Greek Silver & Bronze Coins

Lot 4129    SESSION 16 (9.30AM FRIDAY 31ST MARCH)    Greek Silver & Bronze Coins

Estimate $320
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $200

ACHAIA, Patrai, (c.31 B.C.), silver hemidrachm, (2.40 g), issued in the name of Agys, son of Aischrion as magistrate, obv. laureate head of Zeus to right, dotted border, rev. A**G*VC/AI-CXPI/WNOC in three lines around **PA* monogram, all within elaborately bound laurel wreath with ties above and two rostra below, (S.2962, BCD Peloponnesos 534, CNG 76, [lot 538, this coin], HGC 5,58, BMC 1 [p.10]). Nearly extremely fine with attractive dark tone, scarce.

Ex Dr Adrian Carr Collection and purchased from CNG Mail Sale Number 76, September 12, 2007 (lot 538), previously from Jean Vinchon Auction Sale 14 March 1989 (lot 123) for 1000 FF.

This coin is from a massive issue that was struck in an apparently hasty manner, a fact suggested by the relatively crude dies that were often overused. Many of the known examples are poorly struck, another indication of haste. BCD suggested that this magistrate produced these coins around 31 BC, and that the elaborate, diadem-like wreath on the reverse was a reference to Agrippa's naval victory over the forces of Antony and Cleopatra.