The Bees of Artemis (Ephesis)
Lot 3544 SESSION 12 (11.30am Thursday) The Bees of Artemis (Ephesis)
Estimate $150
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $220
IONIA, Ephesus, (1st century A.D.), AE 18, (4.44 grams), obv. stag to left, looking behind, above E - **F*, below in exergue, CK**WPI*, all within border of dots, rev. bee, meaningless inscription, **KHRILLISWDEPROSPALURIN*, (S.4944, BMC 186-190 [p.70], SNG von Aulock 1875 [Pl.57]). Attractive deep brown patination, very fine and a rare type.
It is believed in BMC that the reverse inscription is perhaps a magic formulae used as charms and remedies against various diseases or as Sear suggests a "bee charm". The piece itself has uncertain status. BMC suggested it could be a tesserae as likewise von Aulock. Its issue in Imperial times and apparent circulation also suggests its use as coinage as well. Certainly a most unusual piece and regarded by various scholars with some interest. A numismatic enigma.
Estimate / sale price does not include buyer's premium (currently 22% including GST) which is added to hammer price. All bids are executed on the understanding that the Terms & Conditions of sale have been read and accepted. For information on grading and estimates please refer to the Buying at Auction advice.
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Adjacent lots
Lot 3542
IONIA, Ephesus, (190-130 B.C.), AE 13-16, (about 3 grams), obv. bee with open wings dividing ...
Estimate $250
Lot 3543
IONIA, Ephesos, (c.48-27 BC), AE 24, (7.42 grams), obv. Draped bust of Artemis right, in ...
Estimate $200
Lot 3544 This lot
IONIA, Ephesus, (1st century A.D.), AE 18, (4.44 grams), obv. stag to left, looking behind, ...
Estimate $150
Lot 3545
IONIA, Ephesus, (1st century A.D.), tesserae, AE 14, (1.734 grams), obv. Medusa facing head, rev. ...
Estimate $100
Lot 3546
IONIA, Ephesos, Kingdom of, Lysimachus, (323-281 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (17.218 grams), Ephesos mint, style of ...
Estimate $2,400