fTfie Ce[ataJi

incorporating ROMAN COINS AND CULTURE

I I

,
Roman hrO/lU ,rtal/ /C{fC of Nike. rhe goddcs.l· striding IIpon (/ Larc Hell(!ni~·tic lIIat'Ne E/'o~' wilh a dolphin. ca. lsI Celllllt'y
glohe . co, 2/1d CClltury ;\ D Heigh r 4" ( / 0.2 0 /1 .) 11.C. /-Ici;.;'" 17· 112"(44.5 em, )

Announci ng the publication of our 50lh An niversary catalog 0 11 December 1, 1991.

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E s tnblis hed 1942

.J erome M. Eise n\)erg, Ph.D ., Director

I~ ] E",! 57!h S! .. N~ ... Yur ko N Y 104122
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, INSIDE THE CELATOR...
Page 6
Samarian coinage
by David Hendin
Page 12
The globe on Roman coins
by G. Derk Dodson
Page 20
A woman versus Rome
by Charles T. Robinson
About the cover:
Obverse of a Samarian abol (0.63
g) showing a classic Sidonian
galley to the left, with a double
line of waves below. The archaic
Hebrew inscription "SHOM RON"
or "Samaria" is above. Photo by
Zev Radovan, Jerusalem.
Deadline for the December issue is Friday, November 8
~1
dd
Vol. 5, No. 11
~~ November 1991
6 Important new work outlines
previously unpublished coinage
of ancient Samaria
by David Hendin Publisher/Editor
Wayne G. Sayles
12 The globe on Roman coins:
Office Manager
Symbol of the world or more? Janet Sayles
by G. Derk Dodson
Associate Editor
20 Queen Boudicca of the Iceni tribe: Steven Sayles
A woman versus Rome Distribution Asst.
by Charles T. Robinson Christine Olson
Rochelle Olson
28 Coinage reveals the evolution
of the caduceus from a simple Art
staff to a respected symbol Parnell Nelson
by Mark Rakicic The Gelator
(ISSN #1 0480986) is an
independent journal
36 A reverie in Attic key: The crescent
published on the first day
moon and the battle of Salamis of each month at
by Brian A. Brown 226 Palmer Parkway,
Ladi, WI. II is circulated
internationally throug h
subscriptions and
special distributions.
Subscription rates,
payable in U.S. funds,
are $24 per year
2 The Celator's Point of View (second class) within
the United States;
4 Letters to the Editor $30 to Canada; $48 per
year to all other
10 Antiquities by David Liebert addresses (Air Printed
Matter). Advertising and
22 New Finds copy deadline is the
second Friday of each
24 People in the News month. Unsolicited
articles and news
25 Art and the Market releases are welcome,
however publication
26 Coming Events cannot be guaranteed.
Second class postage
37 Just for Beginners by Wayne G. Sayles paid (USPS #006077)
at locli, WI 53555.
40 Reference Reviews by Dennis Kroh Copyright©1991,
Clio's Cabinet.
43 Book News Postmaster: send
address changes to P.O.
44 Coin File - Quotes - Trivia - Humor Box 123, locli, WI 53555
45 Professional Directory 608-592-4684
(same for FAX, after hours
52 Index of Advertisers - Classifieds activate with asterisk on
touch tone phone)

Commentary by Wayne G. Sayles
P roof! The conclusion reported
by Cain Warldin itsOctober9th
edition is that Dr. Stanley Hegler
finally has the proof required to satisfy
skeptics who spurned the Black Sea
Hoard's authenticity. Dr. Flegler went to
Bulgariahimseif and surfaced "die-links"
and stylistic matches in Bulgarian
museums. For the amount of effort Dr.
Flegler has expended in trying to prove
his contention that the Apollonia and
Mesembria diobols are genuine - we
should all stand in awe. The sheer tenacity
of this scientist from Michigan has to
"I have offered my opinion
it is only that. "
evoke a certain admiration. Dr. Flegler's
much public ized "proofs" and the
predictable rebuttals from certain
members of the numismatic community
have become old hat. Why don't we just
accept the ''fact'' that Dr. Flegler is right
and the coins are genuine? In a full-page
ad (contiguous with the Coin World
article) offering the diobols fo r sale,
Heritage Rare Coin (the primary holder
of Black Sea Hoard coins) calls the
comroversy over authenticity" one of the
biggest controversies the field of ancient
numismatics has seen in years". The ad
goes on to proclaim Dr. Flegler's new
proof as "the tri umph of science over
speculation" and "proof that arrogance
breeds ignorance". The ad refers to the
diobols as "the little coins that stumped
the big shots".
Yours truly is alluded to in the ad as
one of the "certain experts" [thank youl
who "stubbornly refused to acknowledge
the results of exhaustive scientific testing"
and "could not bear to suffer such a loss
f'~'ffi'~~~~'ffi'' '1'1' ' ' \
"""" '""~==4':=='~~~"'":'''''~~."=~~i'''-ffi''~--'7,''2 ·.: ~~-~ffi.-II"'_~__-~_7"'"
91'210 (!eIato~
2 The Gelator
• •
of face at the h ands of modern
technology".
This criticism is barely worth
response, but I will simply state that I
have no personal interest or stake in this
matter. My ego is not at stake, nor is my
reputation. I have offered my opinion -
it is only that. I am not a scientist, nor am
I a professional classicist. Iholdamaster's
degree in Art History, wi th a
specialization in ancient numismatics,
but that is hardly a professional reputation
to defend. I have absolutely nothing to
gain by condemning the Black Sea Hoard
coins. Why am I vocal about the issue?
Because I would like to see all doubt
removed before these or any other
questionable finds are dis-seminated.
What of all this new proof? I am sure
to be roundly condemned by some, and
re-bnmded as arrogant, ignorant, etc.,
but l still have deep reservations and the
proofs I see offered continue to fall short
of removing the lingering doubt.
Scientific proof demands a scientific
approach, and that means that all
possibilities have to be accounted for.
The Coin World article reports that
the Black Sea Hoard is composed of two
distinct styles, the "regular style" and the
"wild style", implying that a hoard [of
genuine coins] might have been salted
with modem counterfeits. If this is so,
what of the 40 specimens examined by
Dr. Hegler in his laboratory? Some of
them were "wild style", but all were
proclaimed genuine.
Actually, the facts (as well as reports
from the field) support the "salted hoard"
,. .
i~ named fo~ and dedicate to the
who~e a,,£ ~emalnj.
in,!hei'T.
theory. Readers may remember some
time back when John Cummings related
to Cefator readers his own experience in
Gennany where he found what he felt
were genuine and fake coins of this type
co-mingled . Other reports indicate that
genuine coins have been "cherry-picked"
from bulk lots of this material. Salting is
a very common practice among certain
suppliers of hoard material and the
practice is well known to western
numismatists who have learned to be
wary of it. If this is the case, the real
question of course is which coins are
real? Unfortunately, the very coins that
intuition tells us we should suspect as
fake are the same coins that Dr. Hegler
has declared authentic. As for the "die-
links" that are supposed to exist in
Bulgarian museums, the photos have been
examined by very reputab le and
knowledgeable western numismatists and
found not to be die-links at all. In fact,
one prominent museum curator
characterized the hoard coin as
"imitative" of its non-hoard (Bulgarian
museum) "link".
Although we are all sick of the Black
Sea Hoard, this issue is too important to
ignore. We simply have to get at the truth
- and We eventually will. The issue is far
from dead and not even a mighty
publication like Coin World can bury it
in a gilded coffIn. Meanwhile, the coins
are being advertised and sold. With all
the notoriety, they will undoubtedly
become collectibles, whether genuine or
not.
Our mailbox was really loaded with
letters this month. We are especially
happy to see letters which relate to the
articles published in past issues. This
interaction is the essence of what we
have been trying to achieve. It is very
gratifying for us to be able to bring
enthusiasts together in this way. Of
course they arc your articles and it is your
response that makes it all happen.
We have not been very active at
national shows recently, partly due to an
overload here at home, but the situation
is much improved and we should be on
the road again soon . It'll be good to see
some of our friends that time and
circumstances have kept apart from us.
In the meantime, we look forward to
hearing your point of view.
'~~"·l
time.~Wffi'"i'bLlruL~~
 A Fine Collection of
Roman Portrait Coins

"'"gll'fUS O.ho Tuus

J)"narn ... ""''''",<"1)' fin ... D"mrn.......~m'mdy t,,,,, Au,,''''' ,·~tr,:",dr t;",·

r.bcr"",s l'rob,,! l.O".,.lm",,· I

. . ,,"'",,$. ahmu ... ",n-mdy fin ... """"'UI.....~1r...nll'ly fin ... Solidus, .,oou, ,'sm:",dy Ii""

Auction to be held ill Ollr galleries in New York

Mond;lY, December 9th, 1991
at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Viewing Thllfsday through Sunday. December 5-8,1991
West Coast Exhibition: NA I3. Ca thedral Hill Hotel, San Fr:mcisco
November 1-2, 1991
For morc information. contaCt James Lamb or Christine Dcmscll at
2121546-1056, 502 Park A V(.'Iluc, Nl'W York. Ncw York 10022.
Cata)ogucs available early November from C hristie 's Publications
21-24 44th Avenue, Long Island City, New York 1[101
Telephone: 7181784-1480

