Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XII 29 September 2016
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Thracian Chersonesos, Paktye Æ11. Circa 375-325 BC. Head of roaring lion left / Wheat grain, scallop shell below, ethnik ΠAK-TY around. Roma Numismatics IV, 256 (this coin); see IACP p. 909, 671 for information on this polis. 0.91g, 11mm, 8h.
Extremely Fine. Unique and of significant numismatic importance.
Ex Roma Numismatics IV, 30 September 2012, lot 256.
It is rare now to encounter a real novum in Greek numismatics. This coin bears the ethnik of Paktye, attested as a polis in ancient sources, that was founded by Athenians under Miltiades in the sixth century BC. Situated on the Propontic coast of the isthmus of the Chersonesos near the site of Helle's tomb, at the eastern end of the fortification wall constructed by Miltiades, Paktye appears to have been a settlement of limited size, and was never included in the Athenian tribute lists. Before the discovery of this coin it was believed that the city had never issued its own coinage. This wonderfully preserved specimen proves that not to be the case. A lion of distinctly Chersonesean style occupies the obverse, and this animal representation of the sun is paired with the wheat grain, for whose germination and growth it was responsible; on the reverse we see also the scallop shell, a noted symbol of fertility. The Thracian Chersonesos was renowned for its production of wheat, and as the foundation of their economy this grain has appropriately been taken for a civic emblem much as it was at Metapontion.
Extremely Fine. Unique and of significant numismatic importance.
Ex Roma Numismatics IV, 30 September 2012, lot 256.
It is rare now to encounter a real novum in Greek numismatics. This coin bears the ethnik of Paktye, attested as a polis in ancient sources, that was founded by Athenians under Miltiades in the sixth century BC. Situated on the Propontic coast of the isthmus of the Chersonesos near the site of Helle's tomb, at the eastern end of the fortification wall constructed by Miltiades, Paktye appears to have been a settlement of limited size, and was never included in the Athenian tribute lists. Before the discovery of this coin it was believed that the city had never issued its own coinage. This wonderfully preserved specimen proves that not to be the case. A lion of distinctly Chersonesean style occupies the obverse, and this animal representation of the sun is paired with the wheat grain, for whose germination and growth it was responsible; on the reverse we see also the scallop shell, a noted symbol of fertility. The Thracian Chersonesos was renowned for its production of wheat, and as the foundation of their economy this grain has appropriately been taken for a civic emblem much as it was at Metapontion.