lot 21
Precio inicial: 4000€
Sicily. Acragas. 420-415 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.23g, 3h). Bank Leu 1976 (15) lot 51 (same dies); Westermark 529.6 (same dies). Very rare. Less than ten known from these dies. Old cabinet tone. Perfectly centered and struck. Insignificant marks and die breaks. Among the most fascinating and masterly engraved compositions of the entire Sicilian series. Superb extremely fine. From a private collection, acquired from Tradart, Brussels, 1988; possibly from the 1960 Pachino hoard (IGCH 2090)
The identification of this remarkable fish has caused some controversy. It has been called a gurnard, a John Dory or most often a stone-bass... The most convincing identification is however that given by Zeuner, who concludes that it is not a Cernia, but a related sea-perch or mero (Epinephelus guaza), a very large species reaching four feet in length. Both species appear in Aristotle under the common name Orphos. The enormous mouth is shown gaping, and Zeuner assumes that the reason for this is that engraver "did not use a live specimen... but one that had died from suffocation". However, the fish does not seem here not death at all; on the contrary, the open jaws enhance its ferocious look. On fish plates these giant fish are sometimes drawn with open mouth when, simply, chasing a smaller fish swimming in front of them
Lot 22
Precio inicial: 40000€
Sicily. Selinus. 540-515 BC. AR Didrachm (8.47g). Arnold-Biucchi Group 1; SNG Copenhagen 591. Old cabinet tone. Good very fine. From a private collection; former Armand Trampitsch (1893-1975) collection, Jean Vinchon 1986 (13 November) lot 78
Lot 23
Precio inicial: 1000€
Sicily. Selinus. 450-440 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.36g, 2h). Gulbenkian 243 (same obverse die); Schwabacher 4. Very rare. Lightly toned. Struck on a full flan and unusually complete. Usual die wear. A remarkable and elaborate depiction of a cult act at Selinus. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; Giessener Münzhandlung 1986 (33) lot 37
The reverse is a dramatic and symbolic representation of a cult act in honour of the local river-god. He stands holding a branch and bowl, with which he is about to make an offering at the altar. This composition recalls some Greek vase painting. The bull on pedestal suggests that the artist had a real object in mind, as also seems likely in the case of the depiction of the river-god, whose archaic style suggests an actual cult statue. The badge of the city, the selinon or parsley leaf, has been relegated to a small symbol behind the god
Lot 24
Precio inicial: 10000€
Sicily. Gela. 415-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.02g, 3h). Jenkins 483.32 (this coin); Jameson 191. Very rare. Old cabinet tone. A lovely coin of superb classical style. Good very fine. From a private collection; former Roger Peyrefitte (1907-2000) collection, Jean Vinchon 1974 (29 April) lot 18
Lot 25
Precio inicial: 8000€
Sicily. Zancle. 491-490 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.16g, 6h). Barron 12; Cohen 2.1. Very rare. Lightly toned. Ancient test cut on obverse. A coin of great historical interest. Good very fine. From a private collection; possibly from the 1901 Zagazig hoard (IGCH 1945)
Lot 26
Precio inicial: 1000€
Sicily. Leontini. 466-460 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.12g, 7h). Unsigned work by the Demareteion Master. Numismatica Ars Classica 2017 (100) lot 84 (same dies but early reverse die state); Randazzo 88. Very rare. Old cabinet tone. Perfectly centered and struck on a broad flan. A charming coin of the finest late archaic-early classical style. Reverse die probably re-engraved. Worn obverse die and minor traces of overstriking on reverse, otherwise, choice extremely fine. From a private collection; Nomos 2020 (20) lot 56 (wrongly withdrawn); Gorny & Mosch 2014 (219) lot 36; Giessener Münzhandlung 1990 (48) lot 81; Frank Sternberg 1987 (19) lot 40; probably from the 1980 Randazzo hoard (CH 7.17)
Lot 27
Precio inicial: 10000€
Sicily. Leontini. 430-425 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.43g, 3h). Attributed to the Leaf Master. Boehringer 55 (same dies); Rizzo 24.4 (same dies). Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck. Insignificant usual die break on obverse. An exceptional specimen of this desirable issue, a severe portrait of great intensity. Superb extremely fine. From a private collection; The Numismatic Auction 1985 (3) lot 28
