Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XX 29-30 Oct 2020
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Elis, Olympia AR Stater. 105th Olympiad. 360 BC. Head of Zeus left, wearing laurel wreath; [FAΛEION to left] / Head of the nymph Olympia right, hair in sphendone, wearing single-pendant earring; OΛYMΠIA to right; all within incuse circle. Seltman, Temple 175 (dies CA/δλ); BCD Olympia 118 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen -; BMC 71-2 (same dies); SNG Delepierre 2144 (same dies); Gulbenkian 544 (same dies) = Jameson 1235 (same dies); ACGC 334 (same dies); HGC 5, 364 (this coin). 12.17g, 27mm, 11h.
Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.
This coin published in O.D. Hoover, The Handbook of Greek Coins, Vol. 5 - Coins of the Peloponnesos (Lancaster PA, 2011);
From the Long Valley River Collection;
Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction IV, 30 September 2012, lot 141 (hammer: £30,000);
Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XI, 8 January 2008, lot 179 (hammer: USD 30,000).
The seventh known example, this is one of only two not in a museum collection, the other having been offered in the sale of the BCD Collection of The Coinage of Olympia (Leu 90, 10 May 2004, lot 118), and which was of decidedly poor preservation, being heavily worn. This is therefore the finest example in private hands.
After the withdrawal of the Arkadians in 363 BC, the Eleans reclaimed their control of the sanctuary of Olympia and resolved to strike an impressive series of coins for the 105th Olympiad in commemoration of the sanctuary's liberation. From the number of dies that have been recorded for the issues following the re-establishment of Elean control of Olympia, it appears that the issue was far more extensive than Seltman had supposed. The engravers who were commissioned to produce the dies were among the most accomplished in the Greek world, and to effect this extraordinary series it was necessary to reopen the Zeus mint, closed since 388. Both it and the Hera mint were put to work, each with their own team of master engravers.
This fascinating coin displays a portrait of Zeus that stands in stark contrast to every other such image on the coinage of Olympia. This particular issue shows us a god unencumbered by the robust, severe and authoritative features that normally characterise his appearance. In their place is a god with a serene expression, noble and imposing, yet with an apparent benevolence that is surprising.
Paired with this remarkably refined image of Zeus is the first appearance of the eponymous nymph of the sanctuary, Olympia. She appears too on the obverse of the first contemporary issue of the Hera mint in a more mature form, but here she is rendered in a youthful style reminiscent of Arethusa on the high classical coinage of Syracuse. One of the most pleasing aspects of this important coin is the way in which Olympia betrays a hint of a smile - no doubt contentedness at the return of the sacred site to the Eleans, as borne out in the legend FALEION OLYMPIA: 'Olympia belongs to the Eleans'.
Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.
This coin published in O.D. Hoover, The Handbook of Greek Coins, Vol. 5 - Coins of the Peloponnesos (Lancaster PA, 2011);
From the Long Valley River Collection;
Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction IV, 30 September 2012, lot 141 (hammer: £30,000);
Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XI, 8 January 2008, lot 179 (hammer: USD 30,000).
The seventh known example, this is one of only two not in a museum collection, the other having been offered in the sale of the BCD Collection of The Coinage of Olympia (Leu 90, 10 May 2004, lot 118), and which was of decidedly poor preservation, being heavily worn. This is therefore the finest example in private hands.
After the withdrawal of the Arkadians in 363 BC, the Eleans reclaimed their control of the sanctuary of Olympia and resolved to strike an impressive series of coins for the 105th Olympiad in commemoration of the sanctuary's liberation. From the number of dies that have been recorded for the issues following the re-establishment of Elean control of Olympia, it appears that the issue was far more extensive than Seltman had supposed. The engravers who were commissioned to produce the dies were among the most accomplished in the Greek world, and to effect this extraordinary series it was necessary to reopen the Zeus mint, closed since 388. Both it and the Hera mint were put to work, each with their own team of master engravers.
This fascinating coin displays a portrait of Zeus that stands in stark contrast to every other such image on the coinage of Olympia. This particular issue shows us a god unencumbered by the robust, severe and authoritative features that normally characterise his appearance. In their place is a god with a serene expression, noble and imposing, yet with an apparent benevolence that is surprising.
Paired with this remarkably refined image of Zeus is the first appearance of the eponymous nymph of the sanctuary, Olympia. She appears too on the obverse of the first contemporary issue of the Hera mint in a more mature form, but here she is rendered in a youthful style reminiscent of Arethusa on the high classical coinage of Syracuse. One of the most pleasing aspects of this important coin is the way in which Olympia betrays a hint of a smile - no doubt contentedness at the return of the sacred site to the Eleans, as borne out in the legend FALEION OLYMPIA: 'Olympia belongs to the Eleans'.