Le più belle rappresentazioni di guerrieri

[King John]

Quinario di C.Fundanius, 101 a.C., Crawford 326/2

ILLUSTRAZIONE: RICOSTRUZIONE DEL TROFEO DI EPOCA AUGUSTEA SITUATO A SAINT-BERTRAND-DE-COMMINGES, centro della Francia, nel dipartimento della Haute-Garonne, 15 km a WSW di Saint-Gaudens, sulla Garonna, alle falde settentrionali dei Pirenei.  Sorge sul luogo di un abitato gallico e quindi romano (Convenae o Lugdunum Convenarum). Dell'oppidum indigeno sulla collina restano scarse testimonianze; più ricche quelle della città romana costruita al tempo di Augusto più a valle, e distrutta dai Franchi nel 585. È stata riportata alla luce la zona del foro, con la basilica e il capitolium; si sono pure scavati il teatro, le terme, i mercati. Interessante è il trofeo marmoreo a ricordo dell'annessione a Roma in età augustea. Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges conserva inoltre i resti di una basilica cristiana del sec. IV e una cattedrale romanico-gotica (sec. XI-XIV) nel cui chiostro (sec. XII) si trovano notevoli sculture; caratteristiche anche alcune case rinascimentali.

 

Modificato 26 Settembre, 2018 da King John

[eracle62]

 

Auktionshaus H. D. Rauch GmbH, Auction 77, lot 183, 10/04/2006

Makedonien, Griechenland    THRAKIEN - Mesembria   Diobol (1,31 g), 450/350. Av.: Helm frontal. Rv.: Wagenrad. SNG.Cop:652f. vzgl.  Estimate: EUR 80

Questa, gli elmi sono sempre stati la mia passione, io e mio fratelli da buoni Greci ce ne siamo costruiti qualcuno, di cartapesta e gesso..

Solo che dopo con le botte che ci tiravamo con spade di circostanza, la distruzione era inevitabile, avendo un'anno di differenza, il combattimento era continuo..

Questo Diobolo se pur piccolo è uno spettacolo di tondello.

[King John]

Leu Numismatik, Web Auction 2, lot 425, 3/12/2017

Roman Provincial. CARIA. Aphrodisias. Pseudo-autonomous issue . Hemiassarion (?) (Bronze, 21 mm, 4.33 g, 3 h), circa 250-255 AD. IЄPA BOYΛH Veiled and draped bust of Boule to right. Rev. AΦPOΔЄICIЄΩN Aphrodite, nude, to right, leaning on low column, holding mirror and adjusting sandal, aided by small Eros facing left. MacDonald 208 (O249/R460). Martin 71. SNG von Aulock 2448. Rare. Somewhat rough and with earthen deposits , otherwise, about very fine.

Illustrazione:  La dea Afrodite mentre si slaccia un sandalo, opera conosciuta come "Venere in bikini". Piccola statua (62 cm) in marmo pario, proviene dal sito archeologico di Pompei ed è oggi conservata presso il Museo archeologico nazionale di Napoli. Il bambino accovacciato ai piedi della Dea è Eros, mentre la figura a cui la Dea si appoggia è un Priapo, originariamente itifallico. L'opera è una copia romana da originale ellenistico.

[King John]

Nomos, Auction 4, lot 1117, 10/05/2011

Coins of Thessaly, the BCD Collection

Larissa
Circa 440-400 BC. Obol (Silver, 0.97 g 2). Horse prancing to right. Rev. LA - RI Nymph Larissa standing right, her left leg raised and resting on the top of the rho of the legend, leaning down and tying her left shoe; to right, hydria; all within incuse square. BMC 44. Herrmann -. Traité IV 686, pl. CCXCVII, 19. Rare. Attractive and clear. Good very fine. Aside from the general attractiveness of the design, a special touch is the way Larissa rests her foot on a letter of the legend.

 

[VALTERI]

Da Pelinna di Tessaglia, un piccolissimo obolo ( 425-350 AC. , 0,92 g. , 12 mm. ) con al rovescio un guerriero in movimento, con giavellotti e scudo rotondo : indossa curiosamente il petaso ed un ampio chitone svolazzante .

Passerà in Savoca 26 al lotto 139 .