CHRISTIE'S
November 1991 3

Dear Editor :
I am astonished to see that your Ref-
erence Review of Roman provincialcoins
does not include the Vacano
Typenka tatog [Otfried von Vacano,
Typenk.atalog der antik.en MOnzen
Kleinasiens, Herausgegebenvon Dietmar
Kienast, Dietrich Reimer Verlag]. This
comprehensive listing of Asia Minorsilver
arId bronze coins is, next to Icard, the
most helpful tool for identifying -Greek
Imperials". I would wish that somebody
endeavors to continue this work for all the
coins of the areas east and south of Asia
Minor.
Gerhard Rohde
Korea
I read Mr. Meyer's informative and
thought provoking article (Vol. 5, No.7,
July 1991) on Romancoin denominations.
I want to thank him for sharing his opin'
ions and conclusions and for quoting
from sources I have not read.
While I do not disagree with all of his
conclusions, I want to point oul the diffi-
culty and danger of attempting to draw
exact conclusions from limited sources,
especially ancient ones. There are his-
torical facts that must be considered, and
olher interpretations; some of which are
admittedly improbable, which must be
considered.
Prior to Diocletian's reforms of A.D .
294, Egypt's coinage and economy for
300 years to some degree had been
under Imperial control. Did his monetary
reforms fully integrate the Egyptian
economy and free it from external con·
trois? There are important events during
this period that might have affected an
unusual devaluation.
In A.D. 296 Domitius Domitianus re-
volted in Egypt.
2 In A.D. 297 peace was restored to
Egypt.
3 In A.D. 301 Diocletian issued harsh
price controls in terms of the denarius
com munis.
4 InAD . 306 Rome revolted overtaxes
4 The Gelator
and proclaimed Maxentius emperor.
S In A.D. 308 Domitius Alexander's
control of Africa caused severe fam -
ine in Rome.
6 In A.D . 311 Maxentius defeated
Alexander in Africa. Africa's punish·
ment included stepped up corn ship·
ments to Rome.
My lack of knowledge of the nummus
is a problem for me. In A.D. 300 was it
actually a coin? Was the nummus legal
tender in Egypt? Where else in the em-
pire was the nummus used? Could the
nummus have started as an ideal weighV
value of bronze?
Other unanswered questions for me
include the following. Does the ancient
data indicate a decrease in the value of
Italian coinage or an increase in the value
of the nummus? Could a change invalue
show a shift in power toward Egypt. now
demanding abetterexchangerate? Could
the devaluation have been artificial to
benefit or hinder the commerce of eilher
Romeor Alexandria? Had Egyptian grain
prices been kept artificially low so Rome
could afford to feed its masses? Could
Roman merchants have forced devalua·
tion to counter Egypt's dumping cheap
chariots and abacuses? Could the
revaluation have been in response to
some revolt?
If we do accept a general devaluation
of "Italian money~, then t agree with Mr.
Meyer that it does not refer to gold and
silver money, but a devaluation only of
the bronze coinage. Ialso agree with Mr.
Meyer that the common term used for the
follis during this period was probably the
sestertius.
I dodisagree with Mr. Meyer's reading
of Constaritius' secretary's letter. I read
the leiter as saying - "The rulers gave
600,000 nummi and more" (I.e., that is
not all they gave him) - ~th ey added in
equal measure~ - "gifts~ -doubling the
300,000 sestertii he had previously reo
ceived. Thereforetheygave him600,OOO
nummi plus 300,000 sestertii. The
600,000 nummi were an equal measure
to the 300,000 sester1ii. Therefore they
gave him a total of 600.000 sestertii. If
you accept my reading then 2 nummi '" 1
sestertius and 1 nummus", 1/2 sestMius.
I also disagree with some of Mr.
Meyer's conclusions regarding the letter
from a Roman businessman to his agent
in Egypt. Unfortunately, this leiter does
not state the predevaluation exchange
rate of the "!lalian money". This letter
presents a big problem by implying that in
Egypt there was another monetary sys·
tem, based on the nummus, concurrent
with ultalian money". My limited reading
does not indicate another monetary sys·
tem, rather it seems to definitely prohibit
one. Diocletian's monetary reform s of
A.D. 294 standardized "Italian money"
throughout the empire. From AD . 294
on, Italian money would have been legal
in Egypt: in fact, Italian money would
have been Egyptian money. Egyptian
billon telradrachms ceased production
by A.D. 296/297. From AD. 2940n.large
quantities of folies and other Italian de·
nominations were produced at Alexan·
dria.
Another problem in devaluing Italian
money involves the weights of surviving
examples of Roman bronze coins. The
largest bronze coin, thefollis. slarted atc.
11 .5 gms, it had been reduced toc. 3gms
by A.D. 313 at all European and Asian
minis. These reductions were mirrored
by reductions to the foUis' weight at the
Antioch and Alexandria mints. There is
therefore no justification, on the basis of
these weights, for any devaluation of
Roman bronze vis·a·vis Alexandrian
coinage.
My conclusions are as follows. Both
letters refer to the largest bronze coin
then being made. Technically it should
probably be called a lollis ; colloquially
and perhaps somewhat archaically the
term sestertius could be used in both
letters. The first letter was written when
thefollis was first introduced and still near
°
its full weight, c. 11.Sgms, worth 2 nummi.
The second letter was written 1 to 15
years later when the follis had dropped to
C. 3 gms (1/4 of its original weight) and
had accordingly been reduced in value to
112 nummus (1/4 of its original value). I
believe that the conservative public would
have continued to refer to the largest
bronze coin issued as a sestertius as
long as its size and weight were substan-
tial enough to be favorably compared to
the sestertius, the old standard of wealth
and security.
I don't have any ideas on the nummus.
I can't find out what it was and why it did
not undergo the typical weight reductions
of this period. I would be interested in
hearing from more learned read ers as to
their interpretations and explanations.
Paul H. GOOdman Jr.
Texas
A fellow reader questions (October
1991, p. 43) "Why articles on Jewish
coins in The Gelator appear under the
headline 'Coins of the Bible'. Most Jew·
ish coins have nothing to do with the
Bible ."
Please turn to page 38
Numismatic Fine Arts

