Vo/2, NO.8 Numismatic Art of Antiquity AUGUST 1988 $1.

25

4th in a series
Arab-Sasanian copper presents varied typo logy
by Slephen Album types. with standard Arabic legends
but incorporating purely Sasanian
The widespread use of Arab- elements, including headdresses,
Sasanian copper coins has only busts, and marginal ornamentation,
recently been recognized. Unlike the are featured until at least AH137,
virtually uniform silver. the coppers primarily at the Jayy and Shiraz
present a great variety of distinctive mints. 11
types. with each mint characterized by
its own typology. While the obverse In contrast to the silver dirhams,
usually portrays a Sasanian style bust. the coppers are not found in hoards.
the reverses are varied, with poru-aits. but only as stray or isolated finds .
animals, mythical hybrid beasts. and Moreover, they were essentially a
pure inscrip'tions just as frequent as loca1 coinage, and rarely traveled far
the standard fire-altar. Many of the from their mint of origin. Hence they
types have been catalogued recently by are Quite rare, and usually found in 22. Anonymous AE fals, Kazirun mint (written out in full), undated,
Curiel and Gyselen, where reference is worn or corroded condition. The unpublished mint (though several specimens have been recently
made to other scattered references in most common types sell for $50-$100 discovered). Note the unusual reverse type: horseman r.. holding
in fine condition. which should be unidentified object in left hand.
the numismatic literature. 10 The regarded as a decent grade for the
Arab-Sasanian copper seems not to series.
have commenced until after 660,
perhaps as late as the time of 'Ubayd The Arab-Sasanian coins present a struck. This is important for certain of the early Umayyad caliphate. 12
Allah ibn Ziyad,. the earliest governor remarkable historical source, given periods, notably the time of the Unfortunately, present catalogs are
cited on the copper coinage. However. that most examples. especia1ly of the second civil war (AH60-73/AD680- not organized in a fashion that
it extended beyond the terminal date silver, give the name of a ruler or 692) (fig. 8), and for the Kharijite facilitates the exploitation of the
of the silver, with the latest recorded governor, the mint and the date. Thus rebellions in Iran (AH75·77fAD694· numismatic source for its historical
date being AH94, at Darabjirti. The they can be used to trace the history 696) (figs. 15 & 16). and is useful for
of each mint at which they were understanding the provincial structure Please turn to page X
form of the date changed gradually,
with some mints retaining Pahlavi
until at least AH92, others switching
to Arabic as early as AH83. The Queen of Palmyra
earliest dated post-reform coppers
from the former Sasanian territories
bear the year 100 (Hijri), but it is
Zenobia struck coinage for propaganda
likely that some mintless and dateless by Vincent Kosik
coppers with purely religious influence and direction, the great Ancient Palmyra, located in what
Perhaps no other personage has minting city of Antioch on the
inscriptions might already have been is now eastern Syria, was a vigorous
captured the mystique of Cleopatra Orontes struck an immense coinage of
struck in the late 90's. Moreover, the trading metropolis benefitting from
better than the Palmycian Queen base silver plated antoniniani. It must
reform of AHIOO was never the caravan trade routes passing
Zenobia. who even claimed ancestry be remembered that a female head of
thoroughly implemented. Hybrid through it between the Roman empire
from Macedonian kings. Under her state was not a totally foreign idea to and the Far East. Like so many of
the people of the Roman world. today's nations. it sought political
Imperial women, especially in the ties based on its commercial interests,
House of The Severi, played a pre·
Miscellanea •
Maintaining a close association with
dominant role in the affairs of Rome as a colony, it contributed to
government. It is true a woinan could the defense of the border by supplying
not rule without a male counterpart, the army with skilled archers and
• Walker announces new holders because the soldiery would not accept
her presence as commander-in·chief.
mailed cavalry.
In the mid·third century A.D. a
Thomas D. Walker, numismatist from San Antonio. TX announced at This, however, could easily be accom- series of events brought Palmyra to
lhe ANA convention in Cincinnati lhat he will soon be offering for sale plished by propping up a junior male the forefront of territorial gain and
to collectors a lucite holder specifically designed for ancient coins. member of the household, as done by rule in her own right. First, the
Samples which Walker demonstrated at the convention included mounts Julia Maesa with Severus Alexander Sasanians conducted an invasion of
for coins of the "Twelve Caesars". "Adoptive Emperors", Severan and Elagabalas. As the reader will Asia Minor with the disastrous
Emperors", "Tribute Penny", and "Alexander lhe Great". The holders are see, Zenobia made good use of the coin results of defeating the Roman army
made of clear hard lucite covers with a colored sandwich core of white, types she selected to gain political and capturing the Emperor Valerian in
blue or black. Coins of various diameters and irregularities are recognition and sway public opinion in
accomodated by the use of a unique poly ring which compresses as needed. her favor. Please turn to page XVII
Approximate retail prices are $20 to $40 per holder, depending on size
and number of mountings.

• Superior issues special summer list INSIDE r"o~,.. .

THE CELATOR: &.'
Superior Galleries has issued a special summer list of coins and -'
antiquites for sale from inventory. Offerings include an interesting array ;;ml,'
0_
-X~
of Seleukid. Phoenician. and BibUcal coins as well as a wide range of
antiquities. Send $1.50 for the profusely illustrated catalog to Superior, II
~ ... o
'" to ~
Point of View
9478 West Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90212-4299
Book News IV 8l'"
People VI
• Roman Coins & Values finally out Market VII -g~
•u 8
1be long awaited revision of Roman Coins and thejr Values is in the Dust IX ~. &.
process of being distributed to book sellers, and orders should be staning
to be fllled shonly. B.A. Seaby, publisher of the hobby's "bible" on Coin File XIV - n

Roman coins by David R. Sear, treated collectors and dealers at the ANA Trivia XIV ~:
_."
XV
convention to a sneak preview of the new edition. The previous edition
has for some time been out of print and very difficult to obtain.
Calendar
Classifieds XXII
~2
~!
Prof. Directory XXII til"
~

.J
 The Celator August 1988

best of its treasures for national Governments come and go, but there

7/,e CeloIor's
museums and public enjoyment, but
the total ban on export of antiquities
does little to achieve that objective.
It does. in fact, encourage an illicit
have been collectors of ancient coins
since the third century BC. I suspect
that there will still be collectors of
ancient. coins long after the present

Puinl oj View ... trade. I think it is time the

governments of these countries take a
more realistic view concerning the
Commentary by Wayne G. Sayles exportation of ancient coins and
artifacts. The past be longs to
mankind, not just to the particular
regimes in those Mediterranean
countries have perished.
O ur letterbag this month was
filled with interesting exchanges. If
you have opinions or useful tips that
you would like to share - Let us hear

T
he story that everyone has the Turkish government's attempts to authority governing a locality. your point of view!
been waiting for finally was retrieve those coins known as The
released to the public this Decadrachm Hoard? If they lefl that
July as C01lfloisseu.r magazine pub- country illegally, so have tens of
lished an article by Ozen Acar and thousands more. Let's face it. none of
Melik Kaylan outlining their tale of
"intrique" surrounding the origin and
the ancient coins we see on the world
market were released to collectors by Letters to the Editor
sale of coins from the famed the Turkish government.
Decadrachm Hoard of 1984. The Of course it is impossible for Dear Editor:
Connoisseur article was also reprinted anyone to prove the origin of 99% of
in the July 6 issue of Coill World. the ancient coins bought and sold As a new subscriber I find your suspected) were covered in sections of
Although collectors have for many every day, so the danger of losing short "Coin File" very useful. Is it Hall & Metcalf ed., Methods of
years witnessed the capricious nature one's prized tettadrachm is not very possible to obtain these items that Chemical and Metallurgical Investi·
of governments in the Mediterranean real. In the case of the Decadrachm appeared in past issues? Have they gation of Ancient Coinage, 1972.
area, never has one of those govern- Hoard, we may have that elusive 1% been collected and published in book Most useful to me was three sections
ments touched us quite so close to whose origin can be proven. Very bad form? Please inform. by Lawrence H. Cope.
home. The idea that one might be luck it seems for the parties Daniel W. Michaels I recommend this book to anyone
subject to forfeiting a collec,tible, concerned. Washington, D.C. one who has an interest in the
bought in good faith. because another What is particularly bothersome to technical side of ancient coins.
nationality considers it a part of their me, is that the notoriety of this case (Believe it or not Daniel, you. are not Douglas Smith
the IlI'st person to ask that qu.estion. Of Maryland

Governments come and go, but there have been

cou.rse back issues are still available at
$1.00 eash, bu.t there has been no attempt
to repu.blish the Coin File items separately.
........
collectors of ancient coins since the third century BG. We are cu.rrefilly exploring the possibility
0/ an expanded set published on 3x5 card
-') I appreciate Kerry Wetterstrom's
article on collecting, however, when
cuhural heritage, is more than a little has implicitly branded all collectors .
disconcerting. For those who may of ancient coins as accomplices to ••••• he states "I myself am a pure collec·
tor," and announces that he "made the
have been vacationing in the Falkland smugglers and ne'er do wells. Is transition to dealing," I must point
there an ethical question here to be I wanted to make a minor correc·
islands over the past year. the Turkish out a fallacy.
government is attempting to retrieve addressed? If we should boycott tion to my article: "Alexandrian coins
used distinctive dating system" in While living in Manhattan, I, an
the contents of the Decadrachm Hoard Krugerands. perhaps we should also avid record collector (currently I own
boycott all ancient coins struck in Vol. 2. No.6. Substitute the follow-
claiming theft of cultural 10,000 discs), decided to open a classi-
Anatolian cities or Greek cities or ing: "The first leap year occurred on
patrimony. cal out-of-print record shop with
Italian cities. Perhaps we all should August 29, 6 AD. one year and
Having lived in Turkey for two semi--disastrous results· fo r half
years, it is my observation that the collect Celtic coins or British four months before the Roman Leap
year." the shop's inventory was constantly
vast majority of modern inhabitants hammered coins. But what if the added to my own personal library.
British government tightened up its Normally I would have ignored
of that country are concerned very Years later. after moving t9
view of cultural patrimony? Is it safe this small correction, but since the
little with the preservation of a Florida, I opened an out-of-print used
to collect American Indian arrow· dating example of the regnal dating of
cultural heritage belonging to them book shop (it also handled records!)
little more than it belongs to the heads? Don't laugh, that may be in Elagabalus given on page XI of the
BMC Alexandrian catal .;ue is in with similar results. (lawn now over
Chinese or the Finlanders. They are. danger too.
error, I thought I might as well 2,000 books!)
in fact, mostly interested in Greek, As a nation, we have a strange Nope. a "pure collector" will find
Roman and Byzantine artifacts only so propensity to burden ourselves with clarify when the Alexandrian year
began on August 30. it difficult to impossible to make the
far as those trinkets of the past guilt for any number of the world's
The Alexandrian leap year began in "transition to dealing" and unless his
produce a cash flow in a land where supposed ills. The "theft" of anti· interest is extremely narrow - or he
four digit annual incomes are above quities sounds ominous enough, but I, the year 6, 10. 14, 18 AD ....etc.
The Roman leap year began in 8, keeps his hands off his choice stock
the norm. for one. refuse to feel guilty about
12. 16.20 AD ....etc. (his choice, of course!) he will weaken
It has also been my observation own'ing and cherishing my own little his dealership.
that the application of law in that piece of classical Greek or Roman art. The year after an Alexandrian leap
country is often a product of influence It's my cultural heritage too, and if year began one day later: 7, 11, IS, 19, A while back I made a half hour
or the lack of it. Violators of certain someone who cares less about it wants AD.• etc. documentary film dealing with the
laws seem only to be apprehended if to trade it to me for a few greenbacks I use the following method to collector - from both the aspect of
their ability to influence is not they'll always find me a willing determine if an AD date was when the the dealer and his customers. Many
sufficient, or if they have offended the buyer. Alexandrian year began on August 30: fascinating observations emerged from
wrong person. I find nothing objectionable about a ·--Divide the AD date by four and this film but the basic premise, of the
government trying to preserve the if the remainder is 3 then that year two not entwining, was prevalent.
Why then are we so concerned with
starts on August 30. Example: 203 Again, I wish to compliment Kerry
AD: 203/4 .. 50, with a remainder of 3. for his honest article.
Therefore the Alexandrian year which David Devensky
Deadline for the September issue began in 203 AD, started on August Florida
is Friday, August 12 30, 203 and went to August 28. 204
AD. .. ........
The following is a correction of
the BMC example for the reign of Thanks for the back issues. I read
Elagabalus: them avidly. My only regret is that

'lAa 0Jt4,
Postmaster: send address changes to:
Ist regnal year: June 8, 218 AD -
August 28. 218 AD.
2nd regnal year: August 29. 2 18
the copies of The Celator shall fall
apart in a few years due to the paper
they're on. You just wouldn't happen
AD . August 29, 219 AD. to have all those issues on a
P.O. Box 123, Lodi, WI 53555 3rd regnal year: August 30. 219 MacIntosh? (The only PC wor th
Phone (608) 592·4684 AD - August 28, 220 AD. using!)
The Gelator is an independent newspaper published on the first day of each 4th regnal year: August 29, 220 GREAT magazine (newspaper?)
month at 10905 Hwy V, Lodi, WI.. It is circulated internationally through AD • August 28. 221 AD. What sort of guidelines would you
subscriptions and special distributions. Subscription rates are $15 per year 5th regnal year: August 29, 221 suggest for submission of articles?
(second class) within the United States; $18 per year to Canada and overseas AD - February 1, 222 AD. Bohdan. Rekshynskyj
via surface mail; $35 per year outside North America (Air Printed Matter). Keith Emmett New York, New York
Advertising and copy deadline is the second Friday of each month. Ontario, Canada
Unsolicited articles and news releases are welcome but cannot be returned. (Yes, we do u.se a Macintosh bu.t we do
Second class postage, permit pending, Lodi, WI 53555. Copyright e 1988,
Clio's Cabinet. ••••• fl{)1 save lhe entire back issue, only /eatu.re
articles. As far as gu.idelines for articles·
Wayne G. Sayles . . . . . . . . . . . . Publisher/Editor As a follow up on my plea for lhey shou.ld be thou.ght provoking, related
Janet Sayles . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. ArtIOistributlon help in finding technical information /0 ancient nu.misnwlics or antiqu.ities or
Krls Crary . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . Copy/Layout the collecting of same, clear and concise).
about coin production:
Karen Voeltzke . . . . . . . . . . . . . Photo/Graphics Many of my questions (and thou-
Please turn to page XVl1l
" • 4 • • • • • • • .. • •• • ••••••••• ...... ,.,." ........... .. .. sands of questions 1 had never even
, .. .. ... . ........................, ..........., .............................. ..... ...
~ ,
 ..' ...... ,' .., ..'.'.', ',' . ...
" . ,."
' ' ,.','
, •
The Celator August 1988 III