 

[eracle62]

 

Leu Numismatik, Web Auction 2, lot 425, 3/12/2017

Roman Provincial. CARIA. Aphrodisias. Pseudo-autonomous issue . Hemiassarion (?) (Bronze, 21 mm, 4.33 g, 3 h), circa 250-255 AD. IЄPA BOYΛH Veiled and draped bust of Boule to right. Rev. AΦPOΔЄICIЄΩN Aphrodite, nude, to right, leaning on low column, holding mirror and adjusting sandal, aided by small Eros facing left. MacDonald 208 (O249/R460). Martin 71. SNG von Aulock 2448. Rare. Somewhat rough and with earthen deposits , otherwise, about very fine.

Illustrazione:  La dea Afrodite mentre si slaccia un sandalo, opera conosciuta come "Venere in bikini". Piccola statua (62 cm) in marmo pario, proviene dal sito archeologico di Pompei ed è oggi conservata presso il Museo archeologico nazionale di Napoli. Il bambino accovacciato ai piedi della Dea è Eros, mentre la figura a cui la Dea si appoggia è un Priapo, originariamente itifallico. L'opera è una copia romana da originale ellenistico.

Grazie per questo stupendo omaggio con chi mi diede vita..

Peccato per la conservazione del tondello, rimane comunque interessantissimo, anche perché ci sono io ovviamente..

La statua, sublimazione della bellezza e dell'Eros..

 

[eracle62]

 

Nomos, Auction 4, lot 1117, 10/05/2011

Coins of Thessaly, the BCD Collection

Larissa
Circa 440-400 BC. Obol (Silver, 0.97 g 2). Horse prancing to right. Rev. LA - RI Nymph Larissa standing right, her left leg raised and resting on the top of the rho of the legend, leaning down and tying her left shoe; to right, hydria; all within incuse square. BMC 44. Herrmann -. Traité IV 686, pl. CCXCVII, 19. Rare. Attractive and clear. Good very fine. Aside from the general attractiveness of the design, a special touch is the way Larissa rests her foot on a letter of the legend.

 

 

 

Obolo con la ninfa Larissa degno di nota, i nominali piccoli sono come i medaglioni difficili non notarli, se poi esprimono cariche vitali come questo il gioco è fatto..

Statua meravigliosa a dir poco..quasi danzante..

[dabbene]

 

Nomos, Auction 4, lot 1117, 10/05/2011

Coins of Thessaly, the BCD Collection

Larissa
Circa 440-400 BC. Obol (Silver, 0.97 g 2). Horse prancing to right. Rev. LA - RI Nymph Larissa standing right, her left leg raised and resting on the top of the rho of the legend, leaning down and tying her left shoe; to right, hydria; all within incuse square. BMC 44. Herrmann -. Traité IV 686, pl. CCXCVII, 19. Rare. Attractive and clear. Good very fine. Aside from the general attractiveness of the design, a special touch is the way Larissa rests her foot on a letter of the legend.

 

 

 

Bello, bello il vedere anche la vita, i gesti quotidiani nelle monete, il vivere che scorre, quando diciamo che sono gli unici documenti dell’epoca a disposizione di tutti queste monete lo testimoniano in pieno ...

[King John]

