My top two ancient coins of the year.

Theodosius · December 26, 2024

Like some others here, I did not buy many ancient coins this year. I read Numis Forums almost every day but did not spend much time looking for coins to buy. My main focus is ancient Greek, which tend to be pretty pricey for what I still want. I bought two coins that met the intersection of what I noticed for sale, what I want and what I felt like spending at the time. 🙂

I have been slowly working on completing my US 7070 type set that I started 50 years ago. Seems like time to finish it up. 🙂

#1. I have wanted one of these tetradrachms for a long time. They are usually corroded or expensive. This one is double struck on the obverse and a little off center on the reverse, but it is a nice coin in hand. It was much less expensive than any other decent one of these I have seen in a long time, even though it was sold by CNG, who tend to get more than market prices for anything decent, IMO. I like coins with lions and have a subcollection of Greek coins with them.

Mysia, Kyzikos. Circa 410-390 BC.

AR Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 14.87 g, 11h).

Obverse: Head of Kore Soteira left, hair in sphendone covered with a veil, two grain ears in hair.

Reverse: Head of lion left; below, tunny left; owl to right.

Pixodarus Type 1; SNG BN 405–6.

Lightly toned, slight granularity, double struck and die shift on obverse. VF.
Ex Downie-Lepczyk 75 (6 June 1987), lot 115.

Ex-CNG Electronic Auction 564, #93, June 19, 2024

#2. I really like the coins from Neapolis. The nymph head can be very artistic and the MHB often has a really cool look. This one is off center on both sides but still attractive in hand. I don't see the edge damage of buffing the dealer listed, maybe it happened long ago (1973) and has re-toned now? These issues may have contributed to a lower price when they really don't detract. Bermondsey Coins has a lot of other nice Greek coins at the moment.