Vo/3, No. 10 Numismatic Art of Antiquity OCTOBER 1989 $2.00
Symbols important Pegasos was Corinth's logo Miscellanea ,. .. by ROD Kollgaard Athena. The helmet which Athena The peoples of the ancient world wears is of ~ style that was developed • Outfoxed by the FAX were as proud of their heritage as we are at the city for a new type of heavy infantry, the hoplites, 'which evolved at In this world of high tech communications we sometimes marvel at the of OUTS. This is often reflected in their coinage, in particular on that of the Corinth, Argos, and Chalis c. 700 B.C., sophistication and capacity of the machines around us - the FAX machine Greeks. Before the Hellenistic Age. and soon after became popular being the latest wondennent. What we tend to forget is that people still when it became common for the coinage throughout Greece. control the machines. This fact recently became painfuUy clear to Mehrdad to portray living rulers, Greek cities The region of Carinthia lies at the Sadigh of Sadigh Gallery in ManhaUan. Mehrdad had a FAX machine carefully chose the symbols which they northeast comer of the Peloponnese near installed and widely publicized the new FAX telephone number, but the placed on their principle coinage. The the base of the Isthmus of Corinth machine had problems from the start. After a fru strating series of delays it city of Corinth. which was one of lhe which also connects with Attica. The was determined that the number ass igned was actually for an area some 30 wealthiest and most powerful of the main portion of the ancient city was miles away. Greek city states, selected symbols built on the northern slopes of the The firm's previously published FAX number was 212-682-1099, their which glorified both its legendary past, Acrocorinthos, an easily defensible corrected and functional number is 212-545-7612. The other lines, including as well as reflected its real might. The acropolis almost completely surrounded their toll free number are unaffected. abundant and beautiful silver staters of by great cliffs. Compared with other Corinth show the winged horse Pegasos parts of Greece, Corinthia does not on the obverse. with Athena wearing a possess a great deal of arable land, and • Best of The Celator - 1989 Corinthian style helmet on the reverse. the amount of rainfall is less, but the soil of the coastal plain is of good A selection of the best anicles and features to appear on the pages of The The legend of Pegasos was very Celator during the past 12 months will be preserved in saddle stitched card important in Corinth, for it was quality and provided the city with a cover magazine fonnat again this year. The size and fonnat of 1988's "Best believed that one of the principle strong agricultural base upon which fountains of the city, the hippocrene later wealth was built. The region was of The Celator" will be retained for ease of storage. The annual issue from (horse fountain) had begun after the prosperous during the bronze age las t year was singled out by the Numismatic Literary Guild, during this flying horse struck his hoof on the Mycenaean period, although there is no summer's ANA convention at Pittsburgh, for extraordinary merit in the rocks, and that the hero Bellerophon evidence of large scale building. With numismatic magazine publishing category. The 1989 edition of The Best of The CelalOr will be available in December - watch for ordering instructions in captured Pegasos there with the help of Please tum to page XXIIII next months paper. New dynasty Abbassid overthrow resulted in changed coinage
by Stephen Album at al-Kufa and the unidentified mint of Shortly after the accession of the "Tanbuk,"3 are identified by the last Umayyad caliph, Marwan H, in addition, in the obverse margin, of the 1271744, th e black banners were traditional Kharijite slogan, "Judgment unfurled in the east. A general uprising belongs to God alone," to the standard against Umayyad rule and what were Umayyad type (fig. 3). The copper perceived as its abuses was underway, coi ns present a few additional types, and the black banners its herald. After some of considerable historical interest, six years of intense fi ghting, Damascus but lie outside the scope of this surrendered, Marwan II fl ed to Egypt, chapter.4 Except for names, mints, and where was soon afterwards murdered, and dates, the revolutionary coppers differ a new dynasty feU heir to the caliphate, not at all from the general run of late 1. Abbasid revolution, partisans of Abd Allah ibn al-Mu'awiya, AR dirham, Jayy 129. known as the Abbasid dynasty, whose Umayyad and early Abbasid copper Note the extra marginal legend around the obversc. The reverse is identical to the name refers to their descent from aI coins, discussed in a previous article. reverse of the normal Umayyad dirham. 'Abbas, uncle of the Prophet. The new The coins of Abd Allah were struck rulers soon introduced sweeping changes at ten mints, all located in the Iranian from their initial coming to power in thereupc:m, and last until the Buwayhid 1321749 until the death of al-Ma'mun in occupaUon of Baghdad in 334/946. A in many aspects of rul e and provinces of Fars and the Jibal (central 2 18/833. The second extends from fourth independent period of Abbasid administration, and these changes came Iran) between the years 127 and 130. 218/833 until the death of al-Mu'tamid COinage, from about 55211157 until the to be reflected in their coinage. Coins of Abu Muslim were produced at Beginning at Jayy in 127, silver four mints, two of them in Khorasan in 279/892. The third follows Please tum to page XXVii and (later) copper coins were struck (Balkh & Marw), one in northern Iran under the authority of several of the (Jurjan), one in the Jibal (al-Rayy), .~d rebel factions, differing from the are dated from 130 to 13 3. KharlJlte INSIDE r." ... o · =r uniform Umayyad types in several coins were mints at al-Kufa in Iraq in .,o~ ways. In a recent study, Carl Wurtzel 128, and at nTanbuk" in 133. A founh THE CELATOR: ;;"Q has assigned each of the various silver type, struck in the name of Judayy b. -X"0_ and copper types to its appropriate Ali ai-Kirmani, was produced in Marw gJ ..... S' faction, while at the same time in 128, and is the earliest post-reform ","'~ compiling an excellent catalog of the silver coin to bear the name of any Point of View II g:'" series. 1 The silver coins fall into three human being other than the Prophet Book News llil principal categories, those issued under Muhammad.5 People VI the aegis of Abd Allah b. Mu'awiya, AU of the revolutionary coins are Market XII those of Abu Muslim, and those of the rare, though the coins of J ayy struck ~'" Kharijites. Except for a few issues between 127 and 129, the Marw issues Calendar XXV i§ struck at Marw (fig. 2), coins of the of 131-133, and the Kharijite issue of Coin File XX -., first two series are distinguished by the ~~ al-Kufa are occasionally offered on the XX -r-0 addition of the Ko ran ic phrase, "Say: I Trivia o • market, typically bringing between Prof. Directory .. XXXII 9:[: ask of you no recompense for this other $200 and $350 dollars. Other silver - ~ than love of kin,"2 as a second, inner Classifieds XXXIliI ;;2 types fetch rather more, and the copper ~~ margin on the obverse (fig. 1). coins are priced from $40 for the ~~ iR' Otherwise, they differ little from their commonest sons in fine condition. ~ Umayyad precursors, except in mint and The Abbasid coinage can be divided date. The Kharijite issues, struck only into three phases, the first extending . . , ' .. ,...... ~ . ' ...... The Celator October 1989 ...... ' ...... ' , .. -. , ...... ~ .. Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor: determining the genuineness of the diobols in the Black Sea Hoard (CeiaJor, 1 have just read the article by Simon • • • Sept .• 1989). It is important that Bendall. I find it very interesting and SUbj ective, expert opinion, as had been Commentary by Wayne G. would like to know more. Would you rendered by prominent numismatists, be be able to tell me where I can get any challenged objectively. books or articles on Byzantine coins? As a scientist, I am impressed with Or could you give me the address of raternalism is defined by participating with exhibits, and meeting Mr. the investigation. It is refreshing to Webster's simply as brother others with similar interests. Bendall? Thank you for your reply. find a scientific approach and reasoned F liness. There are all sorts of We have received a number of letters conclusions in the matter which stand in fraternal organizations in the world, over the pas t three years from collectors Bill Keim such stark contrast to subjective from the college campus types to in rather isolated areas, all asking how Ohio conclusions based upon the visual benevolent associations. While these they might meet other collectors. In an appearance of coins compared to a (Simon Bendall is vice president of fraternal organizations are easily attempt to facilitate this fraternalism we limited number of museum specimens. will print free of charge the name, major Numismatic Fine Arts International and may recognizable and indeed advertise them be reached 01 the firm's offICe· see page V From a scientific standpoint, 1 accept selves as such, there are other types of interest. address. and/or telephone this issue. For infOrm4lion. GhoUl Byzanrine most of his conclusions. One item, fraternalism which occur spontaneously number of any person wiShing to make coins we recommend David Sear's book however, the verification of ancient such contacts. Simply send your H and without organization. Antiquarians, "Byzantine Coins and Their Values ; P. D. debasement by comparison of the for example, are of len prone to feeling a request for this service to The Celator, Whitting's HByzantine Coins" and Philip weight of the hoard coins with a single sense of fraternalism with others who P.O. Box 123, Lodi, WI 53555 . Grjerson's "Byzantine Coins". Any of the good coin (Hisloria Numorum 19.4 gr; share their passion. Speaking of the mail, we heard a tale booksellers advertising in this issue should silver content unknown) is not valid. Partiy, this is due, I think, to the right out of the twilight zone from be able to supply the above titles.) The mean weight of the hoard coins isolation that one experiences in pursuit David Lieben while at the Greater NY must be compared to the mean weight of knowledge and intercourse at a show. It seems that David had ••••• of a large sample of coins of known, satisfying level. In this small corresponded with a client in Canada and good silver if meaningful statistics are Your publication is the biggest asset Wisconsin municipality there is most the mail delivery from New York to to be applied. The argument, in his to the growing collector community in certainly not another human being who Canada took 87 days. Not so bad you conclusions, that counterfeiters need ancient coins and artifacts in providing shares my excitement about finding a say, as far as mail service goes? No, only have gone to Historia Numorum to excellent educational and news articles two-headed eagle depicted on a not so bad if you consider that on the find the proper weight of the issue heretofore unavailable. Keep going and similarly is not valid for the simple keep growing! Much luck and best reason that because of variation within wishes to you and your staff. "As collectors, we have a vested interest an issue, the weight of a single coin cannot be used as a weight standard. in shows and conventions as William Horr Besides this, on the basis of what is New Jersey well as the support of local clubs" reported, it seems to me that he has ••••• presented a good case for the integrity of contemporary imitation of a Greek envelope, along with the other typical the coirn; in the Black Sea Hoard. drachm. In fact, most readers of this machine stampings, was a postal The ANA convention offers an John Twente column will not be particularly excited processing stamp from Warsaw, Poland! impressive array of lectures and Missouri by the discovery. When a showing of This month we will be spending 11 meetings for specialized groups. While the piece does spark: interest there cannot days in London. taking in the activities there are some meetings at the NY help but be a sense of communion. of COINEX week as well as wrapping International convention in December, it ••••• This scenario is repeated in some up some final research on those has always surprised me there are none fashion at every club meeting, enigmatic Turkomans. Unfonunately, for groups of ancient coin collectors. I enjoyed Simon Bendall's article on convention, coin show or get-together we'll miss this fall's show at Long Yet surely there are enough interested to "Cinderella Coins" (the Byzantine where ancient coins are discussed. It is Beach but hope to be back there again hold informal get-togethers on Early Palaeologan series), published in the at these events that we gather to share soon. We highly recommend the show Greek, Greek Imperial, Imperial Roman. September 1989 Cefator. experiences, probe the minds of others, to those who can make it; whiJe you're or other coinages. Unfortunately, the author (whom I and enjoy a sense of fraternalism that there tell Sam Lopresto you read about If there are any who would like to consider, based on his pUblications, to can be found nowhere else, Unfor in The eelator! Have fun looking it gather informally to discuss Roman be the world's foremost numismatist in tunately, the accessibility of clubs and through all the great auction catalogs Repu blican coinage and collecting, this coinage area), did not mention his shows is very limited except in the coming up over the next three months could they get in touch with me? Since most recently pu.blished, superb book largest of metropolitan areas. Those and when you have a minute to spare I am ignorant in thi s matter, any on Palaeologan coinage. I would like to who are able to travel to the larger write and let us hear your point of view. information on how to apply for a recommend the book for interested shows and conventions fare better, but meeting room would be much reade.s. frankly several shows are on the skids as appreciated. A Private ColleClion of Palaeologan far as ancients are concerned. More and Coins catalogued by Simon Bendall more dealers are turning to their mail Richard Schaefer (1989) may still be available from order clientele as the mainstay of their New York Spink and Son Ltd., 5-7 King Street, business, and understandably so. The St. James's. London SWIY 6QS costs of supporting a bourse schedule ••••• England (£25 & £2 postage and are enonnous and the physical toll of a packing. or about $41.00 U.S.). full road schedule has been the undoing As a collector and dealer of ancient This is a short, hardcover volume of of more than a few. Greek and Roman coins. I appreciate only 110 pages,large format (8,25 }t 12 Sadly, if dealers stop attending Stanley Flegler's intensive studies inches), printed on high Quality paper, shows the process may halt because it is The text, about 80 pages, has a brief through the dealers that collectors meet introduction. an extensive three-page other collectors and it is through the Deadline for the November bibliography, two pages of general shows that we are able to share our survey whic h covers types. interests. issue is Friday, October 13 denominations. metal content, weights, At the recent ANA convention and at control marks, and overstrikes, followed the Greater NY Show it was obvious by two pages demonstrating the that fewer collectors of ancient coins overstrike patterns. were visiting the bourse. Some may Each emperor's coinage is covered, say that "Pittsburgh is not a good emperor by emperor. mint by mint; location for ancients" or that "there are every coin type known is described, and 100 many shows in New York", but the Postmaster: send address changes to: the mint control marks (sigla) are listed. growing trend is toward private P.O. Box 123, Lodl, WI 53555 Five useful addenda follow: The showings and mail-order sales. Phone (608) 592-4684 Fax (608) 592·4682 Politikon Coinage, the Anonymous Organized shows have become primarily The Celalor is an independent newspaper published on the first day of each month al 226 Coinage, the Official and Unofficial wholesale opportunities for many Palmer Parkway, Lodl, WI. II is circulated internationally through subscriptions and special Coinage of Provincial Mints, Other dealers. distributions. Subscription nit.. are $24 per year (second dass) within !he United States Palaeologan Material, and the Corlu As collectors, we have a vested and Canada, $48 per year to aD other addresses (Air Printed Matter). Advertising and Hoard. copy deadline is the second Friday of each month. Unsol'lcited articles and news relea~ interest in the preservation of shows and Special mention has to be made of are welcome, however publication cannot be guaranteed. Second class postage, perrmt conventions as well as the support of the 28 pages of plates illustrating more pending, Lodi, WI 53555. Copyright e t 989, Clio's Cabinet. local clubs. Without these vehicles, we than three hundred coins. In fact, there are probably more clear photographS of are uuly isolated and are bound to see Wayne G. Sayles ...... ••. .. Publisher/Editor fraternalism give way to frustration. Palaeologan coins in this volume than Janet Sayles ...... •...... Office Manager have ever been published at one time in Let's get out and support these Steven Sayles . .. . , •...... • , ,Production Asst. activities, not just by spending money a single volume. Christine Olson , , , , , , •• , , , .•.Distribution Asst. on the bourse floor. but by attending the special lectures and symposiums. Please tum to page XXXllit The Celator October 1989 III
At Auction IMPORTANT ANCIENT COINS
E'S NEW YORK
* Ancient And United States Coins From A New York Estate Thursday, December 7th at 2 p.m. On view December 5th and 6th Catalogue will be available in early November by mail for S10 from Christie's Publications, 21-2444th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101.
*
Whether you are buying, selling or simply require a valuation, C hristie's can offer excellent advice.
For further information, please call James Lamb or Amy Corcoran at 212/546-1056.
CHRISTIE'S NEW YORK 502 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022 Fax: 212/980-8163 1111 The Celator October 1989
BOOKS ~~n BOARDMAN st ai, Oxford History of the Classics' World... $49.95
BRAUER, Taras, Its History and Coinage. 231 p. with photos ...... $55 . 0 0 Studies in Early Byzantine usurper Mezzezi us. Now Tardani is GIACOSA, Women of the Caesars. 127 p. with plates + Gold Coinage, ed. W . Ha hn and tentatively put forward as possibly 71 colorplales. OP ...... $ 85 . 00 W. E. M e t ca U, ANS being responsible, at least for th e Numismatic Studies 17. New semissis recently published by P. HAMMOND & SCULLARD, Oxford Classical Dictionary York, 1988. Grierson. 1176 p ...... $49 . 50 This long awaited work contains an This brings us to a point I feel I introduction and seven articles. Seven LINDGREN, Ancient Greek Bronze Coins: European should mention. Hahn says, regarding authors are involved and as a result there Mints1 850 coins from c. 500 mints. 89 p. of coin descriptions with the "Cherson" solidi, that they "have 89 facing plates ...... $75.00 is a certain amount of inconsistency in tentatively been given to Cherson", the offerings. regarding the Mezzezius coins, "the ROBERTSON, Roman Imp8rlal Coins In th8 Hunt8r Coin The introducti on is by the editors W. authenticity or wh ich has been Cabinet, Unlv8rslty of Glasgow. Hahn and W. E. Metcalf, although one contested", and regarding the attribution Vol. III, Pertinax through Aemiiian. c. 2,000 coins, 213rds suspects that Hahn had rather more of a gold coinage to Cyprus, "their illustrated. 437 p. + 88 pt...... $125 .00 input. It consists of a survey of the attribution ... not generally accepted." Vol. IV, Valerian I through Allectus. c. 2,000 coins, 213rds early Byzantine gold coinage from each This may sound as though the scholarly illustrated . 556 p. + 64 pl...... $12S.00 of the prefectures. It is important since Vol. V, Dlocletlan through Zeno. c. 3030 coins, c.1750 world is divided on these points, but no it touches many areas not covered by illustrated. 577 p. + 96 pL...... $125.00 on - Hahn is out on a limb. being the only any of the succeeding papers. scholar who believes in the Cherson and SyUoge Nummorum Grsecorum ANS, Volume 5, Sicily 3 ~ Among important points mentioned Cyprus attribution and doubts the coins Syracuse - Slcellot9S. 1408 coins in 45 p. + 45 facin g is the fact that there is no mint in the of Mezzezius. You would hardly know plates ...... $75.00 eastern prefecture o ther than this from these pages. VAN ARSDEll, Celtic Coinage of Britain. 600 p. + 80 Constantinople except under unusual maps, 54 plates, charts! diagrams, & tables...... $ 7 5.00 circumstances such as the revolts of Article 1 Heraclius or Basiliscus. Thus these Joint ReIgn Gold of qUality WRITE. Fixed price catalog of coins. coins with 9S at the end of the reverse Justin I and Justinian FOR • Auction of medium-priced coins. legend are neither from Antioch nor William E. Metcalf FREE: • Catalogs, books on Greek, Roman , & Byzantine coins. Thessalonica. The joint reign lasted only seventeen Hahn still puts forward Cyprus as the weeks. 79 coins are recorded. struck Please add $4 for poslage mint for solidi of Focas and Heraclius from 32 or 33 obverse and 37 reverse U.s.P.S. Special Handling $2 additional with the letters I, 111 and I X on the dies. Use of Proressor Carter's formulas reverse as well as certain consular solidi suggests that about 50 obverse and 60 of Heraclius. All of these were once reverse dies were originally used. While attributed to Alexandria but now the I, this seems a large number to W. THOMAS P. MCKENNA Metcalr, who suggests that the imperial and IX solidi are given to Jerusalem. m accession would have necessitated a P.O. Box 1356-F - Fort Collins, CO 80522 Hahn considers them, and the consular large issue, use or these figures would, 303-226-5704 bronzes of Heraclius of Alexandretta and for example, produce c. 2000 obverse Cyprus, as products or an itinerant and c. 2400 reverse dies ror the 13 year mil itary mint which ended up in coinage of Justin II which does nOt Cyprus. In fact Hahn does not believe seem excessive in view of the in Alexandreua as a mint but considers commonness of his solidi. Several the mint mark stands for Alexandria B A Seaby Limited joint reign solidi issued from different although he does not go so far as saying 8 Cavendish Square London WIM OAJ officinae share the same obverse die. a that they were sttuck in Egypt, which is Tel 01-631 3707 Mon-Fri 9.30 to 5.00 feature casually o bserved in other Seaby fortunate since the find spots for these Byzantine gold issues. Since throne folies are generally further north. Hahn less solidi are linked by reverse dies to is the only authority who believes these solidi with square-backed thrones while Ancient Roman and Greek Coins and British Coins theories which he can only maintain by the lyre-backed throne solidi are not disregarding provenances which he does linked with either or the former Coins bought and sold by saying they are not helprul. varieties, Metcalf suggests that they The basic situation is that th e Monthly Seaby Coin and Medal Bulletin may be the product of Thessalonica, Heraclius In solidi foll ows immediately This cannot be, as he would have noted Extensive Antiquities Department. Free list available on from the In issue of Focas even to if he had taken account of his the extent of copy Ing Focas' portrait. namesake's article of the coinage of that Numismatic and Archaeological Books There can be no consular solidi fitted . mint. Constantinople had changed the between these two .i.ssues. Cyprus is design of the angel on the reverse of the The 1990 edition of Coins of England and the UK, the standard not a find spot for these coins or the solidi from a left racing figure to a full reference work ror British coins, is now available. Write today and later solidi of Heraclius and Heraclius facing figure during the course of Justin I's reign while Thessalonica continued we will send you a sample of the Coin and Medal Bulletin and a copy Constantine with the same letters I, In the type of the profile angel until the of the list of Seaby books, many of them standard works of reference and I X. Cyprus has an active introduction of Justinian's second type ror collectors. Why not send us your coin wants list as well? numismatic community with which the reviewer has been in touch both directly solidus in 537 . It is inconceivable that and indirectly for many years and there Thessalonica would have introduced the are no reportS of these types being found Constantinople reverse for only 17 there. weeks and then reverted to the old The gold coinage of Italy is complex profile angel. In addition, one of with coins being struck at different Justinian I's first solidi uses are times under the various authorities such engraved die of Justin I which would not as the Ostrogothic Kings, the Byzantine have happened unless Justin l's coins Emperors, the Neapolitan Dukes and the were immediately succeeded by Lombards. Identification of the different Justinian's. If there was a joint reign issues and mints is not straightforward issue at Thessalonica, Justin I's dies but this survey gives us the broad would certainly have been destroyed and outlines. thus would not have been available for After touching briefl y on some rare re-engraving at a later date. left: The gold solidi which Hahn alone attributes Article 2 Monuments of to Cherson, and rare tremisses sttuck in Spain between c. 554 and 624. the The Monte Judica Hoard and Ancient Rome as the Sicilian Moneta Auri Coin Types, introduction ends with a discussion of the mint of Sicily. Since this is the under Justinian I and Justin II hardback, 168 pp, subject or the second article in the book, Niall Fairhead and W. Hahn 245 illustrations. little factual information is given here, A most important hoard containing One or our fifty this section mainly being devoted to coins which can be attributed to a mint numismatic and putting forward ideas as to how future in Sicily striking for Justinian I and archaeological studies may progress. One of the few Justin II brings forward the initial titles. ractual pieces of information proposed is production or Sicilian gold coinage by once again Hahn's disbelief in the about 30 years. The new coins of authenticity of the gold coinage of the Please tum to page XXii The Celator October 1989 v . Numismatic Fine Arts NTERNAT o N A L N C CURRENTLY ACCEPTING CONSIGNMENTS One of the most respected names in ancient numismatics, NFA has consistently achieved the highest prices for coins sold both privately and through auction. Our complete access to the international market assures your coins the most effective exposure and consequently exceptional prices.