Lot 28
Precio inicial: 2000€
Sicily. Syracuse. 415-405 BC. AR Drachm (4.08g, 9h). Signed work by the Master Eumenos. Baldus 3; Rizzo 42.9 (same dies). Very rare. Less than ten known. Old cabinet tone. A charming coin. Good very fine. From a private collection; Münzen & Medaillen 1986 (68) lot 154
Lot 29
Precio inicial: 1000€
Sicily. Syracuse. 415-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (16.97g, 9h). Reverse die signed by the master Eukleidas. Fischer-Bossert 58 (same dies); Kraay-Hirmer 111 (same dies). Very rare. Old cabinet tone. An important and innovative coin of a magnificent classical style. One of the most successful facing heads in all of Greek coinage. Insignificant metal flaw and die breaks, otherwise, choice extremely fine. From a private collection; acquired from Tradart, Brussels, 1990
Eukleidas is perhaps less well known than his contemporaries Kimon and Euainetos, but he was undoubtedly the most imaginative and bold of the three great Syracusan artists working at the end of the fifth century. His signature appears in very small letters on the helmet of the head of Athena. This is one of the most successful facing heads to appear on contemporary coinage; though the engraving of the die has no great depth, Eukleidas has created a very three dimensional head, partly by devices such as having the tail of the dolphin on the right disappear behind the head. This was one of the many contemporary Syracusan coins which were enjoyed throughout the Greek world, as imitations as far away as Lycia show
Lot 30
Precio inicial: 40000€
Sicily. Syracuse. Dionysius. 405-400 BC. AV Double Decadrachm (5.80g, 1h). Attributed to the master Kimon. Bérend 31 (same dies); Numismatica Ars Classica 2013 (74) lot 280 (same dies). Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck on a gem-like flan in high relief. Exceptional for issue. Good extremely fine. From a private collection; Jean Vinchon 1997 (9 December) lot 9
The use of gold and the large size of the silver dekadrachms made Dionysius' new coinage system look very impressive. It seems that the function of this prestigious coinage was to pay for the mercenaries whom Dionysius hired in the great struggles against Carthage. The typology of the gold may reflect this function: although the obverse is the head of Arethusa from the silver coinage, a new reverse has been introduced, showing the hero Herakles strangling the Nemean lion. The design is obviously well-suited to the tondo of a coin, but it is easy to see in it an allegory of the struggle of Syracuse against barbarian Carthage
Lot 31
Precio inicial: 10000€
Sicily. Syracuse. Agathokles. 310-305 BC. EL Decadrachm (3.58 g, 6h). Jenkins Group B; SNG Copenhagen 704 (same obverse die). Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; Numismatic Fine Arts 1987 (18) lot 63
Lot 32
Precio inicial: 1000€
Sicily. Carthaginian occupation. Uncertain mint. 350-320 BC. AR Tetradrachm (16.35g, 12h). Jenkins 364; Naples 4812. Old cabinet tone. Perfectly centered and struck on a broad flan. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection, acquired from Tradart, Brussels, 1977
Lot 33
Precio inicial: 800€
Sicily. Carthaginian occupation. Uncertain mint. 350-320 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.07g, 1h). Jenkins 170 (these dies); SNG Lockett 1053. Old cabinet tone. Perfectly centered and struck. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; Numismatica Ars Classica 1997 (10) lot 188
Lot 34
Precio inicial: 800€
Zeugitana. Carthage. 350-320 BC. AV 1/5 Stater (1.44g, 1h). Jenkins-Lewis 134; SNG Copenhagen 131. Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck on a broad flan. Exceptional for issue. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; Numismatik Lanz 1996 (78) lot 379
Lot 35
Precio inicial: 800€
Zeugitana. Carthage. 350-320 BC. AV 1/10 Stater (0.74g, 9h). Baldwin Brett 500; Jenkins-Lewis 141. Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck on a full flan. Exceptional for issue. Superb extremely fine. From a private collection, acquired from Tradart, Geneva, 1997
According to Virgil, 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" (Aeneid 1.441)
Lot 36
Precio inicial: 800€
