Catalogue
Persis, Kingdom of, Autophradates (Vadfradad) I, (early second century B,C.), silver tetradrachm, (16.34 g), obv. head to right, with moustache, wearing diadem and satrapal cap (kyrbasia), overstruck probably on a Seleukid tetradrachm, rev. Fire temple of Ahura-Mazda, on left Autophradates standing right, resting hand on bow, set on ground, above, half-figure of Ahura-Mazda, to right, standard, (S.6191, BMC 1, Alram 533, Sunrise -). Nearly extremely fine/extremely fine, coin is dished, as usual, rare.
Estimate $2,000
Passed in
Persis, Kingdom of, Autophradates (Vadfradad) I, (early second century B,C.), silver tetradrachm, (16.71 g), obv. head to right, with moustache, wearing diadem and satrapal cap (kyrbasia), rev. Fire temple of Ahura-Mazda, on left Autophradates standing right, resting hand on bow, set on ground, above, half-figure of Ahura-Mazda, to right, standard, (S.6191, BMC 1, Alram 540). Good very fine/nearly extremely fine, coin is dished, as usual, rare.
Estimate $2,000
Passed in
Persis, Darev (Darios) I. (2nd century B.C.). silver drachm, (4.07 g), obv. Darius I head to right wearing diadem and Kyrbasia with crescent above, rev. fire-altar (temple), Ahura-Mazda hovering above king on left standing to right; on right a bird to left perched on standard, (S.6195, BMC 1-8 [p,207], Alram 557, Sunrise 582). Good extremely fine well struck and rare.
Estimate $300
SOLD $360
Persis, Darev (Darios) I. (2nd century B.C.). silver drachm, (3.93 g), obv. Darius I head to right wearing diadem and Kyrbasia with crescent above, rev. fire-altar (temple), Ahura-Mazda hovering above king on left standing to right; on right a bird to left perched on standard, (S.6195, BMC 1-8 [p,207], Alram 557, Sunrise 582). Dark patination, weak in places, otherwise very fine and rare.
Estimate $200
SOLD $120
Persis, kings of, Ardaxsir (Artaxerxes) II issued 1st century B.C., Istakhr (Persepolis) mint, silver drachm (3.65 g), obv. diademed and draped bust left, wearing mural crown, rev. Ardaxsir standing left before altar, holding sceptre, (cf.S.6212, BMC 1 [Pl.XXXIII, 9], cf.Alram 570, cf.Sunrise 598). Dark patination, nearly extremely fine, in high relief, very scarce.
Estimate $250
Passed in
Persis, kings of, Darius II (Darev), (son of Autophradates II), issued mid 1st century B.C., silver drachm (4.04 g), obv. diademed and draped bust left, wearing Parthian-style tiara with crescent, rev. Darius standing left, holding scepter, sacrificing before altar, (S.6206, Alram 564, BMC 11 [p.217], Sunrise 590). Lightly toned, extremely fine, in high relief, very scarce.
Estimate $250
SOLD $350
Persis, kings of, Darius II (Darev), (son of Autophradates II), issued mid 1st century B.C., Istakhr (Persepolis) mint, silver drachm (3.74 g), obv. diademed and draped bust left, wearing Parthian-style tiara with crescent, one star behind, rev. Darius standing left, holding sceptre, sacrificing before altar, (S.6206, cf.Alram 564, cf.BMC 11 [p.217], cf.Sunrise 589). Lightly toned, flan crack, very fine, in high relief, very scarce.
