Greek Silver & Bronze


Lot 4529 Session 15 (7.30pm Friday) Greek Silver & Bronze
Estimate $200
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $240
IONIA, Ephesus, (1st century A.D.), AE 18, (4.380 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 it use as coinage as well. Certainly a most unusual piece and regarded by various scholars with some interest.
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 4527
MYSIA, Pergamon, (c.85-76 B.C.), silver cistophoric tetradrachm, (12.070 grams), obv. cista mystica containing serpent, all ...
Estimate $200
Lot 4528
AEOLIS, Cyme, (after 165 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (16.404 grams), obv. head of Amazon Cyme to ...
Estimate $1,500
Lot 4529 This lot
IONIA, Ephesus, (1st century A.D.), AE 18, (4.380 grams), obv. stag to left, looking behind, ...
Estimate $200
Lot 4530
IONIA, Chios, (c.431-410 B.C.), silver drachm, (3.648 grams), obv. Sphinx seated to left, amphora before, ...
Estimate $500
Lot 4531
IONIA, Erythrae, (c.300-200 B.C.), AE 15, (3.290 grams), obv. head of young Herakles to right ...
Estimate $100