Numismatica Ars Classica
Auction 134 21 Nov 2022
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Greek Coins. Ptolemy VI Philometor, 180 – 145 or Ptolemy VIII Euergetes, 145 – 116.
In the name of Arsinoe II. Tetradrachm, Alexandria circa 180-116, AV 13.85 g. Veiled and diademed head of Arsinoe II r. behind, K. Rev. ΑΡΣΙΝΟΗΣ – ΦΙΛΑΔΕΛΦΟΥ Double cornucopiae filled with fruit and bound with fillets. BMC 40. Svoronos 1500 and pl. LI, 22 (these dies). SNG Copenhagen –.
Very rare and in exceptional condition for the issue. Sharply struck in high
relief and with a lovely light reddish tone, almost invisible
marks on obverse, otherwise good extremely fine
From a Distinguished Swiss collection.
The Ptolemies produced a remarkable number of impressive gold coins, primarily because they seem to have had access to a considerable amount of African gold. Originally these coins must have existed in great numbers, but as is usual, the number that exist today are only a tiny fraction of those struck. The "Κ" issues of the mid 2nd century are based on the similar coins of the 3rd, and are primarily known in the weight of an octodrachm. They were issued in considerable numbers with obverse dies cut by engravers of very varying abilities. The tetradrachms, however, were produced in much smaller amounts - this piece may well be one of the earliest because the portrait of Arsinoe is of very fine style, far from the nearly caricatural ones found on the larger coins.
Graded Ch AU Strike 5/5 Surface 3/5 light marks, NGC certification number 6556713-063
In the name of Arsinoe II. Tetradrachm, Alexandria circa 180-116, AV 13.85 g. Veiled and diademed head of Arsinoe II r. behind, K. Rev. ΑΡΣΙΝΟΗΣ – ΦΙΛΑΔΕΛΦΟΥ Double cornucopiae filled with fruit and bound with fillets. BMC 40. Svoronos 1500 and pl. LI, 22 (these dies). SNG Copenhagen –.
Very rare and in exceptional condition for the issue. Sharply struck in high
relief and with a lovely light reddish tone, almost invisible
marks on obverse, otherwise good extremely fine
From a Distinguished Swiss collection.
The Ptolemies produced a remarkable number of impressive gold coins, primarily because they seem to have had access to a considerable amount of African gold. Originally these coins must have existed in great numbers, but as is usual, the number that exist today are only a tiny fraction of those struck. The "Κ" issues of the mid 2nd century are based on the similar coins of the 3rd, and are primarily known in the weight of an octodrachm. They were issued in considerable numbers with obverse dies cut by engravers of very varying abilities. The tetradrachms, however, were produced in much smaller amounts - this piece may well be one of the earliest because the portrait of Arsinoe is of very fine style, far from the nearly caricatural ones found on the larger coins.
Graded Ch AU Strike 5/5 Surface 3/5 light marks, NGC certification number 6556713-063