• Finest Quality Ancient Greek, Roman & Byzantine Coins
  • Renaissance & 17th Century Dutch Medals
  • Auctions & Private Treaty Sales

Nomos 18

5 May 2019
Zunfthaus zur Saffran, Zurich
overview
Estimate: 250 CHF
Hammer Price:  650 CHF
Lot 180

PHRYGIA. Apameia. Circa 166-133 BC. Cistophoric Tetradrachm (Silver, 29 mm, 12.16 g, 12 h), c. 150/140 BC. Serpent emerging to left from a partially open cista mystica; around, ivy wreath. Rev. Bow in gorytos between two upwardly coiling snakes; to left, monogram of ΠΑ; to right, elephant's head to right. Kleiner & Noe Series 23. SNG von Aulock 3450. Clear, attractive, nicely struck on a broad flan. Some striking flatness on the reverse, otherwise, extremely fine.



The elephant's head symbol on the reverse is perhaps a reminder of the Seleucid elephants that Antiochos III used at the Battle of Magnesia in 190, when he was defeated by the Romans. He was then, at the Treaty of Apameia of 188, banned from possessing military elephants. It shouldn't be forgotten that elephants were the ancient equivalent of the WW II Tiger tank: of course, against Alexander and against the Roman legions they proved relatively ineffective.

Online bidding closes: 5 May 2019, 14:30:00 CEST Current Date & Time: 20 Apr 2024, 11:19:18 CEST Remaining Time: Closed Hammer Price:650 CHF

Pre-Bidding closes on 5 Mai 2019 at 14:30 CEST. Live bidding starts at 14:00 CET and is EXCLUSIVELY available on biddr. Separate registration is required.

An error has occurred. This application may no longer respond until reloaded. Reload 🗙
Reconnecting, please wait...