Catalogue
Lydia, uncertain king, issued before 561 B.C. and probably c.575 B.C., electrum trite or third stater, (4.66 g) of Lydian-Milesian (Phoenician standard), probably issued at Sardis, obv. head of roaring lion to right, knob with three rays on forehead, rev. double incuse punch, (S.3398, BMC 7 [p.2], Weidauer [Essays to Robinson] Class XVI, Weber 5710 [This Coin], SNG Cop. 449-451, ACNAC Rosen 231, ACNAC Dewing 2421-3, Boston 1768). Good fine with several interesting countermarks and rare a most extraordinary item with so many countermarks coming with a marvellous pedigree.
Estimate $2,500
SOLD $3,100
Trajan, (A.D. 98-117), gold aureus, issued 116, Rome mint, (6.92 g), obv. laureate head of Trajan to right, draped, around IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC, rev. Naked Genius or Bonus Eventus standing to left, holding patera and corn ears, around P M TR P COS VI P P S P Q R, (S.3098, RIC 347, RSC 275, BMC 545). Cleaned, nearly very fine and rare.
Estimate $3,000
SOLD $3,600
Hadrian, (A.D. 117-138), gold aureus, issued 118, Rome mint, (7.31 g), obv. laureate bust to right of Hadrian, draped and cuirassed, around IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, rev. P M TR P COS DES III around, in exergue SALVS AVG, Salus seated to left holding flower and lifting skirt, (S.3418, RIC 46, Cal.1368, C.1349). Full flan, as struck, good extremely fine and very rare in this condition.
Estimate $12,000
SOLD $19,000
Lucius Verus, (A.D. 161-169), gold aureus, issued 164, Rome mint, (7.32 g), obv. L VERVS AVG ARMENIACVS, laureate and cuirassed bust of Lucius Verus to right, rev. Hercules standing facing, his head turned to the right wearing lion skin over his head and around his left arm, holding olive branch in his right hand and his club in his left hand, around TR P IIII IMP II COS II, (S.5337, RIC 517, cf.C.237, BMC 281, Calico 2172). Good extremely fine or better and as struck, very rare.
Estimate $18,000
SOLD $23,000
Severus Alexander, (A.D.222-235), gold aureus, issued 230, Rome mint, (5.83 g), obv. laureate head to right, drapery on far shoulder, around IMP SEV ALE XAND AVG, rev. P M TR P VIIII COS III P P, Romulus, bareheaded walking to right, holding spear and trophy, (S.7833, RIC 103, BMC 620, C.561). About as struck, uncirculated and very rare.
Estimate $10,000
SOLD $13,500
Diocletian, (A.D. 284-305), gold aureus, issued 290-2, Antioch and Cyzicus mints, (5.26 g), obv. laureate head of Diocletian to right, around DIOCLETIANVS AVGVSTVS, rev. around COS III, Diocletian on horseback to right, raising right arm, (S.12516, Cal. 4445, RIC 250, 287, C.54). Broad flan, nearly as struck, extremely fine and very rare.
Estimate $8,000
SOLD $7,500
Maximianus, (A.D. 286-305, 306-8, 310), gold aureus, Cyzicus mint, (5.43 g), undated issue c. 286-287, pre-reform coinage, obv. laureate draped bust, of Maximianus to right, around IMP C M A MAXIMIANVS AVG, rev. around CONCOR DIAE MILITVM, Concordia Militum standing to left holding standard in each hand, mint mark S C* in exergue, (S.12994, RIC 603 [p.291 Vol.V/2], Cal.4614, C.60). On a large flan, nearly uncirculated and extremely rare.
Estimate $12,000
SOLD $15,500
Maximianus, (A.D. 286-305, 306-8, 310), gold aureus, struck 286-7, Rome mint, (6.46 g), obv. laureate bust draped and cuirassed to right of Maximianus I, around IMP C MA VAL MAXIMIANVS P F AVG, rev. Mars advancing to right, holding transverse spear and shield, around MARTI PROPVGNATORI, plain exergue, (S.13048, RIC -, Calico 4710a [This Coin, illustrated], C.-, cf.Depeyrot p.95, 1/10). Only recently published, a new reverse type for this type, nearly extremely fine and unique.
