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filolif

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  1. A couple new coins from the last Leu auction have finally arrived! First coin auction description: KINGS OF MACEDON. Philip II, 359-336 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 25 mm, 14.31 g, 3 h), Amphipolis, struck under Antipater or Polyperchon, circa 320/19-317. Laureate head of Zeus to right. Rev. ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ Young jockey, holding palm frond in his right hand and reins in his left, riding horse to right; below horse, monogram; below raised foreleg, Λ. Le Rider pl. 45, 6. SNG ANS 633-4. Attractively toned and with a bold head of Zeus of unusually fine style for a posthumous issue. Light marks and with minor flan faults on the reverse, otherwise, good very fine. From an American collection, privately acquired from Ariadne Galleries prior to 1982. This coin had an unlisted provenance: ex Glendining June 18, 1943 Lot 35 ----------- Second coin auction description: SELEUKID KINGS. Seleukos IV Philopator, 187-175 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 30 mm, 17.18 g, 12 h), Antiochia on the Orontes. Diademed head of Seleukos IV to right. Rev. BAΣIΛΕΩΣ - ΣΕΛEYKOY Apollo seated left on omphalos, holding arrow in his right hand and resting his left on grounded bow; to outer left, wreath and filleted palm frond; in exergue, monogram. HGC 9, 580e. SC 1313.1. Beautifully toned and with a splendid portrait. Light scratches on the obverse and with a minor flan fault on the reverse, otherwise, good very fine. Ex Leu Web Auction 20, 17 July 2022, 1545 and Numismatica Ars Classica 123, 9 May 2021, 819, and previously privately acquired from Vinchon on 24 February 2011. This coin also had an unlisted provenance: ex Etienne Bourgey March 22, 1910 Lot 434 Very happy to be able to pick these up.
  2. filolif

    Covid

    Sorry to hear it, Donna. Hopefully you have a swift and complete recovery!
  3. Those do appear to be identical. Not good. I’m always wary of imitations for just this reason.
  4. Just received a response from the Chief Numismatist of Leu -- Lars Rutten. He says that the original 2018 coin from my post was actually stolen from them in 2018 in a burglary. This is likely how it ended up with a forger. He also included several more examples of forgery that he says were purchased by a "longstanding and serious collector". (These were also posted by @Kaleun96 above.) Therefore he believes the cast was made prior to the coin being consigned with Leu. It does sound like they try to follow up and discover any connections that might exist to track down people forging coins that are purchased from them. He says these are great targets for forgers because people don't tend to look super closely at lower grade owls, especially since the hoard was found. Less scrutiny, more profit for them. I definitely agree. Keep an eye out for these and other forgeries like the ones @Kaleun96 posted!
  5. Good news, the lot in Roma’s current E-sale has been withdrawn.
  6. Right, it would be hard to determine if it was the buyer, the consignor or some other third party. I think if Leu cared, they might be able to start putting together enough details to discover any pattern that might emerge. If it was me and my reputation was on the line, I'd want to know if my customers were doing things like this and stop working with them.
  7. I have emailed Leu about this very thing. I don't expect to hear back but it's completely in their court to follow up and try to determine if that's the case. We won't ever have access to the buyer's information.
  8. My latest ancients! A long time coming from December's Leu auction. Four that are striking similar! I just love the sharpness/relief/style of these dies. SELEUKID KINGS OF SYRIA. Seleukos I Nikator, 312-281 BC. Tetradrachm, Seleukeia on the Tigris, circa 300-296/5. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress. Rev. BAΣIΛ[EΩΣ] - ΣEΛEYKOY Zeus Aëtophoros seated left on low throne, holding long scepter in his left hand and eagle standing right with closed wings in his right; to left, NO. SC 117.6a.
  9. Continuing a discussion from the Athenian Owl facebook group, here is a comparison of several owl tetradrachms, one of which we believe to be the host coin, and three of which seem to be cast fakes. I share this in hopes that people will be able to identify and call out more cast fakes when they see them. There are a number of forged owl tetradrachms that are trying to filter into the market and its important to be vigilant to avoid buying one of the fakes. The Leu coin (sold 2018) seems to be a real coin, the other 3 including the Roma one that is in their latest E-sale, appear to be cast forgeries. Beware of fakes out there!