Thrace. Mesembria. 400-350 BC. AR Obol (1.29g, 9h). SNG Copenhagen 652; SNG Stancomb 219. Old cabinet tone. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; Tradart 1999 (9) lot 39
Lot 37
Precio inicial: 100€
Thrace. Mesembria. 350-310 BC Æ 16 (4.24g, 9h). Laffaille 101; SNG Stancomb 225. Lovely dark green patina. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; Tradart 1992 (2) lot 48
Lot 38
Precio inicial: 200€
Thrace. Thasos. 500-480 BC. AR Stater (9.56g). Le Rider 2; Franke-Hirmer 435. Old cabinet tone. Perfectly centered and struck on a broad flan. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; The Numismatic Auction 1983 (2) lot 71
Lot 39
Precio inicial: 2000€
Thrace. Thasos. 390-335 BC. AR Tetradrachm (15.39g, 11h). West 32b; Pixodaros 28a (this coin). Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck. Some deposits on obverse. A fascinating coin of enchanting beauty. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; Münzen & Medaillen 1987 (72) lot 550; from the 1978 Pixodaros hoard (CH 9.421)
Heracles is undoubtedly the most famous of all heroes. He would have accomplished innumerables exploits and nobody would have killed more monsters than him! Although some facial details led to caricature (Epicharmus had already left a memorable portrait of him as a greedy pig eating with creaking jaws), the Ancients did not hesitate to transform the hero obsessed about fights, wounds and excesses, into a master of wiseness and a model of all virtues
Lot 40
Precio inicial: 10000€
Macedon. Alexander the Great. Lampsacus. 330-320 BC. AV Stater (8.54g, 12h). Müller 620; Price 1368. Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck on a broad flan. A coin of great elegance. Superb extremely fine. From a private collection
The coinage of Alexander the Great was the most important currency of the Hellenistic period. The winged figure of Victory on reverse holds a stylis, the upper part of a ship's mast, which indicates victory in a naval battle. As Price has suggested in his monumental catalogue, this victory depiction was supposed to remind the Greeks of the successful battle of Salamis (480 BC) and to give them courage in their fight against the Persian empire
Lot 41
Precio inicial: 2000€
Macedon. Alexander the Great. Sidon. 327-326 BC. AV Stater (8.65g, 1h). Cohen 867; Price 3482. Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck. From the earliest issue of dated Sidon staters. Superb extremely fine. From a private collection
Lot 42
Precio inicial: 2000€
Macedon. Alexander the Great. Aradus. 328-320 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.12g, 5h). Müller 1370; Price 3332. Old cabinet tone. Good very fine. From a private collection; acquired from Art Antique (Jean-Pierre Kemmel), Reims, 1985
Lot 43
Precio inicial: 200€
Macedon. Philip III Arrhidaeus. Miletus. 323-317 BC. Æ Chalcus (1.23g, 9h). Price P65; Strauss 317 (this coin). Lovely dark green patina. Good very fine. From a private collection; Tradart 1994 (4) lot 52; former Maurice Laffaille (1902-1989) collection, Münzen & Medaillen 1991 (76) lot 317
Lot 44
Precio inicial: 200€
Macedon. Acanthus. 370-360 BC. AR Tetradrachm (14.48g, 10h). Desneux 150 (same dies); Tselekas 394b (this coin). Old cabinet tone. Of superb, late classical style. An outstanding specimen of this desirable issue. Good extremely fine. From a private collection; former Ladislaus von Hoffmann (1927-2014) collection, Sotheby's 1995 (5 July) lot 46
"As when a lion springs with a bound upon a herd of cattle and fastens on a great black bull which dies bellowing in its clutches" sang Homer (Iliad 16). The lion attacking a bull composition was a very popular motif in the ancient world, originating in the ancient near east. The first depiction of the scene was identified on a prehistoric Elamite seal impression dating from the fourth millennium, and referred to an astronomical event involving the Zodiac constellations of Leo and Taurus. The archaic coinage of Acanthus is remarkable for the vigorous way these animals are portrayed
Lot 45
Precio inicial: 10000€
Macedon. Chalcidian league. Olynthus. 358-355 BC. AR Tetradrachm (14.45g, 4h). Kraay-Hirmer 410 (this coin); Robinson-Clement 87. Old cabinet tone. Perfectly centered and struck on a gem-like flan. A coin of great beauty. Superb extremely fine. From a private collection; former Ladislaus von Hoffmann (1927-2014) collection, Sotheby's 1995 (5 July) lot 51; former Ivor Fox-Strangways Guest, 3rd Viscount Wimborne (1939-1993) collection, Sotheby's 1991 (4 April) lot 41; Bank Leu 1975 (13) lot 110; former Charles Gillet (1879-1972) collection; Adolph Hess & Bank Leu 1957 (7) lot 176