Estimate $15,000
SOLD $17,000
Maximianus, (A.D. 286-305, 306-8, 310), gold aureus, issued 303-4, Nicomedia mint, (5.30 g), obv. laureate head of Maximianus to right, around MAXIMIA NVS AVGVSTVS, rev. within wreath in four lines, XX/ MAXI/ MIAN/ I AVG/ SMN, (S.13079, Cal. 4768, RIC 14, C.704). As struck, extremely fine and very rare.
Estimate $14,000
SOLD $13,500
Julian II, (A.D. 360-363), gold solidus, Sirmium mint, issued A.D. 362-3, (4.48 g), obv. diademed bust of Julian II to right, around F L C L IVLIA NVS P P AVG, rev. in wreath, VIRTVS EX ERCI TVS ROMANORVM, in exergue SIRM wreath, Julian advancing to right, head turned, dragging captive by hair and holding trophy, (S.19102, RIC 94, C.78, Depeyrot 20 [p.209]). As struck, good extremely fine and very rare.
Estimate $8,000
SOLD $11,500
Arcadius, (A.D. 383-408), gold solidus, Mediolanum mint, issued A.D. 394-5 (4.44 g), obv. pearl diademed bust draped and cuirassed of Arcadius to right, around D N ARCADI VS P F AVG, rev. VICTORI A AVGGG, emperor standing right holding standard, Victory on globe, left foot on captive, M D either side, CONOB in exergue, (S.20716, RIC 1205, DOC 70). Large flan, delightful red patina, extremely fine and very scarce.
Estimate $3,200
Passed in
Theodosius II, (A.D. 402-450), gold solidus, Constantinople mint, issued A.D. c.425, (3.84 g), obv. helmeted and cuirassed bust of Theodosius facing with spear and shield, around D N THEODO SIVS P F AVG, rev. SALVS REI PVBLICAE Theodosius enthroned and Valentinian standing facing both in consular robes, star above, CONOB in exergue, (S.21143, RIC 233-6, MIRB 22). Obverse scratches, very fine, has been mounted and filed on edge, rare.
Estimate $550
SOLD $800
Theodosius II, (A.D. 402-450), gold solidus, Constantinople mint, issued 430-440, (4.35 g), obv. helmeted and cuirassed bust three quarters facing to right holding spear and shield, around DN THEODO SIVS P F AVG, rev. Constantinopolis seated to left holding cross on globe and sceptre, VOT XXX MVLT XXXX a around, CONOB in exergue, star in left field, (S.21158, RIC 257-9, DOC 379-385). Large broad flan, superb quality and as struck, extremely fine, rare in this condition.
Estimate $1,000
SOLD $1,400
Leo I, (A.D. 457-474), gold solidus, Constantinople mint, 9th Officina, issued 468-473, (4.50 g), obv. Leo three-quarter facing bust, wearing cuirass, paludamentum and crown, holding spear and shield, around DN LEO PE RP ET AVC, rev. Victory standing to left, in right hand holding long cross, in right field a star, around VICTORI A AVGGG **Q*, in exergue CONOB, (S.21404, RIC 630, Depeyrot 93/1). Extremely fine, with original mint bloom, very scarce.
Estimate $900
SOLD $720
Justinian I, (A.D.527-565), gold solidus, Constantinople mint, (4.31 g), issued 538-545, obv. bust of Justinian I facing, with plume and diadem, two pearls at each side, wearing cuirass, d N IVSTINI ANVS PP AVC around, rev. Angel facing in tunic and cloak, in right hand long cross composed of dots, globe in left hand cross above, star below, around VICTORI A AVGGG**D*, CONOB in exergue, (S.139, DOC [8c], BMC 13). Hoard patination attached to reverse, broad flan, otherwise very fine.