INT'A N~ tIO
a
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FEAT U RJNG AN IMPORTANT
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November 1991 5
Important new work outlines previously
unpublished coinage of ancient Samaria
by David Hendin information now available in a new and described here have never before been
Within the last two decades an entire important book, TheCoinage o/Samaria publi shed (Mesho rer gives us a few
new area of ancient Jewish numismat ics in the Fourth Century BCE by Ya'akov paragraphs of information, and identi-
has come to light: the fi es four coins in Volume I
stud y of the coi ns of of his Ancient Jewi sh
Samaria from the fourth Coinage published in
century BeE (before the 1982).
common era, equivalent to Th is book is primarily
BC). a numismatic gu idebook ,
These tiny silver coins but it provides a tantaliz-
direcliy parallel the Yehud ing dollop o f history to
coins of the same period. whet our appetites formore
and thusean bcconsidered infonnation about this is-
a part of the fi rst issue of sue of tiny silver coins, no
Jewish coins. The doubt issued)ocally to al-
S:tmarian coins were vir- leviate a chronic shor1age
tually unknown until dis- of small change. Most
cove ries around Samaria significant, perhaps, is the
in the last 15 to 20 years. This illustration shows a number of the types of Samarian coins ident ificat ion of th e
More recently, s mall illustrated in The Coinage 01 Samaria in the Fourth Century BeE Samarian coins as Jewish.
numbe rs of Samar ian by Ya'akov Meshorer and Shraga Qedar. Thus, this book is manda-
coins have made their way tory reading for every per-
into the marketplace. They remain ex- Meshorer and Shraga Qedar. It's a son interested in ancient Jewi sh and
tremely rare, but one can now expect to unique experience in these modem times Biblical coins.
see more appearing for sale. to be in on the ground floor of an en- The authors note: " In 723 BeE
The reason for this is they can /lOW tirely new area of num ismatics. BUI the Samaria was conquered by the
be identified thanks to the extensive fact is that most of the 106 coin types Assyrians, bringing to an end the King-
dom of Israel, while the Kingdom of
Judah continued to exist until586 BCE."
" According to the Biblical te xt (11
Kings 17:24) the inhabitants of Samaria
WHOLESALE TO ALL! after 723 BCE consisted of populations
brought by the Assyrians from remote
100 ancient coins in flips and attributed. A diverse lot places and settled there . As opposed to
the Biblical evidence, some historians
including Nero, Caesar Augustus, Alexander the Great,
suggest that the bulk of the people of
Biblical "Widow's Mite", etc. Only $475.00 postpaid , with Samari:1after 723 were the descendant s
satisfaction guaranteed! . of the Israelites. There is some truth in
both theories and it seems that due to the
~nnb-nn (!lnin ®a:ll:eri:es high percentage ofIsraelites in the area,
the conglomerate of people who lived
Suite 132, Mission Viejo Mall, there had accepted the Hebrew Law."
Mission Viejo, CA 92691 • (714) 364-0990 " Around 400 BCE the Samaritans
were still considered Jewish, and as
such were approached by the Jews of
Elephantine (a small island in the Nil e
with an active Jewish population at this
time). The Samaritan High Priests and
governors in the fifth and fourth centu-
ries bear Je wish names."
"The final separation between the
Samaritans and the Jews probably took
place in the last years before Alexander
the Great conq uered the area. Accord-
ing to Josephus, it was Manasses. a
member of the High Priest's family in
Jeru salem. who left for Samaria, mar-
ried Nikaso the daughter of Sanball at
the govem orofSamaria and became the
High Priest of the newly built temple on
MI. Gerizim."
6 The Celato'
 The coins of Samaria were appar4
ently also struck in the years prior to
Alexander's conquest in 330 BeE, thus
they are to be considered Jew ish issues.
Meshorer and Qedar present fasci-
natingdata on the paralle ls between Ihe
Samarian coins and the Yehud coins.
First is the observatio n that the geo-
g raphical idenlification o n some coins
in both issues is the name of the city,
which is also the name of the province .
"Yehud" was the name for both the
Persian sat rapy of Judah (J udea) as well
as its capital city,Jerusalem. "Shomron"
was the name of the Persian province as
well as its capital city. Both are today
referred to as Samaria, although the city
itself became known as Sebaste in later
(Roman) times.
A second interesting p:lfallel is thai
the coins of Judea imitate mainly Athe-
nian and Hellenistic proto types; the
Samarian coins copy mll inly coins of
Sidon in Phoenicia and C ilicia in Asia
Minor.
The authors explain this s ituation:
"Si nce most of Judea's commercia l
transactions were with countries which
used basically Athen ian currency, it is
only natural to find the Athenian de-
signs on the YHD coins. Samaria, on
the other hand, which was connected
commercially with the Phoen ician North
Medit e rranean coast, had mainly
Sidon ian and Tyrian coins in c irculation
and it is therefore no wonder that
Sidonian prototypes were used. The
othe r prototypes are again associated
with numismat ic material of the nonh,
m:Lin ly ofCilician o rigin. Though only
a few Cilician coins have been foun d in
the Samaria area, the Cilician prot04
types are dominant and at Jeast fift een
different coins have Cil ic ian proto-
types."
Finally, both Yehud and Samarian
issues also carry personal names, appar-
ently the names of governors of the
respective regions. Most of them ap-
pear to be lewish. Among the names
identifi ed on the Samarian coins are
"YRBM"(Jeroboam), "HYM"(Hiyam),
"HNNYH " (Hananyah). "SN BLT"
(Sanballal). "DLYH" (De layah), and
" MZDY" (Mazaeus).
One of the things especi ally appeal-
ing about this authoritative book is that
the authors do not pretend to know and
underst:md everything about these coins,
the names on them , o r the motifs they
carried. Someti mes numismatists tend
to get carried away with themselves in
trying to explain probably unexplain-
able subtlclies abso lutcly and in great
detail, but Meshorer and Qedar do not
fall into this trap.
For e xam ple, one fascinating ques- model. Mo reover,Sanballat , the gover-
tion they ask is this: " Does copying a nor of Samaria. brought Manassas, the
prototype have a specific political brother of the High Priest, from Jerusa-
meaning or does it reflect a habit of lem to Samaria, gave him his daughter
provincial mints to imitate well-known in marriage and appointed him to serve
coins in circulation?" as High Priest in the new temple. The
On the other hand. this book pro- ceremonies in the Jerusalem Te mple
vides some appealing and thought-pro- were accompanied by music in praise of
voking speculations about some of the the Lord. This was the duty of the
coins. One coin type, for example. a Levites, who were musicians and played
drachm (No. 58), has an obverse show- the harp and lyre. Can we perhaps
ing a bearded male fi gu re seated on a associate the unusual figu re on (th is
throne. playing a five-stringed harp, with coin) with the sacred music of the Sa4
a mask below. The reverse design de- maritan Yahvistic cult?"
picts a male figu re on the right , stabbing Many of the motifs of the Sama rian
a horse on the left with a spear. coins are almost unbel ievably compli4
This obverse type is unique, nol de- cated, especially considering that most
rived from anyothercoinage. Meshorer of the coins are obols and have diam 4
and Qedar speCUlate on the identity of eters in the range of only 10 millimeters.
the seated male fi gure. whose head is One of the tiny obols (No. 59), for ex-
bare. and thus represents neither king ample, depicts "two fig ures walking to
nor satrap. "One could suggest a pos- the left, sho uldering a barfrom which an
s ibility thai Ihis fi gure may represent animal is suspended by its legs. Be-
some aspect of Samaritan religious tween them, another animal walks to the
practice. We know that in the 4th cen 4 left with its head turned bac k."
lury BCE the Samaritans intended to "Thi s mo tif," Meshorer and Qedar
build their own temple on Mt. Gerizi m. note. "seems to be a reminiscence of an
a temple to rival the temple in Jerusalem. anc ient Syrian-Palestinian scene repre-
The idea of building such a temple on senting the offering of an animal killed
Mt. Gerizim, whether it ever material - in a hunt , e itherto the god or to the king.
ized or not, meant that Ihe Samaritans In a splendid earJy Syrian cylinder seal,
considered the Jerusalem temple as a there is as imilar scene . Ou r coin shows
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November 1991 7

PUBLIC AUCTION
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8 The Celato(
that such scenes still existed in the 4th
century BCE. though their meaning must
have changed."
The authors have described both the
types and the inscription s on the
Samarian coins in exquisite detail.
While the Yehud coin types paral-
leled the coinage of countries with which
Judea did business - mainly Athens
and Ptolemaic Egypt - the Samarian
coins parallel coinage of places to which
Samaria was connected commercially.
Thus the coins of Sidon and Tyre, as
well as coins of Cilicia, are the proto-
types for the Samarian coins.
The Coinage o/Samaria in (he Fourlh
Century BCE has 84 pages of text and
52 pages of photographic plates with
same-size pholOgraphs, as well as en-
largements of all the coins.-The photo-
graphs were taken by Zev Radovan ,
who may be the world's best coin pho-
tographer. Even though some of the
coins are not that well preserved, the
photographs are fantastic.
The catalog describes 106 Samarian
coin types. In addition to the photo-
graphs, each of these is illustrated by a
very clear line drawing, which makes
the visualization of the designs as well
as the inscriptions quite easy.
Also described and photographed in
this book is "The Samaria Hoard" of
334 coins. This was one of two hoards
upon which thi s study is based. The
other hoard, "The NabIus Hoard", has
been scattered and is thus unavailable.
By describing "The Samaria Hoard" in
detail we can get a very good idea of the
circu lating small coinage in Samaria at
this time.
The hoard was found in a pottery jar
or pyxis, along with several pieces of
jewelry. The authors conclude from the
numismatic ev idence that the coins in
this pyxis were hidden in the years 346/
5 BCE, and this ev idence helps to date
the Samarian coins quite precisely.
Professor Ya 'akov Meshorer is chief
curator of archaeology and curator of
num ismatics at the Israel Museum,
Jeru salem. He is undoubtedly the most
prolific scholar of ancient Jewish coins.
Shraga Qedar has been a student of
ancient Jewish coins fo r more than 30
years. He is a profess ional numismatist
based in Jerusalem.
The Coinage a/Samaria in the FOllrlh
Century BCE is published by Numis-
matic Fine An s International , Inc., and
sells for $75.00.
L.M .H2/63 © 1991 by Dav id Hendin
 When you consign to