CGB.fr, Monnaies 25, lt 148, 26/01/2006

  CAESIA(112-111 avant J.-C.)Lucius Cوsius Denier N° v25_0148   
Date : 112-111 AC.
Nom de l'atelier : Rome
Métal : argent
Diamètre : 20,5mm
Axe des coins : 6h.
Poids : 3,82g.
Degré de rareté : R1
Etat de conservation : TTB Prix de départ : 145 €  Estimation : 250 €   
Prix réalisé : 175 €  Nombres d'offres : 3   Offre maximum : 215 €   
Commentaires sur l'état de conservation : Beau portrait. Exemplaire bien centré. Une fine patine grise recouvre l’exemplaire. N° dans les ouvrages de référence : B.1 (Caesia) - BMC/RR.585  - CRR.564 (2) - RRC.298 /1 - RSC.1
Titulature avers : (Monogramme (ROMA).
Description avers : Buste héroïque et lauré d’Apollon Véjovis à gauche, vu de trois quarts en avant, brandissant un foudre de la main droite avec le manteau sur l’épaule ; derrière la tête un monogramme.
Traduction avers : “Roma”, (Rome).
Titulature revers : L. CئSI/ (LA)- (RE) en monogramme de chaque côté.
Description revers : Les deux dieux Lares assis de face sur des rochers, tournés à droite, nus jusqu’à la ceinture, tenant chacun un sceptre long de la main gauche ; au milieu, un chien debout à droite ; au-dessus, tête de Vulcain tournée à gauche avec des tenailles derrière la tête.
Traduction revers : “Lucius Cوsius/ Lares Prوstites”, (Lucius Caesius, dieux Lares). 
Commentaire à propos de cet exemplaire : Pour ce type, M. Crawford a relevé une estimation de cinquante coins de droit et de soixante-deux coins de revers. Ce denier semble plus rare que ne le laissent apparaître les catalogues généraux. Au droit, le monogramme a été diversement interprété comme celui de Roma ou d’Apollon. Au revers, les deux monogrammes accostant les dieux Lares sont leurs initiales. Ce denier sera copié servilement pour le droit par Lucius Licinius Macer en 85 avant J.-C. (RCV. 274).
Commentaires : Apollon Véjovis est revêtu d’un pouvoir jupitérien puisqu’il détient le foudre, symbole de puissance. Véjovis, “le petit Jupiter”, divinité latine était identifié comme le dieu de la nature destructrice dont le principal effet était de provoquer la surdité de ceux qui étaient victimes de sa foudre. Son culte se répandit rapidement à Rome et il était vénéré dans deux temples, situés l’un entre le Capitole et la roche tarpéienne et le second sur l’île du Tibre. Armé d’un foudre et souvent accompagné d’une chèvre, il est assimilé à Apollon et se rencontre sur les monnaies des gens Cوsia, Fonteia, Julia et Lucinia, familles d’origine latine. Les “Lares prوstites” étaient les dieux tutélaires et esprits protecteurs de la cité souvent identifiés à Rémus et Romulus.
Historique : En 112, débute la guerre de Numidie contre Jugurtha qui durera jusqu'en 105 avant J.-C. avec une trêve l'année suivante.

ILLUSTRAZIONE: STATUA DI APOLLO
 

 

[King John]

The New York Sale, Auction III, lot 782, 7/12/200

Medallion of 9 solidi, gold, Constantinople, 333. AV 38.77 g. FL CONSTANS NOB CAES Laureate bust l., wearing chlamys over cuirass decorated with head of Medusa and floral pattern; he raises his r. hand in greeting gesture. Rev. SECV-RITA-S PE-RPETVA / CONS Constantine I the Great standing facing with his three sons Constantine II, Constans and Constantius II, all three looking at their father; all four in military dress and with chlamys; Constantine I holding vexillum in his r. hand, parazonium in his l. hand; Constantin II and Constantius II holding sceptres in their r. hands, their l. hand resting on large shield; Constans, of smaller size, is empty-handed. C. 101 (this specimen, 2000.- gold francs!). RIC 580, 67 (this specimen mentioned). Gnecchi, Medaglioni I, 27, 10 (this specimen mentioned, illustrated on pl. 10, 2). Toynbee, Roman Medallions, ANS NS 5 (1944, Reprint edition 1986), 198 (this specimen described and commented on). Liebe, Gotha numaria sistens thesauri Fridericiani numismata antiqua aurea, argentea, aerea (1730), p. 360, § 4 (this specimen illustrated by drawing). Unique and of the highest historical and numismatic interest. Ring removed. Slightly bent. Very fine.
Ex Counts of Schwarzburg in Arnstadt, and Dukes of Saxony-Gotha in Gotha collections; and ex Hess AG, Lucerne sale 252 (1982), 312 - The history of this spectacular medallion can be traced back as far as the beginning of the 18th century. Banduri, Numismata imperatorum Traiano Decio ad Paleologus Augustus (1718), 350, 3 mentions the medallion for the first time with the location "in cimelio Schwarzburgico". The collection of Count Anton Günther of Schwarzburg was built up or at least considerably enlarged and worked up by the Swiss numismatist A. Morell (AD 1646-1705) between 1693-1705. Soon after the count sold the collection to Prince Frederic II of Saxony-Gotha in Gotha for the amount of 90.000 Thalers, only a few years after count Anton Günther had turned down an offer of Charles VI, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, to sell him the collection. Our medaillion is obviously a presentation piece, issued on the occasion of the appointment as Caesar of Constans II on December 25, 333. Such large gold medallions were reserved to the very inner circle of the imperial court. In most cases rings were applied and/or the medallion was put in a frame, which makes it clear that the imperial gift was worn as a necklace, showing the emperor's portrait when worn. For the type of ring removed at one time from our medallion, cf. Toynbee pl. VI, 5 (similar medallion for Constantius II) and pl. VII, or Alföldi, Antike Numismatik (1978) II, pl. 14-17. -