Estimate $600
SOLD $500
Justin II, (A.D.565-578), gold solidus, Constantinople mint, (4.47 g), issued 565-578, Officina **D*, obv. bust of Justin II facing, with plume and diadem, two pearls at each side, wearing cuirass, and holding globe surmounted by Victory, d N I VSTI NVS PP AVI around, rev. Constantinople seated looking right, with helmet tunic and mantle, on right shoulder aegis, left hand holds a spear, cross on globe, around VICTORI A AVGGG **D*, CONOB in exergue, (S.345, DOC 4c, MIB 5). Trace of mint bloom, extremely fine.
Estimate $600
SOLD $650
Phocas, (A.D. 602-610), gold solidus, Constantinople mint, (4.50 g), issued A.D. 607-610, 10th Officina, obv. Phocas facing bust, bearded, wearing cuirass, paludamentum and crown, holding cross, around DNN FOCAS PERP AVI, rev. Angel facing, holding in right hand long staff, with partial chi-rho symbol at top, in left hand globe with cross above, around VICTORIA AVGUI, (S.620, DOC 10j, MIBE 9, BMC 22, Berk, Harlan J., "Roman Gold Coins of the Medieval World, 383-1453", No.102b). Brilliant field, as struck, good extremely fine.
Estimate $500
SOLD $600
Constantine VIII, (1025-1028), gold histamenon nomisma, (4.35 g), Constantinople mint, obv. Christ bust facing wearing nimbus, in hand the Gospels, around [+ Ih]S XIS REX REgNANTinm rev. Constantine VIII, wearing loros and crown and holding labarum and akakia, around +CWnSTANTIn bASILEVS ROm, (S.1815, DOC 1, R.1969, BMC 3-5). Good very fine/extremely fine, scarce.
Estimate $600
SOLD $1,200
Andronicus II and Andronicus III, (1325-1328 or later), joint reign, gold hyperpyron (scyphate), Constantinople mint, (3.30 g), obv. bust of Virgin within city walls and four towers, control letters N X to left and right, rev. Andronicus II and Andronicus III to left and right with Christ standing between the emperors, traces of partial legend downwards of each emperor, (S.2461, Bendall PCPC cf.185 var.15, DOC 503). Small flan, very weak in places as usual, otherwise fine - very fine.
Estimate $250
SOLD $150
Siculo-Punic, (c.410-395 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (16.96 g), obv. forepart of a horse to right, grain ear before, Nike flying and holding wreath and caduceus over horse's head, [lion's head to right behind and Punic legend 'QRTHDST' below], rev. palm tree with two date clusters, (S.6426 [p.594], Jenkins, SNR 53, 17 - example 4 [this coin, dies 04/R17], Ratto Sale April 4, 1927 [lot 445, this coin], Naville Sale 12 (lot 1058 same dies), Cahn Sale 35 (lot 223, same dies] = ANS example. Attractive grey tone, almost free of any imperfections, slightly off centred on obverse, otherwise good very fine/nearly extremely fine and very rare.
Estimate $3,000
SOLD $5,400
Siculo-Punic, (c.410-395 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (17.55 g), obv. forepart of a horse to left, crowned by Nike above to right facing left, grain ear before, rev. Punic legend 'QRT HDST' below a palm tree with two date clusters, (cf.S.6426 [p.594], Jenkins, SNR 53, 30 [same dies, dies 08/R29], SNG Lloyd 1607, Bunbury I Auction Sale, June 15-22, 1896 [lot 541 same dies], SNG Cop. 70 [same obverse die]). Well centred, nearly extremely fine and very rare.
Estimate $4,000
SOLD $5,600
Siculo-Punic, "Carthage" (c.410-395 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (17.46 g), obv. forepart of a bridled horse to left, crowned by Nike above flying to left, grain ear before horse, line border, rev. palm tree with drooping branches and two date clusters, legend across field "QRT/HDST". (cf.S.6426, Jenkins SNR 53, 30 [same dies O8/R29], SNG Lloyd 1607 [same dies]). Good very fine with a delightful tone and black patination on the highlights, only three recorded by Jenkins and extremely rare.
Estimate $3,000
SOLD $4,600
Siculo-Punic, "Carthage" (c.410-395 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (16.88 g), obv. forepart of a bridled horse to left, crowned by Nike above flying to left, grain ear before horse, line border, rev. palm tree with drooping branches and two date clusters, legend across field "QRT/HDST". (cf.S.6426, Jenkins SNR 53, 33 [same dies O8/R31], cf.SNG Lloyd 1607 [same obverse die], cf.SNG Cop.42 [same obverse die]). Very fine with an even grey tone, only five recorded by Jenkins and very rare.
