Ordinary's Top 10 Coins for 2024

[Ordinary-Ride-1595]

Excited to share my first top 10 list on numisforums. This year I tried to focus on building out my Sicilian and Ptolemaic coins and in doing so had a lot of fun learning about and sharing my coins. I hope you all enjoy my list. 

1

Ptolemy II, 283-246 BC

Half mnaieion or AV tetradrachm. 13.91 g.

Struck: Alexandria, 272-270 BC

Obverse: Jugate diademed and draped busts of Ptolemy II and Arsinoe II, right; behind, a Galatian shield.

Reverse: Jugate busts, diademed and draped, of Ptolemy I Soter and Berenice I on the right.

Reference: Svoronos 604, pl. XIV, 19. Lorber CPE 314, BMC Ptolemies p. 40, 5, SNG Cop. 133.

In succeeding Ptolemy I, Ptolemy II inherited a strong and prosperous empire. He funded scholarship, the arts and scientific research. It is during his reign that ancient wonders such of the Lighthouse at Alexandria and the famed Library of Alexandria were constructed.  He expanded his empire by defeating the neighboring Kush and thereby his access to gold reserves. It is largely this access to Kushite gold that enabled the minting of the massive gold coins that Ptolemy’s successors are numismatically known for. To appease the native population and in keeping with Egyptian customs as pharaoh, Ptolemy II married his sister Arsinoe II. Ptolemy II’s children from his first marriage were declared to be the children of Arsinoe II.  

This first coin is a portrait of the Ptolemies. On the reverse is Ptolemy I and his spouse Berenice I with an inscription ΘEΩN of the gods. On the obverse is Ptolemy II and his sister-wife Arsinoe II. Above is an inscription AΔEΛΦΩN meaning from the siblings.

I wanted to include this coin on my list because it is important to my small collection of Ptolemaic coins. It features the portraits of the first two pairs of Ptolemies and spouse. Through this coin, and the following two, I have portraits of three royal Egyptian couples and only one pair were brother and sister!

2

Ptolemy III Evergetes, 246-222 BC

Mnaieion or AV octodrachm 27.77 g

Struck: Alexandria, 241 BC

Obverse: Diademed and veiled bust of Berenice on the right.

Reverse: ΒΕΡΕΝΙΚΗΣ - ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣΗΣ. Cornucopia filled with fruit.

Svoronos 1113 et pl. 35, 1 Boston 2348 SNG Copenhagen 169.

The second coin is an octodrachm usually attributed to Berenice II. Because of the Ptolemaic practice of royal names, sometimes who is depicted on coins can be confusing. There is an open debate as to the portrait of this octodrachm. This coin has most often attributed to Berenice II but there is a strong argument that this coin is in fact a portrait of Berenice Syra. It gets even more confusing because Berenice II was both a member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, Queen and wife of Ptolemy III, and Berenice Syra was Ptolemy III’s sister. Both were involved in scandalous dynastic disputes.

Berenice II became Queen of Kyrene succeeding her father Magas, stepson of Ptolemy I. She inherited a kingdom that was at odds with Egypt because Magas managed to consolidate power and secede from Egypt forming an independent kingdom. Berenice’s mom brokered a political marriage to an Antigonid prince and let’s just say their marriage fell apart because Berenice II didn’t want to share her husband with her mom. And Berenice had her husband assassinated after she caught him with her mom. In marrying Ptolemy III, Berenice II reunited Kyrene and Egypt under the house of Ptolemy. 

3

Ptolemy IV Philopator, 222-205 BC.

Mnaieion or AV octodrachm, 27.57 g

Struck: Alexandria, 219-217 BC

Obverse: Radiate bust of Ptolemy III right wearing aegis with trident over left shoulder.

Reverse. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ - ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ. Radiate cornucopia bound with royal diadem; ΔΙ below.

Reference: Svoronos 1117.

When Ptolemy III Euergetes inherited the throne in 246 BC, he inherited a kingdom at its height. His predecessors built the famed Lighthouse of Alexandria and sought to make Egypt the intellectual capital of the world. Ptolemy III’s father expanded the empire seizing vast gold reserves from the neighboring Kushites and as a result, we have these beautiful octodrachms. Ptolemy III’s reign is often considered the zenith of the Ptolemaic dynasty, it was a cultural center and both an economic and military power. Ptolemy III in addition to his gold reserves managed to march his armies deep into the Seleucid territories expanding his empire and reunited Kyrene into his kingdom.

