Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 123 23-24 May 2023
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
GAUL, Massalia. Circa 150-125 BC. AR Drachm (16mm, 2.63 g, 6h). Light standard. Diademed and draped bust of Artemis right, bow and quiver over shoulder / Lion standing left, raising foreleg; A between hind legs, KH to right. F&P DRM-37-3; Depeyrot, Hellénistiques 37/3 corr. (letters not in monogram form); SNG Copenhagen 760. In NGC encapsulation 6558557-003, graded MS, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5.
The ancient Greek settlement of Massalia, modern Marseilles on the south coast of France, was founded by settlers from Phokaia around 600 BC, becoming the westernmost Greek colony. The trading post soon grew into a thriving port city of more than of 50,000 souls. Massalia flourished and enjoyed good relations with Rome, eventually creating settlements of her own. Her independence ceased abruptly during the Roman civil wars of 49-32 BC, when she was absorbed into the Roman empire as part of Gallia Narbonensis. Nearly all of Massalia's silver drachm coinage features a bust of Artemis, the city's patron goddess, on the obverse, with a reverse depicting a lion prowling right or left.
The ancient Greek settlement of Massalia, modern Marseilles on the south coast of France, was founded by settlers from Phokaia around 600 BC, becoming the westernmost Greek colony. The trading post soon grew into a thriving port city of more than of 50,000 souls. Massalia flourished and enjoyed good relations with Rome, eventually creating settlements of her own. Her independence ceased abruptly during the Roman civil wars of 49-32 BC, when she was absorbed into the Roman empire as part of Gallia Narbonensis. Nearly all of Massalia's silver drachm coinage features a bust of Artemis, the city's patron goddess, on the obverse, with a reverse depicting a lion prowling right or left.