ILLUSTRAZIONE: RITRATTO DI COSTANTINO IL GRANDE

 

Modificato 28 Settembre, 2018 da King John

[King John]

CGB.fr, Monnaies 52, lot 98, 9/02/2012

CAECILIA Denier 127 AC. Rome R2 silver (18mm, 3,78g, 9h)
Obverse : ROMA Tête casquée de Rome à droite, coiffée du casque ailé ; sous le menton, marque de valeur (XVI) en monogramme
Reverse : M. METELLVS. Q. F. Bouclier macédonien dans une couronne de laurier, orné en son centre d’une tête d’éléphant
Ref : B.29 (Caecilia) BMC/RR.1145 pl. 29/19 CRR.480 a (2) RRC.263 /1 RSC.29
Pedigree : Cet exemplaire provient du fonds Bourgey en février 1989 et de la collection D. J
Grade : EF/VF
Coments on the condition : Exemplaire sur un petit flan ovale et irrégulier, bien centré des deux côtés, en particulier au revers. Beau portrait de Rome. Frappe un peu molle au revers sur le bouclier, mais la tête d’éléphant est bien venue. Jolie patine grise de collection ancienne avec des reflets dorés
Starting Price : 225.00 Euro
Estimate : 450.00 Euro

Su questo denario coniato dal monetiere M. Cecilio Metello nel 127 a.C. si commemora la vittoria ottenuta nel 148 a.C. dall'antenato Quinto Cecilio Metello su Filippo VI Andrisco di Macedonia raffigurando al rovescio uno scudo macedone decorato al centro con una testa di elefante.

Modificato 28 Settembre, 2018 da King John

[King John]

Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. Triton IX, lot 415, 10/01/2006

BOIOTIA, Thebes. Circa 450-440 BC. AR Stater (12.21 g). Boiotian shield / Nude Herakles advancing right, carrying off the Delphic tripod, holding club overhead in his right hand; QEB"IO(N retrograde) downward on left; all within square incuse. Myron Hoard pl. A, 26 (same dies); SNG Cop. 279; Traité III 228, pl. CXCIX, 27 (same rev. die); Boston MFA 1002 = E.P. Warren, A Guide to the Catharine Page Perkins Collection of Greek and Roman Coins, (Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 1902), 264 (this coin). Good VF, even grey tone on an large flan. Extremely rare and exceptional for issue. ($5000)
Ex Boston Museum of Fine Arts Collection (Numismatic Fine Arts VIII, 6 June 1980), lot 147; Catharine Page Perkins Collection, 264.
Estimate: $5000

[King John]

Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 397, lot 336, 17/05/2017

Roman Provincial 
ISLANDS off IONIA, Samos. Commodus. AD 177-192. Æ (35mm, 22.97 g, 6h). Struck circa AD 184-190. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Hercules advancing left, head right, brandishing club; to right, Apollo advancing left, about to take hold of Hercules. MG 176, pl. E, 37; RPC Online temp. no. 2706. VF, green surfaces, earthen deposits around devices. Extremely rare, three specimens currently listed in RPC Online, none in CoinArchives. Possibly the only in private hands.
While Apollo was associated with culture, reason and intellect, his half-brother Hercules was better known for his bold nature, rashness and brute strength, all traits he exhibited leading up to his battle with Apollo over the Delphic Tripod. The Sanctuary at Delphi was one of the most sacred sights in Greece, where visitors would pay great sums to have a priestess deliver cryptic oracles. Suffering from madness, Hercules traveled to Delphi to seek out advice about a cure, but the priestess (as was sometimes the case) had no answer for him. Hercules grew furious as a result and the stubborn hero decided to seize the tripod and establish his own sanctuary in order to get an answer. Apollo pursued Hercules in an effort to reclaim the tripod and a battle ensued. Zeus quickly intervened, separating his two sons and returning the tripod to its rightful place at Delphi.