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Brutus aureus Auction XXII, lot 23 Estimate: $100,000-125,000 Price realized: $210,000 3: I Enlargement
Amphipolis AR tetradrachm Alexa nder of Carthage A V au reus Auction XXII, lot 250 Auction XXII, lot 126 Estimate: $ 100,000 + Estimate: $100,000 + Price realized: $ 150,000 Price realized: $210,000 2: I Enlargement 3: 1 Enlargement
Augustus A V aureus Auction XXII, lot 28 Estimate: $25,000-30,000 Price realized: $70,000 3: I Enlargement
Quality Single Coins & Collections For Auction or Private Sale
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Dere features antiquities Fortuna Fine Arts celebrates gallery grand opening Fortuna Fine Arts officially celebrated its Madison Avenue Gallery openi ng on Friday, September 8 with a gala reception for friends and antiquarians. The well-attended and superbly catered affair provided visitors with an opportunity to view a wonderfully diversified collection of antiq ui ties. Ranging from miniature statues. gems, coin s. and jewelry to monumental sculpture, guests were treated to an impressive display of artistic styles originating from Classical Greece to Imperia l Rome and later. Masterfu lly understated, in an inspired setting, the artifacts are professionally displayed to their fullest advantage Selim Ce re without distraction. President of the firm, Selim Dere, is no novice in this respect. having been involved in the sale of antiquiti es for over thirty years. THEODOROU "We are trying to cater to the tastes TO LECTURE ON of different types of collectors. While large marble statuary is usually only for GREEK COINS the advanced collector. we also try to The Madison Avenue Gal/ery of Fo rtuna Fine Arts. Collector Jerry Theodorou keep pieces in very moderate price wilt give a slide ranges. such as a variety of Roman glass and terracotta lamps in the 50 - collection of ancient marbles. from his cup-bearer. The marble fragment accompanied talk on miniature statuettes to fine life-size illustrates the majestic form of the eagle 'The Art and Beauty of 500 dollar range." The firm's central location on the East side of Manhattan tagate figures. Among these is a very with Ganymede's hand gently grasping Ancient Greek Coins' fine Roman marble torso of the first it for support. on Wednesday. October 18 as well as their schedule (Mon-Sat. 9:30-6:30) makes them easily century B.C. showing the triumphant The gall ery holds many other at 8pm in the Greek Orthodox accessible. All are welcomed whether god Hercules in a sculptural mode treasures from the ancient cultures of the Archdiocan Cathedral Hall. they be dedicated collectors or simply created centu ries earlier by the Greek Mediterranean, al l the way through the 319 East 74th street, New York. curious passerbys. artist Polykleitos (mid. 5th century Islamic period. Here anifacts fro m Two dollar charge for B.C.). small pieces of glass to very unusual Although dedicated to ancient art as a works in bronze may be found. wine and cheese. whole. the firm specializes in antiquities Geographically the span covered is very Public invited. of the Greco-Roman period. Presently Among the representations of divine great. including many examples of exhibited at the gallery is an extensive beings currently on display is a fragment of exceptional Quality Roman provincial art and even the depicting the mythological story of the Hellenized nG reco·B u ddh ist~ art of rape of Ganymede. The myth tells us Northern India how Jupiter. being struck with the Dere may be contacted by writing to EVERYBODY IS TA LKING ABOUT beauty of the yo ung shepherd Fortuna Fine Arts at 984 Madison Ganymede, took the form of an eagle Avenue, New York. NY 10021 or by MONETA INTERNATIONAL and brought the youth to Olympus to be calling 212-794-7272. The New Numismatic Monthly
because it's different and infonnative .... with lots of reading materiaJ.... and the/omJot is thai 0/ a MAGAZINE READ ABour: ROMAN MINTS. SILVE R COBS, COLONIAL COINAGE (US), RECENT AUCTIONS, NUMISMATIC LITERAnJRE, MARKETTRENDS-...... & MUCH MORE IN MONETA INTERNATIONAL ASK FOR YOUR FREE CQPYTODAY B Y SENDING $1.00 (bantnOle or stamps) to cover po6lage PUBLISHER : VERNON PIC KERING P.O. BOX 704 ROAD TOWN, TORTOLA - BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS West Indies
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VICTOR ENGLAND CLASSICAL NUMISMATIC AUCTIONS, LTD. &
HARLAN J. BERK Presents A Public Auction Sale of Present Quality a Definitive Offering of Byzantine Copper Coins Greek, featuring Roman Republican, An important European collection Roman Imperial Coins of coins of the Western Mints in all metals
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CNAIX December 7, 1989 2PM December 7, 1989 New York, NY 10 AM New York, NY
VICTOR ENGLAND Box 245, Quarryville, PA 17566·0245, (717) 786·4013 VIII The Celator October 1989 Fact and fantasy Holy Grail legend spurs interest and conjecture
by David Liebert life in the eastern Empire during the Having just seen the new Indiana first century A.D. We know from the Jones movie, "Indiana Jones and the narrative in the Bible that the Disciples Last Crusade", I was reminded of the who attended the Last Supper were not article I wrote several months ago of the patrician class but tor the most regarding the possibility that the ancient part simple farmers, fishermen and the Menorah might still exist. Although like, men of modest means. Judas was Mr. Spielberg and Mr. Lucas always a bureaucrat and might have had access seem to provide their fans with a to some substantial wealth but he was rousing yarn in the Indiana Jones hardly the type of personality who movies, they do not necessarily provide would have ostentatiously shared it with them with archaeological accuracy. his fellows. It must also be borne in However, in this case at least one scene mind that the participants were in hidi ng may have hit the proverbial nail on the from the Procuratorial authorities and head. When confronted with a choice of were unlikely to have been carting many Grails, Indy eschews the beautiful around the ancestral silver even had they gob lets of precious metals. bedecked had any. Funhermore the Supper was with jewels and chooses instead one of in fact a Jewish Passover Seder, and simple pottery saying "this is the cup of dishes which had been used for Leaven a simple carpenter," The Grail legend would not have been permissable was one of the central themes of ~estem without extensive cleansing, an unlikely Medieval thought, and to this day prospect under the circumstances. Thus provides re ligious inspiration to it is likely that the utensils in question Roman Pottery Cup 1st C. AD found in Holy Land millions of believers throughout the were actually purchased in the bustling world. Allhough the science of nearby Jerusalem markerplace shortly archaeology is by its nature powerless before the event for use during the to deal with the spiritual and mystical Holiday; a practice that was common implications of the Grail legend, it among the many pilgrims who flocked plain earthenware vessels of the ancient of the Bachinalia rituals where the diety might be interesting to examine the to Jerusalem for the Festi val. Such Near East so plentiful on the antiquities is often depicted drinking from a scientific evidence in an effort to vessels would obviously not be made of market today because they were in fact Skyphos. ascertain exactly what this supreme relic precious metal or even the then highly the daily pottery of the common man in of early Christianity might have been valuable bronze or the then antiquity. If we can agree that the Grail What then was the appearance of this like, and indeed if it might still exist as semiprecious glass. Rather they wou ld was probably composed of simple most holy of Christian relics? It almost a physical rutifacl. have been of common earthenware, brown earthenware perhaps with a slip certainly was not the gleaming vision of To ascertain the physical nature of probably not even glazed. Although to smooth its surface and at best with a golden chalice sparkling with jewels the vessel Jesus of Nazareth might have fine lead glazed pottery was widely some moulded or incised decoration, fami liar from Medieval folldore. Rather used at the Last Supper we must distributed in the Roman world and slip what light can archaeology throw on its it was most probably a simple pottery examine the cultural context of the New glazed wares such as the beautiful red shape? cup of squat cylindrical form perhaps Testament epic. The events recounted slipped Arentine ware were well known, Surprisingly we can be fairly sure of with handles on either side and a bit of in the gospels telling about the they were relatively expensive and are this shape from our extensive applied or moulded decoration not unlike cli mactic period of Jesus's life took thus unlikely candidates for the Grail. knowledge of the development of many others which have been excavated place against the background of Roman The most likely candidate is in fac t the ancient pottery gained thro ugh in the Near East. While it is true that archaeological excavation. In ancient this simple relic may have in later times Greece we know that the preeminent cup been encased in a more elaborate and for the drinking of wine was the two costly container or reliquary, as was The handled Kylix so beloved by collectors often done in late antique times, this of Greek pottery for its graceful form. mayor may not have been the case, as Time Machine Company Such vessels usually stood on a slender the actual obj ect seems to have pedestal base but sometimes had a flat disappeareci"quiie early in its history. is always eager to aid beginning collectors with moderately bottom or stood on a small raised rim, The antiquarians, Eisen and Kouchakji, priced coins and antiquities. Call David Liebert direct in which case they are termed Skyphoi have speculated that a rather elaborate to discuss your interests and needs. or stemless cups. The handles were chalice found in Antioch may be the always placed horizontal to the upper Grail since it encloses a far simpler body of the vessel. By the Roman sil ver chalice within its outer period this later shape predominated and laticework. It is unlikely, however, that the handles were usually perpendicular this is the case since the grail was to the body. Although other types of almost certainly of pottery for the drinking bowls and cups were known, reasons cited above. Where then is the some like the footed bowl or Crater. not Grail today? Perhaps it is in some dissimilar to the Medieval chalice often mystic hiding place awaiting the pure of depicted in the Grail legends of the heart, perhaps it stilllies buried beneath period, it was the Skyphos which was the dust of the ages, or just perhaps it most commonly used for the drinking of sits unknown and unrecognized in some wine in the first century Roman world, collection of antiuqities. Who can say as can be seen from Roman depictions with certainty?
Guide to Biblical Coins by David Hendin Hardcover, 224 pages, 16 pages plates, v:\lues, cleaning coins, detecting We have for sale just 7 Roman miniature glass forgeries, much more. Personally autographed $35. 00 child's toys in the shape of various vessels, some with minor damage. All with good color "Fascinating and informative... " --N.Y. Times one to two inches. "Should be a part of your library." --Biblical Archaeology Review , ",,:.::.. "Indispensable ... Belongs on every serious "".':"". VF $85 each, two for $150 collectorts bookshelf." --The Celator j We have many more interesting antiquities and ancient coins in stock. If you are not on our mailing list, you are missing some of the best buys in ancient art. "We wrote the book on Biblical coins!" Send for your free catalogue today. For more information contact: ASK FOR our free illustrated catalog ofJewish, Biblical, The Time Machine Co. Greek, Roman coins, weights and small antiquities. P. O. Box 282, Flushing Station, AMPHOP.A Queens, NY 11367 f.J < (718) 544-2708 ~ N:~~k . ~~~ ~~ 914·353-7364 The Celator October 1989 Villi
Royal~Athena Galleries Select Works of Fine A rt from the Ancient Wodd
EGYPTIAN MIDDLE KINGDOM BLACK GRANITE EGYPTIAN JOINED PAIR OF PAINTED PORTRAIT HEAD XUth Dynasty LIMESTONE CANOPIC JARS XXlst-XXXth Dynasty (1991- 1786 B.C.) H.5 114- (1080-343 B.C.) H. 103/4-
AITIC BLACK-FIGURE COLUMN KRATER ROMAN NEO-AITIC AMAZONACHY RELIEF FRAGMENT Two charioteers in quadtiga I Three youths lsi-2nd Century A.D. B 5/S" x 61 /4" with horse. Ca. 530 B.C. H. 10 l IS"
Royal-Athena now sells more select works of ancient art Send for our FREE full·color 2o.page brochure. than any other gallery, having tripled its sales this past The following publications are also available: year. We attribute this rapid growth to our thirty years of internationally acknowledged expertise and connoisseur ART OF lHE ANCIENT WORLD, Vol. IV (1985), ship, the desire to exhibit the widest range of ancient 192 color plates ...... $15.00 works of art, currently over 3000 objects, at the best THE AGE OF CLEOPATRA (1988), possible prices, in an open and friendly atmosphere. 29 color plates ...... 2.00 Weare currently seUing to over 6CX) collectors, colleagues GODS & MORTALS: Bronzes of the Ancient World and museums in 17 countries. May we add your namer (1989),49 color plates ...... 4.00
Weare proud to be sponsors of the following exhibitions at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County: 11-IE FIRST EGYmAN'S · now extended through November 5 CARTHAGE: A MOSAIC OF ANCIENT llJNISIA • September 9 to January 7
royal-athena galleries ~ new york - beverly hills J erome M. Eisenberg, Ph.D .• Director Established 1942
153 East 57th St., N~ York, N.Y. 10021 )6, Place des Antiquairf$, 125 E. 57th St., 332 North Ikverly Dr., Beverly Hills, Ca. 90210 Tel.: (212) 355·2034 fax.: (2 12) 6SS·0U2 New York, N. Y. 10022 Tel.: (212) 593·1193 Tel.: (21 3) 550-1199 Fill.: (21]) 550-tJ95 Monday.Saturday, 10 to 6 Monday·Saturday, 11 to 6 Monday·Saturday, 10 to 6
Roya!·Atru,na at Nahan GalJerlf$ (SoHo) Royal.Athena at B.A. Scaby Ltd. 381 W. Broadway, N.Y., N.Y. 10012 13 Cavendish Square, London·WIM OAJ, England Tel.: (212) 966-9313 Tel. (44)1-631·3707 Monday·Friday, 9:30 to 5 Monday·Friday, 10 to 6, Sa turday.sundny, II to 7 (Send for a free copy of "Antiquities Forum") x The Celator October 1989
More rarity tables • Romans struck few denominations In Roman Egypt
by Keith Emmet six different reveISe types, and except for years. Except for one extremely rare Augustus' monetary refonn resulted a wreath type, all depicted animals. dichalkon of year 7, no bronze coins in a series of bronze coins consisting of Tiberius also struck a few dichalkon were issued in Claudius' 7th to 9th dioboIs, obols, and dichalkons. Debased coins with the portrait of Livia in his regnal years. silver tetradrachmas. which had been 4th 00 6th regnal years. These coins are Bronze coins of Claudius' wife, struck under the Ptolemies. filled the listed in my last article covering the Agrippina were also struck in Claudius' need for higher denOminations. issues of Augustus. 11th, 12th, 13th, and 15th regnal years. There was very little need for coins Claudius tetradrachm The Romans preferred to personify the in Egypt. except to pay taxes on the Reverse: Messalina standing emperor's wives as goddesses and it is smaller vine and garden lands: taxes on When Claudius carne to power in 41 interesting that Agrippina is represented the grain lands. which made up most of A.D., he issued silver tetradrachmas with the features of Euthenia, the Greek Egypt, were paid in kind from his nrst until his sixth regnal year. corn goddess, on the obverse of her Taxes were required to be paid in coins. since Egypt was the breadbasket Tetradrachmas were struck with two silver tetradrachmas, and if they were of the Roman empire. Furthermore, different reverse typeS: Messalina stand paid in bronze, they were subjected to a . ing and the bust of Octavia. Euthenia was married to Nilus. the Nile discount of Inth. Therefore, 24 silver Tiberius tetradrachm god, who represented Egypt: it was tetradrachmas equaled 28 bronze drach Reverse: Augustus head thus insinuated that Claudius was the mas, resulting in the hoarding of large In the seventh regnal year of new rulerlgod of Egypt numbers of silver tetradrachmas. Large Tiberius, the bronze coinage ceased to hoards of bronze coins are very rarely be struck and the reminting of silver found and when they are found they tetradrachmas was resumed. These tetra show extreme wear indicating excessive drachmas contained roughly 25 percent use, The bronze currency served as silver by weight but retained their silver small change for the silver tetra appearance. The obverse carried the Claudius I tetradrachm drachmas. laureate head of Tiberius and bore the Reverse: Antonia bust The fllSt coin issue of Tiberius was radiate head of Augustus on the reverse. In the third regnal year of Claudius struck in his third regnal year and con Silver tetradrachmas continued to be there was an attempt to create a new sisted of bronze oOOls and dichalkons: issued off and on until Tiberius' 23rd silver series conSisting of tetradrachmas, Agrippina diobol regnal year, Since silver tetradrachmas didrachmas and hemidrachmas. Oi Reverse: Euthenia bust had not been issued for about fifty years, drachmas and hemidrachmas are rare, as :~'." .. ' ..•. . . ', this relatively large output of silver very few were struck. Claudius' bronze reverse types were if, . ' :. . , tetradrachmas helped to alleviate the . almost exclusively copied from the \ " ;: / shortage of silver needed to pay taxes. bronze issues of Augustus and Tiberius, I.e.. . " i During the brief reign of Caligula, which consisted of assortments of grain who was recognized in Egypt, no coins """ - motifs, illustrating again Egypt's im were struck. A few coins bearing Tiberius bronze obol ponance to Rome. There are very few Reverse: Hippopotamus r AIOY which had been previously references to Roman events in the oOOls continued to be struck until year attributed to Caligula have been Claudius f silver didrachm Alexandrian series. However. one such 6, and dichalkons only lasted until year reattributed by Milne to the anonymous Reverse: Antonia, Britannicus and . instance is the clasped-hand motif, 5, The obol denomination consisted of series. OCtavia bust facing 2 cornucopiae which celebrated the marriage of Claudius to Agrippina in his tenth Bronze coins, which were issued regnal year, This coin type was struck intennittently in Claudius' frrst six in Claudius' 10th to 12th regnal years COINS OF THE ISLAMIC WORLD regnal yean, continued to be minted and parallels the bronze issues of exclusively in his remaining regnal Agrippina. The last frontier in numismatics, little researched and little catalogued, where new finds and exciting discoveries still abound. Inscriptions Twenty-one selections from our stock Expa ns ion!l 04 the inscriptions are given in bra cl(et'S , A1. Umayyad caliphate: Hisham AD724-743, AR dirham, INSCRIPTIONS OF TIBERIUB good vf, $15 A2. Abbasid caliphate: al -Saffah 749-754, AR dirham, vf, $25 TIBEPI0~ KAl~AP ~EBA~TO~ ~ Tiberius C~vsar AUgustu5
A3. Abbasid: ai-Mansur 754-775, AR dirham, vf+ , $17 Tl eE{PIO~) - Tiberius A4. Abbasid: al-Mahdi 775-785, AR dirham, ef, $28 A5. Abbasid: al-Hadi, 785-786, AR dirham , rare , f-vf, $60 Tl (BEP t Ol:) .. Tiberiut! A6. Abbasid: ai-Rashid 786-809, AR dirham, vf, $15 TIBEPIOV ., 04 Tiberius (genitive case) A7, Abbasid: ai-Am in 809-813, AR dirham, vf, $25 A8. Abbasid: al-Ma'mun 809-833, AR dirham, vf, $17 "'EO~ :5:EeA~TO~ ~ Oi vus Augustus A9. Abbasid: al-Mu 'tasim 833-842, AR dirham, lustrous ef, INSCRIPT I ONS OF CLAUDIUB AND AGRIPPINA rare, $85 Tl (BERIOD KI'IAVl lIIOD K AI~(A P) ~E I:IA(~TI} l:) !·EPMf.lIH ( KUU Al 0, Buwayhid: 'Adud al-Dawla 948-983, AR dirham, vf, $30 "'V·l Ur:P (f.l f UP) All. Ghaznavid: Sebuktekin 977-997, AR dirham, nice f-vf, $20 • Tlberius ClaudiulS Call~ar /IUQUstus Gttrm5n icu$ Imperat.or A12, Ghaznavid: Isma'il 997-998, AR dirham, f-vf, rare, $80 A13. Ghaznavid: Mahmud 998-1030, AR dirham, good vf, $12 TI IBEPtoC ) ttIlIAVlIIOC) KAIICAP) CEIBAC1U(;) I"EIPMflNiKUC ) A14. Ghaznavid: Mas'ud I, 1030-1041, AR dirham, vf, $12 ., Tiberiu!! t.;laudius Cae!!;ar AUQ'JSt.U 5 GermanlCU!!; Impl'!r.3tor A1S. Shaddadid of Armenia: al-Fadl I, 985-1031, AR dirham, ef, TII BEPIOC) KII AVIlI IOC ) CEBACITOC) rEPMfANIKOC) very rare, $125 _ Tiberiu. Claudlu. Augustus Germ ~n l c u 5 A16. Rasulid of Yemen: ai-Muzaffar Yusuf 1249-1295, AR dirham, several mints, from recent hoard: Aden, vf, $85 TIB(EPIOCI KI\AVIlI l DCI - Tiberlus Claud!u,"
Zebid, vf, $85 - San'a, vf, very rare, $145 - Hisn Ta'izz, ANTONIA tEBAtTH ~ Antonia Au~u.ta vf, $125 (are nicely struck for the series) ME ttAIIINA KAlt(APO~) tE8IACTH ) A17. Muzaffarid: Shah Sh uja' 1357-1384, AR 2 dinars, vf, $25 _ Me55alin. (wife) 04 Caesar Augusta A18. Jalayrid: Husayn 1376-1384, AR dinar, f-vf, $10 A19. Timurid: Timur (Tamerlane) 1370-1404, AR tanka, ArPIRWINA ~EBA~T H - Agrippina Augusta fine, $40 EV9HNIA -Euthenia A20. Timurid: Shahrukh 1404-1447, AR tanka, vf, $12 A2 1. Timurid: Husayn 8ayqara 1470-1506, AR tanka, vf, $1 1 e Tables copyright 1989 K. Emmet Please turn to page XX Above prices include postage & insurance in US & Canada, Stephen Album P.O. Box 7386 Santa Rosa CA 95407 Don't forget to Tell your friends Telephone: 707-526-3421 about The Celator . ~------~ )"he Celator Octo~r .1 .989 '.~.'