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November 199 1 9
Antiquities
Roman pottery forms a fertile collecting field
by David Li ebert
Roman household pottery can be di-
vided into roughly two types. The first,
and most numerous, comprise the ubiq·
uitous coarse domestic wares, mostly of
plain buff pouery, which are found
throughout the ancient Roman world.
Widespread trade was carried in such
vessels as amphorae, which were the
prime ex amples ofsuch utilitarian wares.
Thi s pottery is even unearthed in realms
beyond the extent of the Empire.
The second is what might be called
the luxury ware of the Roman world.
These included the important class
known as Terra Siglata, the North Afri -
can red slip wares, the Barbatine wares
of Egypt. the Imperial lead glaze wares,
and a number of others. Such ware is
usually red in color, ailhough othe r col·
ors such as black, yellow and green are
not unknown.
In add ition to the surface fini sh, the
First centul}' A.D. bowl with red slip; stamped, incised and molded decoration
potIer usually paid much more attention
to the design and shape of the vesse ls. ingly finely potted, some reaching al· Olhers are distinguished by having
Many of the luxury wares are exceed· most egg shell thinness. intricate shape, being molded in the
effi gy of animals, human heads, fi g·
ures, or other objects. Often the luxury
wares were decorated with applied or·
The Time Machine Company nament by stamping, rouletting, comb·
ing, incising, molding, or Barbatine (a
is always eager to aid beginning col/ectors with moderately priced coins and method of applying soft liquid clay in a
antiquities. Call David Liebert direct to discuss your interests and needs. manner similar to icing a cake).
In addition to table wares and stor·
age vessels, pOl1ery was used in many
Thi s scarce early Republican oil other ways in the Roman household. A
lamp is only one of the many proper Roman house would have some
sort of shrine to the various deities with
interesting and important examples pottery figures of the divine beings, but
of Roman domestic pottery child's toys, spindle whorls, and o ther
to be found in our utilitarian objects were a lso commonly
made of pottery.
Special Interest Even the house itself contained much
pottery in the fonn of decorative or
Catalog #2 utilitarian tiles and plumbing. All of
this has come down to us in relatively
Order your FREE copy today! sizable quantities, since pottery is by its
nature a survivor. Thus, the domestic
pottery of the Roman world forms a
We have many more interesting antiquities and ancient coins in stock. fert ile fi eld for the collector.
If you are not on our mailing list. you are missing some of the best buys in
ancient art. Send for your free catalog today. For more information contact:
The advertisers on these
The Time Machine Co. pages support your journal.
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10 The Celator
 Ancient Greek and Roman Coins
Greek Silver Coins
PAEON1A, Patraos, 340-315 B.C.,
Tetradrachm . Ob .... Headal ApoHo r. Rev.
Armed horseman r., speariog lallen sol·
d ier. BMC 5.
Very Fine-Extremely Fine $275.00
~~ KJJ:tffA
~2~~~
2 CHIOS, Ionia, c. 478·412 B,C., Drachm.
Db.... Sphinx seated I; amphora. Rev.
Quadripartite incuse square. BMC 24.
Very Fine $395.00
3 $INOPE, Paphlagonla, 375·350 B.C ..
Orachm. Db.... Head of Sinope I. Rev.
Sea·eagleon dolphin I. BMC 11. Superb,
very sharp strike.
Extremely Fine $450.00
4 LyelA, Uvug, dynast, c. 470-440 B.C.,
Diobol. Obv. Forepart of winged human-
headed bull r. Rev. female head r.
Very Fine $165.00
5 SELGE, Pi aldla, Trihemfobol. Dby. Head
01 gorgon facing. Rev. Head of Athena r.
Sear 5479. Well struck.
Very Fine $125.00
6 SYRIA, Sel.ucus IV, 187·175 B.C.,
Drachm. Obv. Head r. Rev.Apolioseated
I. BMC 6. Anractive portrait.
Very Fine $250.00
7 BACTRIA, Menander, c. 166·1 45 B.C ..
Drachm. Obv. Bust I., diademed.. Rev.
Athena I. BMC 16. Well struck. toned.
Extremely Fine $135.00
8 BACTRIA, Zoilus, c. 155·140 B.C ..
Drachm. Obv. Bust r. Rev. Athena fight·
ing I. BMC 4
Nearly Extremely Fine $150.00
9 INDO-SCYTHIANS,Azes l,c.90·40B.C.,
Tetradrachm. Obv. King on horseback r.
Rev. Zeusstg., holding thunderbolt. BMC
2. Very sharply struck.
Extremely Fine $195.00
Greek Bronze Coins
10 SYRACUSE, Sicily, Hieron II, 275·215
B.C., AE 19. Obv. Head 01 Poseidon r.
Rev. Trident·head between two dolphins.
Sear 1223. Very Fine $39 .00
11 SELGE, Plsldls, 2nd· 1st Century B.C.,
AE 13. Obv. Head of Herakles r., club.
Rev. Winged thunderboll; bow. BMC47.
Patina. Very Fine $45.00
12 TARSUS, Cilieia, After 164 B.C., AE 25.
Obv. Tyche seated r.; river god Kydnos r.
Rev. Zeus seated. BMC 118.
Very Fine $95.00
13 NABATAEA, Arabia, Aretas IV &
Shaqllath, c. 11-40 A.D., AE 16. Obv.
Conjoined busts r. Rev. Two cornucopiae
crossed. Fine to Very Fine $35.00
14 CARTHAGE,241·146B.C.,AE 17. Obv.
Head of Persephone r. Rev. Horse r.;
Lucien Birkler & Company, Inc.
1707 L Street, N.W., Suite 250, Washington, D.C. 20036
Telephone 202-833-3770
palm tree .. Green patina.
Very Fine $45.00
Roman Empire, Silver Coins
15 AUGUSTUS, 27 B.C.· 14 A.D., Denarius.
Obv. Headr. Rev.CB.CIVIS.SERVATOS
In oak wreath. C. 210. Superb and
exceptionally well struck. Very nicely
toned. Extremely Fine plus $695.00
16 MAXIMUS,235·238A.D.,Denarius. Obv.
Bust r. Rev. Sacrificial implements. C. t .
Superb and exceptional.
Virtually Mint State $750.00
17 TREBONIANUSGALLUS, 251-253A.D.,
Antoninianus, Mediolanum mint. Obv.
Bust r. Rev. Pax stg. C. 76, RIC 71.
Extremely Fine $85.00
18 AEMILlAN, 252·253 A.D., Antoninianus.
Obv. Bust r. Rev. Pax stg. C.26. Very
bold portrait. Extremely Fine $575.00
19 QUIETUS, 260·261 A.D., Antoninianus.
Obv. Bust r. Rev. Roma seated. C. 11,
RIC 9. Extremely Fine $195.00
Roman Empire, Bronze Coins
20 AUGUSTUS and AGRIPPA, 27 -12 B.C.,
AE 26 of Nemausus, Gaul. Obv. Heads
back to back. Rev. Crocodile chained to
palm. C. 7, Sear 554 .. Green patina,
some oxidized spots.Very Fine $195.00
21 ORBIANA, As. Obv. Bust r. Rev.
Concordia seated. C. 5. Very sharp
portrait, fields smoothed.
Very Fine $485.00
22 PHILIP I, 244-249 A.D., Sestertius. Obv.
Bust r. Rev. Stag walking r. C. 183.
Greenish-brown patina.
Very Fine $375.00
23 HERENNIAETRUSCILLA, 249·251 A.D.,
Sestertius. Obv. Bust r. Rev. PudK:itia
seated. C. 22. Greenish-brown patina,
fields tooled, exceptional portrait.
Very Fine $375.00
Medieval Coins
24 GAND, Gut de Dampiere, 1260-1305.
Maille. Obv. Head i. Rev. Cross.
Very Fine plus $85.00
25 GREATBRITAIN, Charies l, 1644,Groat.
Bristol mint. Obv. Bust I., plume let belore
face Rev. Oeclaration. S. 3022, North
2509. Very sharp and at1ractive. Much
evidence of double striking on reverse.
Ex. Col. Monison Collection (with 1907
Baldwin's ticket). Very Fine $450.00
26 SCOTLAND, Robert Bruce, 1306·1329,
Penny. Ob .... Bust I.; sceptre. Rev. Cross.
S. 5076. Very Fine $795.00
27 SCOTLAND, Robert III, 1390-1406,
Groat, Perth mint. Obv. Bust facing. Rev.
Cross. S. 5HO.Very Fine plus $250.00
November 1991 11
The globe on Roman coins:
Symbol of the world or more?
by G. Dcrk Dodson
On 4 June 1991, the National Ar-
chives in Washington, D.C. released the
remaining 60 hours ofWatergate related
tapes. The public does not always have
access to secret, behind the scenes ma-
neuvering of our elected officials. More
importantly, these unflattering taped
conversations reveal what many people
have conjectured, that our politicians'
true feelings do not always reflect what
is seen by the publ ic. But, this is the
nature oftoday's democratic system of
the popular will (perhaps an aspect of
the G EN IO POPULARI AMERICAN I,
agestail of our combined spirit). Today's
whole political syste m is guided from
the people up. In ancient times, the
guidance was from the gods above to
people below, or at least the rulers
wanted to portray it th is way. Thegods,
knowing true feelings. wou ld not only
beable to choose the bestcandidate, but
could <llso work the ir guidance through
the popular will and strong desire of the
people, as is shown by the abili ty of an
outnumbered army to win a war against
ROMAN IMPERIAL
ANCIENT NEAR EAST
ISLAMIC & INDIAN COINAGE
Our Specialty .
Interested in buying rare or high grade Roman. Greek. Greek
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For Serious Collectors -
WILLIAM B. WARDEN, JR.
P.O. BOX 356
NEW HOPE, PA 18938
(215) 297-5088
12 The Celator
hopelessly unfavorable odds. In thi s
view the ancients could claim a superior
system to democracy, since decisions
were supposedly of a higher conveyance.
rather than the capricious public's vote
based on a politician looking good.
There had always been an element of
this divine guidance in Roman thought.
Jupiter gave Victory to the deserving
and Fortuna guided the world with her
ship·srudder. What was different in the
empire was that the emperors began to
claim a symbol of divine authority that
in antiquity had only been associated
with the most holy of people, and in fact
meant that the person was divine - a
god. Because of Roman sensitivities,
the process of considering the emperor
more than just first citizen (princeps),
but a god, naturally had to be slow to be
acceptable. However, even as early as
Nero, Roman coins began to show as-
pects of this divine crowning in the
radiate bust. What is important is that
th is radiate crown has many different
fonns that symbolize the same th ing.
such as the radiate nim bu s, nu mbus pura
Occasional Lists
(circiewithoul rays), halo, and the aura.
All of these are basically globes of glory,
circles of light, discs, etc. In this case,
perhaps the globes that many of the
gods and goddesses are giving to the
emperors are not so much a symbol of
the mundane world, but a divine nimbus
globe to consecrate the emperor's au-
thority. This wouldnot connict with the
view that the world is also given, since
once the emperor had the nimbus, he
also had the world.
Figure 1
SOL/.INVfCTO - $01 holding a globe.
If this globe was alone or simply
combined with a few other objects, such
as an eagle o r a rudder. there would be
few reasons to question the meaning of
the globe . However, having Sol hold a
globe in the SOLl .lNVICfO series of
coins (Figure J), for example. is enough
to make the world as a definition of the
globe suspect. Why would the solar
deity be associated with giving the earth
to an e mperor? To answer this, aspects
of the Mithraic and mystery religions
must be addressed.
It is not so much that the g lobe and
world are given to the invincible em-
peror, (which it is), it's the sequence of
how it is given. Accord ing to Franz
Cumont in hjs classic book The Mys-
teries of Mithra. the emperor is gjven
the nimbus of glory, (as a radiant disc)
or the " hvareno" , as the A vesta calls it.
Thi s halo of light is only given to legiti-
mate rulers and is taken away from
usurpers. In other words, the emperor
receives the hvareno from Sol, but once
he receives it, he's invincible. When he
loses this nimbUS, he loses his right to
rule. In China, Ihis would be called the
"mandate of heaven". Another way of
 looking at this is the use of the letters
P.E (e.g. PIVS and FELIX) on Roman
coins. The emperor must be PIVS to
receive the hvareno and once he has the
hvareno he is always FELIX, or happy.
The hvareno, being divine, also enables
the emperor to be the PONTIF, or bridge
to the divine. Therefore, the sequence is
that the emperor, by virtue of being
good and pius, is given the divine nim-
bus of light, represented by the globe,
becomes invincible, and also receives
the world.
In ZoroastrianismlMithraism, Ahura
Mazda is the lord of light, truth, wis-
dom, good, and is eternal, while Angra
Mainyu, the demon of the lie, will be
undone at the end of time. It is this
concept of an omniscient God, such as
Ahura Mazda, that was a step in the
ancient world towards one supreme
Godhead. lbe solar god was the symbol
of this, being the local solar system ruler
and the most visible light in the world.
The solar god is not the supreme
Godhead Ahura Mazda, but is the inter-
mediary. In this sense, the "light" is that
which is behind it all and superior to it
all. Those who are enlightened, con-
taining the hVareno, are one with the
supreme Godhead.
One interesting example of this con-
cept can be found in the Hindu Vedic
epic poem the "Shagavad-Gita". This
story was written entirely during a battle.
The supreme Godhead, represented by
' Krishna, taught the science of enl ight-
enment to Arjuna, a soldier and special
devotee. As long as Arjuna was on the
battlefield with the divine Krishna,
Arjuna was invincible. Thenimbus ball
of light was with Krishna, who is always
shown with a halo. At the same lime,
Krishna stated that he " instructed the
imperishable sc ience of yoga 10 the sun-
god Vivasvan, and Vivas van instructed
it to Manu, the father of mankind, and
Manu in turn instructed it to Iksvaku."
What Krishna was saying is that he was
reviving the ancient science that was
originally taught to mankind through
the sun god, but was forgotten. This
also shows Krishna as the supreme light
behind it all as superior to the sun god.
Similarly, Mithra was the symbol of
light and was superior to the sun god. It
was Mithra who placed the radiate crown
on the sun god's head. All of this shows
a connection between the supreme God
of light behind it all, the avatar mes-
sengers who brought the light to earth,
and the sun-god , the brightest light in
our world, the local ruler, and interme-
diary with the supreme Godhead.
But, what suggests that the globe on
Roman COlOS, other than the
Figure 2
Symbols of the Sun. Top: Egyptian
(winged). Middle: Greek. Bottom
Left: Egyptian. Bottom Right:
Radiate This shows that the sun
was both radiate and a disc/globe.
SOL.INVICTO series, is much more
than just a symbol of the world? First,
the circle had long been representative
of the radiant sun as well as the hvareno
ball of light. The Egyptian's sun god
"Ra" was a sun disc with wings for its
flight across the sky (Figure 2), The
Greeks represented this globe more like
a wheel with the wing connected to the
center. The Egyptians also used a circle
with a dot in the center to represent the
sun, much as is sometimes seen when
there is a rainbow type halo around the
sun (dot). The sun was shown radiate,
but the ball of light was also shown as a
simple circle.
The wings on a sun disc would rep-
resent the sun's travel across the sky.
On the other hand, if this same symbol
is also viewed as the hvareno globe, the
wings would carry it to the aspirant
down below and the person would be
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Figure 3
Various means to show crowning
from the gods. Top: Egyptian.
Middle Left: Halo. Middle Right:
Radiate. Bottom Left: Diadem.
Bottom Right: Christian crown.
divinely crowned (Figure 3). Of all
these crowns, the top three (on the
Egyptian pharaoh, the halo, and the ra-
diate crown) graphically show the tie to
the radiate or circle hvareno globe as a
demonstration of rule by divine right.
The granting of the hvareno crown was
also the antecedent for all other crowns,
including the diadem and the Christian
crown, since all crowns symbolized the
right to rule from God. The Egyptian
crown in particular would argue against
the globe/disc being the symbol of the
world, since being above the king, it
would mean the world and not God
crowned kings.
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YEAR-OLO
Ancient
Beads
November 1991 13
 The Egyptian crown is also borne by
a winged bird. This would not be the
only time divine messengers or objects
are borne by winged creatures . In the
Bible, Matthew 8: 16 says that the spirit
of God is seen as adovc. For ]upiterthe
eagle was seen, and the messengers
Mercury and Victory both had wings.
Victory came after the war was fought,
and in this way both Victory and the
dove symbolize peace. The difference
was that in the Christian scheme, war
was not the means to obtain peace. In
the pagan religions the hvareno gave
victory as well as peace and hannony.
CONCORDIAMILlTVM coins show
this by having a globe being offered to
the emperor. To consider this the nim-
bus or hvareno, rather than the world,
would offer a good explanation of how
the emperor could have obtained concord
and harmony, since if he only received
the world, this wou ld not guarantee har-
mony.
With a view that the globe could be
a sacred nimbus, as wcll as symbolizi ng
the world, many other uscs of the globe
on Roman coins can be seen in a differ-
ent light. One such coin type where a
globe is associated is with the Roman
goddess Virtus. Not only does Virtus
symbolize valor and noble conduct, but
also virtue in general. If, on the other
hand, the globe was simply a symbol of
the world, then Mars may have been a
better god to offer a globe, since you
also obtain the world by excellence in
war. But Mars wasn' t the god associ-
ated with the globe. Virtue, morals,
high minded ideals and other religious
themes were associated with the globe.
High minded religious ideals wou ld
suggest something sacred as the symbol
and goal of the emperor's authority,
rather than the Earth.

