Ex Rockefeller University/Mirsky and Morgan Collections

Triton XXII, Lot: 75. Estimate $20000. Sold for $29000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

BRUTTIUM, Kaulonia. Circa 525-500 BC. AR Nomos (30mm, 7.92 g, 12h). Apollo advancing right, holding branch aloft in right hand, left arm extended, upon which a small daimon, holding branch in each hand, runs right; KAVΛ to left; to right, stag standing right, head reverted; dot-and-cable border / Incuse of obverse, but daimon in outline and no ethnic; radiate border. Noe, Caulonia, Group A, 5c = Morgan 91 (this coin); Gorini 3; HN Italy 2035; SNG ANS 142 (same dies); SNG München 1396 (same dies); Gulbenkian 119 (same dies); Hermitage Sale II 163 (same obv. die); Hunterian 2 (same obv. die). Good VF, attractive old cabinet tone. Excellent metal. Fine style.

From the Gasvoda Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler, August 2013. Ex Rockefeller University/Dr. Alfred E. Mirsky Collection (Gemini VII, 9 January 2011), lot 61; J. Pierpont Morgan Collection (not in H. Schulman or Stack’s sales; further pedigree listed for Morgan 91 is erroneous).

From the consignor: The incuse coinage of Kaulonia is fascinating to study as it offers a unique perspective into how this form of coinage was actually struck. Of the five cities in Magna Graecia that produced incuse coinage, each has features unique to its location. The coinage of Kaulonia is known for the die bounce that appears in the upper reverse left quadrant of the coins with great regularity. This is seen by the border impressions that appear in the reverse field. This and the following lot are two nearly perfect examples of early nomoi, each exhibiting similar die indentations. This is clearly the result of the method with which the two dies were held in place when the coin was struck. Recreating this consistent die bounce is most easily done by the use of slotted dies. Further study of this fascinating coinage will likely focus on the coins of Kaulonia as they offer the best understanding of the minting process employed in Magna Graecia.