..
is pleased to announce its F AU MAIL BID SALE
ANCIENT AND MODERN COINS OF THE WORLD AND THE UNITED STATES
Closing Date: Wednesday, November 15, 1989
Featuring over 500 Lots of Ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine Gold, Silver and Bronze coins
• An extensive offering of Ancient Gold Coins including a specialized consignment of the Solidi of Constans n. • Attractive and representative consignments of Greek Silver and Bronze Coins.
• A se lec~ choice group of Roman Republican Silver. • A representative offering of Roman Imperial'Silver and Bronze, including some choice Provincial Silver and an excellent group from Roman Alexandria. • A small selection of Byzantine Bronzes.
A wide range of coins to appeal to both the advanced and beginning collector, as well as to the general student of Ancient History
Profusely D1ustrated CataiQeues Ayailable Now!
STACKS will be conducting a PUBLIC AUCTION SALE of Ancient and Foreign coins on December 7, 8, 1989 in conjunction with THE NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL NUMISMATIC CONVENTION Highlights will appear in our ad in the November issue of THE CELA TOR r.------..... -. l.ftae/la/ moin "ulbrif.a I mOht 123 West 57th St. I ./taeItJ/ ~allrrtr!l 1New York, NY 10019 Enclose~ please find $5.00 for your November_15, 1989 Mail Bid I I Sale Catalogue and list of Prices Realized (after sale), The Ancient and Foreign Department of Stack's 123 West 57th Street New York, NY 10019 I Name I Telephone (212) 582·5955 Telex: 666125 (W.U.) FAX: (212) 245·5018 1- ' I I City----- Stale -----Zip ::.I XII The Cefator October 1989 Art and the Market
Auction sets world record Greater New York Show confirms weaker market by Wayne G. Sayles reported brisk sales, many others found Christie's, Stack's and Joel Malter also The Greater NY Show and A.I.N.A. the wholesale trade significantly seemed to reflect a sporadic market. convention held at the Park Central overshadowing retail activity. With a One of the highlights came from the Hotel September 8-10 tended to confinn notable shonage of fresh material in convention sponsored Malter sale of the impression of a weaker market in high grade. dealers seemed anxious to Howard Brin's collection of ancient recent months. Although some dealers - buy the li mited offerings from the floor. Jewish coins. mainly in moderately priced coins - AUClions held during the week by The cover coin, a large bronze (AE- 31) from year one of the Bar Kochba Second Revolt drew remarkable interest Million dollar aureus and spirited bidding. The very rare and , extremely fine specimen (Meshorer 169, Type 3) features a large ribbed body displayed at Hong Kong amphora surrounded by Hebrew inscription on the obverse. The reverse An extremely rare gold au reus of _. features a Hebrew inscription in three Brutus with the Eid-Mar reverse was lines which translates as "Shimon displayed by Numismatic Fine Arts at ,
The 12th annual Fall Long Beach official show travel agency by calling Numismatic and Philatelic Exposition 800-426-8326. For further information will be held at the Long Beach, CA about the Long Beach Expo call Sam Convention Center on Oct 5-8. Lopresto at 21 3-437-08 19. Featuring over 100 ancient and foreign coin booths, the show has in recent years become one of the most important west coast shows for antiquarians, and Huston list one of the few with ample adjacent parking. #92 mailed
According to show organizer, Sam Class ical numismatist Stephen M. Lopresto, the attendance figure has Huston has issued fi xed price list 92 of continued to climb as the event moves ancient coins. The 12 page fully into its 12th year, and now draws well illustrated list features 45 coins, all in the $500 or under category. over 10,000 visitors. The Long Beach Show is held four times a year and The cover coin on Huston's latest includes a number of forums and list is Roman Egypt Tetradrachm of seminars as well as an active bourse. Nero and Agrippina in F-VF condition Steven Rubinger of Numismatic Fine Arts (feft) shows "miffion dollar coin" Auctions. in conj unction with th e with a nice portrait of the wife of (Ides of March Aureus of Brutus) to Hong Kong Show coordinator Ron Giffio. show, will be held by Heritage Rare Claudius and mother of Nero at $275. Coin Auctions and Pacific Coast For a copy of List 92 write to Auction Galleries. Stephen M. Huston, P.O. Box 3621, Specialist in A special travel discount of 5% may San Francisco, CA 94119 or call (4 15) Ancient Coins 781-7580. also stock World Minor Coins, Medals, Crowns, be obtained for airline fares through the Artifacts, Books and Coin cases Our inventory is among the fInest in America, Due to maintaining the mos t active convention schedule ('If all ancient coin dealers, we buy and sell If this calibre of numismatic art excites yOU" a tremendous selection of all types of numismatic material. it is only one of hundreds of beautiful ESPECIALLY NEED Gold and Silver of the 12 Caesars treasures from the past residing for the moment in our trays. We attend and will represent you at major auctions. In the past two years we have completed five se ts of the 12 Caesars in Gold. Write for a complimentary WE FILL WANT LISTS copy of our catalogue. and publish quarterly catalogs AI/coins guaranteed genuine and have a 14 day return privilege GEORGE M. BEACH PRoPa\7L RyneaRSOn Numiscellaneous P.o. Box 113 Owosso. MI 48867 - (517) 634-5415 P. o. Box 4009 Over 20 years in business MALIBU, CA 90265 ANA District Rep. - Central U.S. Director, C.N.A. The Celator October 1989 XIII
NEW FINDS....
An interesting misspelling occurs on a A.H. BALDWIN & SONS LTD coin of Gaesarea in Cappadocia. The coin (i n my collec~on) is an early example of a didrachm of Nero and Claudius, Syd. #66. The error occurs on Eftablished 1872 the reverse (head 01 Claudius) with the word PATER spelled PTAER. This appears to b£. no more than a mental NUMISMATISTS lapse on the part of the cela\Of. However, looking closer the T is of a peculiar shape (see diagram) making me wonder if the oograver had picked up a Greek letter punch in error. If so it would appear to be an example of a mixing 01 both Greek and La ti n letters as E. A. Sydenham suggests in The Coinage of Caesarea in CappadccJa. This seems to be an unusual occurrence as we have both a misspelled word with the letter out of pl ace being the only Greek letter used in the legend. An example with correct spelling of PATER and the odd shaped T can be seen in The Frederick S. Knobloch Collection 01 Roman Imperial Coins, Lol.240, sold by Stacks, May I , 2,3, 1980.
This variant is not mentioned in The Coinage of Caesarea in Cappadocia by E. A. Sydenham, nor in the accompanying supplement by Alex Malloy. It is unlisted in Seaby's Roman Silver Coins, Vol. II. A search of about 400 ancient auction catalogues has also failed to turn up this misspelt variant. Thomas R. Walsh GREEK ROMAN AND New York BYZANTINE COINS ISLAMIC COINS
MEDIAEVAL AND MODERN COINS OF THE WORLD
NUMlSMATIC BOOKS AND Please ... AUCTION CATALOGUES Check the date on your mailing label. If it has passed, you are in danger of not A.H. BALDWIN & SONS LTD. receiving future issues. Renew today! 11 ADELPHI TERRACE LONDON WC2N 6BJ, u.K.
Giessener Munzhandlung Dieter Gorny GmbH, Munchen AUCTION
Thrace, Abdera, Stater (11.10) 386/3 - 375; May 402. . October 30, 1989
ANCIENT COINS 800 Celtic, Greek, Roman and Byzantine coins. Paros, Didrachm (7.76) ca. 200 ; Inclueing a compre hensive coli. Winterthur 2316. series of Denarii of Augustus, nurrerous uncir culated denarii of Hadrian and Vespa sian, as well as Giessener Mtinzhandlung some high - grade late Dieter Gorny GmbH Roman and Byzantine gold D·8000 MUnchen 2 Licinius, Aureus (5.14), coins. Maxirniliansplatz 20 ThessaJonike, 311 - 313, RIC 44a. Tel: 49/89122 68 76 Fax: 49/89122 85 513 Auction Sale No. 47 MEDIEVAL through MODERN Justinian II. 1. reign., 685 - lim es. October 31, 1989. 695, Solidus (4.42) Auction catalogues are Constantinople, Sear 1248, available at US $10 each Hahn 8 a. rrom our company. XliII The Celator October 1989
If you aren't seeing this symbol on 700 ancient coins catalogues you are currently receiving Gorny readies for auction In keeping with the tradition of previous years Giessener MUnzhandlung will hold an auction sale on October 30, 1989 featuring approximately 700 ancient coins including Celtic, Greek, Roman and Byzantine. One special feature of the Greek section is a group of rarities from Northern Greece, e.g. several staters from Abdera, a stater from Assoros from the 6th century, two tetradrachmae of Paphlagonien, Amastris. Stater the Chalcidean Legue, some interesting (9,58), under Queen Amastris. archaic silver coins from Asia Minor as 3021300. Weber 2290. well as a large lot of Syrian Estimated in VF·EF at DM 8,000. tetradrachmae of Caracalla and Macrinus. Queen Amastris is of a special The highlights of the Roman coins interest due to her personal history. will be a complete group of denarii of She was the niece of Darius 111 Augustus, numerous uncirculated denarii the last Persian king. The wife of of Vespasian and Hadrian as well as Dionysos Tyrant of Kerakleia aoo some rare and high grade late roman later the wife of Lysimachos. gold coins.
The Byzantine era will be represented by a generaUy high grade group of coins BOSTON... including some rariti ~ of rare emperors. For auction sa1e information write to Ancient and Foreign Coin Giessenec MUnzhandlung, Dieter Gorny , Mecca of The Nonheast! GmbH. Maximiliansplatz 20, D-8000 Write for our membership list Milnchen 2, West Gennany, telephone BAY STATE COIN SHOW (089) 22 68 76.
25th Anniversary Year November 17, 18, 19 - 1989 Jean-Paul Divo You don't want to "57" PARK PLAZA HOTEL Secretary, I.A.P.N, Room reservations: 617-482-1800 miss even one Oller 24 years ... L6wenstrasse, 65 "New England's lArgest Coin ShoN!!!" issue of CH-8001 ZOrich, Switzerland Chairman: Ed Aleo The Celator Box 400. Winchester. MA 01890 Subscribe todayl 617-729-9677 A
Xmner %Joke 5011eries presenls 9Ii## from ~~XXXIII Session I
Individual Quality Items, Whole Collections and EsUUts are always of interest to us. No collection is 100 smaU or /00 ltuge Please contact us for consignment i/ifonnaJion or upcoming aue/ron schedules in the following areas: Antiquities, Pre-Columbian Art, Tribal Arts, Ancient, Foreign and American NumismaJics, Kantharos • Apulia, Paper Money, Ephemera, Stamps, Bottles, So. Italy. Ca. 350 B.C. Hiswrical Glass, Americana, Jewelry, WristwaJches. 9" H $1595 All oJ/ers of iJems for consignment should be accompanied by eilher clear photos with siz.es or a complete invenlOry list. All inquiries will be answered promptly, courteously, and confidentially. Free Auction QuOIts.
Bronze Head 01 Osiris . Egypt, 26th Dynasty Ca. 663-525 B.C. Pottery Alabaslron 3 114" H. $1210 Corinth, 5th Cent B.C. 3314" H. $1045
Bird form slate pallette Pre Dynastic Egypt Ca. 3500 B.C. 5" H. $1375
Wooden Funerary Boat Egypt 26th Dynasty Ca. 663-525 B.C. 27 112"l. $4675 The Celator October 1989 xv
Very Rare Medieval Hungarian Silver Coins With Hebrew Letters Offered By Superior
Throughout history, Judaic coins have preserved pbysical proof of the triumph of adversity .... from the overstriking of Roman coins by Simon Bar Kokhba during the Second Revolt against Rome (132-135 eE) to the production of Israel's first crude coins in a Tel Aviv cutlery factory eady in 1948 while the newly proclaimed country was fighting off the mighty Arab armies. Bar Kokhba' 5 first name appears on his coins, and we know tbat Alfred Salzman struck Israel' 5 first coins from dies engraved by Moshe Muro. Other Judaic coin issuers have left only tantalizing hints as to their identities. The appearance on the numismatic market place of a group of exceedingly rare small silver coins struck in medieval Hungary, are historic pieces of evidence in a mysterious
numismatic puzzle. In the 13th ceritury, Hungarian ...... '11" typ", silvorobol, under Stephan V, AD l17o.I2720bv: Hud of the K~ to left, Inocriptionaround; .. MONETA state policy permitted the mint to be farmed out. UNGARIE . Rev: Laru aleph 'M. betw«D two bird>. Bibliography: Hunar, L. MUENZKATALOG UNGARN, Munich 1979, No , 357, Rethy, L, CORPUS NUMMORUM Between the years 1222 and 1234 the clergy and HUNGARlE, Vol. I, Budap"", 1898. No. 197 nobility protested vehemently against the role of Jewish mint masters, and the matter was not settled until 1239, when Pope Gregory IX decided in favor of the Jewish interests. This tolerance continued until 1279, when the pressures grew more extreme and Jews were finally excluded. In this brief 40 year period, small " obols" were issued by unknown Jewish mint masters under Bela IV 11235-1270} and Stephan V 11270-1272}. Small quantities of three different issues, which were originally pan of the Niklovits Collection in the National Hungarian Museum, !acqurred around the turn of the Century), through a special deacquisition, are being offered individually and in sets by Superior Stamp and Coin Company. Ira Goldberg, who negotiated for this historic group, indicates that "for all pratical purposes these are the only Medieval Jewish coins that can be bought, and once these are sold it is extremely unlikely that a similar opportunity will ever occur." .
The three coins available are all silver "obols" "l.al:gelaadi" type, silyer obol, under Bela IV, AD 1235·1270 Obv; Bution tower on a hill between two lilies [fleur-de·li.j measuring about II millimeters as follows. Aleph Rev: 1.o,se tudi ":iI ,unounded by wfcoth. type: Obverse with the head of Stephan facing left, Biblioyaphy: H",:w, No. 306; Rethy, CNH, 1'1, 241 inscribed MONETA UNGARIE !Hungarian Money); reverse with a large Hebrew letter " Aleph" surrounded by two birds. Large Tsadi type: Struck under Bela IV, obverse features a castle tower on a hill between two lilies [fleur-de-lis); a large Hebrew letter "Tsadi" appears within a wreath on the reverse. Small Tsadi type: Also issued during the reign of Bela IV, obverse portrays a bust of the king with his name REX BELA followed by a small Hebrew letter "Tsadi", while the reverse has an eagle with spread wings. These Medieval Jewish silver coins are in Choice Very Fine condition and exhibit attractive natural antique cabinet toning. Scholar Daniel Friedenberg aptly summed up: " It is intriguing to think of these unknown meo, dead for over 700 years, whose sole stamp in history is a single Hebrew letter."
"SmaU Iaadi" type, illv", obot under Bela IV, AD 1235·1170 Obv: Bu", of the K~. inocription, + REX,BELA, . mall , ..di'::l Rev' Bogle witll .PfCad win31 Bibliograpby: Huo:w, No. 313, Rethy. CNH, No. 146
Superior Stamp & Coin Co., Inc. 9478 West Olympic Boulevard. Beverly Hills, California 90212-4299. (213) 203-9855. (800) 421-0754 . FAX (213) 203-0496
Yes, I want to acquire the exceedingly rare Choice Very Fine 700 year old Hungarian Silver obols with Hebrew letters as follows: O Set of three@ $295 0 Set of two (Large Aleph & Small Tsadi) @ $175 0 Single Coin (Aleph)@$99 Name Street :-______City State ______Zip Phone ____---:::----:: ______o Check Enclosed. Charge To: 0 _ 0 Z o . Acct#: ______Exp. D ate: _____ Signature ______California residents add appropriate sales tax.
'.' .. " , , ," , ...•. , . • "" .. , I.· ... I ,· '. ' . ... . " " I' \'" ., '.' " .•, ' .'.'.'.'. ' .' '. - ' ...... '.'.'.'. ., .• , ... "'." ' .' _ ",, ' " • •• • ,." •••. • . , •• ,. _ •• ,-,'. . . XVI TheC9lator Bargai n coi ns strong in Bank Leu Ltd Zurich Robinson mail bid sale A bronze As of the Roman Emperor respectively, brought $167 and $23l. Numismatics Caligula (37-41 AD) grading Very Fine Among Roman coins, a VF Julius sold for $476. reduced from a top bid of Caesar dupondius sold for $436; 'a $510. in a mail-bid sale conducted by "Tribute Penny" denarius of Tiberius, dealer Frank S. Robinson of Albany, also VF, for $211 while an AEF bronze New York, which closed on September As of the same ruler brought $290 13. Of the 654 lots in the sale, only 29 reduced from $405; a Fine "Roma" failed to sell ; and out of 229 bidders, sestertius of Nero sold for $163; and a 188 were successful, with bid reductions VF "Judaea" denarius of Vespasian averaging approximately 20%. realized $321. Among Greek coin highlights was a Turning to the later centuries. a VF+ VF silver obol of Aegina bringing $1 45 Paduan medallion of Antinous was sold on a $210 bid; a choice EF medium for $251 on a $450 bid; a rare bronze of Bruttium at $320 reduced from "Liberality" Balbinus sestertius graded $455; a VF Ae42 (large bronze) of F+ brought $405; and a VF gold solidus Ptolemy IV of Egypt reduced from $291 of Marcian was purchased for $361. to $161; a bronze of the famous At the lower end of the scale, a low Cleopatra graded VG+/G fetching $152; grade but scarce bronze of the usurper and an A VF Alexander the Great Carausius was sold for just $1.50. tetradrachm at $157. Also, a VF Robinson's sale also included group Demeter head stater of Metapontum lots and some literature. His next brought $276; a Rhodian didrachm in similar sale will be held in December. Fine $157; an EF Himera hemilitron Catalogs will be available free by $161; and tetradrachms of Syracuse and writing to him at Box 2064A, Albany, Lysimachus, graded FI AF and AVF NY 12220.
Every year we have an auction of very important ancient coins in spring. We issue occasiona/lists. Our stock ranges from Hemitartemoria to Dekadrachmai, and from Quadrantes to Multiple Aureus Medallions. We actively buy and sell at all price levels. Jean ELSEN, S.A.