ANCIENT COINS AT CHRISTIE'S

Solidus of Magnus Maximus

Sold for $4,400 at Christie's, New York
June 8th, 1988

Aureus of Faustina I
Sold for $6,600 at Christie's, New York
June 8th, 1988

Whether you are buying, selling or require a valuation,

Christie's can offer excellent advice.
For further information, please contact
James Lamb or Amy Corcoran at 212/546-1056
or write to: 502 Park Avenue,
New York, NY 10022

CHRISTIES
NEW YORK
 •
" I' 1.~J,r .... -
August 11188

Antique Byzantine Coins
Catalogue 1988 by Erdogao
Atak.: Publisbed by Antikite
Yayinlari, Babiali Cad. No. 54
Tasvire Han, Kat: 1 #11
Cagaloglu, Istanbul, 128
pages, or which SI plates with
1276 coin photographs (obverse
and reverse) are printed on rine
heavy clay paper. Tbree plates
of map charts of monograms.
maps and index. 9 3/4 " 13 112
inches, cased bound, text in
Turkish, probable U.S. price
$35
This is the third volume in a series
for collectors of Ancient Coins
compiled by the author, the first
being Antique Greek Coins in 1980,
and Antique Raman Coins in 1982.
The auihor during his recent sabbatical
has brought together some of the
finest specimens of the coinage to
illustrate this new work; and using
the auction catalogues of the well
known European dealers, Aes Rude,
Bank Leu, Gitta Kastner, Hess Leu,
Karl Kress, Lanz Munchen and Frank
Sternberg, issued during the years
1960-1988, has included valuations in
Swiss Francs for typical specimens of
all the coins illustrated, according to
their rarity.
found on the coins. including those of
the Ostrogoths and Vandal Kings;
with a page devoted to the Greek
alphabet in the various forms used in
the period, followed by a comprehen-
sive index.
The Turkish text relating to the
coins. which includes the date, legends
and weight should present no diffi-
culty with the aid of a small band-
dictionary. The plates and text (47-
50) deal with the coins of the Vandal
Kings, Empires of Nicaea and
Trebizond and Lombards (which
imitated the coins of the Roman
Emperors of Constantinople) and the
Arab-Byzantine types.
Although designed for collectors
of ancient coins in Turkey, it is a
valuable addition to any literature on
the subject and worth acquiring by
libraries and by dealers and collectors
interested in the series.
Submitted by
Kenneth M. MacKenzie
Plato, Prehistorian, by
Settegast, The Rottenberg
Press,
Professional category award. B.C. - demonstrates the immense
challenges existing theories about value offered by those ancient reports
early man and the development of his to the reconstruction of this critical
technologies, art and religion. The period of man's past.
author's theme is the origin of the
Neolithic revolution, the changeover
from hunting and gathering to
farming, often called the most
important event in human prehistory.
Repercussions of this commitment to
sedentary living, which appears to
have begun in the Near East during the
eighth and seventh millennia B.C .• are
felt intensely in our own time; yet its
source remains a mystery.
Departing from current efforts to
explain the phenomenon in terms of
population increase or climatic change.
the author turns instead to classical
literature, to tales that heretofare
have been construed as mythic. Her
comparison of the most recent
findings in Old World archaeology
with two of these supposed myths -
the ninth millenium war described in
Plato's Timaeus and Critias dialogues,
and Aristotle's dating of the prophet
Zarathustra to the seventh millenium
Mary

pages
P.O . Box
Cambridge, MA 02138. 334
1171,

There are well drawn maps which
include the mints of the Byzantine
Empire 498-1453 AD. and the extent
of the Empire under the rulers
Anastasius I, Justinian I, Heraclius.
Basill II, Alexius I and Michael
VlII. Also charts of monograms
hardbound illustrated,
$36.00 plus $2.00 postage and
bandling.
In a far-reaching synthesis of
archaeological and classical
scholarship, this winner of the 1987
New England Book Show lIIusttated
Mildenberg collection
catalog is now on sale
In his article about animals in the catalog both educational and
ancient art (The Celator. Vol. 2, No. entenaining. Orders may be sent to
1. January 1988), David Lieben made The Scholar's Bookshelf, 51 Everett
., reference to an imponant collection
of antiquities assembled by Dr. Leo
Drive, Princeton. NJ 08550.

Mildenberg. The 207 page catalog of

a 1981 Cleveland Museum of Art
exhibition of this unique collection is
BIBLICAL COIN BOOKS currently being offered by The
Scholar's Bookshelf at the sale price
of $19.95 plus $3.75 for postage and
Ancient Jewish Coinage by Yaakov Meshorer. handling. Regular list of the catalog
Hardcover, two volumes, hundreds of photos. The most is $29.95.
The catalog, which depicts and
detailed work ever written on this series. LIMITED
describes 197 works in all art forms,
SPECIAL .............. ............TWO VOLUMES for $100. includes 22 full color plates and black
Jewish Coins of the Second Temple Period by and white illustrations of all of the
works in the exhibition. Introductory
Meshorer. Hardcover, 148 pages. Latest printing ...$20. essays discuss the animals originating
in the ancient near east, the classical
City Coins of Eretz-Israel and the Decapolis in the world, and Egypt.
Roman Period by Meshorer. Lavishly illustrated 123-page Collectors of antiquities will find
hardcover....................................................................$30.
ANS lists
numismatic
literature
Members of the American
Numismatic Society (ANS) in
addition to receiving the Society's
journal, quarterly newsletters, and
annual report, receive as part of their
membership a semi-annual publication
titled Numismatic Literature. NL is
an international abstract bibliography
of the current literature in the
numismatic profession.

BOSTON... Submissions to NL come from an

international board of contributing
editors who each collect the material
Foreign and Ancient Cojn published in their own country and
Mecca o/The Northeast! forward it to the ANS. Author and
Jewish Symbols on Ancient Coins by Paul Romanoff. subject indices are published at the
BAY STATE COIN SHOW back of each issue, making research on
Hardcover, 79 pages ..................................................$10. a particular topic relatively easy.
August 7,8,9,
History of Jewish Coinage by Frederic Madden. Quality November 18, 19,20 Older titles of particular interest,
"57" PARK PLAZA HOTEL or in languages not commonly
reprints of the 1864 edition. Hardcover, 350 pages, encountered, are also included in the
illustrated ................................................................... $15. Over 23 years ... pUblication.
~New England's Lmgest Coin Show!!!~
All Books are in Stock. Add $1.50 per book postage. Persons wishing to learn more
ALSO: Ask for our free illustrated catalog of Jewish, Chairman: Ed Aleo about membership in the ANS may
Box 400, Winchester, MA 01890 write to American Numismatic
Biblical, Greek, Roman coins, weights and antiquities. Society, Broadway at 155th St.. New
617-729-9677 York, NY 10032.
"We wrote the book on Biblical coins!"
Reader Response
J,~. AMPHORA
PO [lax 805
\r'
iw,1.fi7v\
• ~ ~t
is essential to the success of any publication. We are sincerely
interested in your comments, criticisms, suggestions and desires.
Share your news, views and observations with others who enjoy
-'=Jc= Il' Nyack. NY 10960 q,~..& the fascination of antiquity as much as you do. Write to:
--.;;;.",,' 914·J58-7364 '... " The CeIator • P.O, Box 123 • Lodi, WI 53555
,The Celato~

NUMISMATIC FINE ARTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

OVER 100 YEARS NUMISMATIC EXPERIENCE

BRUCE McNALL STEVE RUDINGER SIMON BENDALL

CHAIRMAN OF TilE BOARD
As the founder of Numismatic Fine Arts, Bruce set the
high standards and pioneered the fine quality for which
NFA has become world renowned. Although his
obligations are now quite diverse. Bruce continues to
be me gu!ding light of NF A.
PRESIDENF
Steve is responsible for the marketing strategy of the
company and is the key figure in the acquisition of
new material. In his travels around the world. he re-
mains tireless in his efforts to continually provide our
cusLOmers with the best items available.
VICE·PRESIDENT
Simon joined NFA last December after nineteen years
as the head of the ancient coin department of Baldwin's
in London. A prominent Byzantinist, Simon has
already proven himself a valuable asset to NFA in the
areas of sales and research.

ROD FREEMAN CATHY LORBER DAVID SEAR

NUMISMATIST I OPERATIONS MANAGER
Rob holds the reins of several activities at Numis-
matic Fine Arts. Not only is he responsible for con-
tact with consignors and clients, but he also engages
in research and photography as well as the mainte-
nance of daily operations when Steve Rubinger is
away. Rob is ~Iy our jack-of-all-trades.
RESEARCIIER I CATAWGUER
Cathy has been with NFA since its inception. As a
cataloguer, researcher and scholar, she has long been
considered one of NFA's most dependable assets. Her
detailed, scholarly research has received the well-de-
served plaudits of the world's numismatic community.
RESEARClIER I CONSULTANT TO NFA
David is inarguably the foremost author in the world
of ancient numismatics today. His handbooks on
Greek. Greek Imperial. Roman and Byzantine coinage
are considered indispensable. David's current duties lie
in preparing the de.<;criptions found in our unequalled
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UNEQUALLED SERVICE
NFA is the largest finn in the world specializing in ancient coins, The NFA staff of twenty
talented individuals is unsurpassed by any other numismatic finn. Our combined experience of
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The outstanding research, photography and overall presentation of our auction catalogues
assure our clients the best possible results.

NFA OFFERS THE BEST

NFA has sold some of the most prominent collections of ancient coins to be offered in recent history:
Santa Barbara Museum of Art (1975)
Boston Museum of Fine Arts (1980)
Johns Hopkins University (1983-1985)

In the last few years, NFA has staged two highly successful auctions. The 1987 sale, which
grossed $ 4,008,535 included an exceptional assemblage of Se1eucid coinage. This year's
auction grossed $ 2,345,390 and featured the most comprehensive collection of Roman
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We urge you to make yourself a part of our success. We will consider all quality single coins
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I auction catalogues (with prices realized),

~il~·'
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I
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I CITY,STATE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
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'¢; 0;,,;' Telephone: (213) 282-7535
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I My collecting interests are:
I