Bank Leu Ltd Zurich

Numismatics

/ =s ___
~
Figure4a
Radiate nimbus around phoenix on
globe. This shows that the nimbus in
various forms (nimbus radiate, nimbus
pura-simple circle) were the same,
and were used to crown the divine.

Another reiigious symbol associated

with the globe is the phoenix (Figure
4a) . In this illustration, the phoenix has
a radiate nimbUS, rather than the radiate
crown which is usually seen as the sym-
bol of divine illumination. In addition,
the way th is c rown is drawn suggests
similarities between a radiate crown, a
radiate nimbus, and a nimbus without
rays in a nimbus pura. For thi s reason,
Sol giving a nimbus globe in the
SOLI .INV ICTO series could be consid-
Every year we have an auction of very important ancient coins e red just another method and form of
in spring. c rowning. Sol holds out the nimbus
We issue occasional fists. globe, gives it to the emperor, and the
Our stock ranges from Hemitartemoria to Dekadrachmai, and nimbus is then seen as the emperor's
from Ouadrantes to Multiple Aureus Medallions. radiate bust on many Roman coins.
We actively buy and sell at all price levels. However. since the phoenix is on the
globe , the symbology may be that the
sacred object is the phoenix itself, upon
which the world is given. In other
words, the phoenix symbolizes the
hvareno. not the globe. 'But, even if this
is true, it would still show a close rela-
Bank Leu Ltd tionship between the divine nimbus
In Gassen 20 CH-800 1 Zurich Switzerland globe and the giv ing of the world.
Telephone (from the US) 011 41 1 21924 06 Telefax 0114112193306 The same may be said of Victory
when she is seen on the globe ~

14 The Celator
 ANNOUNCES
AN IMPORTANT PUBLIC AUCTION
OF ANCIENT AND ~OREIGN COINS . fG~ .
Monday Afternoon, December 9, 1991
at the Omni Park Central Hotel
" 'v=--,
'
Seventh Avenue at 56th Street, New York City

Featuring Over 300 Lots of Ancient Coins

• Choice Greek Gold and Electrum, including a
Gold Stater of Tarentum, an Electrum 100
Litrai of Syracuse, a superb Alexander
Double Stater, heavy and light Gold Staters
of Croesus, and a splendid Arsinoe
Octodrachm.
• An extensive offering of Roman Imperial
Gold, including many Mint State Aurei as
well as such rarities as Posthumous Aurei of
Vespasian and Trajan, Gold Quinarii of
Domitian and Gordian III, and Severan
Dynastic Issues.
• Greek Silver Tctradrachms including
Dekadrachms of Syracuse and Egypt, rare
Tetradrachms of Akragas, Syracuse,
Akanthos, Mende, Pergamon and Syria, as
well as an Archaic Athenian Didrachm.
Choice Judaean Silver and Bronze, including
a splendid Judaea Capta Sestertius.
An excellent offering of Roman Silver and
Bronze.

r-------------------,I
I ~. CEL.
CATALOGUED AND SOLD BY I d
0 ' I
I I
1123 West 57th St., New York, NY 10019 I
I Endosed please findSlO.OO for your December 9, 1991 I
I Auction Sale Catalogue and list of Prices Realized (after sale). I
123 WEST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10019 I I
Telephone (212) 582·258{l I N=, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - 1
Cable Address "STACKOI N" New York
FAX (212) 245-5018 or (2 12) 582-1946 1- I
L ___________________ ~
AMERICA'S OLDEST & LARGEST COIN DEALER&
LEAJ)JNG COIN AUCTIONEERS FOR OVER 55 YEARS
I City State Zip I

November 1991 15
 nimbus. Since Victory is often shown
without a globe, the first explanation of
a globe as the world is perhaps the more
The globe is also seen with themes of
death and commemorations. The eagle
on the globe is one example, and is
usually said to symbolize the emperor's
authority overthe Roman world (Figure
4c). Since this symbol is used in con-
junction with the emperor's death, a
more credible explanation may be that
this is a symbol of the other world, and
not a symbol of authority over the world
from which the emperor has passed. In
this case, the eagle would be bearing the
deified emperor's spirit, symbolized by
a nimbus, to heaven.