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•••••••••• Clip & Mail ••••••••• : Please include me as a subscriber to The Celator: : • Name: • .~~: . TOM CEDERLIND • City: State: _ Zip: • : Enclose $24.00 for 12 issues (u.s. and Canada; $48 All olller addresses.) • P. O. Box 1963-C • Mall To: The Celator, P.O. Box 123, lad!, WI 53555 •• Portland, OR • 97207 ••••••••••••••••••••••••• The.Celator October 1989 XVII Fact and fantasy Hoard spurs the imagination as coins relate history
by H. Kogen the post war period after 70 AD during hoard as profits permitted. His the Jews devastated the Roman legions. Imagine yourself in Tiberius over which they were widely circulated. The prosperity continued and his savings However, there was little chance of a 1850 years ago. The magnificent walls Yespasian tetradrachms were in common continued to grow. long term victory. After all, so strong that only remain today as archaeological use not onl y during the life of The trouble began during the reign of was Rome at this point that Hadrian had segments, were then complete. They Yespasian who ruled from 69 to 79 AD Hadrian. Our merchant, now a wise old built a wall clear across Britain dividing surrounded the city providing protection but also during the successive reigns of man who had survived and prospered ScoUand from the South. Perhaps our to the inhabitants from invaders, his sons Titus and Domitian who ruled through good and bad times was caught merchant knew this, remembered the bandits. and other dangerous elements Rome until 96 AD. in a new dilemma. Hadrian, ruling a disaster which ended the First Revolt which could not pass through her well After the death of Domitian, the strong Rome from 117 to 138 AD, had and refused to cooperate with the Jewish guarded gates. Flavian Dynasty came to an end. Trajan visited ancient Israel and had sown the forces. Possibly, he was ~xecuted as a There lived a Jewish merchant who assumed power and ruled with seeds of a new revolt. Renaming traitor, or possibly murdered with the prospered within this walled city . continuing stability for over 19 years Jerusalem, "Aelia Capitolina" and counUess other Jews that met this final Concerned about his future. he guarded from 98 to 117 AD. building a pagan temple in the Holy destiny when the reinforced Roman his savings which he accumulated over During the prosperity of the Trajan City had caused new discontent amongst Legions finwly ravished the land and the years from the success of his era, the Tyre mint produced some of the the Jews. Our merchant favoring the destroyed the last of the Bar Kokhba commerce. Not being of great wealth to finest tetradrachms of this period. Tyrian tetradrachms only added one forces along with most of the Jewish afford gold, he carefully hoarded silver Famous for the Shekels of Tyre which Hadrian coin to his hoard. This, culture of ancient Israel. Although aUf tetradrachms minted in the Eastern it had produced for centuries, coins of however, certainly dated the entire merchant perished, his hoard survived provincial capitols of the Roman Tyre were highly trusted for their silver group. for approximately 1850 years. Empire. Regarding the purity of the content. Although the Shekels had been While this epic is highly fictional. silver, he carefully selected the best discontinued decades before, Trajan In 135 AD, the Bar Kokhba Revolt the historic setting is quite real. Those coins for his savings. Many of the allowed the city symbols to once again erupted. In the early days of the war, were the times . . . . tetradrachms of Alexandria struck on appear on silver coinage. Many of the debased planchelS were recin:ulated while Trajan tetradrachms are the standard the coins from Tyre and Antioch of Roman type featuring the Emperor on greater purity were favored for his hoard. the obverse and a Roman eagle on the His success obviously began during reverse. The pride of this hoard is, HOARD SPECIALS the reign of Nero (54 to 69 AD). Many however, the Tyrian varieties. A. $475 Byzantine AE (100) fair-fine. Nero tetradrachms were present in his These Tyrian coins portray the B. $675 Greek AE with Roman Colonials (100) fair-fine hoard and all of high quality silver. Roman emperor on the obverse along C. $695 "Widow's Mtte" type lepta (100) fair-fine Under the protection and favor of with the club and eagle of Tyre. The D. $495 Roman bronzes (100) VG-VF Agrippa n, the Jewish King who sided reverses also use unique Tyrian city with Rome during the Jewish-Roman E. $195 Roman bronzes (100) fair-fine themes such as the bust of Melkart, and F. $495 Roman bronzes (500) mostly fair War (66-70 AD), he was safe from the the river goddess seated above Apollo horrors which were the fate of those who is bathing beneath her. The G. $280 Ancients (1000) mostly poor Jews who were caught up in the popularity of these coins kept them in Please add $8 for postage and packing conflict. Not only did he survive and circulation long into the Hadrianic escape the plunder of this revolt, but he Period. prospered as many do in the times of Our Jewish merchant, reminiscent of £om/on Coin fjJ/eries war. As his hoard grew, more Neros the old shekel of Tyre and its Mloslon Viejo Mall, SuH" 132 and now Yespasian tetradrachms entered importance to the Jews during the 2nd Mloslon Viejo, CA 92691 his treasure chest The abundance of Temple Period, definitely favored this ~5 at Crown Valley (714) ~ Yespasians confirm his success during type. He began adding these to his Minting coins the Roman way!
This summer, archaeologists in France are re-learning the art of minting. Not the theory but the real thing! A Roman mint discovered in 1975 provides the blueprint fur all the steps.
Three years ago, the quarterly magazine Roman Coins and Culture published the only article in English on the Roman mint at Heidenkopf. This year Roman Coins and Culture (in coopera tion with French, German and American archaeologists) is pleased to report the results of these minting trials with detailed, well-illustrated articles. A "denarius" of JuUa Domna is beIng mInted on a stone anvil. As the only publication devoted solely to Roman coinage, ReC covers the wide spectrum of Roman numismatics: the lives YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION RATES: of the Caesars, the monuments seen on coins, the cults and myths, descriptions of previously unknOW"n Roman coins, and only $ 27.50 in the USA and Canada the latest discoveries in the archaeological field. $ 45.00 all other countries (ficst class mail) Learn the story behind the coins, sharpen your numismatic skills and get more enjoyment from your collection with a sub scription to Roman Coins and Culture. Mail your orders to: Charles Coyle p. O. Box 2186 SPECIAL OFFER: The first 50 new subscribers who Ann Arbor, MI 48106 mention this ad (in the Celator) shall receive in addition a free hand-struck "denarius" made at the reconstructed All coins struck in pewter, marked COPY mint. and dated on reverse - "1988."
Back issues are available, write fOf the list.
" " " " "." XVIII The Celator October 1989
SYRO-HITTITE HEAOS terra cotta. 2.000 B.C . SUMERIAN SHELL MONEY. SYria, approx. 1-1 I/{ long SYRO-HITTITE DIVINITY different styles $29.00 each buff colored terra cotta, Earliest known money, Mesopotamia, approx 5V{ talLe 20009 C, 3,500-3,000 B.C. , $14 ea. different
LARGE EGYPTIAN NEOLITHIC FLINTS HOLYLANO HEAO FRAGMENTS EGYPTIAN EGYPTIAN MUMMY MASKS 6,000 yrs. 0Id'1 "-1,!!" terra cotta, from household votive 26th Oyn .. i i Late Period . c. 600-300 B.C. $14 ea. statues, 1-1 %" approx., 300-100 B.C ., Osiris ,the servant and scribe, Horeth" ) Wood with traces of paint, $19 ea. 6N taU . $495 each different styles $600 each I~------~------~ ~------~------~~------~------~--~-----
GREEK IRON ARROWHEADS ROMAN GLASS BEAOS EGYPTIAN FAIENCE USHABTIS c. 700 B.C., difl. shapes, ROMAN GLASS BOTTLES amber/white wound glass, "SERVANTS OF THE DEAD" from "Homeric Time-s", oxidized , greenish color. c. 100 B.C. C. 100 A.D. '12 " long , 26th Oyn .. 600 B.C .. inscrib ed 1"-2", $10 ea, smail (3" ta ll ... $125 each (can be strung) $9.00 each (with translation) 4" tal l $95.00 each large (5" tall ... $225 each
CARNELIAN, INSCRIBED WITH ANCIENT PRAYER LURISTAN BRONZE SPEAR 15th-16th Century, approx. 1" ROMAN BRONZE BRACELETS suitable for setting, $29 ea. POINTS, 1200-800 B.C. design on terminals, A.D.-100 5"-6", (fine condition), $89 ea, (wearable), $25 ea, The Celator October 1989 XVII II
= •. ~.,. •'
( ')ll '~ ~~.~,!i·' ~n~ •4r.~: i1: 'I! );1/ ~ .. iW ALEXANDER THE GREAT SilVER TETRADRACHMS, 336·323 BC ANCIENT HOl YlAND COINS wi Extra Fine ... $325 Very Fin e.. .$240 ROMAN BRONZE COINS Head of Roman Emperor & goddess BYZANTINE HOLY lAND ALEXANDE R THE GREAT AD 100·300, various types, AD 200·300, (Antoniniani) GOLD COINS w/face of Christ . $ (identifiable) $10 ea. 5il ver ... $55 ea . Bronze .. .$25 ea. 0 00 G DRACHMS , v. nice... 110 ,-..L.______... ---- __----....I-.,A 1 0, 0Id ... $495 ea. AUTHENTIC ANCIENT COIN JEWELRY Bronze ... $95 ea . These Ancient Coins are set in Gold Vermeil or Silver. The Pendants have vermeil or silver chains. The Earrings are set on silver posts.
HOLY LAND TERRA COTTA OIL ALEXANDER IJl~~~~~M/DRACHM SASSANIAN SILVER OIRHAM EGYPTIAN MUMMY lAMPS & BOTTLES c. 100 Drachm earrings or cull links: AD 500·600 NECKLACE w/faience amlJlet, AD 500, dillerenl styles and h" •• , ' vermeil. .. $350/ sil ver. .. $325 Earrings: vermeil. .. $110/silver ... $95 26th Dynasty , c. 600 Be, 24" shapes , $39 ea. $75 for"two pendant: vermeil. .. $4S0 /silver. .. Pendant: ve rmeiL..$85 /s ilver ... $75 long , wearable. $95 ea.
AFGHANISTAN ANCIENT ANCIENT BIBLICAL COINS BEAD NECKLACE, from Bronze wid ow's mites, New 3000 BC, approx. 16" long Testament, mark 12:41-44 , "!earable, lapis .. .$175 SilVER DRACHM ROMAN BRONZE CO IN (id ent ifiable) $10 ea. Turquoi se ... $95 200 AD 100·300 ve rmeil. .. $2251 Earrin gs or cuff links: verme il .. $1151 silver .. .$95 Pendant: vermei L..$85 /silver ... $75
-' HOLY lAND MOTHER GODDESS terra cotta votive statue , c. 300 Be, SUMERIAN STONE BEAD PARTHAIN SilVER DRACHMS approx. 6" tall, $125 ea. NECKLACE 18" lon g, bla ck, grey, wh ite 200 BC·AD 228, Dillerent rulers. beads, c. 3000 Be , wearab le, $45 ea. (VF . EF condit ion) , $45 ea . xx .... Thl! C!!)alor . O.ctplMlr. .t989
Roman Egypt Continued from page X
Tl~~RlUS ( 16 - 37 A.D.l -- BUST UIR~C1IUNS T1BERI US ( 16 - 37 A.D, ) -- 8P.QNZE DICHALI:ONS Apr. a , 1987 Rev (.) R"'F:ight L'"Lflft l "'l,lUr-II .. t .. b " tI.trl! c~corn ''''unusu .. l "- "',.-",di,,,t. NO INSCP.IPTlON, V.. .. r 4 , • , REGNAL YEAR DATE TETS. DRAC. HEMI- 010801.. DeOLS DtCH. (A. D.) [!"I'Ic. :------:-----:-----:----- : , t: CroCQdil .. St .. ndinq r . :------:------:------:------:------.------:------:------:------:-----:-----:----- iLr :16-17: : : :Rb.:"O' , , 1------: ------: ------: ------: ------: ------: ------; ------. :------:-----:-----:-----: ILtl :17-18: Iktl :1\0 , 1------: ------: ------: ------: ------: ------: ------: ------: : ------; -----: -----: ----_ . : 18-19 : : 1"(0 : 1'(0 4: Goat's H.. ad r. :------:------:------:-: LE ----- :------:------i------:------, :------:----- :-----:----- : LS . : 1"'-20 : : 1"(0 , 1------: ------: ------: ------: ------: ------: ------; ------: ------: -----: -----; ----- : LZ 6: W.... ath ContaininQ TI ~ :------:------:------:------:------:------,------:------:-----:-----:----- : LIA :------'------:------:------:------,------:------, ------CLAUDIUS I IJ ..n. 25, 41 - Oct . 13 . 5 4 A.D.) - - BUST DIRECTIONS :: ______Lll!. : ______27-20:' :i ______RiLl 1: ______: ______: ___ ---,------,------R-Rio;lht L- Left : :H-32 : RiLl : : LIH I - l a ureAte b-ba .... :------:------:------:------:------:------:------:------: c-corn . "unusual : LI~ : 32-33 : RILl : r_rildl .ate : ------t ----:---: ------: ------: ------: ------: ------: ------: 81LLON ~ILLON : LK : 33-34 : RiLl : REGNAL VEAR DATE T£TS. DWf':. HI::MI DIOIOtlL DEOLS -UICH. :------:------,------:------:------: ------:------: ------IA.D. ) URAC . : LKA : 34- 35 : RiLl : : ------: ------: ------: ------: ------: ------: ------: ------' :______,______:______:______:______,___ --- :------1 ------: : L"~ : 3:5-36 : RiLl : : , c. 1 RI : ------: ------: ------: ------: ------: ------: ------:------: J ______: ---..---: ------: ------; ------: -----: ------1 ------; : 36-37 : RI. : LKr : rli : RI :------:------:------:------:------:------:------,: - "------1 1 ------: 41-42 : ------:Rl ------: ------: ------: ------,: ------"' : , CC \ 42-43 1 Rl : Rl : Rl : 1-<1 : rli TlBERIUS ~ 16 - 37 A, D, ) -- TETRADRACHMAS : ------: ------: ------: ------: ------: ------: ------: ------: L8 : 4 3-,. .. : RI : 1-<1 : Rl : r, TIBEPIO~KAIZAPZEBA~TO~. Vears 7.11. 14. 18-~3 Rarity I-S :------~------i------:------:------:------:------: ------:------. , " : 44-oI!; : R1 : RI* : rli t , II 14 18 19 20 :.11 22 23 :------:------:------:------:------:------: ------:------: : LS : 45-"", : Rl : RI : !'o: ------: ---: ---: ---: ---: ------: --- : --- :------:------:------:------.------:------:------' ---: : 1..Z : 46-47 : : Rl. Auqus tus Hlta d r •• Rad •• IiIkOOn:EEAl:Tm: : 1 : :------:------:------:------:------:------:------;------: ------:---:--- :---:---: ---:------:---:--- : 49-5 ') : : RI : RI 1 I'll 2 Auqustus Hea d 1 •• Rad •• IiIEOl:ZE8A~TO~: ::5:1:2:2:23:::::4 : Ll : ---______: ------: ------i ------: ------: ------: ------: ------: ------:---:--- :---:---:---:------: ---:--- : LlA : 50-51 : : I'll : RI : RI :------:------:------: ------:------:------' : LIB : Rl 1 Rl TIBERIUS \ 16 - 37 A.D. ) -- BRONZE OBOL~ :------:------i------:------:------:------1 ------:------: Llr 1 RI : R1 NO INSCRIPTION . ·Y e Ar .. 3-:'-6 :------:------,------:------:------:------:------:------, : Lill : RU : RP • • :------:------:------,------:------:------:------: ------:-----:----- I LIE : RI HippopotAmus Standing r •• TI8EP!OY , :------:------'------:------:-----_._-----:------:------~ -----: ------: Please turn to page XXXI
Clip & Save QUOTES FROM THE PAST Coin File "By all means marry; if you get a good ------,';;::;;~;;: - wife, you'll become happy; if you get a Rhegium bad one, you'll become a philosopher." Socrates AR - Tetradrachm ca. 400 B.C. Lion's Head/Apollo Dewing 536 Rhegium was a famous Greek city on the coast of Bruttium at the straits TRIVIA QUIZ between Italy and Sicily. The place was first settled by Greeks in the mid- 8th century B.C. and although prosperous, suffered a long series of The Roman divinity Lupercus was political misfortunes. During the war against Pyrrhus, the city was worshipped by shepherds as the garrisoned with 4,000 Roman troops levied from the Campanian protector of their flocks against wolves. countryside. In 279 B.C. these troops killed or expelled the entire male His wife was said to be the she-wolf that nursed Romulus and Remus. population of the city, Rhegium was nearly depopulated on at least three What was her name? separate occasions, but the Greek tradition was intense and the Greek language was spokens there until a very late date, Rhegium was under L ______~ the control of the Byzantine Empire after the fall of the Roman West. (Last month's answer on page XXXIliI)
BUYING & SELLING OF COUR££ WARWOLlU£, WE All AbREE IT IS b. RtM~RKABLt; WORLD PAINTIN0. BUT W\.1AT, IN T\.1[; NAME OF JUPITER, 1£ IT 1\ 1100 B.c. REflMRKABLI;. PAiNTIN0 OF?! to Modern . :.
for Free List: ~ Anything Anywhere P. O. Box 02826 Portland OR 97202 . , .. , ' ... , ...... , , , . , .. , .. , . .'OciObe( 1989 XXI Interesting and unusual antiquities mark HR sale Coming Events ••••
If there were any doubts that Oc1.5-8 Long Beach Expo (. Antiquities are in a booming market. Ocl. 9 Empire/Glendining Auction , Hanner Rooke's Absentee Auction of London September 13 has laid them all to rest. Ocl. 11 Spink Auction , London "Not only was there tremendous interest Oc1.12-14 COINEX, London but some extremely strong prices were Ocl. 27 - 28 CNB, Dallas Marriott realized," commented Howard S. Rose, Ocl. 30 - 31 Dieter Gorny Auction, Munich president of Hanner Rooke. Nov. 2 - 4 Grand Central Coin Convention A rare Sumerian Foundation T ablet Omni Park Central, New York Nov. 4 London Coin Fair, Marble Arch dedicating a building to "Lin Kashid" I king of Uruk from 1865·1804 Be Nov. 10 - 11 CNB, San Francisco Holiday Inn realized a healthy $797 .50. Nov. 16 - 19 Great American, Santa Clara, CA Nov. 17 -19 Bay State Coin Show, Boston A fine Etrusco.corinthian Alabastron Nov. 20 - 21 Sternberg Auction, Zurich depicting a lion and a swan fetched Nov. 29 - Dec. 1 Hirsch Auction 164, Munich $ \,045. Dec. 7 Berk/England Auction, New York One of the most popular items in the Dec. 8 Superior Auction, New York sale was an Egyptian Wooden Funerary Dec. 9-11 Stacks Auction, New York Boat. Its function was as a tomb Dec. 13 Glendining Auction, London accoutrement meant to transport the Dec. 27 - 30 AlA Annual Meeting, Boston spirit of the deceased up the Nile to its Jan. 4-7 FUN Convention, Tampa resting place in the Netherworld. It sold Jan. 27 Ponterio Auction, Pasadena CA for $4,675 to a private collector. A Roman-Coptic plate with a portrait of a youth will find a new home in an up and coming museum Jacquier offers fixed price list collection. They were thrilled with their Numismatist Pau l-Francis Jacquier Rarities abound and include such gems purchase at $1,375. has released fixed price list #10 of as an architectural reverse double ancient coins and antiquities for the fall sestertius of Postumus, a denarius of '89 season. Including over 600 lots of Cams, and a medallion of Constantine Greek. Roman. Byzantine and related with facing busts of Cuispus and Egyptian Limestone Ushabti coinage, the fully illustrated, high Constantine II on the reverse. qUality calaJogue is especially strong in Subscription information was Roman Imperial and Gallic Empire unavailable at press time, to obtain a The limestone Ushabti, which coinage. copy of Jacquier's current list write to interestingly bore a blank deilication Also featured are a number of very Paul-Francis lacquier. HonseUstrasse 8, line. as evidence of mass production of choice Greek bronzes from Sicily and a 7640 KehVRhein, West Gennany, or Egyptian grave offerings, sold for nice selection of Celtic coina ~e. telephone 011-49-78-51-1217. $3,850 in spite of a repaired break.