Madison A venue Gal/ery
Selim Dere antiquities director at Marvin Kagan's
by Wayne G. Sayles
Impressive! If one were to choose a
single word to describe the atmos·
phere at tbe Marvin Kagan Art
Gallery on New York's Madison
Avenue, that would have to be it. The
two story gallery is impeccable in its
appointments, with a distinct aura of
sophisticated connoisseurship at work.
Airy and understated, yet warm and
inviting, the facility presents an, in-
credible array of rare antiquities and
quality Persian carpets.
Visitors interested in artifacts
from the ancient world will find
Director Selim Defe a courteous and
extremely well informed host as they
peruse the 1,200+ pieces of Sumerian,
Egyptian, Greek. Roman, Byzantine
and Islamic art on display. Ranging
from marble busts to bronze statu-
ettes, black-figure vases to tear vials,
grave stele to terracotta lamps. the
variety is endless.
Dere, who joined Marvin Kagan at
the New York City location in 1987.
originally came from the district of
Mardin. which is well known to
numismatists as the site of a mysti-
fying 12th Century Islamic coinage
which incorporated classical Greek and
Roman iconography. He came to the
United States in 1979 and he is now a
Sculpture is but one of the art forms represented in New York's Marvin
Kagan Gallery
Barton's medal article
wins Best in '88 award
Winners in the 1988 Numismatic
Literary Guild writer's competition
were announced in conjunction with
the guild's annual symposium July 21
at the American Numismatic Asso-
ciation Convention in Cincinnati.
In the numismatic newspapers
category. the guild honors writers for
excellence in four basic areas; Best
spot news or continuing coverage.
Best article or series of articles, best
column, and best issue. Competing
for the first time in this competition,
The Celator was honored with the
award of Best Medal Article for the
late John Barton's fascinating story
"Byzantine Emperor links present to
past" published in the Aug/Sep 1987
issue.
U.S. citizen. living in Ridgefield.
New Jersey. Selim and his wife Aysel
have a son and daughter, both grown
and living in the United States.
Dere's interest in antiquity dates
back to age 15. He worked as a whole-
sale dealer in ancient coins for many
years and still is active in the field.
attending nearly all major coin shows
in the U.S. Asked why he became a
de·a ler in coins and antiquities, he
replied. "It's part of my life, I love
it." Dere's education in ancient art has
been largely acquired through hands-
on experience and personal research.
However. he includes courses in Art
History at the University of Ohio-
Columbus as a valuable part of his
training.
The role of Director in an art
gallery is quite different from that of
a travelling wholesaler and Dere
points out that it is a "different kind
of experience."
In the gallery. one meets "different
kinds of people." from corporate exe-
cutives to academicians. students. and
local tourists. One thing that each
visitor to the gallery will undoubted-
ly share with Selim Dere is a very real
appreciation for the skill of those
artists whose work has survived the
ravages of time. Next time _you)e in
Barton detailed in this article the
historical and numismatic circum-
stances surrounding two of the very
earliest of modem commemorative
medals which were struck in
commemoration of the visit of
Byzantine Emperor Manuel II,
Paleaeologus to France in the opening
years of the fifteenth century.
The Numismatic Literary Guild.
currently in its twentieth year. is an
association of numismatic writers.
editors. and publishers from all
elements of the profession. Persons
interested in obtaining information
about the guild may write to
Exectutive Director, David T.
Alexander, P.O. Box 970218. Miami,
FL 33197-0218.
New York, be sure to stop at Marvin
Kagan Art Gallery. 991 Madison
Selim Dere welcomes collectors of antiquities to the Marvin Kagan Gallery
Archaeologists locate
early wall on Palatine
During the first week of June,
archaeologists excavating on the slope
of the Palatine Hill in Rome
unearthed ' what some believe is the
original defensive wall built when
Rome was founded.
The excavation. led by Andrea
Carandini of the University of Pisa
and reponed by Roberto Suro of the
New York times, seems to indicate
that Rome had actually emerged as a
dynamic civilization as early as the
6th or 7th century B.C., as opposed to
the view of most scholars who have
supported a much later date.
If that is indeed the case. then the
idea that the founding of Rome was a
mythological rather than historical
event may be challenged. The imag-
ination of romanticists has under-
standably been fueled by the find since
Tacitus related from legend that
Romulus built a wall at the very spot
where the current excavation is taking
place.
The use of classical literature in
locating ancient sites has become more
and more recognized as a valuable tool
for the archaeologist in recent years.
Excavation at another romantic site.
the Ithaca of Odysseus, has in the past
several years substantiated much of
the island's geographical reference in
Homer's Odyssey.
While noted archaeologists and
classicists remain skeptical of the
hypotheticaJ link between legend and
history, the present discovery will
,O ,..,i- " _.l!JJ'l"
Augusf"191R1'
Avenue, and tteat younfelf to a rare
and rewarding experience.
undoubtedly open a new chapter in the
history of the eternal city.
•
ONS Issues
Newsletter
The Oriental Numismatic Society
announced in its newsletter of May-
June 1988 that the organizations
membership increased during the past
year by 70 members.
While the society lost 40 members
due to resignations. etc.. 110 new
members were added to the rolls. 57
of which were from South Asia. 26
new American members were added
during the same period. The total
membership roll of the society now
rests at 528.
Mefllbership secretary Michael
Legg noted that the ONS shares a
problem with other groups of a
similar nature. in the dearth of young
collectors participating.
The May-June newsletter contains
information about new publications. a
paper on "Mystery Mints of the
Umayyads" by Michael Bates. auction
news. and notes on "Sasanian-style
Drachms from the Muslim Conquest
of Sijistan" by Stuart Sears.
Persons interested in the Oriental
Numismatic Society may contact the
American Secretary. William B.
Warden. Jr. at P.O. Box 356. New
Hope. PA 18938.

Art
Newell coins sold
"Curator Sale" generates very heavy bidding
by Wayne G. Sayles
Billed as ~T h e Curator Sale,"
Harmer Rooke Numismatists. Ltd.
offered at unreserved public auction
July 6, 1988. some 267 loIS of ancient
Greek, Roman, Byzantine. Judaean,
and related coinage. The number of
lots certainly did not tell the whole
story, as some indi vidual lots
included over 40 coins. and many lots
included double digit quanti tie s.
Seldom, in recent years, has a greater
number of multiple lots been offered
in one sale.
The coins seemed to a large degree,
to be part of an old collection, as-
sembled by a former assistant curator
at the New York Chase Manhattan
Bank's Money Museum. Included was
a group of 144 pieces originally from
the Edward T. Newell Collection,
wh ich remained essentially in tact ·
most with their original holders.
Although in less than remarkable
condition, the obvious historical value
and pedigree appeal of these coins
drove bidding for the lot to· $I,100
against a $750 estimate.
Overall, bidding on lower grade
Roman silver and bronze coins was
exceptionally strong. For example. a
lot of 74 Republican bronzes estima-
ted at $450 actually brought $1,150.
Similarly a lot of 129 Roman Colo-
Slow but steady
Cincinnati hosts ANA convention
by Wayne G. Sayles
The concensus of deale rs with
tables at the 97th anniversary conven-
tion of the American Numismatic
Association, held this year at the
Cincinnati Convention Center, was
that business was slow but steady
throughout the five day event. While
most ind icated that volume was
down, the total dollar sales may have
been proportionately higher as serious
collectors seemed to be in a buying
mood. Another concensus seemed to
"Project Segovia " organizer Glen Murray (center) and engraver Ron Landis
(right) man a booth at the ANA Convention ~n ~inci~nati. Lan~is will be
assisting Murray in development of the project s mmt restoration at
Segovia, Spain.
nial bronzes was hammered down at
$1, 100 against a $500 estimate.
Nicer coins faired equally well.
with an early Roman As of 240-225
BC (Janus head and ship's prow)
bringing $950 against a $400 esti·
mated value. A Semis of 280-245 BC
with Pegasus flying, was estimated at
$200 and brought $550. An EF Shekel
of the second revolt brought $2, 100.
A strong book resulted in many
lots opening at near estimate, and very
active floor bidding from both dealers
and collectors Quickly set the tone for
an impressive performance across the
board.
One of the more remarkable perfor-
mances was a lot of 176 mixed silver
and bronze coins, mostly of Sasanian
and Turkoman orig in, which opened at
about 50% above the $400 estimate
and quickly reached $ 1,350 in a flurry
of floor competition. This kind of
activity was not at all isolated and
nearly all areas of ancient coinage
received solid support. •
For several months, dealers have
been suggesting that there is a short-
age of new lower grade material
coming into the market. The reasons
fo r this un usual condition are not
entirely clear, but the substan ti al
influx of new collectors. and the
be that a five day show is just too
long. Compounding the strain this
year was a pre-ANA s how held the
weekend prior to the opening of the
convention. Touted as a "dealer's"
show, some travelled to Cincinnati
early to take advantage of the buying
and selling opportu n ities in
preparation for what was thought
might be a very strong perfonnance at
the ANA.
As might be expected at a show
with 1,000 tables, dealers in ancient
. ,.
VI,!,
Roman Republic
AE - Semis, ca. 280 - 245 Be
sold at $550 against $200 estimate
(actual size 54 mm)
rising pressures against traditional ob tain. The point of availabili ty
suppliers, . may account for some might be argued by some. but the
changes in normal patterns of market- results of this sale speak fo r them-
i:lg. The Curator Sale was un usually selves. The days of the $2 bronze are
rich in precisely the kind of material perhaps gone fo rever - maybe
many dealers claim difficult to rightfully so.
Porter releases list of
British hammered coins
William B. Porter, dealer in world ta ble of David R. Gotkin World
coins, from Wash ington D.C. has Coins, has for many years been a
issued his rltS t list of Classic British dealer in ancient coins as well.
Coins for sale. Porter, who often Porter's list # 1, dated July 1988,
may be found set up at shows a t the
concentrates exclusively on English
hammered coins from the period 1066
AD to 1603 AD, offering examples of
coins struck by 18 of the 23 monarchs
represented during this period. Some
coins were spread out over a very of the coins featured include: a Penny
large area. Those collectors able to of William I (1066-1087) npAXS"
spend only one day at the convention type of Winchester in g VF condition
found it nearly impossible to locate, at $325. A groat of Henry Vlll with
much less converse and view stocks nice portrait in VF at $175, and a
with. the entire field present. This Shilling of Elizabeth I in VF
problem has been addressed at some conditio n a t $ 125. In a novel
New York and Long Beach shows by approach, Porter has not on ly listed
setting aside a special section for those monarc hs for which coins are
ancient and world coins. offered, but also those for which he is
Those who attended the convention ou t of stock and is seeking to buy
got their first look at a sample of the material.
new ed ition of ~Roman Coins and Persons interested in obtaining a
Their Values~ written by David R. sample copy of Classic British Coins,
Sear and published by B.A . Seaby, may contact William B. Porter at
Ltd. The much anticipated and useful P.O. Box 39043, Washington D.C.,
book for beginning as we ll as 20016.
advanced collectors should be in the
hands of booksellers within three
weeks . The new edition wi ll be
recognizable enough as Seaby has
opted for a brilliant red cover -
perhaps it shall become known as the
red book of ancient numismatics.
The fa cilities at this year's
convention were certainly worthy of
special comment. Cincinnati has done
a remarkable job of planning the
whole downtown area around the
needs of the visitor. Ab undan t
parking is provided within yards of
the center and overhead walkways link
virtually all of the downtown area
buildings. Most noticeable perhaps
was the overall cleanliness and airy
atmosphere of the city.
Havi ng suspended the Winter
Convention after last year's meeting
at Little Rock, Arkansas, the ANA
will hold its next convention at The Ceiator
Pittsburgh in the summer of 1989.
v.," AugtiSt:1968

Widespread use
Pins from western Persia attract collectors
by David Liebert Although there is no definite way to is illustrated below.
The bronze pin is perhaps one of tell from looking at a pin what its
the most widespread of all the varied particu lar use was, it is safe to say
bronze artifacts found in western that those pins of the toggle pin type
Persia. It is abundantly clear, from with a hole through the shank were
the results of both legal and clande- probably garment pins rather than hair
stine excavations in that area of Persia pins. This is also probably true of
common ly referred to as Luristan, those pins with a loop just below the
that various types of bronze pins were head. Although some pins are quite
widely used over a period of several large. this was apparently the fashion
millenia. of the time.
Some early examples have been In addition to the pins used for
excavated in a context dated to the personal adornment, many pins were
third milleniurn B.C. at Bani Surmah used for religious purposes such as to
Class I pin with
near Ham in western Luristan. The fasten standards to their bottle shaped
zoomorphic terminal
more elaborate examples. however, socles or as votive objects in their Class If pin
date to the high point of Luristan own right. Such pins have been found with master of animals
bronze work in the first half of the embedded in the walls of excavated
first milleniurn B.C. P.R.S. Moorey, in his important temples.
catalogue of the Persian bronzes in the Thus, it is not surprising to find For the modern collector, the
Ashmolean Museum, divides the pins religious themes such as the "Master bronze pins of western Persia afford
into several categories based on shape. of Anim als" predominating in the an inexpensive opportunity to explore
They are: decoration of these pins. A fine the rich artistic and religious heritage
I. Pins with simple cast heads example of this theme in a class II pin of ancient Luristan.
II. Large openwork pins cast with
designs in square or circular borders
III. Pins with hammered or sheet
bronze heads with designs in repousee
or chased on the surface.
Wetterstrom gives talk
In general, the pins in the first
class date earlier than those in the last
two classes. There is, however, a
on mythological coins
large as sortment of pins with
Kerry K. Wetterstrom. a well Wetterstrom's speech was illus-
vegetative or zoomorphic terminals
known specialist in coins of Roman trated with slides from coins in the
which. although they fall into class I,
Egypt, spoke about the mythological Garrett collection as well as slides of
are contemporary with those in classes
iconography in coinage of the Roman coins in the American Numismatic
II and III.
Early Pin of Class I In general, these pins had two
emperor Antoninus Pius (138-161 Society collection.
AD) during a prog ram at the The "Numismatic Theater" consists
functions, either they were hair pins,
American Numismatic Association of a series of presentations, offered by
or they were used to fasten garments.
convention in Cincinnati July 23. the ANA at its conventions, touching
Participating in a segment of the on a wide variety of subjects in the
"Numismatic Theater", Wetterstrom field of modem as well as ancient
explained how Greek., Roman and numismatics and related fields.
The Egyptian cultural influences combined
.' WE'RE 'PROUD'OF-i
to fonn a unique series of coins struck
Time Machine Company at Alexandria during the reign of
Antoninus. OUR RECORD! "
is always eager to aid beginning collectors with moderately Among the many types struck at \
priced coins and antiquities. Gaff David Liebert direct this time, were a series representing Over 1,000 \
to discuss your interests and needs. the 12 Labors of Hercules, a Zodiac
series, and a potpourri of individual
my tho log ical scene s incl udin g Satisfied
"Orpheus charming the animals", "The
j udgement of Paris", "Andromeda and
Perseus", imd others. Subscribers
Current scholarship suggests that
at least two major die-engravers were
imported to execute designs for the
mythological series. It has been The Celator
suggested that the actual motifs came Subscribe today!
from paintings, and that celators may
have used something similar to
We are pleased to offer 8 small group pattern books which travelled with
of PhoenIcian Pottery heads found In the them from place to place.
Levant. They date from Ca. 6th C. Be As a series, the mythological coins
to the Roman period. Some have traces of Antoninus are rather scarce, with
of original painted decoration and all are
mounted on luclta stands. About 2" to 4" some pieces being extremely rare or
with stand. We are offering them on a unique.
first come, first served basis whila they
last, at the special price of
$35 EACH OR 3 FOR $1 00
we also have a limited number of full figures
If this calibre of numismatic art excites you·
Intact averaging about 5" which we are it is only one of hundreds of beautiful
offering at the special price of
treasures from -the past residing
$100 EACH OR 3 FOR $250
for the moment in our trays.
We have many more interesting antiquities and ancient coins in stock. " you Write for a complimentary
are not on our mailing list. you are missing some of the best buys in ancient art.
Send for your free catalogue today. For more information contact: copy of our catalogue.