One of the most impressive coinages of the fourth century was that of the tetradrachms issued by the Chalcidian league. Their design and style is close to the facing heads of Apollo on the contemporary coins of Amphipolis, a city which the league supported. Its importance for the Macedonian region is considerable, and the beautiful head of Apollo survived on gold coins of Philip II for many decades after the end of the league
Lot 46
Precio inicial: 10000€
Thessaly. Larissa. Early to mid 4th century BC. AR Drachm (5.69g, 9h). BCD 237; Lorber -. Lightly toned. A lovely coin. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection
Lot 47
Precio inicial: 800€
Thessaly. Larissa. Mid to late 4th century BC. AR Drachm (5.99g, 6h). Baldwin Brett 898; BCD 318. Lightly toned. A charming coin. Good extremely fine. From a private collection, acquired from Tradart, Brussels, 1989
Lot 48
Precio inicial: 800€
Euboea. Chalcis. 338-308 BC. AR Hemidrachm (1.76g, 10h). BCD 130 = Picard 4.1a (this coin). Lightly toned. A lovely coin. Good very fine. From a private collection; former Basil Demetriadi collection, Numismatik Lanz 2002 (111) lot 130; former Clarence Sweet Bement (1843-1923) collection, Naville 1924 (6) lot 1065
Lot 49
Precio inicial: 200€
Attica. Eleusis. 350-330 BC. Æ 14 (2.99g, 9h). Laffaille 123 = Strauss 357 (this coin). Very rare. Charming green patina. Perfectly centered and struck. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; Tradart 1994 (4) lot 60; former Maurice Laffaille (1902-1989) collection, Münzen & Medaillen 1991 (76) lot 357
Eleusis was the only Attic deme which was allowed by Athens (maybe due to its sacred character) to strike coins for the requirements of the famous Eleusinian Festivals; this privilege was apparently granted only for a limited period. Triptolemos was the great hero of the Eleusinian mysteries; he is represented here passing over the lands in his dragon-chariot making man acquainted with the blessings of agriculture
Lot 50
Precio inicial: 800€
Attica. Athens. 520-510 BC. AR Obol (0.64g). Wappenmünzen issue. SNG Copenhagen 13; SNG München 19-24. Old cabinet tone. Good very fine. From a private collection; acquired from Tradart, Geneva, 1997
Lot 51
Precio inicial: 200€
Attica. Athens. 4th century BC. Lot of 2 AR Tetradrachms (17.14g, 9h; 17.07g, 9h). Old cabinet tone. One tetradrachm with test cut and punchmark on reverse. Good very fine. From a private collection, acquired from Art Antique (Jean-Pierre Kimmel), Reims, 1985, 1989
Lot 52
Precio inicial: 100€
Corinthia. Corinth. 350-320 BC. AR Drachm (2.76g, 3h). BCD 159; SNG Lockett 2164. Old cabinet tone. A lovely coin of particularly fine style. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; Münzen & Medaillen 1997 (85) lot 91; Münzen & Medaillen 1948 (7) lot 451
Lot 53
Precio inicial: 400€
Corinthia. Corinth. Demetrius Poliorcetes. 304-290 BC. AR Tetradrachm (16.90g, 12h). Müller -. Price 854. Very rare. Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck on a broad flan. None in CoinArchives. With a superb head of Herakles, shown in a powerfully emotional Hellenistic style. Minor porosity, otherwise, choice extremely fine. From a private collection, acquired from Tradart, Brussels, 1989
Lot 54
Precio inicial: 800€
Elis. Olympia. 328 BC (105th Olympiad). AR Stater (12.13g, 2h). BCD 163; Seltman 357. Very rare. Old cabinet tone. Worn obverse die, otherwise, a charming coin. Good very fine. From a private collection; former Merrill-Lynch's Athena fund, Sotheby's 1993 (27 October) lot 572; former Frederick Knobloch (1907-1994) collection, Stack's 1970 (10 June) lot 302
Lot 55
Precio inicial: 2000€
Sicyonia. Sicyon. 335-330 BC. AR Stater (12.21g, 3h). BCD 219; Feirstein 50 (same dies). Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck. Insignificant die break on obverse. Superb extremely fine. From a private collection
The Chimera, according to Greek mythology, was a monstrous fire-breathing hybrid Lycian creature, composed of the parts of more than one animal. It is usually depicted as a lion, with the head of a goat protruding from its back, and a tail that might end with a snake's head