The sale was chock. full of aJl sorts of interesting and unusuaJ items and had The about a 92% success rate of sold antiquities. World Famous Rose further commented that "the LONG mark.et has never been better and with the widening acceptance of absentee BEACH Egyptian Limestone Cameo Slab auctions. we are able to cater to a much NUMISMATIC larger audience." & Hanner Rooke conducts three to four PHILATELIC Another highlight in the saJe was a 5 such auctions a year and is always EXPOSITIONS 1/2" slab of limestone used as a trial actively seeking new consignments as piece and bearing a cameo profile well as interested buyers. For Oct, 5-8, 1989 portrait of an Egyptian Queen. With information about upcoming auctions nearly a dozen active bidders on this lot contact Harmer Rooke Galleries at 3 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM it finally hammered down at $3,575 East 57th Stteet. New York. NY 10022, Sunday till 3:00 PM against a $1,500 estimate. or call (800) 22\-7276. LONG BEACH CONVENTION CENTER Private Collector Long Beach Featuring major dealers of califomla Ancient & Early Foreign Coins from around the country. SPECIAL FEATURE REGIONAL SHOWS HELD IN San Francisco, CA ANCIENT & FOREIGN COIN SECTION which has now become one of Chicago, IL the best known and best attended on the West Coast. With weU over Dallas, TX 10,000 visitors al each expo, the popularity of the ANCIENT & FOREIGN Washington, DC COIN SECTION has increased dramatically. (Also U.S. Coins & stamp New York, NY section). OUtstsndlng Forums, Meetings , Seminars. V.I.P.'s & AucUons • Value and IntegrUy Grading & Authentication Booths information and an invitation to the show nearest International Mints to you, write today. Junior Forums CLASSICAL NUMISMATIC BOURSE BOX 245, DEPARTMENT I Chairman: QUARRYVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA 17566 SAMUEL L. LOPRESTO #33398 Sam Lopresto (213) 437-0819 #362 XXII , The Celator October 1989
Cont!nued from page 1111 Review ,
Justin II are dated by indiction to Carthaginian issues, style alone enables Since the gold coinage produced in Greek who had apparently purchased it 568/572. The dating of Justinian's new them to be distinguished. Thessalonica was used to pay troops and in Thessalonica and offered it as a coin solidi is more problematic. Those in C. Morrisson identifies two styles at officials in the prefecture of Iliyricum, ; of the mint since he was aware that at the hoard bear the letters rand .6 which Carthage, one comparable to the capital D. Metcalf first surveys the hoard and the time no coins of Focas were known are straightfOIward, but what to make of and one somewhat cruder. For find evidence for the region, showing for Thessalonica, As the coin was a solidus. not in the hoard, but Justinian, apart from the unique solidus ' how scarce the Thessalonican gold inexpensive (an indication that the seller reattributed to Sicily because of its close with the A¢lP mintmark, solidi were coinage seems to be. hadn't acquired the coin in Thessalonica similarity to the new hoard solidi, only struck in 5 of the last 27 years of Of the 468 coins recorded by D. and did not really believe his own which has the letters AS on the reverse? his reign, being dated by indiction. Metcalf there are only 24 coins linked : suggestion) the reviewer purchased it by both obverse and reverse dies, 37 , despite the fact that it did not seem to fit Future finds will surely enable us to Under Justin II, certain minor differences linked by obverse only and 13 linked by easily into the Thessalonican series. He advance our knowledge here. It should appear on the Carthage solidi which sent photographs to both Metcalf and be mentioned that the hoard contains enable them to be distinguished from reverse dies. Since none of the two latter groups are duplicated in the Hahn. The former replied with semisses and tremisses of Justinian I the Constantinople solidi and the issues congratulations that a gap in the and Justin II from the new Sicilian become more prolific, being struck in former, it appears that the 468 coins were struck from 407 obverse and 431 mint. These were not hitheno unknown 10 of the 13 years of the reign. For Thessalonican series had at last been reverse dies. To the reviewer these but since Sicily was not thought to some reason, in this reign the coins are filled while the latter replied saying that have issued a gold coinage this early, dated by Justin's regnal years. figures might indicate two things • in no way did he consider the coin either the mint at Thessalonica did not they had been placed at Ravenna. Now In addition Morrisson, through the Thessalonican. It was eventually sold they have been reattributed. number of recorded coins and dies, strike as many coins per die as to a collector who considered it to be an estimates the size of each issue and ties Constantinople. or Thessalonica, being . Italian issue! Article 3 all this in to the historical background the mint for a predominantly military In 1984 the reviewer published some prefecture, was more successful in Carthage: The Moneta Auri of North Africa. This is an important tremisses and semisses, assigning them under Justinian I and article. recovering the coins in tax than was to Thessalonica, also reattributing Justin II, 537-578 possible in areas with a large and certain similar solidi of Focas Cecile Morrisson Article 4 wealthier civilian population who were (D0.5b.2; M.1BII, 3 and 5) to the same able to accumulate savings and wealth. During these two reigns the The Minting of Gold Coinage mint No mention is made of these, or There are four appendices to this Carthaginian solidi had not yet shrunk at Thessalonica in the Fifth even the article in which they were paper. The frrst deals with the issues of in diameter to a size that makes their and Sixth Centuries and published. The introduction does, Arcadius, Honorius and Theodosius II identification easy and since at this time the Gold Currency of however, mention this article although where the emperor wears a chrismon on there are few iconographic differences lIIyricum and Dalmatia it cites only the tremisses, not the his cuirass. Since there are no between the Constantinopolitan and D. M. Metcalf . semis (struck from the same obverse die illustrations of these coins in the as the tremisses), or the solidi. These otherwise excellent plates, it is hard for ignored solidi of Focas are similar in the general reader to follow this section. style to the Thessalonican solidi of Dr. Hubert Lanz The only comment the reviewer will Heraciius, being rather more like the NUMISMATIK Luitpoldblock make is that he agrees with D. Metcalf coins of Ravenna than the MaximiliansplalZ 10 that the coins are not Thessalonican. In Thessalonican solidi of the previous D-8QC(} MUnchen 2 the mid-1980's the reviewer acquired a emperors. LANZ West Germany small hoard of these coins with solidi in Tel. (49) (89) 29 90 70 MONCHEN the names of all three rulers, with Article Fax. (49) (89) 22 07 62 5 AUGG and AUGGG legends, with and Seventh Century Byzantine Send this ad for a FREE sample of one of our latest auction catalogs and tell Wi what you are rollccting. without stars in the field and with either Coins In Southern a prow or an eagle at Victory'S feet. Russia and the Problem of The coins had a western Turkish Light Weight Solidi provenance. The reviewer does not feel John Smedley they are Carthaginian. J. Smedley lists all the finds (34) of Appendices 2 and 3 describe and list Byzantine coins of the period from the Miinzen und Medaillen AG all 468 solidi known to D. Metcalf area under discussion. Ignoring the struck at Thessalonica between the imitations, of which one find of 72 For 45 years reigns of Theodosius II and Heraclius. specimens appear to copy the same light The reviewer would take issue with weight solidus of Constans II, and Metcalf on one or two points. With allowing for the problems of recording we have been serving regard to the consular solidi of Leo I, in early years, it certainly appears that Metcalf notes that there are two varieties light weight solidi in Russia do not collectors of Ancient Coins ... - those with an unbroken obverse legend exceed 10% of the total finds. Full and a star in the reverse field which are weight solidi outnumber light weight and we would like common and those with a broken ' pieces about three to one when finds obverse legend and two stars in the contain only two or three coins. In reverse field which are rare. He notes only one hoard do the light weight coins to serve you too! that the first variety appears in two greatly outnumber the full weight solidi styles and that there are no die links - that of Pereshchepino which contained between the two main groups. Metcalf only 10 full weight coins and 59 light places the rare coins with the broken weights. Overall, however, we cannot obverse legend earlier. be certain of the figures since under hoard 5 Smedley comments that since However, several years ago in a all coins bore the mint mark CONOB series of lectures, Dr. J. P. C. Kent they must therefore be full weight. suggested that those coins in a neat style with an unbroken obverse legend Hopefully this is a· slip of the pen and does not mean that the author is were struck first with dies engraved in unaware of the group of 23-carat light Thessalonica. The quantity of these weight solidi distinguished only by two consular solidi required was so large for .Monthly lIIustrated Fixed Price Lists' some reason that more dies were needed. stars in the field. and that these, in a cruder style and with Since we do not precisely know how • Public Sales' Appraisals· a broken obverse legend were engraved Byzantine gold coins reached Russia we at Constantinople and sent to cannot hypothesize about the mechanics • Large Stock in All Price Ranges • Thessalonica. All combinations of dies of the situation. Certainly it appears were apparently known to Dr. Kent - that the light weight solidi represented a • Buying and Selling· Thessalonican obverse and reverse higher proportion of gold coins leaving together, Constantinople obverse and the empire than they did in hoards reverse; Constantinople obverse on formed within the empire but this has Thessalonican reverse; Thessalonican no significance if payments outside the obverse and Constantinople reverse. empire were made by weight. Within The coinage of Thessalonica becomes the empire lightweight solidi may much rarer after the reign of Justin II constitute between 1% and 2% of Please contact: and in fact Metcalf cites only one solidus hoard contents. Within the last Miinzen und Medaillen AG example of Focas for the mint. Now year th e reviewer has seen 2 although Meocalf is listed as the author lightweights within a hoard of 65 coins, P. O. Box 3647 • Malzgasse 25 of this article, he points out in his fust 1 in a group of 35 coins and one in a (unnumbered) foot note that Hahn was hoard of only 14 solidi. Messrs CH - 4002, Basel, Switzerland also heavily involved in this article. Baldwins saw at least 10,000 solidi of Tel. (061) 23 75 44 The solidus of Focas in question was Justinian I and Justin II from the Hama acqu~~~ ~y. ':h~ .rl?v. i~~~r . i~ .l?~~ ~r~~. a... . , .. , ... PJ~ase tum.to p~ge X~II, I , . '.' ' .. ' , ., . , .... , ... " ' ". ., ...... , . - , " ...... , ...... , , ...... , , . , ...... , , , ., .. , , .... " ...... The Celator October 1989 XXIII
Review Continued from page XXII
hoard and bought about 10% of what bribes in historical contexts. This is The opening paragraph states that of which could poss ibly date to the they saw on the advice of P. D. not possible. For the problems of this method of chemical analysis has years 705·711. The 4 solidi of Leontius Whitting, who, with other collectors, interpreting hoards, the facts concerning been questioned and suspended. and the vary between 84.5% and 87.5% so that acquired perhaps 15 light weight solidi Samel Pepys hoard as described by P. J. results obtained do not coincide with any second reign solidi of Justinian II from this source. This figure should Casey in Understanding Ancient Coins results obtained by other methods of should be lower than this especially probably be expressed as a percentage of (p. 53.) is· essential. In addition analysis, but that this is not a reason for since the analysis of first issues of Leo 10,000 and not of 1000 since Baldwins Smedley's dating is at times these resul ts to be suppressed! Only 20 III were as low as 60%. An analysis of will surely have been advised to unsupported. He states (top p. 129) that gold and 3 silver coins are considered 79% for a semissis of Justinian II Oddy purchase all the light weight solidi they ~probabl y~ the fmt 20 carat issues of and since the article contains only one considers as low, but since the designs saw. Thus lightweight solidi possibly Focas were struck in 604 and the second page of introduct.ion and two pages of of the semisses and tremisses were types represented only .15% of the Hama and third issues in 610. There is no tables the reviewer can say no more. immobilisees there is no reason why hoard. evidence for such close dating of Focas' this could not be a second reign issue. In any case light weight solidi make solidi. Even Hahn of whom it may be The gold coinage of Theofilus varies up a sufficient proportion of the said "Numismatics is his subject, Article 7 between 17% and 30% and a recent currency within the empire for it to be omniscience his fone" is seldom so The Debasement of the hoard that the reviewer is hoping to feasible to propose theories as to why ace""""- Provincial Byzantine Gold publish suggests that there may have these coiru are found outside the empire. Coinage from the Seventh to been two mints at this time and that a . Smedley considers that large finds of Smedley also quotes Adelson that 20 t he Ninth Centuries number of the cruder coins may have light weight solidi in Russia are the carat solidi were sttuck to facilitate trade W. A. Oddy been unofficial. <;: result of imperial bribes but single finds with the west, quoting finds in eastern As Oddy states, the fig ures of the are the result of trade· yet why can't England. George Boon is at present All coins were analyzed·by specific Italian gold coins seem rather single finds be the result of dispersed studying finds of Byzantine coins in gravity which is only accurate with complicated. This is certainly due to bribes. In any case me number of coins Britain and knows of only one bronze of binary aJ loys • ie. gold and silver, gold the fact that we have not yet discovered found in Russia are small in comparison Constans and an anonymous follis and copper or silver and copper - but all the secrets of this series. wi th those found within the empire· the which he feels are undisputed less accurate when three metals are A final comment • there seems to 10,000 solidi of the Hama hoard contemporary or near-contemporary mixed. Taking this into consideration have been a lack of communication mentioned above were only those shown fmds as opposed to later losses and even the results are interesting but very between some of the contributors. For · by two suppliers to A. H. Baldwins & these two finds are suspect. dependent on the coins in the British example W. Metcalf did not seem to Sons; recently 6,000 nomismata of Museum where Oddy is employed. consult D. Metcalf about his attribution Constantine VIII and Romanus UI were Article 6 Thus only two of the four types of of some joint reign solidi of Justin I and found near lzmir. Certainly imperial Microchemical Analysis of the Constantine lV's Carthage coins are Justinian I to Thessalonica while D. bribes were paid in thousands of solidi· Metal Content of Some anaJyzed. Considering the method of Metcalf did not consult Morrisson why should 60 rather than five represent Eighth Century Coins of analysis is easy and speedy it should regarding his suggestion that the a bribe instead of trade? Rome and Ravenna have been possible to analyze more HIIIyricanHso lidi of Arcadius, Honorius . Smedley tries to place these finds and w. Hahn coins. London has many keen and Theodosiu s II might be Byzantine collectors who would have Carthaginian. been happy to oblige Oddy. However. the book is important, very well illustrated by 24 plates, Liebert robbed on return The main point of interest is the essential to anyone interested in early Sicilian coinage of Justinian lI. There Byzantine coinage and after all, without from Greater NY Show are no Sicilian solidi of Justinian II's a little controversy, how could we second reign types but there are several advance? Bendall Coin and antiquities dealer David that he was approached by several males varieties of his first reign types, some s. Liebert became the latest statistic in a and distracted. Two cases of material rash of thefts as he was robbed of were stolen including a substantial approximately $100,000 in ancient quantity of Greek, Roman and Judaean coins and artifacts on Sunday September silver and bronze. The incident is being 10. The theft occurred in the Queens, investigated by the NVPD. Aigai NumismoJics is currently offering the NY area as Liebert was returning from Jinest ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine the Greater NY Show where he had set Although severely limited by the up for the show bourse. loss, Liebert expects to continue his numismoJic art in the marketplace today. According to Liebert, the thieves regular mail bid auction schedule. Before you buy, think quality and remember apparently slas hed a tire while he was Information about specific items may "" Quality is our business. stopped at an intersection. Not realizing by obtained from Liebert at The Time that the flat was purposeful. Liebert Machine Company, P.O. Box 282, pulled into a service station for Flushing Station. Queens, NY 11376 or assistance. It was while at the station calling 718·544·2708. AIG.AI NVN\lfN\ATI Ancient Coins Corinth Continued from page I • Mail Bid Sales the collapse of Mycenaean civilization location of Corinth was well suited for Corinthia was conquered by the invading trade, there being ports near the city on • Fixed Price Lists Dorians and fell into the Greek nDark both the Sardonic Gulf and the Gulf of • Buy or Bid Sales Age" with most of the rest of the Corinth. Western trade was directed • Numismatic Literature country. Emerging from this. several through the port of Lechaeum, a few villages in Corinthia merged c. 800 kilometers north of Corinth, which was B.C., to become the polis, or city state, enclosed by Long Walls stretched back Specializing in moderate priced ludaean coins of Corinth. to the city itself. Trade with the East (serious want-lists solicited) After a period of rule by kings, a was handled through the equally nearby single aristocratic clan, the Bacchiads, harbor of Cenchrea. During the reign of overthrew the monarchy c. 747 B.C. Periander, a causeway. the diolkos, was William M. Rosenblum/rare coins The Bacchiad familes established a tight built across the narrowest part of the po. box355evergreen,cola80439 control on the government of Corinth, Isthmus of Corinth, over which ships 303-838-4831 eXCl uding all non-Bacchiads from were rolled. Tolls for the use of the positions of authority. The Bacchiads diolkos must have brought in a were themselves overthrown by the tremendous revenue. tyrant Cypselus, who ruled as dictator The economy of Corinth was already If you are sponsoring an event of national interest from c. 658 - c. 628 B.C. Many highly developed when coinage was send your schl!dule of events to The Gelator Bacchiads fled to the Corinthian colony introduced into the Greek mainland by P. O. Box 123, Lodi, WI 53555 of Corcyra, which became a bitter Aigina c. 590 B.C. Corinthian coinage enemy of Corinth. Cypselus was was introduced soon after, c. 575 B.C., succeeded by his son Periander (c. 628 - perhaps at the end of Periander's reign. 586 B.C.) who embroiled Corin th in a The high denomination of most early number of aggressive military ventures, coinage was not conducive for day to including ones which subdued Corcyra. day activities, but must have Periader was briefly succeeded by his significantly aided the authorities in the WHOLESALE TO ALL! nephew Psammetichus who was collection of tolls and revenues from assassinated c. 581 B.C., after which a their ports and the diolkos, as well as new oligarchy came to power that was allowing for easier payment of large 100 ancient coins in flips and attributed. A diverse lot not as restricted as that of the Bacchiads. building endeavors, mercenaries, and including Nero, Caesar Augustus, Alexander the Great, The population and fortunes of other governmental projects, and Biblical "Widow's Mite", etc. Only $475.00 postpaid, with Corinth grew tremendous ly during the providing a means to store accumulated satisfaction guaranteed! Bacchiad period. A rapidly expanding wealth. The weight standard chosen by population probably was instrumental the Corinthians differed from that of the in the foundation of several important Aigina and Athens, the latter of which colonies at this time, including introduced coinage at roughly the same Syracuse and Corcya. Many more time as Corinth. The principle Mission Viejo Mall colonies were founded by the tyrants as Corinthian silver denomination, the well, and they all formed an important stater, has a theoretical weight of 8.9 Mission Viejo, CA 92691 source of markets for Corinthian traders. grams. Corinthian staters were divided 1-5 at Crown Valley (714) 364-0990 Corinth became a center for the into three drachms, a practice rarely used production of many type of crafts, elsewhere, with two staters being worth especially pottery. Corinthian pottery one Athenian tetradrachm. Corinthia wares became very popular throughout had no mines and the exact source of the Greek world, and beyond, and were si lver for these early coins is not an imponant source of export revenue. known. Modern analysis of early During most of the Bacchiad period a Corinthian silver shows that it is ANCIENT COIN style known as Proto-Corinthian was similar to that used by Athens and used which often employed animal Aigina, although it is not known SPECIALIST themes borrowed from the East. Many whether Corinth acquired the metal in of the best Proto-Corinthian pieces are GREEK, ROMAN, BYZANTINE COINS the form of bullion from these cities or small oil bottles (aryballoi) which may simply melted down their coinage. AND have carried the iris perfume for which The legendary Pegasos became a CLASSICAL ANTIQUITIES Corinthia was noted. Near the end of fixture on the obverse of Corinthian the Bacchiad period, c. 640 B.C., a new coinage from the very beginning. style arose, known simply as Beneath Pegasos was the archaic letter Corinthian, although there was a kappa, which, along with the letters subsequent decline in artistic quality digamma and san fell into disuse in the following an apparent desire for mass early fifth century B.C. The koppa production. The popularity of (written like a "q") stood as the initial Corinthian pouery fell rapidly c. 550 for the proper Greek name for the city, B.C. with the introduction of Attic Korintilos, and was used even when the black figure wares. In spite of last first letter became kappa. The reverse of minute attempts by the Corinthians to the earliest issues was nothing more imitate this new style they lost most of than an incuse punch. At first the their valuable export markets for pottery incuse punch was similar to the "Union wares. Jack" design used by the early issues of The exportation of pottery, and other Aigina, but it soon evolved into a products, was doubly valuable for swastika·like pattern. The volume of Corinth since much was carried by their own extensive merchant fleet. The Please turn to page XXV SEND $2,00 FOR SAMPLE CATALOG OR $25 ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION EDWARD J. WADDELL, Ltd. - 7910 Wood mont Avenue, #1104 Bethesda, MD 20814 -i!'