Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Triton XX Sessions 1 & 2 10 January 2017
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
CYPRUS, Paphos. Timarchos. Circa 350-325 BC. AV Hemistater (14mm, 4.15 g, 12h). Head of Aphrodite left, wearing stephanos ornamented with three palmettes separated by annulets, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace / Dove standing right, wings folded; timarako (in Cypriot) above, basi (in Cypriot) to right, small pellet below, ΠAΦI in exergue. Unpublished, but for the unique 1/10th stater of this same issue, cf. Markou, L'or 191 = McClean 9158 = Traité II 1317 = Tziambazis 85. EF, a couple trivial marks, light die rust on obverse. Unique.
The city-kingdom of Paphos, located on the western coast of Cyprus, was in existence since at least the late Bronze Age, and was particularly prosperous through trade conducted with the Minoans, Mycenaeans, and cities along the Levantine coast. The earliest coins date to the late sixth century BC, and production, almost exclusively in silver, continued through most of the successive kings, until the abolition of the Cypriot kingdoms under Ptolemy I. Timarchos was the son of Timocharis, and succeeded to the throne circa 350 BC. He was the first king of Paphos to strike coins in gold, and was the first to use the Greek alphabet on his coinage. The appearance of Aphrodite and her dove on the gold coins of Timarchos refer to the cult of Aphrodite for which Paphos was an important center; its sanctuary was one of the most significant shrines of the ancient world, and remained active through the Roman period. The king of Paphos also served as the cult's chief priest. During the time of Alexander, Timarchos was one of the Cypriot kings who joined with the Macedonian during the great siege of Tyre, and was allowed to retain his kingdom in exchange. Timarchos died in 325 BC, and was succeed by his son, Nikokles.
The city-kingdom of Paphos, located on the western coast of Cyprus, was in existence since at least the late Bronze Age, and was particularly prosperous through trade conducted with the Minoans, Mycenaeans, and cities along the Levantine coast. The earliest coins date to the late sixth century BC, and production, almost exclusively in silver, continued through most of the successive kings, until the abolition of the Cypriot kingdoms under Ptolemy I. Timarchos was the son of Timocharis, and succeeded to the throne circa 350 BC. He was the first king of Paphos to strike coins in gold, and was the first to use the Greek alphabet on his coinage. The appearance of Aphrodite and her dove on the gold coins of Timarchos refer to the cult of Aphrodite for which Paphos was an important center; its sanctuary was one of the most significant shrines of the ancient world, and remained active through the Roman period. The king of Paphos also served as the cult's chief priest. During the time of Alexander, Timarchos was one of the Cypriot kings who joined with the Macedonian during the great siege of Tyre, and was allowed to retain his kingdom in exchange. Timarchos died in 325 BC, and was succeed by his son, Nikokles.