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

Nomos 9

21 October 2014
Zunfthaus zur Saffran, Zürich
overview
Estimate: 22500 CHF
Hammer Price:  32000 CHF
Lot 36

LUCANIA, Metapontum. c. 520-510 BC. Stater (Silver, 27mm, 8.18 g 12). ΜΕΤΑ Ear of barley with eight grains; around, border of dots within two concentric linear circles. Rev. Ear of barley with eight grains, all incuse; rayed border. HN III 1467. Jameson 260 (this coin). Noe 75 (this coin cited). A very attractive, beautifully toned example of splendid quality, struck in high relief on a broad flan. Extremely fine.


From the Escalade Collection, Switzerland, ex Sotheby’s London, 7 March 1996, 34, acquired from Pierre Strauss in 1949 who received it from Jacob Hirsch, from the Jameson Collection, ex Hirsch XVI, 6 December 1906, 91.

A truly outstanding example of the archaic coinage of Metapontum, one of the finest examples of the type known. The curious incuse technique used on a number of the archaic and early classical coinages of Magna Graecia has been plausibly connected to the theories of Pythagoras; in fact it has been suggested that he was responsible for their design. In any case, the design of the coins, especially their borders, is close to contemporary gem cutting (Pythagoras’ father Mnesarchus was a gem engraver).

Online bidding closes: 21 Oct 2014, 00:00:00 CEST Current Date & Time: 19 Mar 2024, 07:39:12 CET Remaining Time: Closed Hammer Price:32000 CHF

Pre-Bidding closes on 21 Oktober 2014 at 0:00 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...