Time Machine Co. PR, Pa\7L RynEaRson

P. O. Box 282, Flushing Station,
Queens, NY 11367 P. o. Box 4009
(718) 544-2708 MALIBU, CA 90265

Dust
of the
Ages
then"",,, of the
Vol. III
N.S . • 1863
Find of Coins.- In March.
1858, a barrow in Whichwood Forest
was examined by Mr. Moodie, which
presented some features of interest to
numismatic science. -:'!!e barrow in
question was situated at Roustage. It
was about 50 feel in diameter, and 5
feet high in the centre; it was formed
of small loose stones, which must
have been brought a considerable
distance, and laid on the natural
surface of the ground. which happened
not to be disturbed; the whole was
then covered with a slight covering of
soil. In the barrow, at some distance
apart. were found five coins. four of
them Roman brass, and one British
silver. The latter is a coin of Ante-
drigus (type of Num. ehron., N.S .•
vol. i. pI. i.. 6), unfortunately injur-
ed. The former are -
I. 2d. Brass, Augustus, barbarous.
with reverse of Neptune from coins of
Agrippa.
2. 2d. Brass, Nero. Reverse,
Victory.
3 and 4. 2d. Brass. Vespasian.
Reverse, Providentia and an altar.
The bones in this barrow appear to
have been human, and to have been
burnt.
A. W. Franks. Bank Leu Ltd Zurich
Vol. V
N.S. - 1865 Numismatics
Sale of coins· The valu-
able collection of Greek and Roman
coins. formed by a nobleman, was
dispersed by Messrs. Sotheby on the
27th of June. 1865. and contained the
following important coins: - Lot 95.
Tiberius. 1 AE; minted at Turiaso - £5
17s. 6d. Lot 120. Vitellius, 1 AE;
rev. Vitellius, sen. as HCensor
Magister Morum"-£4. Lot 131.
Nerva, 1 AE; rev. VEHICU-
LATlONE,&c. Hadrian, 1 AE; rev.
EXERC. DACICUS. A gem-£10. Lot
135. Marciana, 1 AE; rev. carpentum
drawn by two elephanls-£15. Lot 137.
Hadrian, lAE; rev. Ex. s. c.; decastyie
temple between two columns.
Unpublished-iS 2s. 6d. Lot 143.
Sabina, 1 AE; rev. Ceres seated. Extra
fine-£6 lOs. Lot 164. Caracalla, 1 AE;
rev. the circus in the Via Appia-£12
12s. Lot 169. Geta, 1 AE; rev.
Fortune-£7. Lot 202. AE 9 112,
Constantinopolis; rev. RESTlruTOR
REIP- £11. Lot 215. Antony; rev.
Every year we have an auction of very important ancient coins
Augustus, AU; £5 5s. 'Lot 223. in spring.
Antonia. AU; rev. two torches. Fine We issue occasion a/lists.
and rare - £ 13 13s. Lot 242. Lucius Our stock ranges from Hemitartemoria to Dekadrachmai, and
Aelius, AU; rev. Concord seated-£IO from Quadrantes to Multiple Aureus Medallions.
lOs. Lot 300. Galerius Antoninus, 2 We actively buy and sell at all price levels.
AE; rev. bust of Fanstina, sen.-£6 6s.
Lot 312. Aquilia Severa, 2 AE; rev.
Concord-£7.

Presently buying Bank Leu Ltd

In Gassen 20 CH-8001 Zurich Switzerland
Telephone (from the US) 011 4112192406 Telex 814 616
• Ancients
• Byzantine
• Medieval

Castle Coins & Currency

7440 S.W. Oleson Road
Portland, Oregon 97223
(503) 244-6433

M.mbe.: ANA and SAN

COINS
:foodJor 7lwUflId
., b. c.
• d.

Several months ago, Stephen Huston. a well known dealer in ancient ooins
Send Today
from San Francisco, California offered in his list of ooins for sale an
extraordinary set of small constantinian bronzes from Antioch. The bronzes
were struck from December 324 to sometime early in 325 AD. The are all
For
anepigraphic (without obverse legend) and were issued as a set. Huston
points out that these coins were struck following the final defeat of licinius and
were issued to celebrate Constantine's arrival at Antioch in December of 324.
Illustrated List
The set is intriguing enough from an historical point of view, but it may also
shed some light on the unanswered mystery of right and left facing busts on
Roman coinage. In this set the bust of Constantine is portrayed facing right,
while those of his sons are all portrayed facing left. This occurrence is
obviously intentional and suggests that there was indeed some premeditation
to the celator's choice of presentation on Roman coins, at least during this
TOM CEDERLIND
period. While we may hypothesize about the reason for this convention, the P. O. Box 1963-C
coins of Antioch show us beyond a reasonable doubt that right and left facing
busts signify a particular relationship. Portland, OR • 97207
x The Celator August 1988

Islamic coins Continued from page I

coment. In my opinion, the series grou p, a sou thern group (Kirman,

should be studied by mint, with the
products of each mint arranged in
c hrono logical order, so thai the
sequence of types and variations might
become apparent. Cross-references
should also be provided for the
officials, patterns of ornamentation,
dating sys te ms, etc. Walker's
arrangement is extremely artificial,
confou nding rather than elucidating
the development of the coinage.
Gaube presents his material in a more
clearly delineated fash ion, identifying
and examining the variable features of
the co inage. attempting, whe re
possible, to correlate variations with
spec ific mints, dates. and individuals.
He makes no atlempt to construct an
historical synthesis of the coinage, a
task he explicitly reserves for future
sc ho lars. Moreover, given the vast
amount of new discoveries over the
past few decades, it is clear that a new
catalog is desperately needed.
A subs tantial fraction of Arab-
Sasanian coins of the main series are
co untermarked, almost invariably in
the obverse marginal segments (nos.
17 - 19). I 3 The countermarks are
extremely varied, comprising animals
(real and mythical), human heads.
tamgas (tribal symbo ls), and
in scriptions, the latter either in
Bak[fian, Pahlavi, or Arabic. with the
Baktrian most prevalent. Gaube has
made an excellent initial attempt to
evaluate the countermarks, and has
made some noteworthy observations.
The countermarks can be distin guished
into three broad categories, a western
Sistan, etc.). and an eastern group
(Khorasan), of which the last is by far
the most widespread. The majority of
the countermarks can be associated
with one of three politica l
constellations, the Arabs and their
factions, the pro-Sasanid Iranians. and
the Huns (including the Ephthalites.
as well as peoples of Turkish origin).
and Gaube has tentative ly assigned
most of the countermarks to one or
another of these parties. The dating
o f the cou ntermarks rem a in s
13. Atiya ibn al-Aswad, Kharijite usurper in Kirman, circa AH72-76, AR
somewhat problematical. According dirham, Jiroft (KRMAN-GY), AH72, date not in Walker. Note the
to Gaube, countermarking ought have
additional words WAll AL-AMR ("Master of the Command") after
commenced about AH70 (AD680), the Bism Allah in the obverse margin. The mint name is given in
and was abandoned no later than two parts, first KRMAN for the province of Kirman, then GY, the
AH79 in the east, the early 80's in the initials of the city of J iroft, a major town in the province. Prior to
so uth , on the basis of his about the year AH58, the Kirman provincial mints were identified
determination that no post-reform only by their initials, without the indication of the province.
silver coins are known with the
countermark. However. a post-
reform dirham of Wasil mint, dated
AH89. in this au thor's collection,
shows that the process continued at
least until that year (_ AD7071708).
The appearance of countermarks on
post-reform coinage is. however.
exceedingly uncommon.
The purpose of the co untermarks
remains obscure. It is clear that they
are connected to the eastern wars of
the AH70's and 80's, which were
characterized by two distinc t but
often intertwined dynamics. conflicts 14. Amr ibn Laqit,b. governor
ai-Rahman for a AR
Muhammad, months!;":0A~H~8~:3:iK:~~~:K~~~;~~
few dirham, Kirman
between the Arab-led Muslims and
(city of Kirman, o r Govashir, in Kirman i AH83. One
the non-Muslim. large ly Hunnish,
the latest dated Arab-Sasanian types, struck four years after the
peoples to the east, as well as commencement of the so -called ~post-reform" coinage.
internecine conflicts between various Unpublished variant of an extremely rare governor.
Please turn to page XI

Forerunners of The Shekel of Tyre

From a rece nt hoard we offer a select ion o f coins from th e Biblical cily
of Tyre minted during the lime of Simon Macc abee and hi s son John
Hy rc anus I. These coins are Silver Tetradrachms o f Phoe nician standa rd -
the same weight and fineness as the famous Shekel of Tyre which replaced
them - issued by Antiochos VII Euergetes and Demetrios II Nikator. Both
kings are mentioned in the Bible:
Anliocllos son of King Demetrios sent a letter from overseas
to Simon the high priesr and enthnarch of the Jews, arId to rile
whole narion. (I Maccabees 15:/)
And Demetrios sellt Jonathan a letter in peaceable
honor him. (I Maccabees 10:3)
Antiochos VII Euergetes
Lustrous, Extremely Fi ne. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HISTO IUCAL BACKGROUND
The city of Tyre was able to assert a deKree of autonomy during this turbulent
period of Seleukid hislory. Demetrios II seized power in 146 B.C. while still a
teenager with the aid of an army of mercenaries. A bloodbath followed as his troops
raged out of control. looting and ravaging, aod within a few months civil war hroke
out betweeo Demetrios and a rival candidate, Anliochos VI. Demetrios II confirmed
Jonathan as high priest, after receiving a tribute of 300 talents. and Jonathan
returned the favo r by sending an army of 3,000 Jews to help Demetrios suppress
a mutiny. In 140 S.c. Demetrios invaded Parthia, but was soon defeated and taken
word.~, to prisoner.
Upoo capture of Demetrios. his younger brother Antiochos VII became king. One
of his first acts was to write to the high prie st Simoo confirming his privileges and
including the rillht "also to coin money lor thy couotry with thioe own stamp··
(tholt!l:h Simon apparently issu(.'(1lin mins). nut then Antiochos tumed on the Jews,
revoked all privileges, and !>eseiged Jerusalem. After making peace in Judaea. he
attacked Parthia but was surprised by the main Parthian army under Phraates II
and was killed.
Coincidentally, Phraates released Demetrios II from captivity just prior to the death
of Antiochos, so he was able to reign a second time unopposed. BUI. after another
uprising, he was defeated and murdered in the city of Tyre by orders of his first
wile. Cleopatra, who granted Tyre its freedom as a reward.
. . $295
TUE HOARD
These coins show the diadellled and draped bust of the king right. with an eagle
standing on the beak of a galley on the reverse. All have the monogram 01 Tyre
above the club, and a date in the Seleukid era . They date from 176 to 184 S.E.
(137 / 6 B.C. to 129/ 8 B.C.) and are listed io Sear·s Greek Coins and Their Va lues,
2 as numbers 7094 and 7105; also see Banks, Coins of Bible Days. p. 59.

QUALIIT AND PRICE

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, .
. ..,
,',. ,
The Celator
. ," , ,....
.,'
August 1988
"
XI

Islamic coins Continued from page X

Arab factions . particularly in integral part of the counter marking

Kh~rasan. The Hunnish countermarks, procedure.
which are vasOy predominant, might Contemporary counterfeits are
have been applied to coins entering occasionally found. sometimes with
Hunnish lands either as booty, as copper cores. These are historically
tribute , or through trade. \
important, and have a value. Modern ••
Countermarks ought thus have been a
counterfeits are unknown, except for •,
form of revalidation for use within the gold forgery noted above. , • ,•
••
Hunnish domains, and were probably
applied only for a fee. Thus, as one
might expect, countermarldng
provided a source of revenue to the
In a future artitle, I will consider
a number of ancillary series of Arab-
Sasanian types. The most common of
these is the series of half dirhams
\ "
"
'.,\ "/
,

Hunnish authorities, probably deemed
necessary by the costs of their
military adventures . Comparable
scenarios would undoubtedly have
prevailed amongst the other parties
who similarly e ngaged in
countermarking the silver coinage. A
few coppers are also known with
countermarks, but they are too rare
for any sort of general pattern to be
evident.
Countermarked silver coins do not
command a significant premium over
uncountermarked pieces, save for
particularly unusual and rare marks.
The most common mark is the
forepart of the senmurv. a mythical
winged beast not unlike the griffin.
Certain of the tamgas and Baktrian
legends are also very plentiful. These
would have a premium of no more
than 10-25% over uncountermarked
coins of comparable grade, even less
for the common eastern mints more
often found countermarked than plain.
Quite commonly, countermarked coins
have a large scrape or gouge in the
outer margin of the reverse, perhaps a
test of the metal before applying the
countermark ; this is not to be
regarded as damage, but was an
e
' \ ....
from the province of Tabaristan. ~\
Others come from Bukhara, and from
the Hunnish territories . Onl y
recently, a remarkable series has been 15. Kharijite rebellion, in the name of Qatan b. al·Fuja'a, caliph of the
identified from the region of Azraqite faction from AH69 to AH78 or 79. AR dirham , uncertain
Zabulistan (now south central mint in Darabjird province (DA-KARUM), AH75, Walker #220.
Afghanistan and adjacent lands in Note the presence of the characteristic Kharijite slogan, LA HUKM
Pakistan). ILLA ULLAH ("There is no judgment except God's") in the obverse
margin.
lOR. Curiel and R. CiyteleD, U... eolJ.clw lI d.
mo1llUliu tk e Niv,. Arabo-SasaJlidu, Lcuvel\
1982 (-<AltUrz tk S1Ndia l,aIIica, 2). A number
of remarbble lype. have lubuqueolJy beeD
discovered, and have appeared in various IIle
utaloga since abootl983, upecially Sotheby'1.
11 10 one case. I typically Sannin bu. t wu
employed at Bust in AH209 (AD824-82S). The
ins.criptions an iD Arabic. and are lypiCliI of the
period.
12For a receDt, though colltrovefl~1 llUdy of Ihe
coinl$e of Ihe second civil WIT, lee M.I.
Mochlri, A,ab-Sa.ralliall Cj~iJ War Cojllage,
Pari! 1986.
130,ube hu investigated Ihue a.atiltiCilly, and
reports Ihat wbi le only about 5'1> of western 16. Kharijite rebellion, anonymous "propaganda" Issue, AR dirham,
mIDt dirham. are counlennarted, Ihe I?roportiOIl
is about 25'(, for southern mlllll (hi , Ardashir Khurra (ART), AH75, Walker T. 18. This remarkable coin
HZwischengruppe") Illd nearly 70'1> for the lacks the name of a governor or caliph, which is replaced by the
eastern mints. In my own experience, between Pahlavi translation of the Kharijite slogan noted in the description
10*0 and 20'1> of all known Arab-SUIniID coi ns
01 coin '15. Walker was unable to decipher the legend, which he
of the main serleS bear countermafb.
took to be an uncertain governor's name. The correct
interpretation may be found in Gaube's study, pp. 78-79.
The remainder of illustrations for
this article will be found on page
XVI