!'l'I:::'~, #Of fSSID~~\ ~ '~MI5MRlISIl (301) 654-0470 ~UllO ' I~( The Celator October 1989 xxv Corinth Continued from page XXIlII early coinage was similar to that of me League not to go along with the the three headed monster Chimaera. The employed, presumably being the initials more famous Athenian owl Spartans' desire to attack Athens in 506 Chimaera is derived from the Pegasos of officials in charge of the minting. tetradtachms. and was much smaller B.C. Although this action was largely legend. and was killed by BeUerophon The archaic koppa. however. was still than the volume of early Aiginan silver. prompted as a check on excessive with the assistance of the flying horse. retained. Unfortunately we have '. Although eary Corinthian coins have ambition on the part of Sparta. Corinth Bellerophon himself appears on the insufficient knowledge of the internal been found lhroughout the Greek world, was able to maintain good relations obverse of these coins. riding Pegasos. politics of the city to be able to assign they never appear in great abundance. with Athens during this time. and Pegasos alone appears on the drachms, these initials to actual individuals. The They are not likely to have been of supported Athens in actions against with the reverse being a bust of meaning of the various symbols is also much importance for purposes of trade, their common enemy Aigina. During Aphrodite. Although Aphrodite is not obscure. but they appear to be associated which had been conducted quite the Persian Invasions of the Greek connected with the Pegasos legend, her with specific initials. There are more successfully long before the invention homeland (490 and 480 B.C.) cult was also important in Corinth. and symbols than dates of issue, however, of coinage. In fact. within a few decades Corinthian infantry and naval forces the prostitutes associated with her so they cannot be simply translated into after the introduction of coinage the distinguished themselves, although temple in the city achieved great dates. The output of silver coinage export market for most Corinthian Corinthian leaders did not. A rumor renown. during this late period was very large. pottery wares collapsed. This did not which appeared later in Athens Although Corinth emerged on the and may have prompted a new and faster happen at exactly the same rate concerning the flight of Corinthian winning side after the Peloponnesian method of producing the dies. It appears everywhere, however, and several ships before the battle of Salamis is Wars, the city had suffered greatly. that the dies of this period were made in specialized shapes of Corinthian wares almost certainly false. but may reflect Much of her trade had been cut during two steps. first with the addition of the remained popu lar, even in Attica itself. on the poor Quality of the Corinthian the war by the superior Athenian navy major features. and then a final step While the demise of their export admirals. The Corinthians supplied a and the presence of an Athenian base at introducing the detail. While this markets CQuid not have been a welcome great nu mber of ships to the Greek fleet Naupactus on the Gulf of Corinth. technique may have aided the mint development for Corinthian potters there during the Invasions, although the huge Little silver was available for minting officials of Corinth. it makes modern remained their domestic market. ship building programs which were during the war, and a regular series of analysis of the coins based on die Corinthian traders may not have suffered active in Athens resul ted in that city issues was not possible. In the studies extremely difficult at all, since Corinth still had a large supplying the largest contingent. aftermath of the war Sparta was unable Compared with other Greek cities merchant fleet which itself was probably The aftermath of the Persian to maintain her leadership position and Corinth had never had a large output of instrumental in the distribution of the Invasions left Corinth in a much Corinth joined with many other states, fractional silver, and so was late in new Attic pottery styles. Corinth also different situation. The Athenian navy including old enemies Athens and introducing bronze coinage. The first produced other items for ex.port, was now dominant in the Aegean, and Argos, to follow Thebes in a war on such issued appeared during the period including texti les, building material, as the Athenian led Delian League Sparta. These wars only served to preceeding Macedonian control. oils and wines, the latter of which was transformed itself into an Athenian weaken the Greek cities further and lay Corinthian bronzes retain the known for being of extremely poor Empire, Corinthian traders began to lose them open to the well trained army of symbolism of the silver but generally quality, and so must have been some of their business to Athenians. Philip II of Macedon. Philip gained inexpensive. Strong trading relations Athens also concluded alliances with· have a trident on the reverse. the obvene control over Greek affairs and in 337 showing either Pegasos or Athena. On must have continued with the important Megara and Argos, both enemies of B.C. organized all major cities, with the some smaller issues only the head of the grain bearing regions of eastern Sicily, Corinth, and aided Corcyra in a dispute exception of Sparta, into a new League flying horse is shown. since the large population of Corinthia against Corinth. The growing enmity based at Corinth. with himself as its probably required twice as much food as with Athens was such that Corinth even leader. The pretense of the League was Macedonian hegemony over Greece could be produced locally. sent twenty warships to the assistance ·that it was formed in alliance with may have destroyed the political power By the end of the Archaic period in of another old enemy, Aigina. when it Macedon. but in reality the Greek cities of the city states, but it only served to Greek history, before the Persian was attacked by Athens. The had lost their independence. Macedonian spread Greek culture across the east. Invasions (490 and 480 B.C.), Corinth Corinthians probably did not want either troops moved into the city and Corinth itself. although insignificant on had achieved a highly respected position Athens or Sparta to gain hegemony over garrisoned the Acrocorinthos. the world stage, eclipsed both Athens among Greek city states. Little is the Greek mainland, but her natural ally The coinage of Corinth during these and Sparta and became one of the most known about the internal affairs of the in these disputes was Sparta. Corinth troubling final years of independence important cities in Hellenistic Greece city following the overthrow of the fou ght with the Spartans when the was of the same general design as and. after a rebirth following the tyrants c. 581 B.C., but in foreign Peloponnesian Wars (43 1 • 404 B.C.) before. but with the addition of a great destruction of the city, in the Roman affairs there was a growing friendship finall y broke out number of symbols and letters. Many province of Greece. During both between Corinth and Sparta. Sparta was Corinth was under considerable types of animals and monsters. as well periods she became an important an important ally since her power was political pressure during the interval as busts of gods. flowers and other regional mint, although the artistic on the rise. and, with the significant between the Persian Invasions and the items are seen on the coins, usually on quality was never to surpass that of the exception of their mutual enemy Argos. Peloponnesian Wars, so it is somewhat the reverse. Almost a dozen letters were classical period. Sparta controlled most of the ironic that this was the beginning of the Peloponnese. In 525 B.C. Corinth and true artistic flowering of Corinthian Sparta allied themselves in an coinage. Between 450 and 430 B.C. the unsuccessful attack on Sames which had archaic traditions that had been come under the control of the tyrant employed were replaced by more Polycrates. Corinth eventually entered classical styles. The head of Athena no into a more formal treaty alliance with longer had the large, elongated eyes, but Sparta and became part of what evolved became more lifelike. More and finer FIXED PRICE LISTS and AUCTIONS into the Peloponnesian League. detail was added to the hair which flowed During these political changes the from underneath the helmet, and a rUlturi"IJ Coins of ,Ii< PtoUmks coinage of Corinth also changed. The leather neck guard was added to the back earliest issues of Corinth, which, along of the helmet. The changing style is with that of Athens, had begun a few also seen on the obverse, with more decades after the introduction of coinage detail being added to Pegasos. The into the Greek mainland by Aigina, archaic letter kappa. however, was displayed Pegasos on the obverse and an retained as the symbol of the city and to inc use punch on the reverse. The distinguish Corinthian coinage from the reverse design was now changed, c. 510 many similar types which were being B.C., to show the head of Athena with a issued by the numerous Corinthian Corinthian helmet pushed back from her colonies. face. This change may have been Fractional denominations of the inspired in some fashion by the "owl" stater also underwent changes. Around tetradrachms which were introduced by the period of the Penian Invasions these Athens just prior to this time to replace smaller silver coins often had the same the earlier wappenrnuzen issues. The design as the stater. but other features early renditions of Athena on Corinthian appeared as well. Some archaic Wrlle lor 1Is1,: silver staters were done in the Archaic trihemiobols ,replaced the bust of Athena style and were sunk in an incuse square. with a facing bust of a Gorgon. On the This last detail made necessary a change small diobols and hemiobols the STEPHEN M. HUSTON in the fabric of the coins which became obverse design was changed to only Classical Numismatist slightly thicker than previous ex.amples. portray the head of Pegasos, with a p.o. Box 3621 The wealth and power of Corinth, letter being used for the reverse. which was reflected in the large issue of Following the Persian Invasions San Francisco, CA 94119 - USA these coins, made it feel equal with differences between the stater and (415) 781·7580 Sparta. Nonetheless, there must have smaller issues became more or less been a growing belief in the city that standardized, although in the decades Office: 582 Market Street, Su~e 1011, San Francisco Sparta, through her other allies, was preceeding the Peloponnesian Wars only gaining an upper hand. This may have drachms and trihemidrachms were issued Catalogues Aulhentication Coin Photography prompted the Codnthians to conv i~ ce in quantity along with staters. The the other cities of the Peloponneslan usual obverse of a trihemidrachm is of ,XXVI .. T:l1e C;elator. Octo~r 1989 • Coins of the Bible ANCIENT GREEK SILVER ARD Shekel used to pay Judas COPYRIGHT 1980 by David Hendin his deed. even if the amount may not ., have been exactly 30 pieces of silver: FR THE BIRTHPLACE OF COINAGE Then one of the 12. called Judas "Although the report that his fee was [scariol, went unto the chief priests, 30 pieces of silver is dubious. because, and said unto them, What will ye give like so much else in this part of the MILEYOS TWELFTH STATERS FROM THE me, and I will deliver him unto you? Gospels, it is an echo of the scrip And they covenanted with him for 30 tures, it is probable enough that Judas SIXTH CENTURY B.C. pieces of silver. was paid for what he did." Matthew 26:14-15 The shekel of Tyee shown here An amal-ing archaeological find aiiowl UI to otter theae fascinating ancient allver cOlna depicts the head of the Greek god - at naw competitive pricea. The ancient Greetl city of MIIetOI, on the weat Coalt of Turtlay, In tha province of Ionia, wal a very Important ..aport and trading city. Since the silver shekels minted in Melqarth, patron of the city of Tyee. Coinage had barely commenced In the neighboring region of Lydia, about 100 years the Phoenecian coastal city of Tyre On the other side is an eagle upon a before the Mlle.ians I.aued these boldly struck silver on.tweffth staters. The coinage or" were the only currency acceptable at ship's prow, with a palm branch in the .blnd,rd units of sUver obvloully made commerce much e,sler than weij!hlng bullion for the Jerusalem Temple, they attained a background. The Greek legend pro avary tran.. ction, and these twelfth atatars of about 1.2 gram. of sliver show different de: semi-official status. claims, "Tyre the holy and city of ·grealof circulation, teatlfylng to their everyday u.. by the ancNtnl Greaks. It is, therefore, logical to assume sanctuary." Struck during the Archaic Period of Greek art, tha.. charming ailver coina data between 550 and 500 B.C. The two typel both ahow the forepart ot a tierce, roaring lion, one with that the 30 pieces of silver paid to him racing lett, and the other taclng right Both types have a star ornament on the rev.,... Judas were of this currency. However, (Editor's Note: Send your / ·Thay are C8b1logued In "Greek Colnl and their Values," Vol. II by David Sear, numbers it is certainly possible that other queslions on Biblical coins to David '3532, (he'd len) for 85 pounda aterting, and number 3533 (head right) tor 75 pounda atet1· silver coins were involved in the f1endin at P. O. Box 805. Nyack NY ·Ing. The Brltiah poul1d aterllng la about $1.60 U.S., making the dollar catalog value $100.00 to$12O,00 In Very Fine. transaction. 10960. When possible he wilt answer Historian Michael Grant concludes these queslions in future issues of that payment was made to Judas for The Celalor.) Fl •• F' .. We can ..II, lingle Fine coin, aa pictured above for only $39.00, or a pair, with the lion J"- facing both len and right, for $69.00. Silver shekel of lyre, minted 97 Be. Obverse: head of Melqarth; reverse: eagle. Very Fina Very Fine COMING NEXT MONTH For better centered colna, with leas wear, we can aell Very Fine aingle colna tor $69.00, 1 or a pair ot different types for $119.00. • In the CELATOR-- a colleclion of Bymnline coins in gold, silver and bronze. Byzantine coins represent the major coinage of Weslern civilimlion for all Ihe cenluries of Ihe Dark Ages. This colleclion has many appealing and affordable pieces. It will not be offered anywhere else before it is published in the CELATOR, Extra Fine Extra Fine W. have a few choice apeclmens, aubject to first come, first ..rve, of the least worn, • In our detailed and illustrated catalog-- a major belt centered, best atyle, and largest fl,n coins tor $139.00 lor. alngle coin 01 either type. group of Celtic Britain coins catalogued by Van Arsdell Subject to .vallabllity. number. When I bought a large group of coins from the MAIL ORDER POLICIES: Wan borough Hoard several years ago I held out the besl and 1. All coinI p,.mHd gInUIne MIl •• dnctIIMcL ANA MIl common _ gndIna. Your NtItfaetIon ...~ raresl examples in anticipation of Van Arsdell's book. CELTIC 2. FourtHn day,.un ~. or ~...w:. c:an be ~ COINAGE OF BRITAIN. (The oulstanding book was worth the 3...... ptftCIMI cMeIt. - of unknown CUIlorMra I11III1 dNr. VISA Md long wait; it is in stock at $75) . ...Itete.rd ..... 4. KIIItUcky rHIdtntI..xI 5,...... 5. AI eoins MIlt IMInd or ~ 0rdIft leN INn $200 ~ Itdd $2.00 lor ,mao. MIl '-ding. I. Most eoiII. _ OM of • kind. SKond ehoIeerI.,. .~ 7. vtatt.by~onIy. a Watch for our advertisement next month. • Write for our catalog. Your $2 will bring you at least two JONATHAN K. KERN issues of our tMughtful and informative publication. Professional Numismatist Bachelor of Arts in Numismatics Office (606) 269-1614 fj)avissons LttL between 10 A.M. & 6 P.M. EST. FAX (606) 266-7900 Allan and Marnie Davisson 444 South Ashland Ave., LeXington, KY 40502 Cold Spring, MN 56320 (612)-685-3835 The Celator October 1989 XXVII Islamic Coins Continued from page I Mongols extinguished the Baghdad name on the dinars of the next several caliphate in 65611258. will be discussed years, and more often than not, the mint in a later article. name was omitted. Only in the year In the 116 years that have elapsed 214 was the mint name made an integral since the appearance of the now part of the gold coin legends (figs. 25. dreadfully obsolete and rather 26). At the same time, the positions of inaccessible study by Tiesenhausen.6 the reverse and obverse marginal legends neither a general catalog nor a were exchanged, so that the dinar now comprehensive study of the Abbasid had the same layout and appearance as coinage has been produced. A major the dirham, differing from the latter in two principal ways, for it is inscribed effort in that direction had been begun dinar instead of dirham, and was struck by the late Nicholas Lowick, and it is 2. Abbasid revolution, partisans of Abu Muslim, AR dirham, Marw 132. The type is on much narrower flans than the dirham. purely Umayyad, the only differentiation the annulet triplets in the obverse margin. hoped that the nearly completed portion. comprising the gold, silver and copper This similarity was the cause of some coinage of the first phase, will shortly confusion, reflected in the occasional be edited and published. The present appearance of silver dirhams struck from dinar dies. or vice versa. literature is scattered in hundreds of There appears to have been no often ",nobtainable periodicals, books alteration of the dinar standard under the and sale catalogs, with the result that early Abbasids. except that the number any sort of academic inquiry into the of lightweight specimens seems to Abbasid coinage requires a frustratingly increase during and after the reign of al large amount of prim!lfY research in 7 Rashid (170-1931798-809). The widely scattered publications. overwhelming majority of undamaged (phase 1) Upon the accession of Umayyaddinars weigh between 4.20 and the nrst Abbasid. al-Saffah, in 1321749, 4.28 grams, but the Abbasid dinars the reverses of both the gold and silver seem to be several hundredths of a gram 3. Abbasid revolution, Kharijites, AR dirham, al-Kllfa 128. Here, too, the type is purely coins were altered. In lieu of the so lighter, with the same preponderance Umayyad, except for the addition of the Kharijite slogan in Ute upper part of the called "Umayyad fonnula" (Surah 112, falling between roughly 4.16 and 4.25 obverse margin. verses 1-4), only the calling of the grams. with occasional specimens down Prophet was proclaimed. "Muhammad is to 4.00 grams. However, Abbasid the Apostle of God." All other dinars are more frequently found clipped, inscriptions on the coins remained as shaved, worn, or otherwise damaged All before, under the Umayyads, including 100 often, these defects are not noted in the practice of varying the annulets on the publications. so that a truly accurate the silver dirhams from time to time, analysis of the Abbasid dinar standard and from mint to mint. The gold and would require reexamination and silver now had identical inscriptions, reweighing of most of the published except for the omission of the mint specimens. name on the gold dinar, and for the fact The inadequacy of published that the marginal legends of obverse and references can easily be illustrated. 4. al-Saffah (132-1361749-754), AV dinar, without mint name but struck at al-Kufa, 133. This is the standard Abbasid dinar type of the years 132-213. Coins of 132 are , reverse are oppositely placed on the From the 23 Umayyad and 30 Abbasid extremely rare, 133 being the earliest affordable year. silver and the gold (figs. 4, 5). dinars in the Spink Zurich sales of Because of the omission of the '1986-1988,9 we find ~anges of 4.20- mint name on the gold coinage 4.30g and 4.16-4.27g (plus one at throughout most of the first phase. and 3.98g), and averages of 4.261g and because of the concentration of 4.238g (4.229g if the lightweight coin production at very few mints, the gold of 3.98g is taken into account), should be considered separately from the respectively. From the Cairo catalog. more complex silver coinage. The fIrst I we< have 71 Umayyad and 110 Abbasid gold coin is dated 132, differing Abbasid (al-Mansur & al-Ma'mun from the last Umayyad dinar of the same onlylO), with average weights of 4.245 year only by the changes in the reverse and 4.137 grams, respectively. or a area noted above. It is generally agreed diminution of just over 2.500% from the that this issue was struck at the new Umayyad to the Abbasid (coins indicated Abbasid mint of al-Kufa, although there 5. al-Saffah, AR dirham, Ardashir Khurra 136. Anonymous, as all early Abbasid as impaired, as · well as all coins dirhams. By convention, such anonymOIlS coins are assigned to the firstruier of the is no indication of the mint on the coin, weighing below 4 grams, were omitted year, un~es ~ oth,er infO~tiOD exists to suggest otherwise. as was to remain the case for all Abbasid dinars struck until the year 198. from my calculations).11 The Cairo catalog shows a slightly lower average Until about 147 or 148, all dinars were presumably struck at al-Kufa, and from for the Umayyad dinars. probably the result of the fact that Spink Zurich then until about 170, at Madinat al Salam, though some anomalous pieces selected outstanding and little worn specimens for their sales, whereas the of the 160s, with extra points or other symbols in the fields, usually directly Egyptian National Library collection was less selective, as are virtually all above or below the reverse area museum collections. But for the inscriptions, may have been struck at Abbasids, the Cairo average is very other, as yet undetermined mints. significantly lower than the Spink Beginning with the year 170, two average, showing a differential some . parallel series can readily be identified five times greater than that obtained by their distinctive legends and from the Spink coins. How can this be 6. aI-Mansur (1 36-1S SnS4-77S), AR dirham, aI-Rayy 145. This is the first dirham to occasional mention of governors' cite the heir to the caliphate, al-Mahdi Muhammad, son of .!he caliph ai-Mansur. explained? Wear and less obvious names, one struck in Egypt, presumably clipping is probably the cause, for at the provincial capital at Fustat (figs. Abbasid din~ are typically found much 11 , 21). the other at Madinat al-Salam more worn than Umayyad, and mor~ in Jraq (fig. 16). After 190, additional frequently clipped ·or shaved. The mints for "mintless" dinars can be authors of the Cairo catalog were surmised, at Qayrawan in Ifriqiya, al apparently somewhat reluctant to Rafiqa in the Jazira,8 al-Basra and al identify all the coins that We{e shaved or Kufa in Iraq. San'a in the Yemen, and clipped. For example, the photo of perhaps a few other ephemeral mints . #1089 shows a coin that is clearly These identifications have been deduced clipped or shaved, but not so indicated from the occasional mention of known in the descriptions. 