ILLUSTRAZIONE: APOLLO ED ERACLE LOTTANO PER IL TRIPODE DI DELFI, CERAMICA ATTICA A FIGURE NERE, HYDRIA DEL 520 A.C.

Dopo le dodici fatiche, Eracle si cimentò in altre imprese. Tra queste, in preda alla follia e alla malattia, si recò presso il Santuario di Apollo a Delfi, dove c'era il famoso oracolo, e, vistosi rifiutare il responso da parte della Pizia, cercò di impossessarsi del tripode, emblema del santuario e oggetto rituale sopra il quale la sacerdotessa dava i responsi del dio. Ne nacque una contesa con Apollo, nella quale risultò vincitore il dio, cosicché il tripode rimase nel santuario di Delfi.  Il tentativo da parte di Eracle di impossessarsi del santuario di Delfi e del relativo oracolo, sostituendosi ad Apollo può essere interpretato come la reazione del clero delfico al tentativo di ingerenza dei popoli che nel VII secolo a.C. volevano estendere la loro influenza sul santuario.

[King John]

Numismatik Naumann (formerly Gitbud & Naumann), Auction 61, lot 368, 7/01/2018

Roman Provincial Coins
TROAS. Alexandria. Trebonianus Gallus (251-253). Ae As. Obv: IMP VIB TREB GALLVS AV. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev: COL AVG / TROAD. Priest Krinis and Apollo, holding arrows, seated facing one another; between them, herdsman Orodes facing, head right and holding pedum, behind tripod. RPC IX 413; Bellinger A402. Condition: Good very fine. Weight: 3.13 g. Diameter: 22 mm.

ILLUSTRAZIONE: APOLLO SEDUTO, REPLICA ROMANA IN MARMO (I SECOLO A.C.) DI UN ORIGINALE ELLENISTICO DEL III-II SECOLO A.C. (UFFIZI FIRENZE)

[King John]

Numismatik Naumann (formerly Gitbud & Naumann), Auction 9, lot 336, 3/11/2013

THRACE. Philippopolis. Caracalla (198-217). Ae.
Obv: AVT K M AVR ANTΩNEINOC.
Laureate bust right.
Rev: ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΠΟΛΕΙΤΩΝ.
Caracalla standing with toga, tripod in front of him; priest with double-axe bringing sacrificial-ox; in background column sutmounted by statue of Apollo Kendrizos.
Varbanov 1552.
Condition: Very fine.
Weight: 14.5 g.
Diameter: 28 mm.

 

[dabbene]

 

Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 397, lot 336, 17/05/2017

Roman Provincial 
ISLANDS off IONIA, Samos. Commodus. AD 177-192. Æ (35mm, 22.97 g, 6h). Struck circa AD 184-190. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Hercules advancing left, head right, brandishing club; to right, Apollo advancing left, about to take hold of Hercules. MG 176, pl. E, 37; RPC Online temp. no. 2706. VF, green surfaces, earthen deposits around devices. Extremely rare, three specimens currently listed in RPC Online, none in CoinArchives. Possibly the only in private hands.
While Apollo was associated with culture, reason and intellect, his half-brother Hercules was better known for his bold nature, rashness and brute strength, all traits he exhibited leading up to his battle with Apollo over the Delphic Tripod. The Sanctuary at Delphi was one of the most sacred sights in Greece, where visitors would pay great sums to have a priestess deliver cryptic oracles. Suffering from madness, Hercules traveled to Delphi to seek out advice about a cure, but the priestess (as was sometimes the case) had no answer for him. Hercules grew furious as a result and the stubborn hero decided to seize the tripod and establish his own sanctuary in order to get an answer. Apollo pursued Hercules in an effort to reclaim the tripod and a battle ensued. Zeus quickly intervened, separating his two sons and returning the tripod to its rightful place at Delphi.

ILLUSTRAZIONE: APOLLO ED ERACLE LOTTANO PER IL TRIPODE DI DELFI, CERAMICA ATTICA A FIGURE NERE, HYDRIA DEL 520 A.C.