Estimate $150
SOLD $150
Persis, Kingdom of, uncertain ruler (Mitchiner Prince Y), (c.A.D. 30), silver hemi-drachms (2) (1.50, 1.28 g), obv. draped bust to left with short beard, wearing diadem and tiara ornamented by a crescent, rev. double diadem traces of Aramaic legend around, (S.5956, BMC 5 [p.237, Pl.XXXVI, 15], M.751). Extremely fine, very fine and scarce. (2)
Estimate $140
SOLD $90
Persis, Kingdom of, Mancucithr (Mancihr) II, (c.A.D. second century), silver hemidrachm, (1.47 g), obv. draped bust to left pointed beard, with diademed tiara, to right ethnic traces of 'mnctr mlk', rev. diademed and draped bust to left, ethnic to left and right, (cf.S.5964, Alram 637 [p.182, Pl.21), BMC 7 [Pl.xxxvii, 7], cf.Sunrise 660); uncertain ruler (Mitchiner Prince Y), (1st century B.C. - 1st century A.D.), silver hemidrachm, (1.28 g), obv. diademed bust left, Parthian style tiara, rev. diadem with ties, (S.5956, BMC 4, Alram 619). First very fine with some earthern patination (illustrated), second fine and very porous, both scarce. (2)
Estimate $100
SOLD $70
Persis and pseudo Parthian, forgeries, silver tetradrachm (16.85 g) the 'Baghdad forgery' pseudo Parthia, obv. bearded king left with tiara, rev. archer enthroned to right, **BASILEWS APSAKOU* left and right, (see ANS Museum Notes 30, pl.28, 35); Persis, cast silver tetradrachm of Bagadates I, (17.48 g), obv. head of bearded ruler, rev. fire temple with panelled doors, ruler to left, standard to right, (BMC 2 pl.XXVIII, 8); Autophradates I, cast drachm, obv. head right wearing a kyrbasia, rev. fire temple with ruler etc. (cf.Alram 521-527, Sunrise 564); Vadfradad (Autophradates) IV, cast drachm, obv. bearded bust right, rev. fire temple Vadfradad standing right, on right column with eagle above. (Alram 561, BMC 11, Sunrise 585). Fine - good very fine, first two rare and all are illustrated. (4)
Estimate $200
SOLD $130
Characene, kings of, Attambelos I, (c.47-24 B.C.), billon tetradrachm (11.96 g), dated SE 273 = 40-39 B.C., obv. diademed head of king to right, rev. *[B]ASILE[WS] ATTAMBHL[OU] SWTHROS [K]AI EUERGE[TOU]* to right and left, Herakles seated left on rock, holding club, PAM monogram above arm, P above thigh, **GOS* [date in exergue], (S.6182, Hill, Attambelos 21 [NNM 14], DCA 485, cf.Nicolet-Pierre, Thionesis 50, cf.pl. III, 5, Alram -, BMC Arabia p.292, 4, De Morgan -). Toned, very fine/good very fine, rare.
Estimate $400
Passed in
Elymais, kings of, uncertain king or ruler, (late 1st century B.C. - early 1st century A.D.), billon tetradrachm (14.75 g), obv. diademed bust left, behind, eight-pointed star in crescent above pellet and anchor symbol below, rev. crude diademed bust left, degraded legend around, (S. cf.Alram p.146 NB 1, cf.Le Rider Suse Pl. LXXIII, 3, BMC Arabia -, cf. De Morgan pl. XXXVI, 1-2 (Kamnaskires D -- called C in text). Good very fine, rare.
Estimate $250
SOLD $150
Bactria, Kingdom of, Demetrios I, (c.200-185 B.C.), AE triple unit, AE 30, (12.32 g), obv. head of elephant slightly right with raised trunk, wearing bell, rev. **BASILEWS DHMHTRIOU*, large caduceus, monogram in inner left field, (S.7533, Bopearachchi Serie 5E, SNG ANS 209-210, MIG Type 108b, MACW 1638). Extremely fine, weak on reverse legends, dark red-brown patina, scarce.
Estimate $200
SOLD $190
Bactria, Kingdom of, Antimachos II Nikephoros, (c.174-165 B.C.), silver drachm (bilingual coinage, issued at uncertain mint in the Paropamisadai or Gandhara, (2.42 g), obv. winged Nike standing left, holding wreath and palm, around **BASILEWS NIKHFOPOU ANTIMACOU*, monogram of MT lower left, rev. armed horseman galloping right, Kharoshthi script around, (S.7546, M. 1,135d, Bopearachchi series 1, type C, HGC 12, 124). Nearly extremely fine, with dark highlights.
Estimate $150
SOLD $110
Bactria, Kingdom of, Eucratides I, (170-145 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (16.83 g), obv. pith helmeted head of Eukratides to right with dotted border ornamented with bull's horn and ear, rev. the Dioskouroi on horseback prancing to right, each holding spear and palm, monogram of **PA*, in exergue **EUKRATIDOU*, around above **BASILEWS MEGALOU, (cf.S.7570. Mitchiner 1.177d, Bopearachchi Series 6Q nos 35-37 [p.205, pl.17], SNG ANS 468 var., HGC 12, 131). Grey patination, nearly extremely fine in high relief, toned, a rare variant.