BURNETT, CoI nage In the Roman World. 168 p. maps,

PLANT, Greek Coi n Types and Their Identification. 344
diagrams + 200 photos. #9116 .. . ........... .. . ............. $25.00 p. many detailed drawings. #9-33 ............... . ........... $30.00
CARSON and KRAAY, Essays presented to Humphry
RATTO, Collection Claudius Cote, Monnals de Tarente.
Sutherland. 250 p. + 24 pI. #9·80 .... .. .................. $29.00 Greek coIns from Taras. Card cover reprint. In French. 42p.
EVANS, Soldiers 01 Romej Praetorlans and + 19 pI. #5133 ............ .......................... .................... .... ...$14. 0 0
Leglonalres. New. 171 p., many maps, charts, and drawings.
SELLW OOD, An Introduction to t he Coinage of
#9.118 . ......... .......... .. •. ......... ...... ... ..... . ... .•. .. $17 .95
Parthla. 322 p. + 10 pl., many drawings in the text. #B-22 ... ....
HEAD, History 01 the Coinage of Ephesus. 89p. + 5 pI.
...... ......... ... ...... . ................ . .... ......... ............ $29.00
Reprint #5312 ... . . ... ......... ..... . ..................... ... . $20 . 00
SELTMAN, Greek Coins. Reprint. 311 p. + 64 pI. #8-43 . ....
HILL, A Descriptive Catalogue Ancient Greek
Coins. The Ward Collection.' 458 p. + 22 pI. Photos in text.
0' . .......... ... .... .... ............................ . ................ $29.00

STEVENSON, Dictionary of Roman Coins. 929 p. ,

Reprint #N7·29 ............ .... ............ ......... ............ ............$25.00
hundreds of detailed drawings. #8-9 ............... ...... ... $65.00
KING, Roman Sliver Coins. Vol. V, Dlocletian through
Roumulus Augustus. Photos in text. 214 p.#B-5 ... . $30.00

MADDEN, The History of Jewish Coinage and of

Money In the Old and New Testament. Beautifully bound
reprint. 350 p. drawings in text. OP #N7-40 ... .. ...... ..... ...$2S.00
Thomas P. McKenna
MATTSON, The Gods, Goddesses and Heroes on the
AncIent Coins 01 Bible Lands. 259p. 8 pI. OP #N7-41 .... ... .
P.O. Box 1356-F
... ... ... . .. . ... .. . .... . ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. . .. . .. .... . ... $29 . 00
Fort Collins, CO 80522
MILNE, Greek and Roman Coins and the Study
History. #5 11 6 .... .. .. . ... . ..... ... . ... ...... ... .. .. .. ...... $20 . 00
0'
NASH, Coinage In t he Celtic World. 153 p. + 250 photos. POSTAGE is $3.75 per order
#9 · 11 3 ... ... .. ... .......... ..... .. ... .. ...... .. . .. . ... ... .... .. . $2 0 . 00 For U.5.P.5. "Special Handling" add $1 .75
 The Celator August ~988
-- ----
- - --------
------

CLASSICAL NUMISMATIC AUCTIONS, LTD.

SEVERAL HIGHLIGHTS FROM CNA IV
Septem ber 21, 1988
Mail Bid Sale

MYSIA, Pergamum . Eumenes II. IONIA, Teos. CORINTHIA, Corinth. EGYPT. Ptolemy III.
197-160 Be. Tetradrachm. 544-494 BC . Staler. 350-306 BC . Slater. 246-221 BC AE 34mm.
A Superb He llenistic portrait. Tremedous condition archaic coin. Beauti ful quality and style. Pan of a co llection of Ae's .

PHOENICIA, Aradus. ROME. Augustus. ROME. Nero. ENGLAND. Cbarles I.

Marcus Aurelius & Lucius Verus 27BC-14 AD. AV Aureus. 54-68 AD. AE Sestertius. 1643. Oxford Pound .
A very rare colonial issue . Nice quality gold One of three Nero Sestertii. Largest of the English silver

SALE IV SALE V
September 2). ) 988 December 9, 1988
Numismatic Mail Bid Sale Numismatic Public & Mail Bid
Our lugest nle to date. Sale
This sale features importaDt collections of:
GREEK IffiO/'lro'ZES
New York
ROMAN EGYPTIAN
BYZANTINE GOLD
LATE ROMAN BROt\ZES
A COLLECTIOS OF ROMAN BRONZES
NUMEROUS LARGE LOTS 11tis sale will take place during the most active
week in Ancient and Foreign Numismatics.
•
tI.'1CE SELECTION This sale will take place on Friday •
or the day before the start of the
GREEK, ROM~ BYZAl\TINE NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL
MEDIEVAL r.l1ROPEAN
E/'\GUSU A SALE OF BETI'ER QUALITY
.lId tht LibnrJ or GREEK, ROMAN & n¥ZAfI,-rINE
OWL. LTD.
MEOIEV AL & ENGLISH-
Thil IIle will include lome thing for everyone. There CONSIGNMENT DEADUNE FOR mls SALE
ate lots tltimated from SSO on up. IS OCTOBER J. 1988
There are cleae to 1000 Lots in thi. we.
IF YOU ARE A COLlEC.TOR AT ANY END OF nm THINKING OF SElliNG
MARKET· TIllS SALE IS FOR YOU. CONTACT US NOW!!
A, we onl,f TUn • limited number of catalog. AI we only TUn I limited Dumber of catalog.
please WflU UI now to reserve your copy. please write UI IlOilo' to reserve your copy.

CONSIGNMENT INFORMATJON
Our rates are very competitive. Our settlements are prompt.
CATALOGS
SPECIAL TO CELATOR READERS
Catalogs IV & V
$10.00 with prices realized

CLASSICAL NUMISMATIC AUCTIONS, LTD.

Victor England
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Quarryville, PA 17566
(717) 786-4013
 ,
The''Celator August 1988 . ,. " " .. '.' xlii '

HOARD SPECIALS
• 16 LIMITED - TIME OFFERS.

Parthian Silver Drachms Etamain Bronze Drachms

Various rulers 200 B.C. ~ 200 A.D. .Persian c. 200 A.D.
Roman denarius-size Thk:k
$35 each $10 each
5 or more $29 each Sassanian Silver Dirhems 10 or more $8 .50 each
Various rulers 6th - 7th Centuries A.D . Sumerian Shell Money
Broad tlan 4,000·3.000 B.C. 1- diam.
$15 each Earliest known "money"
10 or more $ 13 each
$9 each Roman Socketed Arrowheads
10 or more $7.50 each c. 100 B.C. 1 . 1 1/2-
Patinated & nice
$9 each
Egyptian . Flint Tips 10 or more $7 .50
c. 4,000 B.C . . 6,000 years old!
1-11/2-
$9 each
10 or more $7.50 each

Luristan Bronze Arrowheads

Small Egyptian 1J",.hrll c. 800·1 200 B.C. 1 1/2·21 /2"
c. 650 B.C. 26th Dynasty Choice. Various styles
Blue-green glaze $20 each
"Servants of the Dead"
2 · 2 1/2-tall
$59 each
: 5 or more $50 each
8 or more $17 each
-
Greek Iron Arrowheads
c. 700 B.C. 2-3 inches
From 'Homeric' Times. Oxidized.
$7 each
10 or more $6 each

.t.~.,
Roman Fibulas ,
c. 100 B.C. -100 A.D."
1 1/2 · 2" Patinated '
$17 each '" '"
10 or more $14 each

Roman Faience & Agate necklaces

c. 200 B.C. 24" in leng1h
Beautiful & wearable Roman "Crossbow" Fibulas
$75 each 1st · 3rd Centuries A.D.
3 or more $70 each Magnificent, Rare, Green Patina
Phoenician Terracotta Statuettes
c. 300 B.C. r tall 2 1/2 - 3" $125 each
3 - 5" $175 each
(. ~~ " . Mother Goddess holding c~
"., . $w.t'each 5',- . Toll Free Express Number
." 3 or more $.i!1I:Oeach S~·~(>..
Large Egyptian Ushabdi rl------------,------,
c. ~OkJ~~;;e~~~~sty . L_l_-_8_0_0_-4_2_6_-_2_0_0_7---..J
"Servants of the Dead
4 1/2" tall
$145 each
3 or more $120 each
M
• Byzatine Ben Buckles
c. 500·600 A,D. 1 1/4· 1 1/2"
Various styles
$17 each
5 or more $15 each
-
ANCIENT ARTIFACTS & COINS
Mehrdad Sadigh
3035th Avenue· Room 1515· New York, NY 10016

-
We can offer these antiquities and coins at near·wholesale prices because we
buy in tremendous quantities. We also handle many museum-quality antiquities
with values up to $50,000 for the advanced collector. Please contact us with
your specific needs or just call and say 'hello! These specials are offered at
extremely [ow prices and are available for a limited time only.
Roman Glass Bracelets Thus, we suggest you act quickly and join the ranks of
c. 100 A.D. 1112·2- diam. Mehrdad's many satisfied customers.
Choice. Various colors. All items are guaranteed genuine as described and can be returned as-sold for
$35 each any reason within 15 days. Please add $1 p & h on orders under $1 00.
10 or more $30 each
 •
. XIV
:.:-:. ...
. '.. '.'.
The Celator
'~'.', .
August 1988

BUYING & SELLING

\Iou ~ yoU &ouGIfT TIlEM

FROM A MA5ICED MAN
AND IoIIG INDIAN COMPANION?
1100 B.C.
to Modern

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• Mail Bid Sales
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• Numismatic Literature
'1 AE· Follis
315·316 AD
1 Siscla mint Specializillg ill moderate priced Judaeall coills
I Emperor/JupHer (serious wallt·lists solicited)
1 RIC 17

- 1
I Ucinius
I fighting
was born in Dacia in 263 A.D. and distinguished himself
against the Persians. He was named co-emperor by
Maximian in 307 A.D. and married Constantia, the sister of
I Constantine in 313. He took up alTTlS against Constantine and was
William M. Rosenblum/rare coins
PJl box355evergreen.coIo.80439 .
303-83&-4831
I defeated in 314 at Cibalis, and again in 323 at Adrianople and
I Chalcedon following which he was strangled by order of Constantine .
I The Severe style portrait of Licinius is typical of the period and
I reverses of his coins reflect his reverence to the pagan gods. This
example honors Jupiter, the conservator of the 9rfllire, and depicts
Don't forget to Tell your friends
1
L the
_________________________
deity standing, holding victory, an eagle at his feet. J about The Cefator

TRIVIA QUIZ
This Greek lslancl was originally
connected to the mainland by a
narrow ptece of Land until the
Corinthians cut 8 canal Isolating It
In the 71h century BC. The canal
siRed up and was later reopened
by the Romans. can you name H7
(Last month·s answer on page XXll)

QUOTES FROM THE PAST

- "Each day grow older

and learn something new"
Solon· 61h Century BC

1. THRACE, THASOS. After 148 D.C. AR Tetradrachm . Hd. of Dionysos r .,

wreathed in ivy / Naked Her okles stg. I ., holding club, lion's skin over I. arm,
monogra m in field . SG-1759. VF/ VF 250.00
2. MACEDONIA, AMPHIPOLIS. 158-149 B.C. AR Tetrad rachm. Bust of Artemis
r ., Macedonian shield a round / Club, thunderbolt to I. , oak wreath around.
SG-1386. VF iVF 275.00
3. HADR IAN. AE Sestertius. Laur. hd. r . IMP CAESAR TRAIANVS HADRI-
ANVS AVG / PONT MAX TR POT COS II, Fortuna std., FORT RED below.
S-101S. Full obv. leg., near EF youthful portrait, F rev. 17S.00
4. NERO . Laur. hd . I. , IMP NERO CAESAR AVG PONT MAX TR P(OT P P )
1 Trium phal arch topped by emperor in facing Quadriga, escorted on r . by
~ Victory and on I. by Pax; two small fi gures of soldiers to I. and r . below
Quadriga; figure of Mars slg. in niche in 1. side of a rch. RIC-SOO. VF - 350.00
S. CARlAN ISLANDS, RHODIAN PERAlA. 2nd cent. B.C. AR Drachm. Hd. of
Helios 3/ 4 face 10 r ., ha ir loose / Rose with bud on r., name above, P - 0
in lower field. SG-S092·v. From the Sitichoro hoard of 1968. Near EF 350.00
TERMS OF SALE

T~EBo~!~~~,~~?N
POR TL ANO. OREGON 111206 S
PI ...... add $) ,00 fpr vostue and Insurance.
PI. ." sen d PUmtn~ "l ~h order.
Pull refund lncludln~ VOlta.,e It ,.ou art not

A NC I EN T COI N
'.tbl!e<j, C"I"~ mil it be returned In 10 dayS,
Phone ottlM S a . e r ceOIll ",."dcd, OrdNs .. Ill
W held 1 dau ."'RIUnIC PUnlent.
The Celator August 1988 .... xv