Figufe4c
Consecratio, deification, and
Figure4b commemorating the death of the
\ ,
Victory seen on the globe. emperor. This type of globe is seen
with stars on it, which would not be ~@ll'
(Figure 4b). Victory herself may be the conducive to the theory that the globe
symbol of the divine hvareno, upon
which the world as a globe is given.
is simply a symbol of the Earth.
n~
Conversely, Victory, being simply the
messenger of Jupiter's will, may be
bringing something divine such as a
plausible, but it would not prove that the
globe with Victory has no divine conno-
tations. /
~~
\
I;
Figure 4d

c.,.of Martin (Coins) Ltd

London, England.
Constantine the Great's
BEATA TRANQUILLITAS
(Blessed Tranquility) with globe on
top of the votive altar. Would man
worship the world in this case?

Constantine the Great 's use of the

Our current 24 page globe on top of the votive altar in the
catalogue contains BEATA TRANQUILLITAS (Blessed
Tranquility, Figure 4d) series of coins
about 500 Greek probably symbolizes a nimbus globe
and Roman coins, more than the world, since this would
have the emperor worshipping some-
200 English thing divine and not the world.
Hammered There are other uses of the globe that
and a wide might be considered more in the middle
ground as both a nimbus and/or the
range of world. For instance, the Restitut Orbis
antiquities. (restorer of the world, Figure 5) theme
can be seen both ways. The emperor
holds a globe and is being crowned by a
C.J. M.artin (Coins) Ltd female symbol of the empire. The em-
85, The Vale, Southgate, peror either holds the restored world in
his hand or he holds the nimbus in his
London N14 6AT, England
hand. Both objects would make him
Established 20 years worthy of being crowned as the restorer
of the world.
Tel: (0)81 882 1509 Fax: (0)81 886 5235
It would be wrong t6 assume that the
Telephone Visa £, Mastercards accepted globe has no association with symbols
OUR CATALOGUES INCLUDE ANCIENT GREEK BRONZE, GREEK SILVER, of the world. Two examples where the
ROMAN SILVER £, BRONZE, BYANTlNE, CELTIC, ANGLO SAXON, NORMAN, globe has a relationship to the Earth, as
HAMMERED MEDIEVAL, ANCIENT ARTIFACTS, HOARDS £, SPECIAL OFFERS well as being a divine object, include
the globe sectioned off in four -+
16 The Celator
Saxon Pirates Plun er t of city walls
Thousands bury valuables, flee 0 Legions march
.:.;;.;;.;;..:-~:-. r'-'__e..:::;.; to repel raIders
Senator denies troops raced east-

he slept with
Emperor's ex
Senator
(t[olcbrs'trr !!ladp ~rlrgrapb
IUS.
SI.Ilurday. May 26, 1983
legations of a .
the Emperor s
his accusers todaY·
Coin hoard
6,000 coins
dated to late
Roman era
A workman's plough has
turned up one of the IIlO$I
significan t archeological
finds in recent years, a hoard
of, more than 6.(0) ROllliln
C011I5 bu ried about 1.700
years ago.
The find SV04, at Olivers
Orchard, is only a half.mile
r~m !he important Roman
sue of Gosbeck's Farm.
where a temple , set wit hin a
Jargccnclosure. and a theater
"-ere located .
The discovery was lnade
by Mr. Brian Wade, an em-
pJoree at the orchard, ...·110
~ICed !he of loose
COlltS behind i I
COvering Essex C
a unt)' and the world
Or>ee the excl.l v31ion j ~
Complete, the coirtj will ~
turned o...er to !he British
Museum. where !hey will be
cicanal arw;f C'aUllogucd.
Lord denies he slept with Min'ISter 's ex
Ca Ing h'IS aUackers "vi
a .
cious. '"COmemPl ible ~ .
moogers.· · Lord Hardrncm:
He /"CJIOI1Cd !he 10 Mr
R:upen KllOWle:o;. managing bcrpu~icJydenled any ill icit
d irector at Oliver.; Orchard
with the volupru_
CQrulec(,0fl
.. c~·wife of the Prime
and a I member of the
Archaeologists noIC il is
extremely unusual for a coi n
hoard to be excavated by
proper archaeological meth-
ods. U$Ua.lly, iloards are dug
up by treasure hunters us ing
n~eta l detectors , making it
dIfficu lt to trace !he e~act
locatiOl1 of the find . I n this
case. however. the hoord
(coillinucd OIl page 10)
CC uSC rs In a press eonfer-
::e~e t~y . ~ Hardmem_
dal:sida~ hiS ~~leg~ sc.an.
aI r. We It

ICA Acquires Choice Group From OIivers Orchard Hoard

Imperial Coins & Antiquities announces the acquisition of a
large group of coins from the Olivers Orchard Hoard , perhaps the
only ancient coin hoard ever excavated under strict archaeologi-
cal controls .
The group consists of silver, base silver and bronze antonini-
ani dating from the middle to late Third Century A.D. Many of
these coins are in excellent condition. and there are quite a few
scarce and rare reverses!
A selection of Olivers Orchard Hoard coins is featured in the
current ICA Bid-Or·Buy Sale, closing Nov. 26. Included are
antoninlanl of Philip I, Trajan Decius, Volusian, Valerian and
Victorinus, and there is a large group of Gallienus and Postumus
coins with animal and mythological reverse types.
For a limited time, ICA is also offering Olivers Orchard Hoard
coins for direct sale to Celator readers. The prices are $75 for
a silver or base-silver antonlnianus in VF condition or better,
and $45 for a bronze antoninianus in VF condition or better.
Included witfl each purchase is a one-page " fact sheet" on
the Olivers Orchard Hoard and its significance to archaeology.
For an additional $1 0, Celator readers can also obtain a complete
of the British Museum's report on the hoard, including a
of all coins found .
This is a rare opportunity to acquire coins which were
excavated, researched and exported under proper archaeo-
logical control , and which can be traced directly back Into the
ground. Don't pass It upl
There are four VF silver antonininani available at the special
price of $75 with portraits of Valerian I, GaUienus , Salonina and
Postumus. The VF bronze antoniniani which are available at the
special price of $45 are portrait coins minted under Victorinus
and Claudius II Gothicus. Specify your choice of rulers or let us
pick, and we will select the best available specimen at the time
we receive your order. You may also purchase an entire set of
these six rulers for just $350- a savings of $40!
Add $4.00 per order for shipping and handling. California
residents add 7 1!4%sales tax. You may pay by check, money
order or charge to your MasterCard or VISA.
To order your Olivers Orchard Hoard cOin(s), or a copy of ICA '5
newest Bid·Or·Buy Sale, just call or write:
Imperial Coins & Antiquiti es
3296 S. Mooney Blvd., Suite 105
Visalia. CA 93277
Telephone: (209) 732·2026

November 1991 17

, proof of his right to rule. He would
0 --
Figure 5
REST/TUT ORBIS (Restorer of the
World) . Female personification crowns
emperor as the restorer of the world
since he shows the nimbus globe and
is th erefore worthy. Or, she crowns
him because he holds the restored
world and thereby shows he's worthy.
parts (as in fou r continents), and when
the g lobe has the eight cardinal points of
the compass (Figu re 6), In many an-
cient beliefs there were four builders of
the world, o r four elements upon which
the clIrlh was made. These clements
werecH rth, ,Iir, fire, and water. T he four
bui lders were also the lords of the caSl,
west, north, and south, symbo lized by
J{armer 2\9o~ (ja((eries
YL6sentee YLuction 43
erosing 'Date: IJ../jJv. 6, 1991
Cara/oglle
& Prices Realized
$15 ppd.
Harmer Rooke Galleries , 3 East 57th SI., New York, NY 10022, Call: 212-75 1-1900, FAX 212-758- 1713
18 The Gelator
the four cardinal and four inlennediate
(the lord's assistants) points and the
four contine nts.
Figure 6
Left: Cardinal points as shown
on a Providentia Pertinax aureus.
Right: 4 continents.
More importantly. being the e lements
through which the goddesses of destiny
(e.g . Fortuna/ Prov ident ia/V ic to ry)
work.ed, these four lords were theagenls
of destiny. In Ihis case, when the Ro-
man emperor reaches for a globe with
eight card inal poi nts, he is not reaching
forthe world itself, but is a supplicant to
the agents of destiny (working through
the world), asking them to look favor-
ably on him.
'Esta6[isfiei 1905
at 5:30 P9.{
Featuring a Quality Selection o/Classical
Al1liquities/rom £1])""', Greece, Romealld
the Ancient Near East,' Pre-Columbian Art;
Tribal Arts - Indian and Ethnographic;
Orielllal Amiques; Anciel1l Numismmics.
Whatever the view, whether as a
nimbus crown o r symbol of the lords of
destiny on Earth, the globe is seen as
much mo re than just a symbol of author-
ity over the world , or of the mundane
world itself. Since the emperor wants to
show his right to rule from the divine,
there would be many arguments against
cons idering the globe simply as the
world. The emperor would want to
show a div ine object as his goal and
never admit he wants the world for it's
own sake. Therefore, he is seen as
petitioning the lords of destiny, show-
ing he's worthy, and only then receiving
the world or nimbus globe.
References
Campbell, Joseph, Occidental Mythology,
The Masks of God , New Yark, Penguin
Books, 1976.
Cumon!, Franz, The Mysteries 0/ Milhro,
New York , Dover Publications, 1956.
Jones, John Melville, A Dictionary 0/ An-
cient Roman Coins, London, B.A. Sea by,
Lid., 1990.
Prabhupada, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami,
Bhagavad·Gita As 11 Is. New York,
Bhaktivedanla Book Trust, 1972.
Stevenson, Seth W.,A Diclionary ojRoman
Coins . London, B,A. Seaby , Ltd., 1982.
~
 TRADART
-------+-------
AIM EZ QU ' ON VOUS CONSEILI.E