  10. Thank you! They are magnificent. My profile photo shows one that is probably my favorite coin. Definitely recommend.
  11. You're very welcome! More than happy to help visually represent such an awesome old pedigree. Excellent 2023 selections! Looking forward to seeing your new additions (Stumpf and otherwise) in 2024!
  12. Thank you so much! And thank you to everyone who has offered such kind comments. As far as pedigrees go, I have put in many dozens of hours searching the auction plate photos attempting to find matches to coins I suspect may have older sale history. I knew about the provenance of all but one of the coins in my top 10 before I bought them. Its definitely a fair amount of work but I find it to be a really rewarding part of the hobby too.
  13. Happy Holidays everyone! It was again very hard to narrow down my purchases this year to a top 10 but I did my best. I tried to focus more on provenance and fewer pieces of higher quality as I hope you'll see. Starting with Number 10: 1️⃣ 0️⃣ Neapolis Man-headed Bull Didrachm *Ancient Greeks Campania Neapolis, Nomos (7.25g), ca. 320-280 BC. BC Av: nymph's head to the right, eagle behind. Rev: Androcephalic bull to the right, above Nike with wreath. SNG ANS 321, ss.* Provenance: Adolph E. Cahn Nov 29, 1933 Lot 18 Collection of German Historian Fritz Taeger After selling my previous Neapolis coin, I had been looking for a replacement. This is one of several in my top 10 that was purchased in an auction where the provenance was not listed. It comes from the collection of German historian and scholar of antiquity, Fritz Taegar. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fritz_Taeger He passed away in 1960 and the collection was in the possession of his daughter until it was recently sold at auction. This coin, along with at least 2 others from Mr. Taegar's collection were originally offered in the Adolph E. Cahn auction of November 29, 1933. This additional provenance really appealed to me as well as the excellent detail and unique design elements of this coin. The dolphin control below the bull seems to be relatively rare. Very happy to have been able to purchase this piece. https://streamable.com/ybxujo ======================= 9️⃣ Tarsos Pharnabazos Stater *Greek Asia. Cilicia, Tarsos. Pharnabazos, Persian military commander (380-374/3 BC). AR Stater. Struck circa 380-379 BC. Obv. Baal of Tarsos seated left, holding lotus-tipped scepter. Rev. Helmeted and bearded male head (Ares?) left. Casabonne Series 4; Moysey Issue 2; SNG BN 252 (same rev. die); SNG Levante 71–2. AR. 10.69 g. 22.00 mm. Superb coin, fully detailed and complete. Darkly toned with lovely golden hues, underlying luster. EF.* Provenance: Artemide LX October 28, 2023 Lot 277 Goldberg 130 September 27, 2022 Lot 1145 I was able to purchase this coin on it's third time being offered at auction in 2 years. The toning and remaining find patina as well as the unique flan shape really appeal to me. The detail and very complete strikes as well. A lovely coin that is somewhat difficult to fully capture in photos due to its unique surfaces. The powerful portraits of Baal and Ares really make this a unique and beautiful type. https://streamable.com/8vycq5 ======================= 8️⃣ Corinth Stater *Continental Greece. Corinthia, Corinth. AR Stater, c. 345-307 BC. Obv. Pegasos flying left; koppa below. Rev. Head of Athena left, wearing laureate Corinthian helmet; A-P flanking neck truncation; to right, triton swimming right, hurling thunderbolt. Pegasi 436; HGC 4 1848; Ravel 1018. AR. 8.53 g. 22.00 mm. Choice example. Lovely old cabinet tone with a hint of iridescence. Minor oxidations/deposits. EF.* Provenance: Artemide LX October 28, 2023 Lot 259 I had been looking for a Corinth stater for quite a few months when I purchased this coin. As one of the most important ancient cities, it seemed like a smart idea to include at least one piece in my collection. The beautiful dies and detail of this coin along with the toning really drew me to it and the remaining find patina/horn silver deposites don't really detract too much. The small triton hurling a thunderbolt symbol is a nice bonus too. https://streamable.com/yfzex2 ======================= 7️⃣ Philip II Macedon Tetradrachm *Kings of Macedon, Philip II (359-336 BC), tetradrachm, Amphipolis (323- 315), laureate head of Zeus right, rev., nude youth on horseback right, clasping reins and holding long palm branch; below horse corn-ear and Π, 14.37g (Le Rider pl. 46, 3) test cut on reverse, about extremely fine.