4

Dionysios, 405-367 BC

Drachm unsigned work by Eukleidas, AR 3.92 g.

Struck: circa 405-400,

Obverse: ΣΥ–Ρ–A–K–OΣI–ΩN Head of Athena facing three-quarters wearing double-hook earring and necklace of acorn pendants with central medallion and triple-crested Attic helmet. On either side, a couple of dolphins snout to snout.

Reverse: ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙ – ΩΝ Naked Leukaspis advancing, wearing crested helmet and holding spear in right hand and oval shield in left.; sword suspended by strap over shoulder. In background square altar ornamented with garland, and to forepart of slain ram on its back. In exergue, [ΛEΥKAΣΠIΣ].

Reference: Rizzo pl. XLVII, 1 (these dies). Jameson 810 (these dies). SNG ANS 308 (these dies). Boehringer, Essays Thompson pl. 38, 6.

Ex Hamburger sale 98, 1933 (sold for 300 goldmarks), Ex Glendining sale 13 December 1963, Foreign Amateur, 161. From the collection of a Mentor.

The second area where I grew my collection was Sicilian coinage, specifically Syracuse. I am including six Syracuse coins in my top ten list. Three silver and three gold. The three silver coins are each of different denominations, a drachma, a tetradrachm and a decadrachm. One thing that is really cool and serendipitous is that the Eukleidas drachma and the Euainetos/Eumenos tetradrachm were both sold in the same sale in 1933. While NAC provided the 1933 provenance with the tetradrachm, they did not provide it for my Eukleidas. I found it while trying to find my tet.  What’s somewhat interesting is that it seems these coins have been fated to be with each other as they were sold in 1933 at the same sale, reunited by Mentor, sold off separately again and then reunited by me.

5

Second Democracy, c. 466-405 BC

Tetradrachm signed by Euainetos and Eumenos, AR 16.90 g.

Struck: c 415-405

Obverse: Fast quadriga driven by charioteer holding reins and kentron; above, Nike flying holding a wreath on which is hung a tablet inscribed EYAIN / ETO in two lines; in exergue, two dolphins swimming snout to snout.

Reverse: ΣΥPA]KOΣΙON Head of nymph Arethusa, hair waved over the crown of head and enclosed in sphendone decorated with stars; around four dolphins.

Reference: SNG ANS 270 (these dies). Tudeer 43. Coins, Artists and Tyrants 43a’ (this coin).

Provenance: Ex Hamburger sale 98, 1933, 384. From the collection of a Mentor. (Sold for 600 Goldmarks)

Despite some corrosion, I was very excited to have this coin because Euainetos’ flying nike spoke to me. The playful cartouche engraved with the artists name is something I might have had fun engraving if I were born 2400 years ago. It was an opportunity to have a coin signed twice btw two important Syracusan artists so I had to have it.   

6

Dionysios, 405-367 BC

Decadrachm, unsigned work by the master engraver Kimon, 42.35 g.

Struck: c. 405-400 BC

Obverse: Quadriga galloping with the charioteer leaning forward, crowned by Nike. In the weapons section: two greaves, armor, shield and helmet

Reverse: Head of Arethusa left, surrounded by four dolphins. Hoover 1298; Jongkees 14.

Every year, I create a short list of coin types I wish I to acquire. And each year, by design, the list cannot exceed five coins. The goal of the year is to acquire one of those five coins before the end of the year. For 2024, the coin that I crossed off my list was this Kimon decadrachm. I was quite fortunate because this is the last and supposedly the one of hardest of all the Kimon dies to acquire so if I ever had the fortune to try to put together the 14 dies, this is the coin I’d need.

7

 Dionysios, 405-367 BC

AV Double Dekadrachm 100 Litrai, 5.78 g

Struck: c. 400-370 BC.

Obverse: Head of Arethousa left, hair in sakkos adorned with a star, wearing single-pendant earring and necklace; ΣYPAKOΣION to left, pellet flanking neck

Reverse: Herakles kneeling right, strangling the Nemean Lion; rocks below.