Estimate $1,500
SOLD $900
Bactria, kingdom of, Menander, (c.160-145 B.C.), tetradrachm, (9.83 g), Pushkalavati mint, obv. diademed bust of Menander to right, **BASILEWS SOTHROS MENANDROU*, rev. Athena to left with shield and thunderbolt, monogram in left and right fields, (S.7596, M.214c, Bop. Series 12A [No.54], SNG ANS 764-767). Well centred, very fine and scarce.
Estimate $500
SOLD $260
Bactria, kingdom of, Menander, (c.160-145 B.C.), silver drachms, (2.39, 2.40 g), Pushkalavati mint, obv. diademed bust of Menander to right, **BASILEWS SOTHROS MENANDROU*, rev. Athena to left with shield and thunderbolt, different monograms in right fields, (S.7602, M.215, Bop. Series 13B and 13H, cf.M.1769, HGC 12, 191). Well centred, extremely fine, both scarce. (2)
Estimate $300
SOLD $160
Bactria, Kingdom of, Menander, (c.160-145 B.C.), silver drachm, (2.40 g), obv. helmeted bust of Menander to right, around **BASILEWS SWTHROS MENANDROU*, rev. Athena Promachos standing left with shield and thunderbolt, monogram in right field, Karoshthi legend around, (S.7601, Bopearachchi Series 16C nos 103-117, M.218, M.1780 [ACW], SNG ANS 855-865, HGC 12,193). Toned, nearly extremely fine/good very fine.
Estimate $150
SOLD $220
Bactria, Kingdom of, Menander, (c.160-145 B.C.), silver drachm, (2.45 g), Taxila workshop, obv. diademed bust of Menander to left, thrusting a javelin, rev. Athena Pallas to left with shield and thunderbolt, monogram in right field, (S.7604, M.1790, M.224c, BMC 33, HGC 12, 187) (illustrated); together with another with diademed bust right, (1.86 g), (S.7603, Bopearachichi Series 13, 80, HGC 12, 191); another drachm of Apollodotos I, (174-165 B.C.), (1.09 g), obv. elephant standing right, rev. bull standing right, (S.7590, M.203, HGC 12, 117). All lightly toned, first with some hoard patination and very fine, second with hoard patination and rough surface, otherwise fine, third similar with flan crack and rough surface, first and third scarce. (3)
Estimate $150
SOLD $110
Bactria, Kingdom of, Philoxenos Aniketos, (c.125-110 B.C.), silver square drachm (15x15mm), (2.18 g), obv. diademed and draped bust to right of Philoxenos, around **BASILEWS ANIKHTOU FILOZENOU*, rev. king in military attire on horseback to right, with Karoshthi legend around, monogram in right field, (S.7664, M.341a, Bopearachchi 4E, HGC 12, 271). Attractive bright tone, nearly extremely fine, rare.
Estimate $250
SOLD $330
Bactria, Heliokles II Dikaios, (c.110-100 B.C.), silver drachm, (2.26 g), obv. diademed draped bust of Heliokles II to right, **BASILEWS DIKAIOU HLIOKLEOUS*, rev. Athena to left with shield and thunderbolt, different monograms in right fields, (cf.S.7640, M.215, Bop. Series 2D, SNG ANS 1143, .M.1769, HGC 12, 191). Well centred, extremely fine, both scarce. (2)
Estimate $300
SOLD $180
Bactria, Heliokles II Dikaios, (c.90-75 B.C.), silver drachm, (2.26 g), obv. diademed draped bust of Heliokles II to right, **BASILEWS DIKAIOU HLIOKLEOUS*, rev. Zeus standing facing brandishing thunderbolt and holding long spear, monogram to left, (cf.S.7640 (incorrect ruler), Bop. Series 2D, SNG ANS 1143, Bopearachchi & Rahman 465, HGC 12, 381). Dark patina, nearly extremely fine and very rare.
Estimate $500
Passed in
Bactria, Kingdom of, Apollodotos II, (c.85-65 B.C.), silver drachm, uncertain mint in Punjab, (2.32 g), obv. diademed and draped bust to right of Apollodotos II, around **BASILEWS MEGALOU SWTHROS FILOPATOROS / APOLLODTOU*, rev. Athena Promachos advancing left, brandishing thunderbolt and shield, Karoshthi legend around, monogram D in right field, (S.7672, M.424c, Bopearachchi Series 2, 6 pl.61; HGC 12, 392 [R]). Attractive grey tone, very fine, rare.