Public Auction of Greek and Roman Co in s

Geneva, December 3, 1991

•
EXHIBITION S

Tradart Brussels S.A. : November 4 - 9, 1991

Tradan Gem!ve S.A.: November 2510 December 2,1991

Catalog available o n requesl for C HF 50.-

Tradart Geneve S.A., 29 Quai des Bergues, 1201 Geneva lei : (41.22) 731.38.31 - fax: (41.22) 731.45.90

-----&-.+ - - - -
November 1991 19
Queen Boudicca of the
Iceni tribe: A woman versus Rome
by C harles T. Robinson wear iron ornaments about their waists their Roman observers, it is not surpris-
The British Celts (or "8clgae", as and necks, which they consider to be ing that the Romans contemptuously
called by the Romans) were a grouping both decorative and a sign of wealth . .. regarded the Celts as barbaric. The
of chiefta in-ru led aristocratic tribes and they tatoo their bodies with abstract emperor Claudius conquered a large
whose curious culture portion of Britain in
and strange c usto ms A.D. 43, and though he
stood in marked coo- paid various Celt ic
trast to those of t he chieftains large sumsof
Romans. Ju liusCaesar
and other Roman writ-
GQo money 10 aid the pro-
cess of Romanization,
ers have left us with \JO
colorful accounts o f
Celtic soc iety as
o the Roman occupiers in
Britain generally
treated their Celtic
viewed by non-Celts. subjects with loathing
Caesar, for instance, and brutality. In
notes that the "Britons A.D, 61, the year of
dye themselves with Claudius' death, a Ro-
blue woad in order to man treasu ry official
appear more terrifying by the name Catus
in battle. They wear lceni AR UniUssued by Ooeen 80udiccain A, 0, 61. Decianus attempted to
their hair long, and their Obverse: Head right; with vestigaf ear; trefoils infrOn/. confiscate the landed
bodies are shaven ex- Reverse: Horse right; wheel abovefpelletUr/der tail. estate of Prasutagus, a
cept for the head and recently deceased
upper lip".l Another chieftain of the Celtic
Roman writer, the historian Herodian, patterns and all sorts of animals".2 Iceni tribe. which occupied what is now
observes that the British Celts " .. . are Considering the marked cultural dis- East Anglia. When Prasutagus' wife,
not used to wearing clothes. . they parity between the British Celts and Queen Boudicca, objected, Catus or-
dered her stripped and flogged by his
soldiers. who subsequent ly raped
Boudicca's daughters and siezed what
Have your coins professionally they could of her property.
researched and catalogued through the Catus had perilously underestimated
Boudicca. Over the next few months,
DAVID R. SEAR the Celtic queen raised an imposing
anny of Iceni warriors (some 120,000
troops) and awaited an opportune mo-
Ancient Coin Certification Service ment to attack. In J une of A.D. 61, the
(A.C.C.S.) Romans invaded the island of Anglesey,
in Wales, and butchered the island's
Each coin s ubmitted will be personally examined by David R . Sear, Druid priests. Boudicca siezed upon
accurately described, complete with citation of references, and graded. this incident as a signal for revolt, stir-
Additionally, the Detailed Format w ill include a full commentary on ring her troops to battle and personally
leading them against the Roman for-
the historical and numismatic background of the piece.
tress town ofCamulodunum, Colchester,
The in formation will be presented on an attractive which had some 20,000 occupants.
laminated certi fi cate, with black and white photograph. Overwhelmed by Boudicca's forces,
Camulodunum appealed to Londinium
Fees: $20.00 per coin (Basic Format) (London) for reinforcements, but the
$30.00 per coin (Detailed Format) inept Catus Decianus misjudged the
situation and sent only 200 troops.
For EXPRESS SERVICE (3 days turn-around/rom date o/receipt) Within two days, the Iceni attackers had
add $10.00 per coin (maximum of 3 coins per submission) penetrated the town's ramparts and be-
gan to slaughter its residents with sav-
Please submit by registered mail, and add sufficient to your remillance age ferocity. Those Romans who es-
to cover cost a/return postage ($8.00 up to $1 ,000 value; $10.00 up to caped the sword retreated into the half-
$5.000 vallie; $12.50 lip to $10,000 value). Checks and M.O.'s payable to completed temple of Claudius (who had
"David R. Seal''' Further in/ormation and suhmission /orms sent on request. recently been deified). Boudicca and
her soldiers surrounded the temple with
P.O. Box 5004, Chatsworth, CA 91313 brushwood and set it abla7e, burning
alive all of the town's remaining citi-
zens, including ils women and children .
20 The Gelator
 The news of Boudicca 's ruthless of·
fensive quickly reached the town of
Lincoln, which dispatched 5,000 Ro-
man troops to subdue the Celtic queen.
These relief fo rces, however, were am-
bushed and slaughtered by Boud icca's STEPHEN M . HUSTON
warriors, so that nothing now stood Cfassica{ tJ.&mismatist
between the Iceni army and the Roman
town of London, which was promptly P.O, Box 193621
attacked. Half of London's popu lation San Francisco, CA 94119 USA
fled the city, and those citizens who
remained met with grisly execution. (41 5) 781-7580
Roman historian Dio Cassius tells us 'LtI£'Y win ilfustfUUtf (U;waf size.
that the Icen i invaders " ... hung up
'Wriu for a copy ofour m~ catafqJue.
naked the most noble and distinguished
women and they cut off their breasts and
sewed them into their mouths in order to
make the victims appear to be eating
them; afterwards they impaled the
women on sharp skewers run lengthwise
through their bodies". 3 Male London-
ers met with similarly gruesome deaths,
COIN AUCTION
and the city was burnt to the ground.
Fo rtunate ly for the Roman s,
Boudicca's troops became pe rilously
"MICHI GAN SALE '91 111•
overconfident and careless after their N umismatic Public & Mail Bid Sale
sack of London. Seutonius Paulinus,
the Roman governor of Britain, soon
moved his infe rior army into strike po- November 23, 1991
sit ion agai nst the London invaders. Lansing, Michigan
Overzealous and too impatient to wait
for the Romans to break ranks and at-
lack, Boudicca 's fo rces foolish ly hurled
themse lves against the packed ranks of
Roman shields, which effectively broke
the Iceni offensive. Discouraged and
weakened, the Celtic troops were then
pushed back by a sudden Roman ad-
vance, which scattered the rebels. Most
of the Iceni troops were slaughtered,
and Boudicca and her daughters com-
mitted suicide by poison.
Over the ensuing months, Seutonius
Paulinus mercilessly retaliated against This Sale f eatures an Extensive Offering of:
the Celtic popu lace, torturing and cruci·
fying even those Britons who had played An cients (250 L ots) & Antiquities (150 Lots)
no part in Boudicca's revolt. So bloody
was Seuton ius' campaign of revenge Every Ancient Coin Lot is Illustrated
that even Nero seems to have been
shocked by its violence. Nero replaced World Crowns & Minors,
Seuton ius wit h a new governor and at- United Stales & Canadian Coinage ;
tempted a reconciliation between the Paper Money, Tokens & Medals, . .COUECfOR MATERIAL
Celtic tribes and the Roman occupiers.
Thi s reconciliation was event ually at-
tained, though Queen Boudicca had SEND FOR OUR ILLUSTRATED CATALOG
taught the Romans a bloody lesson about & PRICES REALIZED
the hazards of underestimating a woman. $7.50 (A nnual Subscription $12.00)
Footnotes
I Caesar, Julius, Gallic Wars, Book V.
Craig A. Whitford
2 Heredian, History of the Empire From
tile Time of Marcus Aurelius, Book m. (Formerly Downie·Lepczyk Auctions, Ltd,) 01P.~
3 Cassius, Dio Cocceianus, Hislory of P.O. Box 22026, Lansing, Michigan 48909 ANALM 31O'
Rome, Book LXI I. Tel: 517/3944443 or Fax: 517/394-5510

November 1991 21
 NEW FINDS .. .

