Sale: Nomos 6, Lot: 86. Estimate CHF3500.  Closing Date: Monday, 7 May 2012.  Sold For CHF3000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

BITHYNIA, Herakleia Pontika. 4th century BC. Drachm or siglos (Silver, 5.14 g 4), Persic weight, c. 394-364. Bearded head of Herakles to left, wearing lionskin headdress. Rev. ΗΡΑΚ / ΛΕΙΑ Bull butting to left. SNG von Aulock 350 (this coin). SNG Fitzwilliam 4103. Beautifully toned and of splendid style. Good very fine.

Ex Peus 401. 3 November 2010, 356, Peus 380, 3 November 2004, 451, Monnaies et Médailles 52, 19 June 1975, 160 (termed Superbe), and from the collection of H. S. von Aulock.

This is a remarkably finely made coin from a city that was one of the most important harbors on the Black Sea coast. It was founded as a colony of Megara in c. 560 BC and had become very prosperous by the 4th century, when it was first dominated by oligarchs (when this piece was issued) and then, after their overthrow, ruled by a family dynasty founded by Klearchos (364-352 BC). They were initially tyrannts, but became kings in 305/4. The last members of the family were executed by Lysimachos in c. 284.