Reference: Bérend Group III, 15.10 (D11/R8 – this coin); HGC 2, 1275; SNG ANS 329 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 1421 (same obv. die); SNG Lockett 985 (same dies); Hunt IV 115 (same obv. die); Jameson 814 (same obv. die); Pozzi 605 (same dies).

Provenance: Ex Dr. Lawrence A. Adams Collection, lot 11; Ars Classica XV (2 July 1930), lot 375. Bérend Group III, 15.10 (D11/R8 – this coin)

This coin was the first coin purchase of the year and I wanted it as it is an important type relevant to my small collection of Sicilian coins. This particular coin seems to have bounced around the auction houses of the world over the past decade so I am glad to give it a more permanent home as part of my, hopefully one-day multigenerational collection.

8

Hiketas II, 287-278 BC.

AV Dekadrachm 60 Litrai, 4.24 g

Struck: c. 279-8 BC.

Obverse: Head of Persephone left, wearing wreath of grain ears, single-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; cornucopia to right

Reverse: Nike, holding kentron and reins, driving fast biga right; fibula above, Φ to right, Θ below, EΠI IKETA in exergue.

If you look at all the Hiketas II AV dekadrachms, you’ll observe little marks all over Persephone’s face and neck from the strike of the die against the gold planchet. To me the little marks seem a little unsightly as Persephone was supposedly very beautiful. In myth, she was so beautiful that Hades kidnapped her and made his queen. So the opportunity to add this coin was well worth it.   

9

Hieron II, 230-215 BC

AV Decadrachm 60 litrae, 4.19 g.

Struck: circa 217-214,

Obverse: Head of Kore-Persephone l., wearing barley wreath; behind, hippocamp.

Reverse: Fast biga driven by charioteer holding kentron and reins; below, monogram and, in exergue, ΙΕΡΩΝΟΣ.

Reference: Gulbenkian 351 (these dies). BMC 514 (these dies). Carroccio 41.

Provenance: From the collection of a Mentor.

When you were in science class in middle school, and your science teacher first taught you how density worked, did your teacher also explain the story of Archimedes his Eureka moment? Well that king who wanted know if all his gold was used in making his crown was none other than Hieron II. How cool is that?!

It seems as though I can’t keep myself from buying ex-Mentor coins. I think this little AV decadrachm was one of five coins that came from him just this year. One thing I’ve observed about the ex-Mentor coins in my collection is that they are wonderful types that add value and context to my collection but they certainly aren’t the extraordinary quality coins. So maybe this is fitting for my collection as an Ordinary collector.

10

Tauric Chersonesus, Pantikapaion 

AV Stater, AV 22 mm, 9.04 g.

Struck: circa 340-325

Obverse: Bearded head of Pan wearing wreath of ivy leaves.

Rev. Π – A – N Griffin standing, head facing on stalk of barley, holding spear in its mouth.

Reference: De Luynes 1792. Weber 2690. SNG BM Black Sea 867. N. Zograph, Ancient Coinage, BAR Supplementary Series 33, pl. XL, 11. Gulbenkian 590. Gillet 854. Dewing 1242. Kraay-Hirmer pl. 142, 440.

Provenance: Ex Egger sale 10 December 1906, lot 254

The last coin I wanted to include in my top coins for the year is a coin I acquired in the NAC Spring Sale. On the obverse is the deity Pan which was a fun homophonic pun with the city name, Pan, Pantikapaion. Interestingly, the obverse bust is sometimes identified as a Satyr which is also a pun on the name of one of the founders, Satyros. Regardless as to whether the bust is Pan or Satyros, both are excellent representations of the far reaches of the ancient Greek frontiers where Pantikapaion is located, modern day Crimea. The reverse of this coin is the city guardian, a griffin, and the griffin is standing on the main export of the region which at the time and to this day is wheat. This region to this day is Europe’s breadbasket. I am quite fortunate to have acquired this coin as I really didn’t think it was likely. It wasn’t known until the week of the sale that this coin has an old provenance and it was identified as one first sold publicly in 1906.

11.

Lastly, just a group shot of my small collection of Sicilians. 

Edited December 8, 2024 by Ordinary-Ride-1595

[kirispupis]

Wow! Tremendous pickups for this year! I have to go with the first one since that's my dream coin.

[Ordinary-Ride-1595]

14 minutes ago, kirispupis said:

Wow! Tremendous pickups for this year! I have to go with the first one since that's my dream coin.

