ACHAIA, Patrai. Circa 35 BC. AR Hemidrachm (16mm, 2.24 g, 1h). Damasias, son of Agesilaus, magistrate.

CNG Feature Auction 120
Lot: 265. Estimated: $ 500

Greek, Silver

Sold For $ 550. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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ACHAIA, Patrai. Circa 35 BC. AR Hemidrachm (16mm, 2.24 g, 1h). Damasias, son of Agesilaus, magistrate. Head of Aphrodite right, wearing stephanos / ΔA/MACIAC above Patrai monogram; all within wreath. BCD Peloponnesos 525–8; HGC 5, 57. Old cabinet tone, traces of find patina, struck with worn obverse die. Good VF.

Ex CNG inventory 852236 (August 2009); BCD Collection (not in previous sales); Spink America (6 December 1999), lot 635 (part of).

This coin is from a massive issue that was struck in an apparent hasty manner, a fact suggested by the relatively crude dies that were often overused. Many of the known examples are poorly struck, another indication of haste. The date of the issue, in the mid-30s BC, suggests that the issue was made in conjunction with Mark Antony’s preparations for his incipient war with Octavian. The head of Aphrodite may also have the features of Cleopatra VII, as many issues in the region at this time used her likeness in an attempt to flatter the wealthy queen (in fact, another issue of Patrai, BCD Peloponnesos 531-531, were overt issues in the name of Cleopatra).

The final winners of all CNG 120 lots will be determined at the live online sale that will be held on 11-12 May 2022. CNG 120 – Session One – Greek Coinage (Part 1) will be held Wednesday morning, 11 May 2022 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 22.50% for all others.

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