Dopo le dodici fatiche, Eracle si cimentò in altre imprese. Tra queste, in preda alla follia e alla malattia, si recò presso il Santuario di Apollo a Delfi, dove c'era il famoso oracolo, e, vistosi rifiutare il responso da parte della Pizia, cercò di impossessarsi del tripode, emblema del santuario e oggetto rituale sopra il quale la sacerdotessa dava i responsi del dio. Ne nacque una contesa con Apollo, nella quale risultò vincitore il dio, cosicché il tripode rimase nel santuario di Delfi.  Il tentativo da parte di Eracle di impossessarsi del santuario di Delfi e del relativo oracolo, sostituendosi ad Apollo può essere interpretato come la reazione del clero delfico al tentativo di ingerenza dei popoli che nel VII secolo a.C. volevano estendere la loro influenza sul santuario.

Le Monete raccontano anche lotte, guerre, ricerca del predominio, qui sottesa nella simbologia dell'azione, dei gesti si sottintende una lotta politica, di popoli, anche religiosa, si entra decisamente con questa moneta nello storico interpretativo...quindi moneta fortemente simbolica questa.

[King John]

Classical Numismatic Group, Mail Bid Sale 64, lot 1222, 24/09/2003

FAMILY of THEODOSIUS. Late 4th century AD. Æ Engraved Solidus Weight (3.98 gm).
Estimate $200
FAMILY of THEODOSIUS. Late 4th century AD. Æ Engraved Solidus Weight (3.98 gm). Incuse crowned facing busts of two emperors / Incuse Moneta standing, holding balance scales and cornucopiae. VF, brown patina. Cf. Bendall 12 for this type as a struck relief token. Rare. ($200)

ILLUSTRAZIONE: RAPPRESENTAZIONE MODERNA DELLA DEA MONETA

[King John]

Numismatik Naumann (formerly Gitbud & Naumann), Auction 26, lot 396, 14/12/2014

PHRYGIA. Synnada. Gallienus (253-268). Ae.
Obv: AVT K Π ΛΙ EΓ ΓAΛΛIHNOC. 
Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: CYNNAΔEWN IΩΝΩΝ. 
Two gladiators fighting; above, baitylos between two palm fronds.
SNG v. Aulock 3998.
Condition: Very fine.
Weight: 15.63 g.
Diameter: 31 mm.

ILLUSTRAZIONE: I GLADIATORI MORTI VENGONO PORTATI VIA DALL'ARENA DEL COLOSSEO PER FAR SPAZIO AI COMBATTIMENTI SUCCESSIVI

[King John]

Avete notato il personaggio con il martello raffigurato nel disegno del post precedente?  Si tratta di un incaricato che trascinava via i cadaveri mascherato da Charun, il demone etrusco che accompagnava i morti nell'Ade, equivalente del greco Caronte. Da Tertulliano (Apologeticum 15, 5) sappiamo, infatti, che nei giochi gladiatori i lottatori uccisi nei combattimenti veniva portati fuori dall'arena da un incaricato mascherato da Charun e armato di martello, circostanza che, tra l'altro, conferma l'origine etrusca dei giochi gladiatori.

seconda immagine: Una tipica rappresentazione di Charun dipinta su di un manufatto etrusco. Viene mostrata l'uccisione di un prigioniero troiano da parte di Aiace sotto gli occhi di Charun (fine del IV secolo - inizi del III secolo a.C.).

 

Modificato 30 Settembre, 2018 da King John

[King John]

Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG, Auction 39, lot 10, 16/05/2007