Lot 56
Precio inicial: 2000€
Crete. Lyttus (?). 300-280 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.13g, 1h). Müller 900; Price 3575. Old cabinet tone. Several scratches under tone. Good very fine. From a private collection
Lot 57
Precio inicial: 600€
Crete. Lyttus. 300-280 BC. AR Stater (11.05g, 6h). Le Rider 7.16 (this coin); Svoronos 35. Old cabinet tone. Perfectly centered and struck. One of the finest known. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; Numismatic Fine Arts 1987 (18) lot 165; former Insurance Company of North America collection, Bank Leu 1976 (15) lot 265; former Dr. John Hewitt Judd (1899-1986) collection; from the 1953 Phaestus hoard (IGCH 152)
Lot 58
Precio inicial: 2000€
Crete. Praesus. 300-280 BC. AR Stater (10.84g, 1h). Le Rider 8.8 (same dies); Svoronos 21. Very rare. Old cabinet tone. Struck from usual worn dies and traces of overstriking, otherwise, good very fine. From a private collection; former Serge Boutin (1910-1998) collection, Münzen & Medaillen 1984 (66) lot 205
Lot 59
Precio inicial: 1000€
Crete. Itanus. 300-280 BC. AR Obol (0.82g). SNG Copenhagen 477; Svoronos 28. Old cabinet tone. Unusual broad flan. Light scratches under tone, otherwise, choice extremely fine. From a private collection; Tradart 1994 (4) lot 68. Münzen & Medaillen 1986 (68) lot 257
Lot 60
Precio inicial: 200€
Pontus. Mithradates VI. Pergamum. 89 BC. AR Tetradrachm (16.85g, 12h). Callataÿ D47/R6.c (this coin); SNG Aarhus 387 (same dies). Old cabinet tone. Perfectly centered and struck on a full flan. An outstanding coin of superb veristic style. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; Emile Bourgey 1989 (21 April) lot 26; Jean Vinchon 1975 (2 December) lot 95; former Edouard Yervant Hindamian (1877-1958) collection, Pio Ciani & Jean Vinchon 1956 (6 February) lot 503; former Maxime Collignon (1849-1917) collection, Feuardent Frères 1919 (17 December) lot 298; former Athanasios Rhousopoulos (1823-1898) collection, Jacob Hirsch 1905 (13) lot 3215
Few leaders in history were as polarizing as Mithradates VI, admired for his intense determination and talents, but also detested for his many acts of cruelty. He was an effective, ambitious and ruthless ruler who sought to break Roman dominion over Asia and the Hellenic world. He has been called the greatest ruler of the Kingdom of Pontus. Cicero rated him better than the famous Carthaginian general Hannibal, and second only to Alexander III among the Greek kings. Due to his affinity for poison he has also been called The Poison King
Lot 61
Precio inicial: 2000€
Mysia. Eumenes. Pergamum. 250-240 BC. AR Tetradrachm (16.99g, 1h). BMC 35; Kraay-Hirmer 738. Old cabinet tone. Perfectly centered and struck in high relief. With a sculptural portrait. Good extremely fine. From a private collection, acquired from Emile Bourgey, Paris, 1982
Lot 62
Precio inicial: 800€
Mysia. Cyzicus. 500-450 BC. EL Stater (16.06g). SNG France 178; von Fritze 39. Very rare. Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck. Insignificant edge split. One of the finest known. Good extremely fine. From a private collection, acquired from Arete, Zürich, 1981
Lot 63
Precio inicial: 2000€
Mysia. Cyzicus. 500-450 BC. EL Hecte (2.64g). SNG France 203; von Fritze 74. Lightly toned. Interesting representation of a harpy. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection
Lot 64
Precio inicial: 600€
Mysia. Cyzicus. 500-450 BC. EL Hecte (2.69g). SNG France 280; von Fritze 128. Very rare. Lightly toned. Well centered on a broad flan. Insignificant edge splits. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection, acquired from Tradart, Brussels, 1990
Lot 65
Precio inicial: 600€
Mysia. Cyzicus. 500-450 BC. EL Stater (16.05g). Baldwin Brett 1495; von Fritze 175. Very rare. Old cabinet tone. A lovely coin. Good very fine. From a private collection; Spink 1993 (96) lot 99; former Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovitch (1866-1933) collection, Naville 1922 (4) lot 747
In Greek mythology, Scylla is a legendary monster who lives on one side of a narrow channel of water, opposite Charybdis. Scylla is first attested in Homer's Odyssey, where Odysseus and his crew encounter her and Charybdis on their travels. The idiom 'between Scylla and Charybdis' has come to mean being forced to choose between two similarly dangerous situations