Thanks! Leo discusses this coin in one of his video: 

 

[Curtisimo]

Wow!!

I voted for the decadrachm but the octadrachms are great as well. Congratulations on a great year. 

[JayAg47]

Those are some extraordinary coins!

[Di Nomos]

You need to change your user name - those coins are anything but ordinary!

My favourite is the Pantikapaion stater, followed very closely by the Kimon decadrachm. They'd be the centre piece of any great collection.

The rest tie for third. Would love any of them in my collection. Congratulations.

 

[Qcumbor]

Why can't we vote ten times ?

I twisted my arm and voted for the Pantikapaion stater because of its fabulous iconography, but all the others deserve a vote

Q

[CPK]

What a top ten list! Every one of those coins is a masterpiece. I voted for the Kimon decadrachm, but they all really deserve a vote!

[El Cazador]

10 hours ago, Ordinary-Ride-1595 said:

Excited to share my first top 10 list on numisforums. This year I tried to focus on building out my Sicilian and Ptolemaic coins and in doing so had a lot of fun learning about and sharing my coins. I hope you all enjoy my list. 

1

Ptolemy II, 283-246 BC

Half mnaieion or AV tetradrachm. 13.91 g.

Struck: Alexandria, 272-270 BC

Obverse: Jugate diademed and draped busts of Ptolemy II and Arsinoe II, right; behind, a Galatian shield.

Reverse: Jugate busts, diademed and draped, of Ptolemy I Soter and Berenice I on the right.

Reference: Svoronos 604, pl. XIV, 19. Lorber CPE 314, BMC Ptolemies p. 40, 5, SNG Cop. 133.

In succeeding Ptolemy I, Ptolemy II inherited a strong and prosperous empire. He funded scholarship, the arts and scientific research. It is during his reign that ancient wonders such of the Lighthouse at Alexandria and the famed Library of Alexandria were constructed.  He expanded his empire by defeating the neighboring Kush and thereby his access to gold reserves. It is largely this access to Kushite gold that enabled the minting of the massive gold coins that Ptolemy’s successors are numismatically known for. To appease the native population and in keeping with Egyptian customs as pharaoh, Ptolemy II married his sister Arsinoe II. Ptolemy II’s children from his first marriage were declared to be the children of Arsinoe II.  

This first coin is a portrait of the Ptolemies. On the reverse is Ptolemy I and his spouse Berenice I with an inscription ΘEΩN of the gods. On the obverse is Ptolemy II and his sister-wife Arsinoe II. Above is an inscription AΔEΛΦΩN meaning from the siblings.

I wanted to include this coin on my list because it is important to my small collection of Ptolemaic coins. It features the portraits of the first two pairs of Ptolemies and spouse. Through this coin, and the following two, I have portraits of three royal Egyptian couples and only one pair were brother and sister!

2

 

Ptolemy III Evergetes, 246-222 BC

Mnaieion or AV octodrachm 27.77 g

Struck: Alexandria, 241 BC

Obverse: Diademed and veiled bust of Berenice on the right.

Reverse: ΒΕΡΕΝΙΚΗΣ - ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣΗΣ. Cornucopia filled with fruit.

Svoronos 1113 et pl. 35, 1 Boston 2348 SNG Copenhagen 169.

The second coin is an octodrachm usually attributed to Berenice II. Because of the Ptolemaic practice of royal names, sometimes who is depicted on coins can be confusing. There is an open debate as to the portrait of this octodrachm. This coin has most often attributed to Berenice II but there is a strong argument that this coin is in fact a portrait of Berenice Syra. It gets even more confusing because Berenice II was both a member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, Queen and wife of Ptolemy III, and Berenice Syra was Ptolemy III’s sister. Both were involved in scandalous dynastic disputes.

Berenice II became Queen of Kyrene succeeding her father Magas, stepson of Ptolemy I. She inherited a kingdom that was at odds with Egypt because Magas managed to consolidate power and secede from Egypt forming an independent kingdom. Berenice’s mom brokered a political marriage to an Antigonid prince and let’s just say their marriage fell apart because Berenice II didn’t want to share her husband with her mom. And Berenice had her husband assassinated after she caught him with her mom. In marrying Ptolemy III, Berenice II reunited Kyrene and Egypt under the house of Ptolemy. 