Estimate $120
SOLD $180
Bactria, Kingdom of, Archebios, (c.75-65 B.C.), silver drachm, uncertain mint in eastern Gandhara, (2.40 g), obv. diademed and draped bust to right of Archebios, around **BASILEWS DIKAIOU NIKHFOPOU ARCEBIOU*, rev. radiate Zeus standing facing brandishing thunderbolt and holding sceptre, with Karoshthi legend around, monogram C in right field, (S.7681, M.357b, Bopearachchi Series 3, 12 pl.50; HGC 12, 439 [R2]). Attractive grey tone, nearly extremely fine, very rare.
Estimate $250
SOLD $250
Bactria, Kingdom of, Zoilos II, (c.55-40/35 B.C.), silver drachm (2.15 g), bilingual issue, obv. diademed and draped bust to right of Zoilos, around, **BASILEWS DIKAIOU XWILOU*, rev. Athena Alkidemos advancing left brandishing thunderbolt and shield; Karoshthi letter to left and right, monogram in right field, Karoshthi legend around, (S.7709, Bopearachchi Serie 1N, SNG ANS 1668-1670, HGC 12, 465). Extremely fine, rare.
Estimate $150
SOLD $170
Bactria and Indo-Greek, Kingdom of, Straton II and Straton III, (c.25 B.C. - A.D. 10), silver drachm, (2.32 g), uncertain mint in Jammmu-Akhnoor, obv. diademed bust of Straton II with elderly features r., trace of legend around, rev. Athena Promachos standing thunderbolt and shield, (S.7728, M.473b, Bopearachchi Series 6 Q, HGC 12, 476); Indo-Scythian kings, Azes (58-12 B.C.), silver drachms, (2.11, 2.09 g), obv. armoured Scythian king advancing right, on horseback, Kharoshthi letter to right, rev. Zeus with diadem standing to left holding Nike and sceptre, monogram to left and Kharoshthi letter to right, (ISCH 2, 105, HGC 12, 655). All lighly toned, first with some hoard patination and very fine for issue, others good very fine, first very rare. (3)
Estimate $150
SOLD $320
Hunnic Tribes, Nezak Huns (Western Turks in Zabulistan), Vasu Deva, (Circa 720 AD), silver drachm (3.33 g), struck at the mint in Zabulistan or Seistan, obv. Crowned Sassanian-style bust to right, with Baktrian or Brahmi legend around, rev. Fire altar with attendants and ribbon, (Mitchiner ACW 1561-2 [p.242, with same countermarks], G£bl, Dokumente, Em. 244 cmks 103 & 104; a similar example in Noble Numisnmatics Sale 91 [lot 3794] realised $360). Fine - very fine, with minute gold plug in coin, very rare.
Estimate $200
SOLD $260
Nabataea, Rabbel II, with Gamilat, (A.D. 70-106), silver drachm (3.21 g), Petra mint, of uncertain date, struck A.D. 75-102, obv. laureate and draped bust of Rabbel to right, rev. veiled and draped bust of Gamilat right, (cf. Meshorer, Nabataea 147-61; DCA 985). Very fine, as usual struck on a compact flan trace of hoard deposit.
Estimate $150
SOLD $90
Arabia Petraea, Bostra, Trajan, (A.D. 98-117), silver drachm, struck A.D. 114-116, (3.14 g), obv. laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, around traces of **AYTOKR KAIC NER TRAIANO ARICTW CEB GERM DAK*, rev. Bactrian (two-humped) camel walking left, around traces of **DHMARC EX UPATO V*, (S.-, SNG ANS 1159, BMC 65, Metcalf 20-21); Geta, (A.D.209-212), issued as Caesar 205, silver denarius, Rome mint, (2.92 g), obv. GETA CAES PONT COS, bust draped to right, rev. VOTA PVBLICA, Geta sacrificing out of a patera, (S.7207, RIC 38b, RSC 230) (illustrated). First about fine and rare, second very fine. (2)
Estimate $100
SOLD $60
Arabia Petraea, Trajan, (A.D. 98-117), Arabian issue, silver drachm (3.42, 2.85 g), probably from an uncertain Nabaetean mint, (Previously and still mostly attributed to Caesarea, Cappadocea), obv. Trajan laureate head to right, around AYTOKP KAIC NEP TPAIAN CEB **GERM DAK*, rev. Arabia wearing chilton standing to left, holding branch and sword, to left a camel to left, around **DHMARC EX IS UPAT*S, (cf.S.1088, BMC 62 [Caesarea, Cappadocia]). Lightly toned, fine - very fine, scarce. (2)
Estimate $200
Passed in