Wolf to hold auction

with Prescott, AZ show
In conj unction with the Prescott
Coin Show, which will be held on
November 18·20, at the Sheraton
Resort and Conference Center in
Prescott, Arizona, Michael Wolf of
Ancient Coins plans to conduct a mail
bid/bid board auction on Satu rday,
November 19, at 6 p.m.
The auction will consist of six sec-
tions covering certified coins. lower-
to middle-grade U.S. coins, ancient
coins. toke ns, junk lots, and numis-
matic literature.
It is c urrentl y pla nned that this
Coming Events ....
auction wi ll have something for August 5 - 7 Bay Slate Coin Show, Boslon
everyone, including the collector of
inexpens ive U.S. coins, the beginning
ancient colector. and those who prefer August 12-14 MNS show, Airport Marriott,
high-grade cenified coin s. There will St. Louis, MO
be a seller's commission but no buy-
er's fee. Augusl12· 14 SINPEX, Concourse Exhibition
Ctr., San FranCiSCO, CA
For information about the coin
show and/or the auction, call (602)
Sep. 8 - 10 Greater NY Convention,
772-7144 or write Michael Wolf.
Bourse C hairman, P.O. Box 233, Omni Pari< Central Hotel, NYC
Dewey, AZ 86327 . Cons ig nments
will be accepted until August 30. Sep.20 Chri stie's Auction, New Yorl< City

PJ Downie mail-bid
sale closes August 8
The auction firm of PJ. Downie,
Ltd., of Melbourne Australia is
offering 244 lots of antiqui ties and
ancient Greek, Roman. Byzantine and
Islamic coins in a mail bid sa le 10
close August 8.
Featured are a number of gold
coins, including a Daric of the period
Arlaxerxes I - Darius III, aurei of
Yespasian, Titus and Domitian, and
several Byzantine Solidi.
Greek si lver lots include a gYF
tetradrachm of Antigonas Gonatus
with shield and head of Pan estimated
Sep.21 Classical Numismatic Auctions
Sale IV, Mail Bid -
Sep. 29 - Oct. 2 Long Beach Fall Expo,
Convention Ctr., Long Beach, CA
at $500 Australi an ($ 1 Australi an .. Oct.7-9 Valley Forge Show and Auction,
about 75¢ U.S.) along with several
tetradrach ms of northern Greece. Valley Forge, PA
Also included are eight tetradrachms
of Kings of Syria estimated at SA150 Oct. 18 - 19 Muenzen und Medaillen Sale 74,
to $A600. Basel, Switzerland
In addition to a wide assortment of
Roman silver and bronze, Downey is Nov. 18 - 20 San Jose Expo., Convention Ctr.
offering a run of 19 Islamic gold
coins.
Information may be obtained from
the company's U.S. office at P.O. Box
22026, Lansing, MI 48909 or by
telephoning 517-645-2 150.
Nov. 18-20
San Jose, CA

Central States Fall Conve ntion,

Dayton Convention Ctr., OH
-
Nov. 18 - 20 Prescott Coin Show, Sheraton
Resort, Prescott, AZ.
Reader Response
is essential to the success of any publication. We are sincerely
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The Ce/alol' (718) 634 9266

 ..,XVI
'.
eTbe Celpto): AllgilsjJ 1988

20. Anonymous AE fals, Oarabjird (DR) mint, year 68 (era unknown).

Gaube #119. This is the most common type of Arab-Sasanian
copper, with ordinary types, bust r. on obverse, fire-altar (without
attendants) on reverse.
17. Anonymous Khusraw type, AR dirham, Sus (AVR). year 23 (of
Yazdigd·d). with usual Bism Allah in obverse margin. In the first
quadrant of the obverse appears as a countermark the forepart of
the senmurgh, a fabulous bird-like creature. Nole the scratches in
the reverse margin; these are very frequently found in
conjunction with the senmurgh and other countermarks.

--
21. Anonymous AE fals, Istakhr (ST), undated, Curiel & Gyselen #86.
Note that the obverse type is a faCing bust.

18. Ziyad b. Abi Sufyan. AR dirham, Bishapur (BYSh), AH52, Walker

IANS.9, with three countermarks, including an Ephthalite
(Bactrian) inscription (second quadrant) and the head of a king
(first quadrant).
23. al-Hallaj b. Yusul, governor of Iraq and Khorasan (75-95), AE fals,
Firuzabad (written out in lull), undated, Curiel & Gyselen #122.
Facing busllhorse.

24. Abzay (unidentified name), AE fals, Bishapur (BYSh), undated,

Curiel & Gyselen #10. Janus-headed bust/mythical man-headed
beast.
19 . Abel Allah b. Khazim , governor of Khorasan, AR dirham, Marv
(MRW), AH65, with five Turko-EphthaJite countermarks in the
obverse margin.

25. Anonymous AE fals, Jayy, AH116. This is a very late Arab-

- Sasanian type, struck long after the reform of Abel ai-Malik, and
sixteen years after the reform types were introduced into the
eastern provinces. The reverse type is that of the usual post-
reform eastern fals, but the obVerse is 01 purely Sasanian
inspiration. The obverse inscription remains undeciphered. The
type is known to have been struck from 113-1 19.

c\OO©ll~1JW c\OO@ 1Ml~@D~Wc\\!,

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,'The August 1988
r • .-. Gelato!'
. ..•
Zenobia
260. His son and co-emperor,
Oallienus, was preoccupied in the
western provinces with hostile bar-
barian invasions and rebellious gen-
erals and could not deal with the
situations at hand. He sought a useful
aUy in the person of Odenathus, a
member of the ruling Paimyrian
aristocracy and husband to Zenobia.
Odenathus, being initially rebuffed by
the Sasanian king when seeking an
audience, reestablished Roman author-
ity by repulsing the insulting monarch
with local forces. He then laid seige
to the city of Emesa, where the
usurper, Quietus, sought refuge. The
hapless pretender was slain by its
inhabitants so their city would be
spared from plunder. Oallienus, out
of gratitude and political expediency,
showered Odenathus with honors and
placed him in command of the
military. His titles heralded him as
Corrector of the East, Roman Duke,
King of Kings and finally Imperator!
Unfortunately, he did not live long to
enjoy his new found status, but was
assasinated together with his son by a
former marriage in 267. Zenobia, who ·
may have been instrumental in their
deaths, took over the reigns of
government and set out to establish
her own son, Vabalathus, as his suc-
cessor. Oallienus was also eliminated
in the following year and was re-
placed by an able general, Claudius.
Claudius also found himself in dire
straits with a hoard of Oaths crossing
the border and he spent his short two
year reign dealing with this menace;
leaving the status quo in the eastern
provinces.
Antioch, being recognized as a
major capital city, held the added
importance of being the only minting
facility under Zenobia's control at this
time. The Antiochians had a long
history of being troublesome, unruly
and opportunistic in nature. Two
emperors, Marcus Aurelius and
Septimius Severus, punished its popu-
lous by restricting their privileges for
supporting rivals to the imperial
throne. The latter even downgraded
its status, making it subordinate to its
arch rival, Laodicae ad Mare. Because
of Antioch's economic and strategic
importance, all of these measures
were later rescinded. Zenobia, no
doubt, was aware of these tendencies
and sought to make use of them.
Another factor to consider before
discussing the coinag~ she minted in
the name of Claudius II, was her
eventual goal of adding western Asia
Minor and Egypt to her domain.
Without these areas it would be
difficult to defend an independent
kingdom from Roman retaliation. All
these factors played a role in
influencing the reverse types until the
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' XVII
Continued from page I
death of Claudius from the plague in
270.
The first division of debased
antoniniani, which was the only
denomination, struck at this mint,
were carry-overs from the reign of
Gallienus. All have the angular por-
trait bust of Claudius wearing a Zenobia
radiate crown carrying the simple Queen of Palmyra
legend IMP C CLAVDlVS AVO.
The themes proclaimed were naturally 267 - 272 AD
associated with the emperor, who was
in need of divine intervention to help choice. and the empire's leading gener- but diversified. The list of types
him sunnount the problems he now al, Aurelian, she captured Alexandria include Equity, Jupiter. Hercules.
faced. Some of the gods called upon and made inroads into Asia Minor. Venus, Victory and Virtue, each
included Equity (AEQVITAS AVG), Quintillus committed suicide after his appealing to the young rulers manly
Saturn (AETERNIT AS AVO), army deserted him and Aurelian qualities. Perhaps this is why Zenobia
Mercury (FIDES AVO), Fortune assumed sale power. Seeking a com- shunned placement on Antioch's coins,
(FORTVNA REDVX). Apollo, promise with her fonnidable "partner" only one rare type being. recorded
(SALVS AVG), Sol (SOL AVG) and she allowed the com fleet of Alexan - (PIETAS AVGG).
Viclory (VICTORIAE AVO). dria to leave for Rome and feed the
Naturally, Zenobia was contented city. Aurelian, trying to buy time Be that as it may, Aurelian suc-
with these neutral mofits during the while he dealt with, of all things, a ceeded in defeating the forces of the
initial months and noticeably discon- rebellion of mint workers over his queen and she was forced to retreat to
tinued ROMAE AETERNAE. currency reform, reciprocated by her homeland. Realizing her desperate
Afterwards a more feminist charac- recognizing Vabalathus. The laureate situation, she fled to Persia but was
ter was adopted with a series of divine bust of Vabalathus was now placed on overtaken and captured before she
couples represented. (AETER AVO) the obverse with his titles Vir crossed the border. The citizens of
Diana facing Sol, (CONSER AVO), Clarissimus, Rex, Imperator, DUX Palmyra seeing their queen captured,
Serapis with Isis, (CONSERVAtores Romanorum (VABALATHVS surrendered and were spared any harm
avg) Minerva with Hercules, (SALVS V.C.R.IM.D.R.) and Aurelian was by the victorous Aurelian. Unfor-
AVO) Diana and Apollo, (SPES depicted with a radiate crown bust tunately, the city later revolted
PVBLIC) Salus and Aesculapius (IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG) with against the garrison left in command
standing, and (VIRT AVG) Vulcan the workshop mark underneath. and Aurelian spared no mercy, de·
holding his hammer and nails facing Aurelian made it known that he straying and plundering the city's
Minerva were struck to represent the was RESTITVT ORIENTlS on his riches. Palmyra never regained its
division of heavenly rule between the coinage and marched against the queen. place as a leading commercial city.
sexes and no doubt was intended to Acting with clemency towards cap- Zenobia, however, must have made a
reflect the partnership and under- tured cities pledging allegiance to- good impression for Aurelian allowed
standing she had with the emperor. wards Zenobia, he easily progressed her to marry a Senator and gave her an
Like those in the couples series, towards Antioch. This must have been Italian villa, where perhaps she re-
Zenobia selected deities that were quickly done for the series of coins flected on her brief quest for power
popular with the people in Asia with Vabalathus as Augustus is rare, and the legacy she left for posterity.
Minor and Egypt. (DEO CABIRO)
Cabirus, (REGI ARTIS) Vulcan,
(DIANAE VICTR) Diana with her
star. (IVVENTVS AVO) Hercules
holding his club and apple, (NEPTVN
AVG) Neptune, (CONSER AVG)
A.H. BALDWIN & SONS LTD
Serapis and (SAL VS AVO) Isis, all
played a role in the religious worship
of the eastern provinces.
What better way to force relations Established 1872
with the people of Egypt and western
Asia Minor than to mint coinage NUMISMATISTS
based on their city's provincia l
coinage. The same models can be seen
from the mints of Alex andria,
Claudio-Seleucia. Aspendu s, Perga.
SagaJassus, Prostan na and Side to
name a few. One unique type in the
Roman Imperial series usually
reserved for only the empress, was her
placement of June and her peacock
-
(JUNO REGIN AE), stressing the
concept of womanly rule.
The death of Claudius brought
about the assertion of Zenobia for
independent rule. Taking advantage of
the vie for power between Quintillus,
brother of Claudius and the Senate's
GREEK ROMAN AND
BYZANTINE COINS
ISLAMIC COINS
MEDIAEVAL AND MODERN
COINS OF THE WORLD
NUMISMATIC BOOKS AND
AUCTION CATALOGUES
A.H. BALDWIN & SONS LTD.
11 ADELPHI TERRACE
LONDON WC2N 6BJ, u.K.
 XVIII

Letters Continued from page II

in January and have since had it ex-

-- Recently I became a subscriber to

The Celator. and I enjoy it very much.
A question:
amined by a number of dealers and the
A.N.A. (see the enclosed corres-
pondence). -- Counterfeit --
Ate back issues available? The coin weighs 16.51 g., has a
If so, at what price? specific gravity of 10.5 and is pattern-
EugeM Ellis ed after Sear Greek 6816. MuUer 290.
which is a slightly more scarce variety.
Lakew.ood. Colorado
I thought you might want 10 run a
(We are ojlen asud this qUllstion. Yes, ~counterfei t alert" entry in some
all bock issues are available l or $1 each, future issue of The Celator. I under-
postpaid. Jul send lIS 1M dales 'jou nud stand that there are quite a few of
aNi Q check. or 11IOMY order. ThLre are six these pieces floating around the
issuafor 1987 and OM/or each monJn. of country.
1988). John Scyphers
Royal Numismatics Lyslmaehos, Thraee
••••• AR • Tetradraehm
Enclosed you will find a photo of a
silver tetradrachm of Lysimachos,
Kingdom of Thrace, 323·281 BC.
Unfortunately, this example is a very
well made counterfeit, produced from What a pleasant discovery to make Do you think it is possible for you
modem dies. I purchased the coin back while moving to the Republic of to run a listing of larger coin shows
Korea, from Texas, via Washington that would stretch ahead for say six
State. Stopping in at a shop along the to eight months?
way (his ad in the yellow pages Naturally, my main interest is
Are you interested in actua lly mentioned ancient numis· only in shows that would have a
CHOICE WORLD COINS? matics!) I snatched up a copy of The
Celator and devoured it in a single
decent percentage of ancient coin
dealers attending tables. I suppose
You should be receiving our publications sitting. that your readers would also have
MORE THAN THREE How delightful to even encounter their interest thusly limited.
an article ("Celestial Displays ... ") If my memory serves, "Coin
MAIL BID CATALOGUES ANNUALLY which discussed (among other intri· World" used to do this years ago.
guing subjects) my own particular Every few months they would publish
numismatic love • Constantin ian a schedule like this (not limited to
Featuring RARE and CHOICE gold and silver coins of the coinage. ancients, of course), and it was very
world as well as ancient coinage and world paper money. 1 echo the thoughts of reader John useful informalion all in one spot.
A sample catalogue is $10.00 postpaid. Gomer who noted how refreshing it is Jerry Last
to find that "many are turning to Argos Numismatics
Includes Prices Realized ancient coins for their history, beauty
and diversity." My eldest child has (We have recently expanded Ihe
HComing EvenlsH fealuu 10 iN:lude the
An annual subscription is also available The cost is $30 just discovered the wide and exciting
two f1WrIlhs following publication date. We
within the U.S. and $35 outside the U.S. vistas of inexpensive world coins; I
will be happy 10 ulend Ihat coverage
am eagerly anticipating even more dra-
furlhu /U space permils).
matic enthusiasm as I gently direct
him toward the field with which we
•••••
Ponterio & Associates, Inc. have all become enraptured.
Thank you for the contribution you
are making, and the forum you are I hope you'll turn The Celator into
3823 Park Boulevard
providing, for those engaged in the a magazine instead of newspaper,
Box 33588, San Diego, CA 92103 because when you read it over and over
"Numismatic Art of Antiquity . ~
1-800-854-2888 or 619-299-0400 the ink: comes off when you touch it
Rev. Robert Stroud
Licensed Auction Company # 968 Republic of Korea with your hands.
P.N.C, #308
Richard H. Ponterio - Presidenl £.N. • JlM
Gregory Manoukian
••••• Montreal, Canada