12 governors. and from comparison with To some extent, this discrepancy contemporary silver issues bearing the can be reconciled by examining only the name of the mint. In 198. the fi rs t upper end of the weight curves in each dinar with mint name was struck at catalog. In this scenario. the same Madinat ai-Salam, and in the foll owing 7. al-Mahdi (ISS-169n7S-785), AR dirh am, Qasr ai-Salam 167. In this year, al-Mahdi small difference remains in the case of year, Misr (EgyPt) appears as a mint transferred his government and residence from Madinat ai-Salam to a new complex the Umayyad coins. However, the large name for the first time (fi g. 23). nearby, named Qasr ai-Salam, "the Palace of Peace," which served as a mint town difference for the Abbasid dinars fro m 167-169, at which time the seat of government returned to Madinat al-Salam However, there was no consistency in (8....,..). the inclusion or· omission of· the mint PIease·tum to page XXVIII XXVIII The Celator October 1989 Islamic Coins Continued from page XXVII disappears. and is replaced by a The first Abbasid dirhams differ difference more or less the same as that from the Umayyad principally in the --, observed for the Umayyad coins. 13 In substitution of the simple formula, any case, there does seem to have been a "Muhammad is the Apostle of God,~ for small reduction of weight from the the lengthier Koranic quotation in the Umayyad to me Abbasid dinar, on the reverse area, as noted above. The other range of 0.03 grams. Further study is distinction lay in the use of triple circle needed to confum this-finding, and such to surround the much smaller reverse study shou ld also attempt to detennine area legend. From 132 until 145,' all if there was any change of alloy between Abbasid dirhams retain this uniform the two series. Also, it appears that no type. In 145, coins struck at the newly significant change in me dinar standard opened mint of al-Rayy (whose name was made during the first phase of the was changed to al-Muhammadiya during Abbasid coinage. However, it seems the middle of the year 148) were given a 8. aI-MaMi, AR dirham, Harunabad 169. The precise location?f Harunabad is unknown, that the number of lightweight dinars. new reverse area legend, "ordered by but on the reverse, the provincial name Arminiya (Armema) appears above the area, let us say, weighing under four grams, Muhammad al-Mahdi, son of the informing us that the town lay somewhere in that provincc. It.was un~ou?tedly ft essentially nil under the Umayyads and commander of the believers. in order to named by al·Mahdi in honor of his son and heir, H~n al - ~ashld, who IS Cited as heir on the coin, together with the local governor l:I~an (Ibn Qahtaba). A rare first few Abbasids. becomes significant promulgate the naming of al-Mahdi as mint. operating only in 168 and 169. from the time of al-Ma' rnun onwards heir to the caliphate and viceroy of the (after 198/8 13). eastern territories. with his nominal capital at Rayy (fig. 6). This was a The silver coinage of the first phase radical departure from previous policy, is rather more complicated than both the on several accounts, for not only was contemporary gold and the previous this the first precious metal coin since Umayyad silver. even though the the great reform of Abd al-Malik to bear number of participating mints was the name of a living person,15 it also significantly smaller than under the introduced into the Islamic world the Umayyads. In all, somewhat over fifty Roman tradition of using the coinage mints produced silver dirhams during the for announcements of a political nature. first phase. with rarely more than ten This practice was eve.ntually to develop operating simultaneously , though into the legal concept of sikka, the during the early years of al-Ma'mun. right of the ruler to have his name 9. al- Hadi (1 69-1701785-786), AR dirham, Ifriqiya 169. Note the relatively crude style of roughly between 198 and 210, about mentioned on the coinage, which this coin, typical of the mint twenty mints were in operation. The together with the right of khutba, the ,- pattern of mint location is quite different mention of the ruler's name at the from that which obtained under the Friday sermon, became the formal earlier Umayyads, but represents a express ion of sovereignty under· Islamic continuation of the provincially oriented law. distribution begun after the second Rather remarkably, this new style closure of the local mints circa 1021720. of reverse was not adopted at other Not surprisingly. the two principal mints during the remainder of the reign Umayyad mints, Damascus and Wasit. of ai-Mansur (died 15 81775). Thus, ceased to playa prominent role under from 145 until nearly the end of the first the Abbasids. Damascus struck a few phase, there was never again a uniform 10. ai-Rashid (17Q.-193t786-809), AV dinar, without mint name. 171 ~slruck at Madinat rare dirhams in 132-135. but its mint type for the Abbasid silver coinage. aJ-Salam). A I1l1'e and important type, citing the caliph by name to the reverse area. was then moved to the new Iraqi site of While variation in the reverse area the fi~t gold dinar 10 do so, and the last for another quarter cenwry. Hashimiya, and in 146 to the new inscription 16 now became a hallmark. of Abbasid capital, Madinat ai-Salam the Abbasid coinage, there were other ("City of Peace~), fbunde4 near the differences as well. One was the village of Baghdad, whose name it soon occasional mention of the name of a adopted. Wasit was closed for silver local governor or other official, usually (except for a rare issue in 200-2~), but below the reverse area, flJ1it found under did produce occasional copper. Rather, SalIn (ibn Qutayba aJ-Bahili) at aI-Basra the main mints for the earliest Abbasids in 145 17, then at Arminiya under al were both in Iraq, at al-Kufa and al Basra. which provided the bulk of the Hasan b. Qahtaba in 152, and later at many other mints. At Madinat al silver coinage from 132 until 148. In Salam and al-Muhammadiya, from 179- 11. ai-Rashid, AV dinar, no mint name, 181. Citing la'far,. governor of Egypt, and thus that year. they were both closed (for 186. the vizier Ja'far al-Barmaki is cited the product of the Egyptian mint A very common COto. silver), and replaced by mints at Madinat 14 on . the coins. At some mints, ai-Salam and al-Muhammadiya as the principally the northern provincial principal providers . of silver . coin. mints of Arminiya and Arran, two Marunat al-Salam was to remam the officials are named on the same coin. most prolific mint throughout' all three one usually the provincial governor, the phases of Abbasid coinage, though there other an official of lower rank: presumed are several periods of sharply curtailed to have been responsible for the coinage volume, far surpassed at other mints. (fig. 20). Each mint seems to have Several dates in the 170s, late 190s, and followed its own course, developing its early 2105 are legitimately rare. The own tradition, often quite mint of al-Muhamrnadiya was generally inconsistently. as befits what was a major producer until shortly after the essentially an experimental coinage of year 200, but was thereafter demo~ed.to 86 years duration. the status of just another provincial Another source of variation lay in mint, after a temporary closure during the obverse annulets and in -the number 12. ai-Rashid, AR dirham, Sijistan 176, citing the governor Ibn Kh uzaym. Note the rude the years 211-217. Other particu larly calligraphy, and the sun symbol beneath the reverse area. Dirhams of th is mint. and of circles, which appear normally of its successor Zaranj, always bear the name of the ru ler, without citation of the common mints are al-Abbasiya for the between the annulets and the marginal 160s and earl y 170s, Isbah an and legend on the obverse, between the "'" Samarqand for the years 193-210. Zaranj marginal legend and the central area on and Balkh for the decade of the 180s. the reverse. The annulet patterns However. at all these mints, production become quite complex, and as many as was not continuously voluminous, so half a dozen variations ma y be seen at that even within intervals of generally certain mints in a single year. heavy production, we find occasional Likewise, the number of circles can vary "rare dates" and rare varieties. considerably. from one to three on either It is instructive to survey the face. Although it is not known just provincial distribu tion Of. the s ilve~ what these variations represent, their mints, for the patterns established under regularity and consistency make it clear the Abbasids were to form the model for that they were not just capricious, but most later medireval Islamic coinages. must have had some important function We shall begin this survey from wes~ to for the Abbasid mints. east. However. we must first examme (Article to be continued - ple.se turn the general development of the sil ver 13. ai-Rashid, AR dirham, Ifriqiya 182, citing the governor Muhammad aJ-'Akki (180- to p . ge XXVIIII/XXX for rem.inder of 183). Note the rude style of this minI. coinage in the first phase. iflustr.tions .nd notes.) The Celator October 1989 XXVIII I Islamic Corns Continued from page XXVIII 14. ai-Rashid, AR dirham, Arran 187, citing the governor Muhammad ibn Yazid. Three 20. al-Ma'mun, AR dirham, Herat 206, citing the Tahirid and his local governor, al different governors are cited on three successive issues at this mint in 187. Shakir ibn Ibrahim. Tahir is cited only by his honorific title, Dhu'l-Yaminayn, "the ambidextrous." The local governor is unknown, except for his coins. This coin is frequently classified as Tahirid, for it was struck after Tahir feU out with his erstwhile master, the caliph al-Ma'mun. However, the coin is a perfectly ordinary Abbasid type, even though the name of the caliph is omitted, as it was at Ma'mun's capital, Madinat al-Salam, and at most other mints of the caliphate. 15. al-Amin (193·1981809-813), AR dirham, Nishapur 194, citing the governor Jihril. and aaming a1-Ma'muD, the brother of the caliph, as amir and heir. This was, properly speaking, an issue of al-Ma'muD, who bad been named heir to the eastern portions of the caliphate. while aI-Amin received the western provinces. However, 21. al-Ma'mun, AV dinar, no mint (Egypt), 196, citing the caliph and the governor it was DOL until later in this year that a1-Ma'mun formally expressed his claim to 'Abbad. Compare with DO. 16 above, a coin of al-Amin of the same year. the caliphate. 22. al-Ma'mun, AV dinar, no mint (Egypt) 198, citing the caliph and the governor al Muttalib. 16. ai-AmiD, AV dinar, without mint name (Madinat ai-Salam), 196, citing the vizier, al 'Abbas. 23. al-Ma'mun, AV dinar, Misr 203, citing Tahir and the local Egyptian governor, al Sari. Note that the name of the caliph no longer appears. 17. al-Ma'muD, AR dirham, al-Muhammadiya 196, citing the powerful and famed amir, Tahir ibn al- Husayn in the obverse outer margin, a most anomalous type at the time, and the vizier al-Fadl on the reverse. notc whether coins1lillve been clipped, worn or I Carl Wurtzel, "The Coinage of the otherwise redliceKin weight, as such wear or impainnent also affects their commercial VlIluc. Revolutionaries in the Late Umayyad Period, .. The Americ,,,, Museum Socuty Myseum Noles, l~n alt probabitity, similar results would result if 23 (1978), pp.161-199. A very few additional Ihe additional dinats of th e OI:her Abbasid caliphs varieties have appeared subsequently, and are nOl:ed of the first phase were taken into accounl in the ANS files. II N.D. Nicol, R. el-Nabarawy, &: J.L. Badlarach, 2Surah 42, verse 23. Calalog of the fJlamic Coins, Class Weigltls, 3-rbe fourth letter of the mint name is R or Z, nOl: Diu aM Medals u. the EtyptiM NalioNsl Library, W. I woutd propose reading this mint ume as Clvo, Malibu 1982. Tanbarak. and associating it either wilh the ancient 12However, the .ulhors mull be eonunended for Tambru. in Ihe mountains north of Rayy, or wilh their method of indicating clipped and OIherwise one of the several fortresses in central and northern impaired coiu. By placing a code leller Iran Ihit bore Ihe name ofTabarak in later Islamic immediately be.lide the weight, the authors have times. Dartey-Doran has suggested Baybird (lhe made it easy to ignore impaired coins when modem Baybirt in north-<:entrall\ntcy, but this scanning weights. I would wish that all 18. al-Ma'mun, AR dirham, a1-Raqqa 199, citing' Amr ibn Yahya. al-Raqqa was a rare SU1l1$ untenable on hililorical grounds. cat.alogum should adopt. a similar notation. mint in the lazira, striking silver only in 199. 4WIIJ12.el, op. cit., pp.1871T. 13BlItlake heed that this method worts only for 51bid, no. 30, pp. 186-181, unique. coi nages where coins are intended to be 6wladimir de Tiesenhausen, Moneli _tochnavo individu.lly of the . arne weight (a so-called al kMli/IJ/a, SL Petetsburg 1873. A reprint of Ihis pnzo coinage). For coins which were originally work has been announced by Spink &: Son for iUUck over a wide range of individual weights (al publication in 1989. marco coinage), this algorithm is inapplicable. 7For an overview of the literature published until 14al-Muhammadiya was an honorific name for the 1954, see L.A. Mayer's bibliography. Most of old city of Rayy (near modem Tehran), given 10 it the subsequent publications are noted in by the caliph a t-Mansur in honor of his son, Numistmlic Litera/ure. Muhammad, the future caliph al-Mahdi. 8The Jazira, which means "island" in Arabic, was ISwith the exceptiOD of. rare revolutiooary issue the region between the Tigris and Euphrales of MIlIW, 128,15 noted above. Rivets ("Mesopotamia") north of Ihe caDilI system I~OI:e Ihat the obverse area inscription remained that links the two rivers along their middle esseDlially fIXed well into the second phase, when ""'"'- al·Mutawakkil added Ihe name of the caliphal heir 19. al-Ma'mun, AR dirham, Samarqand 203, citing the Shiite Imam, al-Rida 'Ali ibn 9Spink Urich, Auction Sale 18, 18th February beneath the obverse area in 236. Musa, as heir to the throne. This dirham is langible evidence for Ma'mun's ill-fated 1986, Auction Sale 22, 17 March 1987, and 17 A few e.artierdirlt.amsofthis same mint bear the attempt to bring about harmony between Sunnis and Shiites. al-Rida died later in Auction Sale 21, t June 1988. A couple of inilial of Ihe governor, bUI nOl ihe full name. this year, though hi s name appeared as heir on some coins as late as 205. Although specimen. ducribed u clipped or as hnltaiions have been intentiClrullly omitted. NOI:e that Ale oot particularly ran; these coins are in g.reatdemand and command a price far greater Please tum to page XXX than their rarity should justify. calalogs are more likely than IlIU.5Wm calaloplo xxx The Celator October 1989 ANCIENT COINS FROM THE SOURCE Islamic Co~ns Continued from page XXVIlIl MIXED J.QI QE Zl1 BRONZES Greek, Ptolmaic, Selucid, Wldowsm;tes (various types & denominations). Herodian coins, Jewish perutotofthe early Romans (Augustus through Nero), Biblical City coins, & other important periods 01 ancient Israel. An excellent oppoo.mity lor dealers: (all nice ooins, ready lor resale, & under $4.00each) DR 11 DIFFERENT SILVER COINS 2 Gteek, 1 PhilistineO"achm, 6 different Roman denarii. & 1 Crusader dooat of Jerusalem plus 2 others depending on availability. ALL COINS HAVE CLEAR THEMES OR MOTTOS (fine or better). Each is individually attributed, hisbrically documented, & attractively displayed on a oortificate of aulhenlicity. 24. al-Ma'mun, AV dinar, no mint (Misr) 205, ciu·ng Tahir and the local governor, ORDER EITHER LOT FOR $265 or Muhammad ibn ai-Sari. Note the mint name, which appeared on Egyptian issues both lots for $495. Add $6.00 for postage, insurance, etc. struck: between 199 and 203, was again removed from the coin legend. For immeciate shipment send orderWlIll payment to: H.KOGEN PO BOX 2137 NATANYA 421211SRAEL Su 25. al-Ma'mun, AV dinar. no mint (Madinat a\-Salam) 201, fully anonymous. This is a Advertisers Y00 typical example of the reform type. fmt struck in 206 in both gold and silver. Nole that the mint and dale now appear in the inner marginal legend of the obverse, See iila/l'hef:elator••• whereas previously. the gold coins had the mint and date on the reverse. They 26. al-Ma'mun, AV dinar, Misr214. A reform type with mint and date, but still with the name of the cali ph, inscribed on the reverse. This is the earliest dale of the reform type at MiST, fully eight years after its introduction at Madinat al-Salam. Pre-. reform. types similar to nos. 21 -24 were struck: at Misr until 213. IatlJT. Give a FREE COpy of The Celator to a friend .... fI~ i PUBLIC AUCTION Please send a free sample copy of The Celator to: .. \ .. IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND On the 20th and 21st of November, 1989 Nrune:' ______• No. xxn Admess:. ______I ANCIENT COINS ! Greek, Roman, Byzantine City.:. ______Slate:_ Zip: ______I ANCIENT GEMS, CAMEOS. JEWELRY I JEWELRY OF TIIE MIGRATION PERIOD The Celator I Fill out and mail I this couJX>n (or a facsimile) to: P.O. Box 123 MEDIEVAL COINAGE: Lodi, WI 53555 Armenia, Islam, Germany I RENAISSANCE MEDALS I NUMISMATIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL BOOKS t Fully Illustrated Catalogue: $40.00 against check No.XXllI OBJECTS WITH SEMITIC INSCRIPTIONS 1100 B.C .• 700 A.D. JEWISH. EARLY CHRISTIAN AND BYZANTINE ANTIQUITIES Fully Illustrated Catalogue: $40.00 against check FRANK STERNBERG Schanzengasse 10, CH·800 1 Zurich, Switzerland Tel. 011 41 112523088, Fax 01141 112524067 The Celator October 1989 XXXI Roman Egypt Continued from page XX AGRIPP INA ( ~ l - Uct. 13 .54 A.D.) - IlUiiT UIRIOl:TlUN::; CLAUDIUS (Jan 25 . 4 1 - Oct. 13, 54 A. D.) -- EkOtUE OIlULS TI K~AY KAI CEBACrE~ CA ) Y.~rs 2-4.0.10-1 3 REGNRI.. VEAR lETS . lJk>';C . Hl::.t'H- L)ll.lbOL 1.l1<1JL !:i II IC,"" ( . '<'I.U.I'>H' Lffl~ . ".: ~ 4 5 0 IV II 1 -" I ", \ .. I:: : ______: ------; ------i ------: ------: ------: ------: : LI A : I' :------:--:--:--: --:--1--; CLAUOIUS (J. n. 2:5 . 41 - Oc t.. l :S . :54 ~.u . ) -- t:! RONL E () I CHflLt.UN" CLAUDIUS (J.n. 2:1 . 41 - Oct. 13 . :14 A.D.) -- IHLl.OO DIOt TI KI\AVKAICEBAC rE~ V~.r 3 IOi ....eter· 18 ...... ) NO INSCRIPTION V•• rs 3-0. 10.14 3 2 3 4 :'J 6 7 IU II I :': I "; I .. I ~ 1------:------:-----Re"--e---r ••------:-- :--:-- :--: -- :--:--:--:--l--! -- ,-- I : I'Inton.A. Br'tann. cu. and Oct.", ,, f1u . t ,. F"e; •• Z Cor-nucoClla.. -3 I: CAnopu . Stana,nQ Ir.?) :------: ------:------;--: --;-- :5i--;- : -: --! -- 1-- :--:--:--.-- 21 Caprlcarn Sta.nalnQ r. ::\ : :4 : CLAUDIUS (Jan. 41 - Oc t. 13 . -:5'1 1-I .i). 1 -- BI LLON H(MrtJRACHMAS 1------:--:--:--;--1--1--;--:--:--:--:--. --, 3: Cornue;OO.A. :::5 : :------:--:-- :--:--:--:--;--: -- :-- :--: -- 3 4 : Crocoa. l. S tand. nq r . ::s :5 ::5 ::1: :oj:l:::>: : ------1--: -- : --: --: --: --: -- : -- 1 --: --: -- -- 1 ------: ------: :II: ______Eolg l . Sta.na.__ng______r. ______: __ : __ ::::l: __ : __ :3: __ ;1 __ :--:--:--1--::oj-- : -- I; Solrap • • Bu.t r. • :------:------61 EAq l .. '. He.d r. ! ::l : :::l : :------1--: --:--:--:--:--:--:--1--:--:-- ' -- ' CLAUDIUS (JAn Z5 . 41 - Oct . 1-3 . ' 4 A.D . ) -- BRONZE DIO~L S :-______: __ : __ ' __ : __ ::5 __7 1: __ :--:--1--1--:-- '-- T IKflAVKAICEBAcrEPM (A) Ve. r s 2 -4 . 6. 10-13 :, : :------: --:-- :-- :--:--:--:--:--:--:--:--:-- 2 -3 " , 0 IV II 12 I ,! ''I l~ ::5 : : ------: -- : -- : --; -- t - -: - - ; -- 1 --: --: - - : --: - :------: -- :--:--: -- ;--: -- :--:--:--: -- --, -- I: f1ull Butt.ng r . : I : -3 : ::5 ::5 : ::5: : , : :------1--:--:--:--:--;--:--:--:--:--:--:-- AGf;"I PF'ItlA ( 51 - Oct. I S . '4 A.Il. I - - t::1 The first Classical Numismatic invitation to the next CNB. write to Corn And PoPP • • • Bourse to be held in Chicago drew a England at P.O. Box 245. Quarryville. strong turnout as local collectors PA 17566. 2 • revelled in the "all ancients" setting. Held on Saturday and Su nday, Septe mber 23-24. at the Hotel Sofitel near O'Hare airport, the bourse was ru n true to form. Like the CNBs held in other major cities, the Chicago event was calculated to foster a relaxed atmosphere, with refreshments and snacks as well as an opportunity for visitors to chat wi th old friends and new acquaintences. At times, However. the room seemed more like the New York International as Ancient Coins the peak of the day brought more faces than spaces. The bourse was fai rly & Antiquities active, a1 mough the volume of sales did not seem as strong as might be expected with the large number of new collectors moving into the ancient coin collecting area. Never·the·less. the dog days of summer seem to have passed and For Serious Collectors collecting fever is in the air again as the fall auctions unfold. Occasional Lists Chicago based coin and antiquities dealer Harlan J. Berk and his wife Pam hosted a delightful post·show reception for dealers to mark the occasion and welcome the bourse to me Windy City. The CNB consists of approximately 15 dealers participating in a by invitation-only show. Organizer of me • events is Victor England. For a list of • upcoming shows. information, or an XXXII The Celator October 1989 E~NIOOS Andmt t\rtifacts ,.~ (301)876-714001' RARE GI.,.,. (301) 235-1696 .J.1 GREEK ~ . . & Cofns COINS ROM~N HELlOS Specializing in lhe MEHRDAD Olel ffiJor /cI 71nh'tfuIJieJ Coinage of Jutkua and SADIGH Ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Etc. WORLD COINS Artifacts. Bronzes, Statuettes, * Ancient 303 5th Ave. Pottery, Amulets· Send for free list • • • Room #1603 M9fTloor: Antiquities DeaJers ASSDC. * Medieval No List Issued P.O. Box 25 New York NY Weslminster, MD 21157 * Modern ••• 10016 W illiam M. Rosenblum n. () UEN 800-426-2007 P. O. Box 355 DAVID AMSTER Evergreen CO 80439 39 WEST 55thSTREET A N C I E N ... A Il T NEW YORK, N.Y. 10019 212-725-7537 (303) 838-4831 AREA COOE: 212.246-5025 Museumquality Greek, Ro man , and Etruscan antiquities at affordable prices. PEGASI COINS 20 yeats serving you... Ancient & World Coins Authenticity P.o . Box 4207 Ann Arbor. MI 48106 • ANCIENT COINS Unconditionally Guaranteed Phone: (313) 434-3856 PONTERIO Classical rwmisnuuisl serving begin· & ASSOCIATES, INC. • MEDIEVAL COINS can or write for a free list ners throll.gh ad\lO.nced collectors. Selld of current inventory for free illustraled calalog. Specify: 3823 Pari< Bwd. • ANCIENT ART & with color photos ANTIQUITIES Please indcate speciftc interests • Quality Ancients: Choice and P.O. Box 33588 scarce coins over $100. San Diego, CA 92103 Write for Free Illustrated 1637 WEST CHASE • Bargain Ancients: Attractive Catalogues of the Following: CIDCAGO, n.. 60626 anctenls (not junk) under $150. (619) 299-0400 • Ancient Coins LIII 312·743·2()91 • Med ieval Coins: Hammered (SOD) 854·2888 • Medieval Coins XXII European from 500 to 1650 A.D . • Antiquities: Art~acts (other PNG#308 than coins) from Stone A!;je ANA·LM through Renaissance periods. Want isIS SeMced. ConsuIta600s llvaaable. AppraJsaJs and &stare .\laluarions performed. AcWe buyer of .. mattJriaJ. ~mpiu OInhts Ancient Coin Specialists ATTICA nt;quitiel _. Old & New World • Duyin~ ' Selling · Want USlS • Books Ancient Coins neiene, Medieval & Modern Coint, • AppraIsals' Consignmenll • Referra ls You COUld be ntique Scalef, /nlfrumenrs, • Al1cndaDce at all major Shows &. Sales and Antiquities • Exclusive Auction Bidding Servia Collectible, . • Sound Advia based on long experience looking at wur O"'n Send for free 1. rt Objects in Many Me dia • Subscribers receive six fully illustrated ppm;sefs ltnd Auctione(Jl'l rUled pria catalogues of ancient coins and ad in thiS ~pa ce! illustrated list. boob about !hem, and IWO major auction sales per year, • Periodic reference book li!o1S &. sales Write for details P.O. Box 836 Flagstaff, AZ 86002 Empire COins, Inc. III SOl W. Gr.mada BIVll. Suite 305 ~ I + OnnondBeadl, FL12174-B27SUSA ~ JOEL MALTER & Co. Phoae (904) 677·731" ... _ The Celator 16661 Ventura Blvd., Suite 518 0If'1Ce '-" 9-S, M·P -OtlN1l> P.O. Box 123 Fu(904)677.7D4 .1 .. . , .... , Fred B. Shore Encino,CA91436 USA Lodi, WI 53555 MAIL: P. O. Box 777, Classical Numismo.tics Eneiro, CA91316 USA Ancient Greek, Roman and (818) 784·7772 or 784·2181 Free Ust of inexpensive Parthian coins of ,he highes, ANCIENT quality bought and sold ROMAN COINS AlGAl .y""' IM .... TI(1 The Professional Directory MICHAEL & SANDY WOLF PO Box 36 Box 233, P;z .