3

Ptolemy IV Philopator, 222-205 BC.

Mnaieion or AV octodrachm, 27.57 g

Struck: Alexandria, 219-217 BC

Obverse: Radiate bust of Ptolemy III right wearing aegis with trident over left shoulder.

Reverse. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ - ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ. Radiate cornucopia bound with royal diadem; ΔΙ below.

Reference: Svoronos 1117.

When Ptolemy III Euergetes inherited the throne in 246 BC, he inherited a kingdom at its height. His predecessors built the famed Lighthouse of Alexandria and sought to make Egypt the intellectual capital of the world. Ptolemy III’s father expanded the empire seizing vast gold reserves from the neighboring Kushites and as a result, we have these beautiful octodrachms. Ptolemy III’s reign is often considered the zenith of the Ptolemaic dynasty, it was a cultural center and both an economic and military power. Ptolemy III in addition to his gold reserves managed to march his armies deep into the Seleucid territories expanding his empire and reunited Kyrene into his kingdom.

4

Dionysios, 405-367 BC

Drachm unsigned work by Eukleidas, AR 3.92 g.

Struck: circa 405-400,

Obverse: ΣΥ–Ρ–A–K–OΣI–ΩN Head of Athena facing three-quarters wearing double-hook earring and necklace of acorn pendants with central medallion and triple-crested Attic helmet. On either side, a couple of dolphins snout to snout.

Reverse: ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙ – ΩΝ Naked Leukaspis advancing, wearing crested helmet and holding spear in right hand and oval shield in left.; sword suspended by strap over shoulder. In background square altar ornamented with garland, and to forepart of slain ram on its back. In exergue, [ΛEΥKAΣΠIΣ].

Reference: Rizzo pl. XLVII, 1 (these dies). Jameson 810 (these dies). SNG ANS 308 (these dies). Boehringer, Essays Thompson pl. 38, 6.

Ex Hamburger sale 98, 1933 (sold for 300 goldmarks), Ex Glendining sale 13 December 1963, Foreign Amateur, 161. From the collection of a Mentor.

The second area where I grew my collection was Sicilian coinage, specifically Syracuse. I am including six Syracuse coins in my top ten list. Three silver and three gold. The three silver coins are each of different denominations, a drachma, a tetradrachm and a decadrachm. One thing that is really cool and serendipitous is that the Eukleidas drachma and the Euainetos/Eumenos tetradrachm were both sold in the same sale in 1933. While NAC provided the 1933 provenance with the tetradrachm, they did not provide it for my Eukleidas. I found it while trying to find my tet.  What’s somewhat interesting is that it seems these coins have been fated to be with each other as they were sold in 1933 at the same sale, reunited by Mentor, sold off separately again and then reunited by me.

5

Second Democracy, c. 466-405 BC

Tetradrachm signed by Euainetos and Eumenos, AR 16.90 g.

Struck: c 415-405

Obverse: Fast quadriga driven by charioteer holding reins and kentron; above, Nike flying holding a wreath on which is hung a tablet inscribed EYAIN / ETO in two lines; in exergue, two dolphins swimming snout to snout.

Reverse: ΣΥPA]KOΣΙON Head of nymph Arethusa, hair waved over the crown of head and enclosed in sphendone decorated with stars; around four dolphins.

Reference: SNG ANS 270 (these dies). Tudeer 43. Coins, Artists and Tyrants 43a’ (this coin).

Provenance: Ex Hamburger sale 98, 1933, 384. From the collection of a Mentor. (Sold for 600 Goldmarks)

Despite some corrosion, I was very excited to have this coin because Euainetos’ flying nike spoke to me. The playful cartouche engraved with the artists name is something I might have had fun engraving if I were born 2400 years ago. It was an opportunity to have a coin signed twice btw two important Syracusan artists so I had to have it.   

6

 

Dionysios, 405-367 BC

Decadrachm, unsigned work by the master engraver Kimon, 42.35 g.

Struck: c. 405-400 BC

Obverse: Quadriga galloping with the charioteer leaning forward, crowned by Nike. In the weapons section: two greaves, armor, shield and helmet

Reverse: Head of Arethusa left, surrounded by four dolphins. Hoover 1298; Jongkees 14.

