392, Lot: 204. Estimate $100.

ACHAIA, Patrai. Circa 45-40 BC. Æ Hexachalkon or Hemiobol (21mm, 8.01 g, 4h). Metrodoros, son of Menekles, magistrate. Bearded head of Herakles right, wearing tainia / Athena advancing right, holding shield and spear; civic monogram to left; to right, owl standing right. BCD Peloponnesos 509–12; HGC 5, 59. Near VF, green patina.

From the J. Cohen Collection. Ex BCD Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 305, 26 June 2013), lot 110; Glendining’s (24 September 1975), lot 390 (part of).

A note from the collector:
This collection of Peloponnesian coins was born from my personal interest in ancient Greek history and inspired primarily by the BCD sales. The collection was formed as a study of the varying coinage types produced through the ruling cycles of the Peloponnese. Initial focus of the collection was on Sparta, the coinage produced under Roman rule and issues produced bearing the iconography of the Achaean League. Given the less than amicable relationship between the League and Sparta, this area proved highly interesting to collect. The initial phase of collecting Sparta/Lacedaemon pieces set the groundwork for the evolution of the collection. 

The collection was then expanded to Sparta's immediate neighbor in Messene and then to the entire Peloponnese. As I moved through the wider Peloponnesian regions I aimed, where possible, to collect an example of Achaean League coinage of the respective City States, examples of the Greek Imperial coinage and finally, Roman Provincial coinage. The goal being to develop a snapshot of the evolution of coins issued within the Peloponnese. Collecting in this way allowed for a timeline of both political and artistic change throughout the Peloponnese to be mapped out. The uniform coinage, both in silver and bronze of the Achaean league can be compared against the unique iconography of the corresponding Imperial issues and the later, highly stylized Roman issues. From a historical perspective, the evolution and membership of the League as well as the wars within the region can also be viewed through the issuing of coinage.

Numismatically, the primary goals of this collection have been broadly achieved by focusing on the smaller issues of the City States within the Peloponnese, no large silver issues beyond the enigmatic Tetradrachms have representation within the collection.  The product of my labors is what I believe to be a highly diverse, interesting and accessible group of coins which provides an insight into one of the most interesting periods and regions of the Ancient world.

Current Status

392, Lot: 204.
Closing Date And Time: Mar 01, 2017 at 11:08:00 AM ET.
Current Date And Time: Apr 20, 2024 at 9:07:27 AM ET.
Currently: No Bids. Bidders (0).