>lI", is your index to a variety P.O. Dewey, 86327 Fort Washington PA 19034 of sources and services (602) 772·7144 ~ jl<' 215 / 275·3430 KEVIN R. CH EEK 2800 S. UNIVERSITY #22 DENVER, COLORADO 80210 USA 1'/J'{J) 'RJ{G/~J{q:; Visiting: Jonathan K. Kern San Francisco? (3 03) · 329·5922 Bachelor or Arts q:;r,MISURfJS' The Silicon Valley? Please call or send us your want fist 9:00·5:00 M-F Numismatics Stanford University? Ancient, Medieval, Early .. TREASURE American Numismatics r!l VISIt... ISLAND The Time We carry a large inventory of Ancients as . , Machine Co • well as the largest Philatelic stock in Ane Archaeological the Bay Area. Art and Coins TREASURE ISLAND P.O. Box 282· Flushing Sla. 444 S. Ashland 91 Town & Country Village Lexington, KY 40502 Queens , NY 11 367 Palo Alia, CA 94301 (718) 544·2708 (415) 326·7678 (606) 269·1614 The Celator October 1989 XXXIII CALVIN J. ROGERS ORACLE ANCIENT COINS 'The AttradJve Ancient Greek CJ'rofessimwl ~Classical. Numismatics And Roman Coins Specialists in For The Col lector 'lJiredory Ancient Coins Affordable Prices -Free Lists Ancients & Conservative Grading yOW' Medieval is winkw Auctions ;.md 539 - 62 SI. Price Lists. Brooklyn, NY 11220 to the Fully illustrated SUPERIOR STAMP & list free upon request numismalic world. COIN CO., INC. P. O. Box 7233 Ancient 9478 West Olympic Boulevard Redwood City CA 94063 Beverly Hills, CA 90212-4236 (415) 369·1508 Greek & (213) 203·9855 Our unique ~ . "", oN"" ."" " Roman il bid auctions allow you to Coins PAVTHE Christian BIom ~/~2U ' and books about them PRICE YOU , WANT TO PAY Greek, Roman aqd , Ancient Coins FREE SAMPLE World Coins , our fully illustrated monthly f1UlU bid and Antiquities CATALOGS auctions conJoin over 4{)() items of i write for free sample list ancienl coins and QnJiquities in all Thomas P. McKenna price ranees. For free CaJalog conJact: 2504 N. Quantico St. 7910 Woodmont Ave, Suile 1104 P. O. Box 1356-E Colosseum Arlington, VA 22207 Bethesda MD 20814 , 703-533·3119 301-6 s4·0470 Ft. Collins, Co 80522 Coin Exchange, Inc. noon to midnight ~ (303) 226-5704 P.o. Box 21CL Hazlet, NJ 07730 ~- (201) 264·1161 ARGOS ANCIENT COINS NUMISMATICS AND ANCIENT NEAR EAST Attractive Quality ANTIQUITIES ISLAMIC & INDIAN Lucien Birkier Greek & Roman Ancient Coins Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. COINAGE & CO. Price Lists Six buy or bid sales per year Auction Representation wn'ta or call for 'ree catalogue Our SpeciDlty Professional Numismatists . __, .. , 312-609.()()16 ~A.~'~ Want List Service " .\11"" ,,~..... "' P. O. Box 4102 - "" .• , 312·60S--0017 ~ ~r Write for our 1v'. ~ for a free sample price · t{.':~"·~... Clifton, NJ 07012 31 N. Clark St., list write to: fi/- . . free list of (WI) 744 • 8146 Chicago, IL 60602 ; Greek, \ ..... / Roman, WILLIAM B. WARDEN, JR. Byzantine P.O. BOX 356 FRANK STERNBERG The Professional Directory and Medieval coins Nwnismatist NEW HOPE, PA 18938 is your Index to a variety We attend most major auctions Schanzengasse 10, CH-8001 (2 15) 297·5088 Zurich, Switzerland of sources and services and will represent you tel. 011252.30.88 1707 L. St. NW SuRe 250 Washington D.C. 20036 ~ . . .~ 202·833-3nO '1\RTlIU~ J. LIN~ Bought and Sold ancient coins COINS AND MEDALS Ancient. Medieval and Modem Write for . NUMISMATIC UTERATURE illustrated catalog PHOTOGRAPH GEMS, CAMEOS, JEWELRY RFD 1, Box 240 COINS & BILLS ~~ Ancient to Modem Wallis, TX 77485 • Instant Polaroid Prints ~ (409) 478·6796 • Color or Black Ii While AUCTION SALES • Same Size or Enlarged ~e Call or Send For fo-- - j~ Specializing in ANCIENT Free Brochure 0 P.O. Box 2937 " ANCIENT COINS Redwood City, CA /a " CENTRAl ASIAN Q ISLAMIC FIXED PRICE LISTS CATALOGING SERVICES and COUNTERFEIT ALERT IfJARIES PHOTOGRAPHIC INDIAN COINS BOOKS (415) 365-5073 IVn'l f lor samplf ilbmr:zud !if! THOMAS D. WALKER P.O. Box 29188 Dept. C Oma[Hamidi San AntoniO, TX 78229 Numismatist (512) 696·5393 1ionhon (!loin Cinllnitll P.O. Box 10317. Torrance, CA 9OS05 SUbscripHons: one yoar, at least 4 (2B) BO·4303 issues, $15.00 U.S. & Canada. $25.00 Suite 132 Mission Viejo Mall Foreign. Write for a complimentary copy if Mission Viejo, CA 92691 you haven't seen my lists. (714) 364·0990 or 582·3481 XXXIIII The Celator October 1989 Letters Continued from page II 1 have only one complaint about this specialty). Cdator is a miracle to behold. It with this symbol. extraordinarily useful book and its These efforts have met with always arrives within a few days of the Also, the coinage of Roman unusually modest author: he had il resounding success in Spain: City Hall publication date! How do you do it? Procurators (by Eric Kondratieff. August privately printed for a run of only 250 recently acquired the mint (at a cost of issue) was superb. It covered in great . copies!!! MyowncoPJ,orderedinJune nearly $1 million U.S.) and the Glenn S. Murray detail this important coin series of the 1989, was number 224. Spink and Son interadministtative agreement for its Segovia, Spain early Roman emperors (Augustus Ltd. may have a few left. I hope the rehabilitation is due to be signed through Nero). In addition to the readers of The Celator find this momentarily by the Commission (W~ USIt a privatlt carri~r; too bad the numismatic explanations, the coins information useful. participants - Segovia City Hall, U.sp.s. can't get the /Mil across town thaI were brilliant1y related to the history of Spanish National Mint, Ministry of fasl!) that era and the importance to Rome of F.A. Liberatore Public Works, Ministry of Culture. and ' appeasing 1ewish sentiments. Massachusetts the Assembly of Castilla and Leon. ••••• My efforts in assisting to establish H. Kogen ••••• this Government Commission (via I liked very much Larry E . NatanyaIsrael promotion of the mint's attributes and McKinney's article on the Selucid Coin Your paper is the best! By any possibilities) were actively encouraged Symbols (the July issue). The anchor chance. do you know what happened to by each official - primarily since I was is a very important theme in Israel as We Want To S.A.N.. Society for Ancient (and continue to be) an apolitical, many of the Alexander tettadrachms Numismatics? alttuistic, numismatically oriented third found here are counterstamped exactly as party - with no financial goals in the mentioned in his commentary. The Know About YOU! Kenneth DorMY Project Our neutrality, and resultingly anchor theme which again appears on California effective leverage lies in the simple fact the first Jewish Perutuh struck in that we represent. speak for, and are Jerusalem for Shimon Maccabee was (SA.N. is alive, but not -ury w.tll I'm financially sponsored by concerned equally important in later Jewish afraid. Production schedules for the journal numismatists. Certainly this is part of coinage as it was again used by have slipped ciranu::airy in recelll years and what numismatics is (or should be) all Alexander Yannai on his "Kingn type some have complained that an aging about. Perutuh most commonly regarded as the kathrship is doing little to promote growth The fundamental reality of all this, Widowsmite. It had ultimately become and .stimulate QCliviJin) however, is that we must cover certain so popular amongst the 1ews that Herod basic expenses. All funds raised in the the Great sttuck it on his most common ••••• U.S. are used exclusively for the above Jewish Perutuh. Of less importance but mentioned counseling via the still worth mentioning, this theme was I to: If I read enough of the specialized preparation of numismatic studies and also used in rarer Herodian Perutol of The Celator articles in The Celator, some of it technical reports , Our goals are simply both Herod the Great and his son P.O. Box 123 should rub ofr and expand my education. to raise a projected $33,000/year Archelaus. Even a number of Lodi, WI 53555 Would it be possible to obtain through 1992. These funds are used by Ptolomaic coins were countermarked with your news and views catalog prices and at an earlier date American numismatists (Ron and notification of the European auctions so myself) who out of necessity must - that the catalogs can be sent for and conduct the research and provide this returned in time to study and bid at such assistance in a foreign country. auctions? Potential contributors should never be led to believe they are paying for bricks, .CJ.tar ~ Even 20 years ago with European subscriptions, many catalogs used to cement, or Spanish wages. Eventually, '. . I " ~ arrive after the fact. Enjoy all XXXVI our research will directly benefit the pages every time. entire numismatic community. Rates: As you rightfully mentioned, historic $5.00 for the first 20 words, 20¢ each acId~ional word. WaJlaa Widtman Segovia is an ideal location for promoting numismatics to the world - T= The other ancients: A fr i c a, not to mention the relevance of housing The Best of The Celator - 1988, Mideast. India, Southeast Asia. the recent winner of a special numismatic (Wit arlt arrvnpting to notify r~ad~rs of the museum in the famou s mint Literary Guild award for literary evltnlS with morlt l~ad tiIM, ~ . g . Slt~ the building. Once again, potential Orient. Primitive Monies. Books, too. Ev~nls v~rsus Free list. Semans. Box 22849P, excellence in the numismatic magazine clrangl!S in Calendar 0{ last contributors shouldn't feel a numismatic yltar's issues. Still, w~ Mit depltndMl upon SeatUe, WA 98122. division, offers 21 entertaining and museum in Spain will have no submissions fTom oUlsidlt sourcu which do informative articles about ancient coins influence on Americans. During this not always arriv~ Itarfy. WIt'Ii try to do and antiquities. 64 pages neatly bound past month of July alooe. of the 37.109 Greek, Roman, Medieval coins. bettt:r!) for easy preservation. Order postpaid for foreign visitors who entered the city's Monthly catalogs with very reason $5.95 from The C~/ator, P.O. Box 123, tourist information office requesting able prices and discounts issued for 21 ••••• Lodi, WI 53555 . information - nearly B.OOO were U,S, years. Francis 1. Rath, Box 266,' citizens! Imagine how many more were 'Youngstown, NY 14174. British copper coins and tokens, I am greatly indebted to you and your here and didn't happen to enter the ancient to modern. Free price lists. excellent publication for the continued tourist office to be registered as a Simon Cordova, Box 2096, Citrus acknowledgement of our efforts to assist statistic. Indeed, according to the same $95 Export SpecIals Heights, CA 95611; 916-961-9937. the SpaniSh Government in the official report, the foreign visitors who restoration of the historic Segovia Mint. most tour Segovia are from the U.S., 20 Hi(tl grade Wlda.¥smi!es. AVF a bett&!'. Includes diffenH1! Computer filing (IBM): List, Son. While we have managed to cover about surprisingly outnumbering even the one-third of our costs to date. I feel there denomnalions and varieties. Print out your collection. Easy, neighboring French, who ranked second. OR powerful, Shareware. $10 postpaid. may be several misconceptions about Modem society - as well as the science 25 Mxed Jewish Perutot and U.S, participation in Project Segovia of numismatics - is today truly NewTes!ament type$. AF or better. Bob's. 100 Overlook, Willow Grove, '92 that may be confusing potential Mooc:aboo and Herocian K"ngs. PA 19090. international. Roman vaieties and Jewish Rewll ..... contributors. Strangely, one of our most OR Reasonably priced ancient coins and First, and most important to note, is enthusiastic supporters in the U.S. is 30 t.bed Roman Bronzes. 3fd to 5th artifacts. Free price list on request. that the Spanish Government does not not numismatic at all. USilCOMOS, Century. Forbetter. Different rulers & denominalion •. Hugh Kramer, PO Box 6914, Santa particularly need. nor have they ever the U.S, Committee/International requested. any financial assistance from OR Maria, CA 93456. Council on Monuments and Siles, in 20 Roman CoIoriaI and Biblical City coins. abroad. to help restore the mint. I was Washington, DC, has established a tax Nioe selection 01 large Oenorrinalions. advised by officials from the very Md-Eas! mints and differen!ruI&rs 4th C. Syrian pale green jug; 5 deductible account for conttibutions. beginning, that funding for the purchase OR 3/16" x 3 114" w/indented bottom and and restoration of the mint, as well as They directly handle our conttibutions MXed Io! of 6 different silwr coins. flared lip. Some encrustationl as well as oversee our expenses - and Greell, Roman and Medieval. creation of the museu'm, was not a irredescence. S175IBO Paul (414) 278- can answer any fund-raising related 2 different from each period. problem. OR 0100 ex. 655. What is needed, and where we have questions potential contributors may Wholesale Io! · 100 Bronzes from all periods. have at 1600 H Street NW, Every coin indi'li6Jally displayed 011 certificate been enthusiastically invited to Washington. DC 20006. (202) 842- of authenticity with hisbrical Ooclrnentalion. YOU MAY OBTAIN participate. is in the creation of a 1B66. I would also personally be more Ready-forre-sale. LARGE TAX REFUNOS numismatic awareness of the abandoned $95 LoI<:iJdM pottag.e. Iwldfng. 8Ic ... E..:h coin 10 than happy to communicate with all ~donaling your cilp1icate coins and and long forgotten mint. We are doing hllt<>'bllly docI.rMnIed and ndlYtdualy dilplay«l on s ps to hetPc handicapped children. For those interested in our efforts, and can otrtjic&lllolauthenl:ici!y. For~~I~ free useful In ormation and the new 1985 this via numismatic counselling to rules (wrinen by a tax-attomey) write: be reached at Segovia City Hall: &MIll anW and chid< to: - 'r Segovia City Hall and the Government THE NUMISMATlC INSTITUTE (PROYECfO SEGOVIA '92, Excmo. Commission. conducting research on H. Kogen P.Q. 80)(7476Ch o IL60680 Ayuntamiento de Segovia. 40001, this heretofore unstudied mint (my Segovia, Spain). Those visiting P.O. Box 2137 particular specialty), and the creation of Segovia are invited to inspect the mint Natanya 42121 Israel ideas for converting it into a viable by simply inquiring at City Hall. If you are 1'10100 my mailing ist. Sept. 89 • Trivia Answer: living numismatic museum dedicated to write !Of free illustrated catalog "Lysippus" the ancient coining arts (Ron Landis' P.S. European distri bution of Th~ "AndentBiblical Coins.- " . , , . , , , ' . , , .. '..' ...... , . , . , " .... The Celator October 1989 xxxv Paid Advertisement Dear Celator Reader: Show Notices: Long Beach, Oct. 5·7 (we won't be there Sunday) at the Long Beach Convention Center. table 356. Show hours 10-7 Fri., I thought that I would address a question that is very often brought up Sat., & Sunday. at the various coin shows that my firm attends. To set the stage, a novice to ancient coin collecting or a fairfy new collector, will come up to my table, Grand Central, New York City, Noy. 2-4tb,·at the Omni Park Central Hotel. stare intently at the various ancients that we stock, and say something to 56th & 7th. Show hours 10-7. This is a Iburs,. Fri. & Sat. show, not open the effect "they are all so sharply struck and high-grade, how do you on Sunday. This is an excellent show and will allow you to see my new know that they are real?" What they really mean of course, is how do purchases from COINEX and all the European auctions. they know that the coins are authentic, The recent "non-controversy" concerning the so·called Black Sea Hoard has unfortunately focused this Bay State (Boston) Noy. 1Z-19th at the "57" Park Plaza-Howard question in the minds of some, as the coins were initially offered for sale Johnson's, in Park Square in Bostpn, This is a Fri. , Sat. & Sunday show by well known dealers in ancient coins, Recently, The Celator published with show hours 10:30-6 on Fri. & Sat. & 10:30-4 on Sunday, This will be yet another letter trying to substantiate the authenticity of these coins our onlv shpw in New England until the Spring of 1990 so we urge you to on scient~ic grounds, when in fact they cannot be substantiated at all on attend. hjstorical grounds, aside from all the sub-atomic particle mumbo-jumbo. The best way for a new collector to be sure of the authenticity of what he buys is to buy from established dealers in the field. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Unfortunately a lot of new buyers go to their local coin shop, something of the order of "Bob & Flo's Rare Coin Shoppe. we buy silver and gold", and tell the dealer that they have gotten interested in ancients. The PRIVATE COIN SHOWING FOR dealer, who is usually honest. but not usually well-informed, hunts NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CLIENTELE around back and produces some ancients that he haa "put-away", and offers them to our new buyer. The buyer assumes that since they come We will be holding a PRIVATE SHOWING of Classical from a legitimate coin store, they must be authentic. Unfortunately for Coins OCTOBER 20th & 21st. a Friday & Saturday from him. the seller often has no idea of exactly what the coin is or even the foggiest idea of its authenticity. 10-7 at a hotel in the SILICON VALLEY AREA of Is this far-fetched? Not very, I imagine. as at the major shows, such as Northern California. This will be a private showing FUN , the ANA, and Lorg Beach, we have a steady parade 01 local dealers and will be by Invitation only. There will be no come over to our table and ask us to identify andlor authenticate an admission, repeat no admission without a written invitation ancient that has come their way. usually from "a real old-time collection". from my firm. About 90% of the time the coin is a fake, and often a very easily identified The reason lor this is that there is simply no show in cast coin. It usually takes about 5 seconds to determine the coin is fake, and totally perplexed, they say something like, "Gee Doc, how Northern California at which we can see our clientele -- could you tell it was a fake so fast". Well to be honest, the coins are between Sept. & January of 1990. This is a very unusual usually such bad fakes that a 10 year old could teU they were cast with just situation, and we don't anticipate it happening in the future, a bit of education. but circumstances being what they are, th is is the situation Here in South Orange. we have a local antique shop called "Flo's which we found ourselves in . .. Sincet his area has some of Antiques". It's run by a real nice lady who does house sales, etc. and is pretty knowledgeable about general run-of-the-mill antiques. Now ~ I was the most serious collectors in the entire country and we a collector of Chinese Porcelain. I very much doubt if I could expect to go value their trade highly, we have decided to take the into her shop, which is right next door to my travel agent, and find a Ming extraordinary step 01 setting up at a large, centrally or Sung Dynasty Chinese Porcelain. I mean, there Is always that located hotel, at which we will have armed guards and possibility, but real-world wise, I don't think there would be much Irom which we can set up our usual ancient coin display for expectation of it really happening. Yet. a lot of new collectors will go to their local coin shop and actually expect that the Syracuse dekadrachm our clientele. that is dug out of the back-room is real and that they are getting a real Our regular clientele will automatically be sent an bargain by being able to buy it for only 400 dollars. Some reality has to invitation giving the name of the hotel & location. We intrude here someplace folks. It is like the requests we get at shows for a will eliminate from this particular showing those individuals Julius Caesar portrait denarius, but "I only can go $300 for one-. Can you who consistently come to shows to "look", "think about it", imagine what such a coin would look like if indeed a legitimate ancient dealer could offer you one for that price? "make some notes and we'll get back to you ", and "I really Most of the ancient dealers who advertise in The Celator have' spent like this coin so hold it for me and I will be back later". 01 years learning to tell the difference between a fake tetradrachm and an course they never come back nor do they have the courtesy authentic one. We look for signs of casting, style of the coin, weight of to let you know they don't want the coin. We will also not the coin, what the metal appears to be, signs of burial, evidence of trying Invite to this particular show those individuals who to make the coin look real. evidence of ~greasi ness " . sometimes you regulary get show letters, and The Saslow Ancient Market smell the coin for a tell-tale oily smell, evidence of fake patina, etc. But basically, for most of the coins that are shown to us, it takes about 10 Report but who have not shown up at any show nor seconds of examination, the fakes are so bad, contacted us during the past year. What a lot of collectors, both novice and advanced don't understand, Since we will have all our new purchases from is that in many countries, it is not against the law to sell fake ancients. COIN EX at this show, which if matters remain as in past It is assumed that you know that the coin that you are being offered is a years, should be both substantial & exciting, we urge fake since in that country. it would be against the law to sell you a you to put this date on your calendar. REMEMBER real ancient coin. So the young lad who greets you as you stop off the tour bus in Tunis or Cairo and looks so poor, and tells you a story OCT. 20th & 21 sl. If you are a serious collector and about how his uncle would beat him ~ he knew that he was selling you want to come to this show, you must send us a letter to . these coins. but they need the money so badly, and etc. etc. and you go our California Office and we will contact you about the "Oh Myron buy the coin. it is only $5 and Aunt Myrtle collects these old issuance of an invitation. coins etc, etc"." So you buy the coin .. and well you can figure out the rest of the story. If you want to be serore in what you buy then buy from an established source. I am not aware of any ancient dealer who will not guarantee his coins basically forever. If you find out that the coin is fake, 5 years later, through some accidental oversight or lapse of attention, and folks we all make mistakes once in a while from the biggest dealers to the most prestigious international auction houses, you will always have your monies refunded. Rare Coins & Classical Arts Ltd. "Specialists in Museum Quality Coins' On to other matters Member: ANA, ANS, SAN, AINA, INS, Fellow RNS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER WE WILL P.O. Box 374 P.O. Box 699 BE IN OUR CALIFORNIA OFFICES South Orange, NJ 07079 Palm Desert, CA 92261 Phone: (201) 761,0634 Phone: (619) 345-7161 XXXVI The Celator October 1989 Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. CLOSING NOVEMBER 1, 1989 OUR 59TH BUY OR BID SALE FEATURING OVER 650 ANCIENT COINS AND ANTIQUITIES AT ALL PRICE LEVELS ($20,000 . $15) DEFINITELY A SALE FOR ALL COLLECTORS -- ALEXANDER III THE GREAT TETRADRACHMS . .. YOUR PICK AT $300 1. 2. 3. 4. 6. .... 12. 14. Harlan J. Berk, Ltd PNG 178 31 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602 ANA· LM 762 (312)609-0017 FAX (312) 609·1309