(We have looked at some other formalS

bUl hesitate 10 tamper with success - any
feedback-from other readers?)
•• •••
Please turn to page XIX

FRANK L. KOVACS
- PImse...
COINS AND ANTIQUITIES Check your mailing labet:

OF If the address is not correct,

send us a correction notice
immediately. When the postal
GREECE, ROME, AND BYZANTIUM service sends us your address
change they rip the corner
off your Celator, send it to us
with a change notice, and
P.O. BOX 25300 throw the rest of the paper
away. Adding insult to injury,
San Mateo, California 94402 we have to pay them
(postage due) for this dis-

.,.. TEL. (415) 574-2028

/'. . ...
..
service.

Also check the renewal date

Illustrated Fixed Price and

'1
-;'
-..
'J
~,~ ",
J
' on your label. If that date has
already passed, you are in
danger of not receiving future
issues - renew today! If it is
In error, please let us know so
Mail Bid Sale Catalogues that we can make the proper
adjustment.

" .'.~ ao,_. ; ............ .

 m\!x
XIX

Letters Continued from page XVIII

For most of 'us, ancient coin col·
lecting means considerably more than
just buying a coin at a price which we
know is less than what we can sell it
for tomorrow.
When alone we like to research our
coins in depth and when with fellow
collectors exchange ideas and share the
excitement of discoveries.
A comprehensive and continuously
updated library is the key to the
enjoyment we get out of our coins.
One could go as far to say that attri-
buting a worn, almost illegible
bronze produces its own kind of
special thrill comparable to that of
owning and displaying a great rarity
in EF+ condition worth man y
thousands.
Now a good working library is
both HscholarlyH publications and
"commercial" publications. We all
know more or less which scholarly
publications are necessary for the
collector who specializes in either
Greek. or Greek Imperial, Roman or
Byzantine. It is more difficult when
it comes to thematic collections like
ships or animals on ancient coins or to
more narrowly defined collections
like Hellenistic portraits, electrum
coins, fractions or even particular
to find and command high prices in
the second hand numismatic book
market.
What about the current dealers'
lists and auction catalogues?
The last few years have witnessed a
growing trend for coins to be sold
from lists and auctions rather than
from dealers' trays. As a result there
has been an explosion in the numbers
of commercial publications and the
serious collector who also wants to
keep up with the mark.et has come up
against a problem. The problem, in a
few words, is the shortsighted dealer
who will simply ignore requests for
his publications, even against offer of
payment, if he suspects that the
collector might not be a potential
buyer.
In the course of building up my
library over the past 20 years, I have
come across some dealers who unfor-
tunately repeatedly ignored my letters
for paid subscriptions to their lists or
auction catalogues. Having subse-
quently met some of them at shows,
their reactions were strangely similar:
"I am sorry, you will now be on my
mailing list forever. No, I don't want
any money, I know you are a serious
collector." My mistake at that point
My library, amongst other won-
ders, boasts a complete set of The
Celator up to date. The time is
approaching when I will be able to go
to my book binder with enough of
your excellent issues to bind in a
beautiful leather backed volume, the
first, I'm sure, of many. It is with a
feeling of sadness that I see some of
the above mentioned dealers advertise
in your pages. They even have the
audacity to solicit requests for their
lists. Their names and copies of the
registered letters I wrote them are
available upon request to anyone
interested. I think it is time that new
collectors find out that there are
many kinds of dealers, from the very
best to the very worst...
Vassili Demetriadi
Gn=e
•••••
I read Kerry K. Wetterstrom's
views on "Pure-Collecting" (July
1988 in The Celator) with consider-
able interest. The author noted that
"pure-collectors" are those ancient
coin collectors who derive greater
pleasure from consideration of artistic
and historical background of a coin
dealers who concentrate their full
energies on selling "investment grade"
coins. This limited access to lower
priced ancients is not due to the scar-
city of the coins, but the unwilling-
ness of dealers to offer them for sale
or when they do so, to treat the cus-
tomer with a modicum of considera-
tion. Most ancient coin dealers have
some "bargain lists" or "bargains for
the beginner" sections in their price
lists. In most cases the listings are
like:
Claudius AE As F+ ...$35
Diocletian Folies VF ...$30
with no further description provided -
- no RIC or Sear number, no reverse
description or mint designation. Why
is this the case? Why is the collector
of modest means assumed to be unso-
phisticated? A great many ancient coin
-
collectors are highly knowledgeable
and discriminating, but are, alas, not
able to spend several hundred or
thousand dollars per month on their
hobby. A Ph.D. in classics or history
with a passionate interest in numis-
matics might also have a family to
support and an income that most bus
drivers and postal workers would
sneer at.
Ancients are rarely available at

mints in depth and detail. There the
collector will probably select a few
titles that specifically refer to his
particular field and then complete his
research by visiting public libraries.
Commercial pUblications, however,
are in a class of their own. Those
issued before World War II as well as
the most important auctions of the
subsequent years have become classics
in their own way and as such are hard
was that I took their words for grant-
ed and did not force a hundred dollar
bill on them requesting a receipt at
the same time. Experience has indica-
ted that very few, if any, ancient coin
dealers who issue lists and/or auction
catalogues are downright dishonest. If
they had taken my money I could
make sure I would receive their publi-
cations even if they had to be remind-
ed a few times.
than its investment value. Kerry also
expressed the belief that "pure-
collectors" are diminishing in number.
One of the reasons why Wetter-
strom's depiction of "pure-collectors"
as a vanishing breed is probably ac-
curate is that a great many know-
ledgeable and sophisticated collectors
of modest means are virtually denied
access to inexpensive ancient coins by
-
coin shows and in coin stores outside
of the largest cities. When they are
offered for sale, the dealers seldom
have lower priced items on hand. Of
the items offered for sale in the July
1988 issue of The Celator the least
expensive was $95. Many ancients
dealers, perhaps understandably,
prefer not to send lists to collectors
who are both discriminating and un-
Please turn to page XX

Roman Bronze Hoard

from the period of
Constantine The Great
deposited ca. 337 A.D.

Superb Condition Coins essentially as struck

and beautifully preserved through the centuries.
~;:;.~
Emperors and Types available include: ,Qr;;,"t .\
• Constantine The Great • Constans '~fi~~~~
• Licinius I • Urbs Roma and ~$+;;';'':'::Y
• Constantine II • Constantino polis ~- "
• Constantius II Commemoratives

One Coin - your choice of Three Coins, different Four Coins,

• Constantine The Great emperors of the my choice, for
• Constantine II Constantinian Family
• Constantius II or $120
• Constans $100
$35 Up to 12
different types

Mail Order Policies: $30 eadl

1. All coins guaranteed genuine and as described. Your satisfaction guaranteed.
2. 14-day return privilege, or approval service can be arranged with proper references.
3. Personal checks of unknown customers must clear. VISA and MasterCard accepted.
4. Kentucky residents add 5% sales tax.
5. All coins sent insured or registered. Orders less than $200 please add $2 for postage and handling.
6. Visits by appointment only. (Coin Photos Enlarged to Show Detail)

Jonathan K. Kern, Professional Numismatist

Bachelor of Arts in Numismatics SAN
444 S. Ashland Ave., Lexington KY 40502; (606) 269-1614 (10 a.m. - 6 p.m.) ANS
LM ANA 1787
 xx The .Ceilltpr.

Seeking new material

Fearon travels in U.S.
Daniel Fearon, manager of
GJendining's • the London auction
house specializing in coins and medals.
will be travelling in the U.S.A. and
Canada following his attendance at
the ANA convention in Cincinnati
Jul y 20-23. Familiar with North
American coinage. Fearon will be
searching for new material and hopes
to convince North American collec-
tors that the strong British Pound
makes selling abroad an attractive
propoSition.
Daniel Fearon Fearon has now served as manager
at Glendining's for two years. In his
first full year the number of coin lots
offered for sale increased by 36% and
medal lOIS by 15%. This last season,
of twenty sales from September 1987
to July 1988, has seen a further
increase in coin lots by 25% and an
amazing 53% for war medals.
Glendining's is currently offering a
sample catalogue for potential
Letters
subscribers in North America and
reports that the response has been Continued from page XIX
encouraging. The company regularly
offe rs selections of choice ancient able to buy high priced coins.
coinage. If "pure-collectors" of ancients are

- Support the
For information or a sample
catalogue write to Dan iel Fearon,
Glendin ing's, Bienstock House, 7
Blenhe im St., New Bond Street,
becoming as scarce as Caligula denarii.
is it any wonder? As a "pure-
collector" with some 25 years experi-
ence, I am overjoyed when I can find
London WI Y 9LD, Great Britain. an affordable, albeit "beat-up" denari-

Advertisers You David Vagi

us of Vespasian with a key date I have
been seeking over several years for $50
or a well worn sestertius of Philip
the Arab with nice contrasting tone
See .iin The Celator... to study in for $30. Low priced ancients can be of
much historical and even artistic
interest to collectors, but tend to be
They Support Your Manchester increas ingly deernphasized on dealer
price lists. With rising postal rates
and limited space in catalogs, dealers
David L. Vagi. a student majoring

- Newspaper••. in Journalism and History at the

University of Missouri - Columbia.
will be attending the University of
Say You:% Saw Manchester, in Manchester, England
during the 1988-89 academic year as
part of a student exchange program.
it in The Celator. While in Manchester, Vagi will be
concentrating on the study of history,
particularly as it relates to his field
of primary interest which is ancient
numismatics.
Vagi served as a summer intern
with Coin World in 1987 and also
wrote an article about the ancient coin
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN OBTAINING market for Coinage magazine. In
addition to his successful articles, the
SOME OF THE FINEST ANCIENTS IN you ng numismatist has won awards
from the American Nu mism atic
THE WORLD? Association for his exhibitions of
anc ient coin s at past ANA
conventions.
The Celato, is chock full of ads offering ancient coins for sale. To many
of you, we are just a name, amidst a forest of similar finns. You may An article by Vagi about
assume that most ancient dealers, deal in very similar coins. Co nstantin ian era coins will be
appearing in next month's issue of The
YOU ARE WRONG!!! Celator.
If you are building a collection of any of the following:
Byzantine bronze or silver. Greek bronzes, Parthian. BacUian Indo-
Greek, Constantinian bronzes , Late Roman bronze , Roman Republican You don't want to
bronze. Roman Colonial or Greek Imperial coinage, ancients in genre in miss even one
seem to be turning away from sale of
reasonably priced coins in pursuit of
larger profits.
Unless the AVERAGE "pure-
collector" has access to reasonably
priced coins, increasing numbers may
be forced to abandon their collecting
interests altogether.
Jim Casey
C ircleville, Ohio
(The economics of adverlisillg a $30
coin are jll.sr not favorable for many
dealers - given Ihe lime reqll.ired for
allribll.tion, the cost 0/ phOlOS and half-
tones, typese ltillg . printing, mailing.
processing orders, shipping, etc. COlllrary
to poplI.lar belief, mIllly dealers work 0 11 a
rather slim markll.p alld the margill
decreases as material becomes more scarce.
Most wholesalers are today very well
edll.call!d in market trellds and often
demand 60-70% of relail value for a 101.
Lower priced coillS fZI: offered ill The
Celator, ami a good example is Ihe $45
ReplI.blicaJ'l De/larii offer 011 the back page
of the JlI.ly 88 issll.e (repealed Ihis 1I10Illh).
Also offered in the. ill.Jy issue w l!re AEF
Follis of Constanlilll! and Licillill..J al $35
ami grou.ps of u.naJlribu.Jed bronzes ranging
from $14.75 each to $295 a IhO/uand.
There are several dealers who regll.larly
offer lower grade --IUIVer priced -- COillS,
fll.lly a ttri buted and sometimu
photographed. Readers illlerested in Ihis

- less than Very Fine condition, or ancients in genre for under $100 • per
coin,
YOU PROBABLY WONT BE AMONG OUR CLIENTELE
issue of
The Celator
type of material are especially encouraged
to correspond wilh lhose adVl!rtiSLrs/Oll.nd
in lhe Pro/essiollQ.l Directory portion of
The Celalor , o ll.tlilling their particlI.lar
WE SPECIALIZE IN SOME OF 1l1E FINEST ANO RAREST ANCIENT Subscribe today! interests).
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If you love beautiful Greek l etradrachms--CONTACT OUR FIRM
If you want to build a fantastic 12 Caesars Collection, whether in gold,
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If you drool over the coins that you see in the major auctions, and want
to own exactly similar coins--

