Sale: Nomos 2, Lot: 33. Estimate CHF750.  Closing Date: Monday, 17 May 2010.  Sold For CHF1250. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

MOESIA, Istros. 4th century BC. Drachm (Silver, 5.70 g 12), circa 350. Two facing male heads side by side, one upright and the other inverted - a tête-bêche pair. Rev. ΙΣΤΡΙΗ Sea eagle standing left on dolphin; below dolphin, monogram of ΑΠ. AMNG 417. SNG BM 246. SNG Stancomb 147. A superb piece, beautifully struck and centered. Attractively toned, virtually as struck.

The drachms of Istros with the tête-bêche heads (symbols of the mouths of the Danube) began in the mid 4th century and were struck in impressive numbers. Needless to say, the large numbers struck resulted in many coins of poor style and even poorer workmanship; but the early pieces, of which this and the following lot are perfect examples, were really very well done.