The Barry Feirstein Collection of Ancient Coins Part I
Greek Coins
Camarina
No.: 10
Estimate: CHF 65000
d=24 mm
Didrachm signed by Eyainetos before 405, AR 8.55 g. Bust of young river-god Hipparis, facing three- quarter l., with horns on forehead and hair in long loose curls; a fish downwards on either side. On neck, signature [EYAI]. The whole within border of stylised waves. Rev. KAM - A - RI - NA The nymph Camarina, with head l., dressed in low-necked chiton leaving the breast partly bare and with crossed legs, riding on swan l. over curved waves. She clasps with l. hand the swan’s neck while r. holds billowing chiton. In field r., fish amid waves. SNG Lloyd 876 (these dies). Rizzo pl. 7, 9 (these dies). SNG Hunterian 5 (these dies). Kraay-Hirmer pl. 54, 152 (these dies). Westermark-Jenkins 162.7 (this coin, the different weight is due to the cleaning).
Extremely rare, only eight specimens known. An issue of tremendous
fascination with an interesting reverse composition and a portrait of
enchanting beauty work of one of the most celebrated Sicilian
master-engravers. Minor flan crack at eleven o’clock on obverse,
otherwise about extremely fine / extremely fine
Privately purchased from Harlan J. Berk. From the A.D.M. collection.
During the era of this didrachm, four artists signed at Camarina: VL , EXE, Exakestidas and Euainetos. The latter is the most famous of those artists, and is the one who signed the obverse die of the coin offered here. For this particular issue of didrachms only three dies are recorded, two obverse and one reverse. The other obverse die has no visible signature, though its quality assures us it was the work of a master artist – perhaps Euainetos or Exakestidas; it is known only from a single specimen, on which a die break obscures the base of the neck, and thus probably also the artist’s signature. On this obverse Euainetos creates a placid image in line with Kimon’s facing-head Arethusa of Syracuse (from which it probably was inspired), and which bears a striking resemblance to a very rare drachm of Syracuse (SNG Lloyd 1397). The countenance of our river-god Hipparis is calm and reflective; even the turn of his head toward the viewer seems naturally posed. The reverse scene, which recalls the myth of Leda and the swan, is similarly placid, and no less accomplished, for it shows a light-hearted and playful scene unfolding before our very eyes. The nymph Camarina devotes her attention to assuring her chiton billows in the wind above her head as she reclines carelessly on the back of her swan, steadying her position by placing her right hand upon the swan’s breast. At this very moment the powerful, yet elegant bird is preparing to take flight or has just landed on the water; as its great wings are sprung into action, waves crest below and two fish, in response to the alarming state of affairs, are stirred, one propelling itself skyward. The inscription does not interfere with the delicate composition of this complex design, which required an optimal effort from a renowned engraver. Camarina was located near the estuaries of the Oanis and Hipparis rivers on the southern coast of Sicily. It may be of some consequence that both the obverse and the reverse of this coin show two fish; they could represent the two nearby rivers, or, perhaps even more likely, they could symbolize the river and the sea, both of which were important to Camarina. The Hipparis, the larger and more important of the two rivers, issued into the sea less than two miles from Camarina, and the Oanis was closer still. The Hipparis was personified in god-form and is honored on Camarina’s coins. On this issue he is shown nearly full-facing, and on other didrachms of this period (bearing inscription that name him) he is shown in profile.

 

Camarina era la ninfa legata alla palude che circondava, a partire da oriente, l’antica città di Camarina, fondata da Siracusa nel 589 a.C.. Dopo una serie di esplorazioni ad opera di Paolo Orsi, gli scavi sono ripresi nel 1958 ed hanno messo in luce numerosi resti dell’antica città. Il culto della ninfa Camarina sarebbe testimoniato dal ritrovamento di alcune monete in cui essa è rappresentata. Su una delle monete è raffigurata una ninfa a cavallo di un cigno che veleggia sulla palude e che è stata attribuita alla ninfa Camarina. Si era anche parlato, nel passato, del ritrovamento di un santuario a lei dedicato, ma allo stato attuale tale ritrovamento è solo ipotetico.

 

[dabbene]

Tutto bello, molto bello, la leggenda, la rappresentazione fantastica, i simboli, le allegorie, la storia ...e poi quel cigno strepitoso ...

[King John]

Leu Numismatik AG (1991-2007), Auction 86, lot 464, 5/05/2003

Kyrene

Estimate: CHF 8'500.00
Stater (Gold, 8.58 g 9), c. 331-322, under the magistrate Jason. Stationary quadriga facing, driven by Nike. Rev. Zeus Ammon, holding long scepter in his left hand, seated to left on throne with footstool; to right, eagle with closed wings to right, holding serpent in its talons. BMC 108a. Naville 24. Very rare. A few minor marks, otherwise, fresh, well struck and extremely fine.

