Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XXVII 22-23 Mar 2023
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Thrace, Ainos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 455-452 BC. Head of Hermes to right, wearing petasos / Goat standing to right; AINI above, kerykeion in right field; all within incuse square. May, Ainos 259 (A159/P170); SNG Copenhagen 395 (same dies); Boston MFA 779 (same dies); HGC 3.2, 1266. 16.50g, 26mm, 1h.
Extremely Fine; boasting a bold portrait of Hermes and a wonderful iridescent tone.
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 126, 17 November 2021, lot 89;
Ex Nomos AG, Auction 3, 10 May 2011, lot 38;
Ex Nomos AG, Auction 1, 6 May 2009, lot 33 (hammer: CHF 22,000).
The city of Ainos began striking its first tetradrachms only after the expulsion of the Persians from northern Greece following Xerxes' defeat at Salamis. Its early issue of coinage came to an end with the Athenian coinage decree of 449 BC, but the mint began to strike again around 435 BC, finally ending when Philip II of Macedon conquered the city in 342 BC. The coinage of Ainos consistently displayed Hermes on one side and a goat on the other - the former being the patron god and the latter representing the source of the city's prosperity.
Extremely Fine; boasting a bold portrait of Hermes and a wonderful iridescent tone.
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 126, 17 November 2021, lot 89;
Ex Nomos AG, Auction 3, 10 May 2011, lot 38;
Ex Nomos AG, Auction 1, 6 May 2009, lot 33 (hammer: CHF 22,000).
The city of Ainos began striking its first tetradrachms only after the expulsion of the Persians from northern Greece following Xerxes' defeat at Salamis. Its early issue of coinage came to an end with the Athenian coinage decree of 449 BC, but the mint began to strike again around 435 BC, finally ending when Philip II of Macedon conquered the city in 342 BC. The coinage of Ainos consistently displayed Hermes on one side and a goat on the other - the former being the patron god and the latter representing the source of the city's prosperity.