* Provenance: Morton & Eden Auction 123 July 20, 2023 Lot 2 This is my fourth Philip II macedon tetradrachm. I really appreciate the strong simple die work on this coin as well as the vibrant toning especially visibile on the reverse around the horse. The inoffensive test cut is barely noticeable. Test cuts like this rarely bother me as I see it as just another part of the coin's history. https://streamable.com/hp0hir ======================= 6️⃣ Seleukos I Nikator Alexander Type Tetradrachm *Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. In the types of Alexander III of Macedon. Seleukia in Pieria, circa 300-281 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Nikephoros seated to left, holding sceptre; monogram within circle in left field, KP below throne, ΣEΛEYKOY to right, [B]AΣIΛEΩΣ in exergue. SC 29.1b; WSM 890; HGC 9, 16d. 17.16g, 27mm, 2h. Extremely Fine.* Provenance: Roma Numismatics XXVIII July 5, 2023 Lot 355 This coin stunned me when I first saw it. The vibrancy of the yellow-orange toning especially on the reverse was just breathtaking. The impressive portraits and great detail are a great bonus as well. This is a super sharp coin with phenomenal relief as well. The high quality of this piece really sets it apart even if it is generally a less expensive or rare type than most of the rest of my top 10. https://streamable.com/3rs1zi ======================= 5️⃣ Athens New Style Tetradrachm *ATTICA. Athens. Ca. 2nd-1st centuries BC. AR tetradrachm (30mm, 16.47 gm, 11h). NGC Choice XF 5/5 - 2/5, graffito. New style coinage, ca. 98/7 BC. Demetrius, Agathipus, and Phi-, magistrates. Head of Athena right, wearing triple-crested Attic helmet decorated with a vine scroll, Pegasus springing right above upturned cheek flap, protomes of five horses on visor / Α-ΘΕ / ΔH-MH / TPI-OΣ / AΓA / ΘIΠ / ΠOΣ / ΦI, owl standing facing on overturned amphora inscribed with E (month); pilei in right field, ΠE below, all within olive wreath. Thompson 905. HGC 4, 1602. Clearly defined details with hints of rosy toning beneath the deeper patina.* Provenance: Ars Classica March 14, 1921 Lot 1602 Pozzi Collection This is another coin where the unlisted provenance pushed me to bid. It is a super sharp and nicely toned. It comes from the Pozzi collection and was sold in Ars Classica in March of 1921. This is my third Athenian new style tetrdrachm and by far the sharpest and most well preserved. The details on the Amphora and the pilei in the right field of the reverse and really impressive. Always happy to add another owl to my collection. https://streamable.com/mvl7za ======================= 4️⃣ Akragas Tetradrachm with museum provenance *Ancient Greeks Sicily Akragas, Tetradrachm (17.49g), 465-445 BC BC Av: Eagle to the left. Rev. Cancer. SNG ANS 973, ss. Provenance: Felix Schlessinger 1935 Lot 223 Deaccessioned from the collection of Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia Collection of German Historian Fritz Taeger One of my major collection focusses are coins from the Sicilian colony of Akragas and I was excited to add this coin to my collection late this year. It is another coin from the Fritz Taeger collection that also had unlisted provenance dating to the sale of part of the Hermitage museum's collection by Felix Schlessinger in 1935. That particular auction featured numerous high quality coins and this one is no exception. The unique toning along with beautiful sea eagle and crab are really appealing. A wonderful coin that I am tempted to list even higher in my ranking. https://streamable.com/ehtjw9 ======================= 3️⃣ Gela Man-Headed Bull Didrachm * SICILY. Gela. Circa 490/85-480/75 BC. Didrachm (Silver, 21.5 mm, 8.75 g, 6 h). Nude rider galloping to right, hurling spear with his raised right hand and holding the reins with his left . Rev. CΕΛΑ Forepart of man-faced bull to right. Buceti 5. Jenkins, Gela, 38. Obolos 6, 2016, 103 ( same dies ). SNG Copenhagen 255. SNG Munich 254. Nicely toned and with types that are of good style, clear and well-centered. Good very fine.