ILLUSTRAZIONE: PANNELLO DECORATIVO IN ARGENTO DORATO DA UN CARRO DA PARATA DEL V SEC. A.C. (H. CM 6,5)  Archaeological Museum, Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Modificato 1 Ottobre, 2018 da King John

[King John]

Baldwin's Auctions Ltd, AUCTION 80, LOT 2002, 8/05/2013

ANCIENT COINS. Greek. Sicily, Syracuse, Dionysios I (c.405-367 BC), Silver Tetradrachm, 14.89g, 1h, signed by Eukleidas, struck c.405-400 BC, obv female charioteer, wearing a long chiton, driving a racing quadriga to left, holding the reins and raising a flaming torch, Nike flies above to right to crown the charioteer, an ear of barley in the exergue, rev [ Σ Y-P]-AK-O Σ I Ω N , head of Athena facing, slightly inclined to the left, her hair falling in waves, wearing a triple-crested Attic helmet adorned with palmettes, and wearing earrings and a necklace of pe ndant acorns with a central medallion, the sign ature EYK- Λ EI Δ / A across the bowl of the helmet, two pairs of dolphins on either side (Tudeer 58 (V21/R36); Rizzo, pl. XLV, 4a, 5 (these dies) ; Kraa y – Hirmer, colour plate IV, 111 (this reverse die); SNG Lloyd 1384 (these dies)). Some light surface erosion affecting mostly the obverse, with only light traces on the reverse, a little under-weight thus, a magnificent masterpiece of the greatest artistic beauty and an important issue, some toning, good very fine to nearly extremely fine and very rare. ex Numismatic Fine Arts, Auction XXII, Beverly Hills, 1 June 1989, lot 211 ex Numismatica Ars Classica, Auction 6, Zurich, 11 March 1993, lot 93 Eukleidas was a very distinguished master engraver and, together with the work of the other Sicilian artists of his generation, has given the late 5th Century coinage of Syracuse the reputation of being the most beautiful ever produced. His three-quarter facing head of Athena is without doubt his greatest achievement, and he signed the die as a record of his work. Eukleidas’s reverse die was in fact the very first of the Syracusan issues to depict a facing head. It was of course more usual for Arethusa, rather than Athena, to appear on the coinage of Syracuse. It has been suggested in the past that the facing head on this coin could be that of Arethusa, wearing the helmet of Athena in commemoration of the Syracusan victory following the Athenian invasion in 415 B.C. However there is no real justification to dispute that the head is that of Athena, given that she was also honoured at Syracuse and that a temple was devoted to her on the island of Ortygia. Eukleidas’s facing head tetradrachm was an extremely important innovation in die-engraving, illustrating the potential that could be achieved by the late 5th Century at Syracuse. The artist Kimon, influenced by Eukleidas, soon went on to create his great Arethusa facing head tetradrachm (see lot 55), this time bringing the design to the obverse of the coin, and it in turn served as an important influence on other coinages in the ancient Greek world. This influence can be traced back to Eukleidas’s original facing head of Athena, a legacy of the finest talent of the Sicilian die engravers, and a true masterpiece of late 5th Century numismatic art. £35,000-45,000

 

ILLUSTRAZIONE: SCHINIERI DEL III SEC.A.C. DECORATI CON TESTA DI ATENA

 

 

 

Modificato 1 Ottobre, 2018 da King John

[VALTERI]

Probabilmente già passato in questa enciclopedica discussione, comunque interessante e raro da rivedere .

Al rovescio del tipico scudo beotico, Eracle, guerriero già da bambino, strozza i serpenti : nel campo le armi che lo accompagneranno tutta la vita, arco e clava .

Da uno statere di Tebe di Beozia che passerà in asta Nomos 17 al n. 124 il prossimo 26-10-2018 .

[King John]

Leu Numismatik AG > Auction 3Auction date: 27 October 2018Lot number: 73
LOKRIS. Lokris Opuntii. Circa 340s BC. Drachm (Silver, 20 mm, 5.46 g, 3 h). Head of Demeter to left, wearing wreath of grain leaves, pendant earring and necklace. Rev. OΠONTIΩN Ajax, wearing Corinthian helmet, advancing to left, viewed slightly from behind, holding spear in his right hand and round shield decorated with a gorgoneion and a spear head with his left. BCD Lokris-Phokis 75 (same dies). Humphris&Delbridge 1-2 corr. (O1/R1=R2). Extremely rare, among the finest of now only seven known examples. Somewhat crystallized and with a minor scratch on the reverse, otherwise, very fine.
From a Swiss collection, formed before 2005.
Estimate: 500 CHF