Search


CNG Bidding Platform

Information

Products and Services



Research Coins: Electronic Auction

 
348, Lot: 37. Estimate $100.
Sold for $180. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy III Euergetes. 246-222 BC. Æ Obol (24mm, 12.73 g, 12h). Tripod Series. Uncertain mint in Asia Minor. Diademed head of Zeus-Ammon right / Eagle with closed wings standing left on thunderbolt; to left, tripod; countermark: A within circular incuse. Svoronos 791 (Ptolemy II–Ake-Ptolemaïs); Weiser 79 (Ptolemy III); SNG Copenhagen 476 (Ptolemy II–Ake-Ptolemaïs); Noeske –. VF, dark green to black patina, some roughness on the obverse, a few light scratches on the reverse. Rare.


From the J. P. Righetti Collection, 039.

According to Ptolemaic bronze expert Daniel Wolf: “These coins are attributed by Svoronos to Ake-Ptolemaïs (Acre), but modern finds indicate they are most likely from the area near (modern) Bodrum in Turkey. Examples of Svoronos 791 are sometimes found with a single letter (A or B) countermark in a circular punch on the reverse...”

CNG is pleased to offer a large selection of Ptolemaic coins from the J. P. Righetti Collection. This group of coins is mostly comprised of diverse varieties of bronze issues from the beginning to the end of the Ptolemaic kingdom. The classification of many Ptolemaic bronze issues has been highly debated among numismatists, often with researchers publishing highly divergent attributions to various kings, and also in the naming of the denominations used. For this selection, we generally followed the attributions and denominations given on Dan Wolf’s website, www.ptolemybronze.com, who has been closely working with noted numismatic scholar, Catharine Lorber. The first of Cathy’s books on the Ptolemaic coinage, which will supplant the long outdated Svoronos, is imminently forthcoming, and we would like to thank her for reviewing this special offering. Her conclusions regarding each coin’s issuer, denomination, and mint are followed herein.