Greek Silver & Bronze Coins

Lot 4128    SESSION 16 (9.30AM FRIDAY 31ST MARCH)    Greek Silver & Bronze Coins

Estimate $480
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $290

PELOPONNESOS, Achaia, Patrai, issue of Damasias Agesilaou, silver triobol or hemidrachm, (c.mid 30's B.C.), (2.16 g), obv. diademed head of Aphrodite (as Cleopatra) to right, wearing stephane, earring and necklace, hair bound behind in bun, dotted border, rev. **D*A/MACIAC all above the Patrae monogram all within laurel wreath, tied at bottom, (S.2963, BCD [LHS 96] 525-528, BMC 2-3, McClean 6325-8, SNG Lockett 2348, SNG Cop.154). Heavily toned, good very fine and rare, with tickets.

Ex Dr Adrian Carr Collection and purchased from CNG Mail Auction Sale 76/1 (lot 537) coming from the BCD Collection and previously from the Patros Hoard.

The date of the issue, in the mid-30s BC, suggests that the issue was made in conjunction with Mark Antony's preparations for his incipient war with Octavian. The head of Aphrodite may also have the features of Cleopatra VII, as many issues in the region at this time used her likeness in an attempt to flatter the wealthy queen. In fact, another issue of Patrai, BCD Peloponnesos 531-531, was struck in the name of Cleopatra.