Estimate $2,500
SOLD $6,500
Siculo-Punic, (c.410-395 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (17.20 g), obv. forepart of a horse without bridle to right, crowned by Nike above with wreath and caduceus facing to right, grain ear before, Punic legend 'QRT HDST' below, rev. a palm tree with two date clusters, (cf.S.6426 [p.594], Jenkins, SNR 53, 17 [same dies, dies 04/R17] = ANS specimen, Naville 12 [lot 1058 same dies]). Slightly off centred, good very fine - nearly extremely fine and very rare.
Estimate $2,500
SOLD $4,000
Siculo-Punic, (c.410-395 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (16.17 g), obv. forepart of a horse to right, grain ear behind, [Punic legend 'QRTHDST' below], rev. palm tree with two date clusters, Punic legend 'MHNT' below, (cf.S.6426 [p.594], Jenkins, SNR 53, 3 - example 3 [this coin, dies 02/R3], McClean 3031 similar, Paris, De Luynes 1431 [same dies], another example in British Museum. Weak on obverse legend area, slight surface porosity, slightly off centred on reverse, otherwise very fine and very rare.
Estimate $2,000
SOLD $3,200
Siculo-Punic, (c.410-395 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (17.31 g), obv. forepart of a horse with bridle to right, crowned by Nike above with wreath and caduceus facing to right, grain ear before, Punic legend 'QRT HDST' below, rev. a palm tree with two date clusters, (cf.S.6426 [p.594], Jenkins, SNR 53, 5 [same dies, dies 03/R5 = Berlin specimen, SNG Lloyd 1609 [same obverse die]). Well centred, good very fine/good fine, rare.
Estimate $2,000
SOLD $4,000
Siculo-Punic, (c.410-395 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (16.86 g), obv. free horse prancing to right, Nike flying and holding wreath above, rev. palm tree with two date clusters, (S.6428 [p.594], Jenkins, SNR 53, 48, dies 012/R43], SNG Ash. 2150 [same dies). Attractive grey tone, off centred both sides, otherwise nearly very fine and very rare.
Estimate $1,200
SOLD $3,000
Zeugitania, Carthage, (c.350-320 B.C.), gold stater, (9.28 g), obv. head of Tanit to left, crowned with wreath of corn, wearing earring with triple pendants and necklace, dotted border, rev. free horse standing to right, single exergue line below, three dots before horse's front leg, dotted border, (cf.S.6446, Jenkins Group IIIg cf.No.73 [similar dies], McClean 9979). Slightly off centred on the reverse and less so on the obverse, otherwise extremely fine.
Estimate $4,000
SOLD $5,000
Zeugitania, Carthage, (c.350-320 B.C.), gold stater, (9.35 g), obv. head of Tanit to left, crowned with wreath of corn, wearing earring with triple pendants and necklace, dotted border, rev. free horse standing to right, single exergue line below, three dots before, dotted border, (cf.S.6446 Jenkins & Lewis Group IIIf cf.No.30-31 [similar dies, p.82, Pl.2], SNG Lockett 1049). Off centred both sides, double struck on the reverse, otherwise good very fine.
Estimate $3,000
SOLD $4,200
Siculo-Punic, (c.350-320/315 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (17.27 g), obv. wreathed head of Persephone to right wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace, thymiaterion before, dotted border, rev. horse standing right before a palm tree, Nike before placing wreath on horse's head, caduceus before horse, Punic 'HB' below, (cf.S.6430 [p.595], Jenkins, SNR 56, 95 [same dies 033/R86], Brussels Lucien De Hirsch 831 [same dies], SNG Lockett 1041-2 [same obverse die], SNG Lloyd 1622 [same obverse die], Paris, De Luynes 1444 [same obverse die]. Lightly toned with golden highlights, nearly extremely fine, attractive, and rare.
Estimate $3,000
SOLD $7,000