Every year, I create a short list of coin types I wish I to acquire. And each year, by design, the list cannot exceed five coins. The goal of the year is to acquire one of those five coins before the end of the year. For 2024, the coin that I crossed off my list was this Kimon decadrachm. I was quite fortunate because this is the last and supposedly the one of hardest of all the Kimon dies to acquire so if I ever had the fortune to try to put together the 14 dies, this is the coin I’d need.

7

 

 Dionysios, 405-367 BC

AV Double Dekadrachm 100 Litrai, 5.78 g

Struck: c. 400-370 BC.

Obverse: Head of Arethousa left, hair in sakkos adorned with a star, wearing single-pendant earring and necklace; ΣYPAKOΣION to left, pellet flanking neck

Reverse: Herakles kneeling right, strangling the Nemean Lion; rocks below.

Reference: Bérend Group III, 15.10 (D11/R8 – this coin); HGC 2, 1275; SNG ANS 329 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 1421 (same obv. die); SNG Lockett 985 (same dies); Hunt IV 115 (same obv. die); Jameson 814 (same obv. die); Pozzi 605 (same dies).

Provenance: Ex Dr. Lawrence A. Adams Collection, lot 11; Ars Classica XV (2 July 1930), lot 375. Bérend Group III, 15.10 (D11/R8 – this coin)

This coin was the first coin purchase of the year and I wanted it as it is an important type relevant to my small collection of Sicilian coins. This particular coin seems to have bounced around the auction houses of the world over the past decade so I am glad to give it a more permanent home as part of my, hopefully one-day multigenerational collection.

8

Hiketas II, 287-278 BC.

AV Dekadrachm 60 Litrai, 4.24 g

Struck: c. 279-8 BC.

Obverse: Head of Persephone left, wearing wreath of grain ears, single-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; cornucopia to right

Reverse: Nike, holding kentron and reins, driving fast biga right; fibula above, Φ to right, Θ below, EΠI IKETA in exergue.

If you look at all the Hiketas II AV dekadrachms, you’ll observe little marks all over Persephone’s face and neck from the strike of the die against the gold planchet. To me the little marks seem a little unsightly as Persephone was supposedly very beautiful. In myth, she was so beautiful that Hades kidnapped her and made his queen. So the opportunity to add this coin was well worth it.   

9

Hieron II, 230-215 BC

AV Decadrachm 60 litrae, 4.19 g.

Struck: circa 217-214,

Obverse: Head of Kore-Persephone l., wearing barley wreath; behind, hippocamp.

Reverse: Fast biga driven by charioteer holding kentron and reins; below, monogram and, in exergue, ΙΕΡΩΝΟΣ.

Reference: Gulbenkian 351 (these dies). BMC 514 (these dies). Carroccio 41.

Provenance: From the collection of a Mentor.

When you were in science class in middle school, and your science teacher first taught you how density worked, did your teacher also explain the story of Archimedes his Eureka moment? Well that king who wanted know if all his gold was used in making his crown was none other than Hieron II. How cool is that?!

It seems as though I can’t keep myself from buying ex-Mentor coins. I think this little AV decadrachm was one of five coins that came from him just this year. One thing I’ve observed about the ex-Mentor coins in my collection is that they are wonderful types that add value and context to my collection but they certainly aren’t the extraordinary quality coins. So maybe this is fitting for my collection as an Ordinary collector.

10

 

Tauric Chersonesus, Pantikapaion 

AV Stater, AV 22 mm, 9.04 g.

Struck: circa 340-325

Obverse: Bearded head of Pan wearing wreath of ivy leaves.

Rev. Π – A – N Griffin standing, head facing on stalk of barley, holding spear in its mouth.

Reference: De Luynes 1792. Weber 2690. SNG BM Black Sea 867. N. Zograph, Ancient Coinage, BAR Supplementary Series 33, pl. XL, 11. Gulbenkian 590. Gillet 854. Dewing 1242. Kraay-Hirmer pl. 142, 440.