THEN BY ALL MEANS CONTACT OUR FIRM

BIBLICAL
(By the way, we do not issue price lists)
COINS
Rare Coins & Classical Arts Ltd. WRITE FOR FREE ILLUSTRATEO
Dr. Arnold R. Saslow CATALOGUE ..•
"Specialists in Museum Quality Coins·
Member: ANA, ANS. SAN, AINA, INS, Fellow RNS H. KOGEN
P.O. Box 374
South Orange, NJ 07079; Phone: (201) 761-0634 P.O.Box · 2137
NATANYA 42121 ISRAEL

'4.1,",,' {1' f' I"}'
The Celetar '
Survey Results
Readers express preference for feature articles
by Wayne G. Sayles
Who reads The Celator 1 What
does that person tend to specialize in?
Which aspects of the periodical are
most popular? These questions and
others were posed in a reader survey
presented in the June 1988 issue of the
newspaper.
According to the results of that
survey, the typical reader of The
Celator is most frequently a collector
of ancient coins. who specializes in
Roman Imperial issues. The reader
buys coins most often through dealer
lists and spends over $500 per year
doing so.
The average reader has responded to
over six advertisements in The
Celator and finds the paper's feature
articles and regular features most
useful. Asked which features were
least useful, the overwhelming re-
sponse was that everything was useful
in some way.
Statistically, the respondents
represented only about 4% of the
paper's readership, however, the
replies were widespread · geograph-
ically and came from readers in very
small towns and rural areas, as well
as major cities.
Of those responding, 91% listed
their primary interest as coin
collecting. Over 25% considered
themselves students of ancient
cultures and 20% collect antiquities.
Since most readers listed more than
one response in many of the
categories. the percentage totals neces-
sarily exceed 100%, but the relative
values are indicative of the degree of
Interest
Gruk be(..... 100 BC
Romlln Egypt
Oil,.,.
o ,
ELSEN
• Mail Bid Sales
and Public Auctions
• Nwmsmatic Literature
• Monthly Illustrated Price Lists
~I) 'An;;:~a~"Z~;~jm
~#; Avenue de Tervueren 65, Bte 1
1040 BRUSSELS·BELGIUM
Tel: 021734.63.56
interest in a particular area.
The Roman Imperial era topped the
list of periods of greatest interest
with over 65% making that choice.
The Greek world prior to 100 BC was
close behind with 45% showing a
preference for that period. Roman
Republican, Greek Imperial and
Byzantine periods garnered about 17%
support each.
Dealer lists accounted for the
predominant method of purchase
among 71% of respondents, while
shows and conventions drew a 51%
response. Purchases from advertise-
ments in periodicals were a primary
method of acquisition among 20% of
the readers. Another 20% indicated
that auctions (a write-in response)
were a primary source of material.
Questioned about their reading
preferences, 85% found the feature
articles most useful, with most of the
same readers choosing regular features
such as Antiquities, People in the
News, Art and the Market, Coming
Events, etc. as the next most popular
(65%). The Letters to the Editor
section was also very popular with
37% of readers expressing an interest
in this forum.
Asked which features were least
useful, the almost unanimous response
was - no answer - or a comment that
all features are useful. Readers
responding to advertisements in The
Celator included 80% of those
submitting the survey forms. The
number of ads responded to varied
from one to 25 and averaged slightly
over six for each reader.
I.
"
Jean
/'(
XXI
Acquisitions -
Dn1.,. Lisb
Nearly all respondents answered Roman and Greek numismatics are
the optional question concerning their predictably of greatest interest, how-
budget for acquisitions. Over 85% ever, a significant interest in related
indicated that they spend over $500 issues and antiquities can be seen.
per year on their hobby. An interesting aside may be noted
Although the results of any survey in that at least half of the survey
are subject to error, some general responses were submitted on fac-
conclusions may be reached as a result similies of the published form. Since
of the above analysis. The average many readers seem reluctant to cut up
reader of The eelator is a fairly
serious collector, who is interested in
learning more about the ancient world
their copies of the paper it may be
assumed that The Celator has a
particularly long "shelf-life" for . a
-
as well as keeping in touch with the newspaper format periodical.
fraternity of antiquarians and current
market conditions for coins and The editorial staff of The Celator
antlqulues. Although the collector offers its personal thanks to those
often attends shows and conventions, who contributed to this survey,
the majority of acquisitions come especially for the many useful com-
from dealer lists. The fields of ments which were included.
Miinzen ond Medaillen AG
For 45 years
we have been serving
collectors of Ancient Coins ...
and we would like
to serve you too!
-
·Monthly Illustrated Fixed Price Lists·
• Public Sales· Appraisals·
• Large Stock in All Price Ranges •
• Buying and Selling·
(PleaSe send us your want list, We will fill it! )
Please contact:
Miinzen und Medaillen AG
P. O. Box 3647 • Malzgasse 25
CH • 4002, Basel, Switzerland
Tel. (061) 23 75 44
 .. " " ...., .
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\

The Celator

Advertising in

- 7Ize Celo1or Rates:

$5.00 for the first 20 words, 20¢ each add~jo nal word.
Just Makes Good Sense
Ancient Co ins with pe rsonalized
service. Latest list free upon request.
Conservative grading. James Miller,
105-2 Sherwood Cr., Minot AFB, NO
58704.
For sale: Many out-or-print and
new numismatic books. Send want
lists to: Stoffel VogeJaar, Mulrany,
Westport, (Mayo), Ireland.
Full Page 1/2 Page 1/4 Page
Roman Coin s, Imperial Colon ial .
$390 $197 $98.50
Archaeology, Antiquities. an-
cient numismatics. Hundreds of
books stocked, access to many more.
Alexander to Zenobia. Want list
inquiries promptly answered. Cata-
logue $1.00. ANS, ANA. Albert
Leibs. Drawer 460 Oriskany. NY
13424.
Closeout . Plaster Casts from
exceptiona l denarii of the twelve

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and Provincial. Write for Free price
lists. Simon Cordova, P.O. Box 2096,
$6.50 per column inch Citrus Heights, CA 95611-2096
Greek, Roman, Medieval coins.
Monthly cata10gs with very reason-
Where else can you get
targeted coverage at that price? able prices and discounts issued for 21
years. Francis J. Rath, Box 266.
NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE FOR Youngstown, NY 14174.
TYPESETIING OR P HOTO SCREENS
(We can use any print or negative)
Wanted - Classified advertisers. Clean
out your surplus stock · sell to other
caesars. 24 pieces (obv. & rev. of 12
coins) from Julius Caesar to
Domitian. Reduced to $16 postpaid.
Also casts of 8 coins from Magna
Graecia $12 per set. Last chance!
Scholar Copies. P.O. Box 123. Lodi,
WI 53555.
K eep ing Ancient Rome Alh'e.
A Bi·month ly journal devoted to
ancient Rome and its influence.
Subscriptions $5 ($3 after 6/30).

~CJmiw
collectors direct and save. Use the Sample copy $1. 27824 Hummingbird
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P.O. Box 123 Roman bronze coins, AE3 & 4,

- Lodi, WI 53555
AD 260-400. Avg. F-VF, good
variety. $7 ea., 3/$18, 10/$50. Mike
Burton, Box 456 Sebastopol, CA
95473 .
July 68 • Trivia Answer:
"The Harpies

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YOU MAY OBTAIN
Roman and Greek Coins for sale
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Route one, Warren, Maine. If passing
LARGE TAX REFUNDS
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by stop in, we would enjoy seeing you Nles (written by a tax-attomey) write:
this summer. Sorry, no lists available
for mail orders. ~ :'::':::~!'" '~,~~

CJ~Dti(jllJtiesl IV (I:. .
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AlWays Moderately Priced· Fr99 Catalog
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Old & N.w Wo,ld
m:;/",t, Medieval & MOMrn Coins ANCIENT COINS
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212-725-7537 (818) 784·7772 or 784·2181
• Buy - Sell KENNETII W. OORNEY
• Free Lists P.O. Box 493362CE
REDDING. CA 96049·3362
Royal Numismatics also buyJng.
The Professional Directory !JlIJ'{J) 'R.JfGI&J'{q; P.o. Box 7699
is your index to a variety Roanoke. VA 24019
of sources and services q;R&~5UR&5· (703) 362-5750 evenings

EVENINGS
S.P.Q.R.
(301) 876--7140 or
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(l.:Iud .. .:Inl .. ~II"1II
p.o. 1)(>\ }Si n..-, n.,. 10>;80

.. ,. " •.•• <1 I" Ilu.

Olt! World :7Inbfuilies
Rne Archaeological fircck • Byzantine
Ancient Greek, Roman, EgypHan, Etc.
Artifacts. Bronzes, Statuettes,
Art and Coins Roman • Judacan
Pottery. Amolets • Send for free list
P.O.-Box 282 - Flushing 81a. ·1· I!
Member: Antiquities Dealers Assoc. Queens, NY 11 367 ""
P.O. Box 25 phon..- : (q I ·01 '}}9 10>;S
(718) 544·2708 on,·mh,·, .n. I", , "", .on, "'" .,n.
The Celator
, August 1988, _

( ColDS & Books .••• -

Jonathan K. Kern PEGASI COINS
P.o. Box 4207
Ancient QUALITY ANCIENT,
MEDlEV AL & ENGLISH
Bachelor or Arts Ann Arbor, MI 48106 Greek &
Numismatics
Ancient, Medieval, Early
American Numismatics
Phone: (313) 434-3856
Classical numismalist serving ~gin­
TlLrs through ad\IQnCed collectors. Send
jor free iJlustrQ/ed catalog_ SfNXify:
• Quality Ancients: Choice and
scarce coins over $1 00.
Roman
Coins
and books about them
(f
Quality coins at fair prices.
Fixed Price Lists, Buy-Bid SaJes,
• Bargain Anclenls:Attractive FREE SAMPLE Publie Auctions.
anClenls (nol junk) under $150.
• Medieval Coins: Hammered
European from 50010 1650 A.D.
• Antiquities: Artifacts (olher
CATALOGS
Thomas P. McKenna
Annual Subscription $20
Sample upon request.

VICTOR ENGLAND
-
444 S. Ashland than coins) from Slone Age P. O . Box 1356-E
through Renaissance perIOds. Box 245
Lexington, KY 40502 Wantlsts seMced. ConsuI!aIlOns.valable. Ft. Collins, Co 80522 Quarryville, PA 17566
(606) 269-1614 AppraisJJh aIId ./ate e\l3klations perIormed. (717) 78640t3
Ac:d\.e buyer of aI material. (303) 226-5704

~/~~5:i/ ..;
Ancient & World Coins
Christian BIorn '
LIN~
PONTERIO Greek, Roman and ancient coins
& ASSOCIATES, INC. Ancient Coins
World Coins
3823 Park B~d.
P.O. Box 33588
write/or free sample list
2504 N. Quantico St.
and Antiquities

7910 Woodmont Ave.

Write for
illustrated catalog
RFD 1, Box 240
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San Diego, CA92103
Arlington, VA 22207 - Suile 1104
.... Belhesd.!'l!'AD 20814 Wallis, TX 77485
(619) 299.{)4oo 703-533-3119 301-b!l4.Q470 (409) 478-6796
(800) 854·2888 noon to midnight

~ PNG#308

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ANA-lM

Specializing
ANCIENT
in Ancient COINS PHOTOGRAPH
and World COINS & BILLS ~~
Visiting: Numismatics FIXED PRICE LISTS
San Francisco? and Antiquities
• IMbnt Po\af"OId Prints @
CATALOGING SERVICES • Col« Of Bl8ct • WhHe
The Silicon Valley? COUNTERFEIT ALERT ~~

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• Sime Size Of Enlarged
Stanford University? Colosseum BOOKS
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Coill Exchange, Illc. THOMAS D. WALKER
P.O. Box 29 188
C.llorSendFor
0
We carry a large
inventory of Ancients as
P.O. Box 21 CL
Hazlet, NJ 07730
(201) 264·1161
San Antonia, TX 78229
(512) 696-5393
p.o. Box 2937
Redwood CHy. CA /0" Q
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•"
well as the largest Send for free monthly Subscriptions: one year, at least 4
Philatelic stock in Illustrated auction catalog issues, $15.00 U.S. & Canada. $25.00
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is your Index to a variety
ISlAMICand INDIAN COINS
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Bob & Mar;an Robbins
P. O. Box 9104
.~e
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(714) 364·0990 or 582·3481

(21,) HO·4}O} Tacoma WA 98409 \~ '~

(206) 475-3795 ' Qi Special Offer!
Lucien Birkler AEF Follis of
Professional Numismatist Allan & Mamie Davisson, SpeciaJizing in:
Constantinus I,
Dr. Arnold Saslow The Great
• British Isles Director Mint: London, ludunum, or Trier
• Ancient Greek & Roman (yourchoioe)
• Museum Quality Ancient
• Numismatic Literature Coinage & Classic Antiquitics
- Development of Greek. & Roman
Very nice $35 each
Roman,
GJJaVWILS Coin Portfolios Licinius, same $35 ea.
Byzantine - AppraiSalS & Evaluations 3 for $100
and Medieval coins Ltd.
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and will represent you •• LOPRESTO
(612) 685-3835 112 E. Broadway
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Washington D.C. 20036 Serious Catalogs Issued Regularly
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.. ... . .. . -. ~ ..
 XXIV The Celator August 1988

- Harlan J. Berk, Ltd.

- .

ROMAN REPUBLICAN DENARII

. $45 each - 10 Different $425

-
612 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 337-0981 or (312) 337-0995
PNG 178
ANA - LM 762