Lot 3287

Description

Boiotia, Boiotian League, Federal Coinage, AE 15, 225-171 B.C., (3.58 grams), Obv. Boiotian shield, club across one end, Rev. trace of BOI**WTWN* on right downwards, Nike standing left, resting on trident and holding a patera, (S.2414, BCD 145 [p.35, Triton IX, issued 225-171 B.C.], Head 'Boeotia' p.90 [Pl.VI, 8 corrected] = BMC 105 [p.43, Pl.VI, 11 corrected patera not wreath], Imhoof-Blumer 'Boeotiens' 33 [line drawing], SNG Cop. 394 [corrected patera not wreath, club not across shield]). Dark brown patina. Good very fine and extremely rare.

Ex Noble Numismatics Sale 82 (lot 3878) and previously from the BCD Collection (lot 629l, Triton IX, illustrated) as noted in the BCD catalogue the wreath on the drachms became a patera on the bronzes and was not noted by either BMC or Copenhagen. Imhoof-Blumer however noted it and corrected the BM catalogue on p.13 of article. These extremely rare coins were an attempt by the mint to issue a 1 and 1/2 chalkous coin. The one chalkous issue of the shield/trident issue are common and extensively circulated throughout Boiotia.