Provenance: Ex Egger sale 10 December 1906, lot 254

The last coin I wanted to include in my top coins for the year is a coin I acquired in the NAC Spring Sale. On the obverse is the deity Pan which was a fun homophonic pun with the city name, Pan, Pantikapaion. Interestingly, the obverse bust is sometimes identified as a Satyr which is also a pun on the name of one of the founders, Satyros. Regardless as to whether the bust is Pan or Satyros, both are excellent representations of the far reaches of the ancient Greek frontiers where Pantikapaion is located, modern day Crimea. The reverse of this coin is the city guardian, a griffin, and the griffin is standing on the main export of the region which at the time and to this day is wheat. This region to this day is Europe’s breadbasket. I am quite fortunate to have acquired this coin as I really didn’t think it was likely. It wasn’t known until the week of the sale that this coin has an old provenance and it was identified as one first sold publicly in 1906.

11.

Lastly, just a group shot of my small collection of Sicilians. 

Impressive, indeed!

[Romancollector]

Phenomenal! All wonderful additions. My favourites are the Ptolemy IV octodrachm, the pantikapaion stater and the Syracusan dekadrachm.

[AncientJoe]

An excellent year indeed! Your Pantikapaion is particularly special because it's both real and pedigreed (not necessarily a guarantee recently). Your Berenike octodrachm is also of an excellent style and your 100 litrai and 60 litrai are both lacking the usual die rust and therefore very appealing.

Congratulations on some excellent additions!

[Nerosmyfavorite68]

Despite the reverse damage I voted for the half mnaieion; what a great type.  That would be followed closely by the Ptolemy IV.

It's certainly an extraordinary lineup of coins.

[savitale]

Spectacular coins! Hard to pick one. In the end I went with the Pantikapaion AV Stater. It is an iconic type. Nice to see a quality example with just some honest wear. 

[Brennos]

Great additions !!

I voted for the Pantikapeion stater. As I wrote on your previous post (I guess you're the same user as TheTrachyEnjoyer), you've made an excellent deal !

The octodrachm of Berenice and the double dekadrachm of Dionysios follow close behind.

[Ordinary-Ride-1595]

2 hours ago, Brennos said:

Great additions !!

I voted for the Pantikapeion stater. As I wrote on your previous post (I guess you're the same user as TheTrachyEnjoyer), you've made an excellent deal !

The octodrachm of Berenice and the double dekadrachm of Dionysios follow close behind.

Thanks! A very exciting win for me! I truly didn't think I had a chance at winning as I consulted with a couple professionals and seasoned collectors and every one of their estimates was above my max bid. TheTrachyEnjoyer is a friend who has a small youtube channel so I lent him the use of my coin for his channel. 

[panzerman]

With a selection like that/ I picked all of them! Just too nice to pick only three. I would love all of them in my collection.

Thanks for sharing your gems.

John

[Sulla80]

Great coins - i would pick them all as anything but ordinary.  That said my favorite would be Ptolemy III Evergetes, 246-222 BC Mnaieion or AV octodrachm 27.77g.  Best wishes for 2025.

 

[Ordinary-Ride-1595]

Forgot to include the provenance pics:

Eukleidas, Hamburger 1933

Euainetos/Eumenos, Hamburger 1933

Pantikapaion, Egger 1906

 

AV Double Dekadrachm, Ars Classica 1930

[MrMonkeySwag96]

I can’t make a choice on what’s my favorite lol

[Roman Collector]

All enviable additions to any collection! I'm a sucker for Ptolemaic queens -- especially in gold!! What a year!! 

[DonnaML]

I've been saying "Wow!" a lot today, but this one is as enthusiastic as any. For me, it was a tie between # 7 (the 100 Litrai with Herakles and the Nemean lion on the reverse) and # 10 (the Pantikapaion). I voted for # 7 to make sure it got some love, since I figured that the Pantikapaion would get plenty of other votes.

[Ordinary-Ride-1595]

2 hours ago, DonnaML said:

I've been saying "Wow!" a lot today, but this one is as enthusiastic as any. For me, it was a tie between # 7 (the 100 Litrai with Herakles and the Nemean lion on the reverse) and # 10 (the Pantikapaion). I voted for # 7 to make sure it got some love, since I figured that the Pantikapaion would get plenty of other votes.

Thanks, Donna! My little double dekadrachm was severely outvoted by the Pantikapaion! So far 13:2! Appreciate the love for that coin! 

[robinjojo]

Great coins! 

I really like the AR dekadrachm, and the double AV double dekadrachm, wonderful artistically executed dies.

[Croatian Coin Collector]

I voted for coin number 9, it is one of my coin collecting goals for 2025 to add it to my collection.