* Provenance: Brüder Egger January 15, 1912 Lot 77 Collection of Dr. Paul Peter Urone In keeping with the theme of hidden provenance, this didrachm from Gela was sold in the last Nomos feature without a single indication of its past auction history. This is my second oldest discovered provenance dating back to the Brüder Egger auction of January 15, 1912. While there is some die and surface wear, the completeness of the strike on both sides, the relative high relief, the subtle and beautiful toning really put this coin on another level. Very pleasing in hand and may displace my other Gela pieces as my favorite thanks to the very old pedigree. https://streamable.com/n1rplm ======================= 2️⃣ Syracuse Hieron II 16 Litrai * Sicily. Syracuse. Philistis, wife of Hieron II (274-216 BC). AR 16 Litrai-Tetradrachm, c. 240-218/5 BC. Obv. Diademed and veiled head left; grain ear to right. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣΑΣ / ΦΙΛΙΣΤΙΔΟΣ. Nike driving quadriga right; crescent above; to right, KIΣ; below horses, grain ear. HGC 2 1554; SNG ANS 882; BAR Issue 65; CCO 71 (D17/R48). AR. 13.61 g. 27.00 mm. Superb example in exceptional state of preservation. Lovely old cabinet tone with golden hues around the devices. Old collector label. Minor metal flaw on reverse. Good EF.* Provenance: Mario Ratto March 11, 1933 Lot 54 Another coin that is replacing one I recently sold. This type has always appealed to me because of the beautiful die work, especially on the quadriga reverse along with the importance of Syracuse in the ancient world. While the obverse portrait of Philistis is a bit rusty as is common for this die, the toning and provenance are beyond anything I expected to be able to acquire. The Artemide auction mentioned an old collectors tag (that seems to date to 1938) but the actual Mario Ratto 1933 auction provenance was again unlisted. A shockingly beautiful coin in hand and one I feel fortunate to have been able to purchase. https://streamable.com/vk21oc ======================= 1️⃣ Messana Hare and Dolphin Tetradrachm * ‡ Sicily, Messana, tetradrachm, c. 420-413 BC, ΜΕΣΣΑΝ, nymph Messana in long chiton driving mule biga walking left; in ex., two dolphins nose-to-nose, rev., ΜΕΣ-Σ-ΑΝ-ΙΟ-Ν, hare springing right; below, dolphin right, 17.23g, die axis 8.00 (Caltabiano 514; SNG ANS 366, same dies; SNG Fitzwilliam 1076, same dies), a few marks in the fields, toned, about extremely fine Provenance: European Connoisseur collection (formed before 2002). The designs on this coin go back to the period when Anaxilas of Rhegion took control of Messana in 480 BC when both cities adopted the same general types of a mule-biga and a springing hare. The obverse commemorated Anaxilas’s victory in the mule-biga event at the Olympic Games in that year. The same general types continued to the utilised with variations throughout the 5th century with the crouching figure of Anaxilas himself on the earlier issues replaced, as here, with the more elegant and upright figure of the nymph Messana.* Provenance: Jacob Hirsch November 11, 1907 Lot 201 Jacques Schulman June 5, 1930 Lot 31 European Connoisseur collection By far my most exciting purchase of 2023 is this Messana Tetradrachm. This coin also had the first hidden provenance I was able to find this year. When searching, small defects really help to confirm that a coin matches an auction plate photo. In this case, the flan shape and small very old scratch just above the hare really helped me to find the sale history. The toning is rich and deep with hints of color and the details are incredibly sharp all things considered. This type had been on my most wanted list since I began collecting ancients and I am finally able to call this one my own. https://streamable.com/p9f5ro ======================= And that’s it for me. Thanks for reading and happy collecting in 2024!
  14. My latest ancient: Sicily. Syracuse. Philistis, wife of Hieron II (274-216 BC). AR 16 Litrai-Tetradrachm, c. 240-218/5 BC. Obv. Diademed and veiled head left; grain ear to right. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣΑΣ / ΦΙΛΙΣΤΙΔΟΣ. Nike driving quadriga right; crescent above; to right, KIΣ; below horses, grain ear. HGC 2 1554; SNG ANS 882; BAR Issue 65; CCO 71 (D17/R48). AR. 13.61 g. 27.00 mm. Superb example in exceptional state of preservation. Lovely old cabinet tone with golden hues around the devices. Old collector label. Minor metal flaw on reverse. Good EF. Provenance: March 11, 1933 Mario Ratto Lot 54
  15. It's interesting. I also bought an owl from Leu that was misidentified as completely the wrong Starr group. I have to believe they don't have his book over there or they just spin a wheel to determine what they'll call a coin. Very poor form by them.
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