Watch List notes:

Sicily, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 B.C. PB tetradrachm (23.9 mm, 17.20 g). UNIFACE LEAD / ROSA OFF-METAL TRIAL STRIKE. Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga right; above, Nike flying left, holding wreath with small tablet inscribed EYAIN/ETO in two lines; in exergue, two dolphins / Uniface. cf. BMC 188; CD-159v2. VF. 

Peter Rosa (1926-1990) was the owner of Becker Manufacturing Company in New York City and an avid admirer of the artistry of ancient coins. Since purchasing coins was beyond his means, he ordered casts of coins from the British Museum from which he created high quality replicas. Although considered by some as one the great numismatic craftsmen of the 20th century, his copies were never intended to deceive, but to educate the public about ancient art.The Rosa off-metal trial strikes offered for sale at Agora Auctions are Rosa's innovative craftsmanship. They are not second or third generation cast copies commonly found on the market today. This collection was purchased by Wayne Sayles directly from the Rosa family after his death. The dies themselves were donated to the ANS museum.All Rosa test strikes are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from, and signed by, Wayne Sayles. A copy of Mr. Sayles book Classical Deception: Counterfeits, Forgeries and Reproductions of Ancient Coins will be offered to the winning bidder at no extra charge. Limit one book per person. Please notify Agora Auctions if you would like a copy of this important book.