Nomos AG
Auction 11 9 October 2015
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KINGS of BITHYNIA. Nikomedes II Epiphanes, 149-127 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 42mm, 16.60 g 12), Nikomedia, c. 140s. Diademed head of Nikomedes II to right. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ ΝΙΚΟΜΗΔΟΥ Zeus standing facing, his head turned to left, holding wreath in his right hand and scepter in his left; to left, eagle standing on thunderbolt above monogram. RG 40 var. A very rare early tetradrachm of Nikomedes II with an exceptionally fine portrait. Struck on a very broad flan. Minor marks, otherwise, very fine.
From an American Collection, ex Lanz 146, 25 May 2009, 158
.
This is one of the truly remarkable portraits of the ruling dynasty of Bithynia. Nikomedes II became one of the most revered of all the Bithynian kings - his portrait continued in use under his successors Nikomedes III and IV, and became coarser and coarser. Here we have a very realistic portrait, albeit somewhat idealized, which is beautifully presented as almost a miniature centered on a very broad flan; a fashion of die preparation that is also found used for the contemporary kings of Cappadocia and Pontus. All in all this is an astonishingly nice coin.
From an American Collection, ex Lanz 146, 25 May 2009, 158
.
This is one of the truly remarkable portraits of the ruling dynasty of Bithynia. Nikomedes II became one of the most revered of all the Bithynian kings - his portrait continued in use under his successors Nikomedes III and IV, and became coarser and coarser. Here we have a very realistic portrait, albeit somewhat idealized, which is beautifully presented as almost a miniature centered on a very broad flan; a fashion of die preparation that is also found used for the contemporary kings of Cappadocia and Pontus. All in all this is an astonishingly nice coin.