incense shovels are rare objects of ancient JUdaica. They are depicted in Jewish art of the Roman and Byzant i n_~ period,
often seen on ancient synagogue capitals and mosaics. Shovels are usually seen along with depictions of the menorah, lutav
and el ro9· The example in the photograph is approximately 26 mm in length, which is about average for pieces this author
has seen.
Hot coals were placed in the pan portion of the shovel and then incense was sprinkled on . Use of incense, although no
longer used in Jewish reli gious services, is still quite common in Roman and Eastern Catholic services.
For fu rther references to Jewish incense shovels please refer to Yigael Yadin's Bar-Kokhba excavations of 1960- 1961.
Three excellen t examples of these shovels were found and are pictu red on page 108 in his book on these excavations. Also
refer to Ancient Synagogues Revealed, printed by the Israel Exploration Society in 1981. The cover of this book shows a
section of mosaic panel from Hammath·Tiberias synagogue in which a shovel is easily seen . On page 13 , a capital from
Capernaum synagogue is pictured with a carving evident of a menorah, shofar and incense shovel.
Donald R. Simon

NOW AVAILABLE
This mtlssiye two-volume set, meticulously composed over a period of many
years, is the most comprehensive study eYer allempted on Alexander the
MARTI N .JESSOP PRICE Great. Dr. Price's work is the single standard reference for this period.
The work covers the entire coinage in all mcwls of Alexander the Great lind
his half brother and successor, Philip Arrhidaeus, as well as the coinnge of
THE COINAGE LySimachus issued with the types of Alexander. The catalogue includes not
only lifetime issues, but also posthumous coinageofthe same designs struck
IN THE NAME OF down to the fITSt century BC.
An extensive introductory ~ction is dedicated to general themes. including

ALEXANDER ~1ection o f designs. periods of minting, analysis of hoards, and significance

of countermarks. Thecatalogue itself, listing well oyer4000 different types,
is arrllnged by min!. The 149 plates, with photographsoftheextensiye British
Museum collection, illustrate the catalogue, lndelles of the oycr 900 issue

THE GREAT marks and monograms enable easy identification of indiv idual coins. COll-
cordances are provided to the earlier catalogues of L. Muller (1855) and A.
von Prokesch-Osten ( 1869 and 1871).
AND ORDER I NG I NFORMATION
PHILIP ARRHIDAEUS: $300.00
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(717) 786-40 13, Fax (7 17) 786-7954

22 The Celalor
 G. HIRSCH OF MUNICH ANNOUNCES
AN IMPORTANT PUBLIC AUCTION
OF ANCIENT AND FOREIGN COINS
AND ANTIQUITIES

Macedonia, Mende (465-424 B.C.)

AUCTION NR. 172

27-29 November, 1991

Catalogued and sold by

~------------------,
Munzcnhandlung
I Gerhard Hirsch Nachf. I
I Promenadeplatz 10, D·8000 Munchen 2, Germany I
Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger I Enclosed please find S25.00for your Nove mber 27-29, 1991 I
I Auction Sale Catalogue and Prices Realized (after sale) I
Promenadeplatz IO
D-80oo MUnche n 2, Germany I Name I
Telefon (089) 29 21 50 I Street I
Telefax (089) 2283675 L __________________
I City State Zip ~
I

November 1991 23
 People in the News
Easson discusses Greek coinage at TOREX coin fair
The Classical and Medieval
Numismatic Society of Canada, in
conjunction w ith the Fall Torex coin fair,
hosted A lison Easson, who spoke on the
subject of ancient Greek coins. The
presentation took place on October 27th
at the Primrose Hotel in Toronlo.
Easson's discussion was tilled "The
Doves of Sikyon", and she examined the
possible relationship between a hoard of
uninscribed obols and the coins of Sikyon.
She is a curator at the Royal Ontario
Museum in T oronlo, and has been on
staff altha R.O.M. since 1962. Her area
of interest and research is Greek and
Roman antiquities. One of her projects
has been the cataloging of the collection
of forty-four thousand coins at the
museum.
The society prepared a display of
coins, and the exhibit included a unique
collection offorgeries and counterfeits. A
selection of books, pamph lets and other
research material was also
on display.
The C lassical and
Medieval Nu mismatic
Society is a non -profit
educationa l society.
Membe r ship inc l udes
collectors, hi sto ri ans,
students and others
interested in ancient and
Med iev al coinage and
history. The Society's
prime objective is the study,
research, publication of
data and inform ation, and
to further the education of
its members. A bi-monthly
newsletter, The Anvil, is
also published by the
CMNS.
Further i nformation
about the CMNS may be obtained by P.O. Box 704, Station B, WiUowdale,
writing to the Executive Secretary, CMNS, Ontario, Canada M2K 2P9.

Passing of Alfred
JrnfHrs in Szego mourned
The numismatic fraternity mourns the
death of Alfred Szego. Szego, at age 77,
,Numismllfirs passed away on September 1st after a
brief illness.
Honore Theodoric Paul Szego operated a business
Joseph d'Albert specializing in foreign and ancient coins.
After retiring eight years ago, he continued
Due de Luynes research work on several topics. His
book The Coinage of Medieval Austria
The age of enlightenment introduced the
1156-1521 discusses the Medieval
minor nobility of Europe to coin collecting, pfenningsof Austria. Working on a reprint
and many of the famous collections from of the Ercole Gnecchi Collection catalog,
the 1Rth and 19th centuries were products of Szego made line drawings for many types
this penchant for accumulating objects of antiquity, which was considered a not listed in the original catalog. Although
mark of erudition among the aristocracy. Born in 1802 in France, the Duc de the narrative was unfinished, his wife
Luynes became not only all accumulator, but an outstanding classical scholar, Augusta plans to complete the research.
numismatist and author as well. He was one of the founding members of the
Archaeological Institute in Rome and specialized in Greek coinage. After his
death in 1867, the Duke's superb collection of some 7,000 Greek coins was J.P. Linzalone
donated to the Cabinet de Medailles in Paris and was later published in the four
volumeCalalogue de la collection de Luynes: Monnais grecques by Jean Babelon
relocates offices
between 1924 and 1936. A biography of de Luynes was published in Revue belge J.P. Linzalone & Son has moved its
de numismatique in 1902. He was the fathe r of fourteen children, one of whom offices to Ridgewood, New Jersey.
carrying on the tradition of connoisseurship became the famous art collector Specializing in Anglo-Saxon and Viking
Dame de Volupte. coins, the firm alsodealsinancientGreek
and Roman coins and artifacts.
Their new address is P.O. Box 506,
This feature is provided courtesy of Ridgewood, NJ 07451, and the new
T he C.B. Byers Corporation, Newport Beach, CA telephone number is (201) 612·4680,
FAX (201) 612-4681.

24 The Gelator
 Art and the Market
Auctions abound at the 20th New York International
Plans are underway for the 20th annual
New York International Numismatic
Convention to be held at the Drake Hotel .
Events surrounding this show are
scheduled to begin on Monday, December
2, 1991 and run through Monday ,
December 9. The International, now
under new ownership, is being organized
and presented by a group of dealers
representing all facets of international
numismatics.
Bourse chairman Gordon A. Singer
reports that the bourse has sold oul and
there is a substantial waiting list.
Approximately 30% of the bourse will be
madeupofoverseasdealers. Specialists
in all areas of ancient and world
numismatics will be well represented.
This is the most important eventollhe
yearfor collectors and dealers specializing
in ancient and foreign coins. A three day
bourse, club meetings and five auctions
are scheduled as part of the activities
surrounding this prestigious event.
This year's bourse will feature 110
dealers from around theworld. The show
and auctions will take place at the Drake
Hotel at Park and 56th Street in New
York. The show is open to the public on
Friday, December 6th and Saturday,
December 7th from lOAM until7 PM and
again on Sunday, December 8th from 9
AM until 1 PM. There is a $5 admissions
charge for all three days. Preregistration
for this show is advised as a large
attendance is predicted.
Auctions taking place in conjunction
with the New York International and at
the time are being conducted by Classical
Numismatic Auctions of Quarryville,
Pennsylvania on Tuesday, December 3rd;
Numismatic Fine Arts of Los Angeles,
California on Wednesday, December 4th
and Thursday, December 5th; Superior
Coin & Stamp of Beverly Hills, California
on Thursday, December 5th through
Saturday, December 7th; George Kolbe
in conjunction with Spink of London on
Sunday, December 8th; and Christie's of
New York on Monday, December 9th.
According to Educational Chairman
Hanan Berkastrong lineup of educational
talks, and club and society meetings is
scheduled for this week. One of the
highlights will be a presentation by
Anthony Milavic onAncienl Olympia: The
Place- The Games. According to Berk
"the objective of this show is not only to
serve the commercial needs of the dealers
and collectors, but also their desire to
learn from the talks. The show is a place
to meet with other collectors at the
specialized club meetings such as the
Russian and Medieval numismatic AUCTION CATALOGS
societies and others wishing space. ~ Catalogs for the sales being held in
Additional information on the meeting co njunctio n wi th th e New York
schedule will be released in November. International may be obtained by writing
Clubs and societies wishing to schedule to the auction companies conducting the
meetings during this convention are sales:
advised to contact Harlan Berk. Classical Numismat ic Auctions,
BOURSE INFORMATION Post Office Box 245, Quarryville, PA
The bourse is sold out. For those 17566, (717) 786-4013, Fax (7 17) 786-
desiring information about luture shows 7954, catalog with prices realized is $1 O.
please contact Andy Singer, clo NYINC, Numismatic Fine Arts, 10100 Santa
Box 189, Normandy Beach, NJ 08739. Monica Blvd, 6th Floor, Los Angeles, CA
90067, (213) 278- 1535, Fax (213) 785-
HOTEL INFORMATION 0457, catalog with prices realized is $25.
The convention is at the Drake Hotel. Superior Coin & Stamp, 9478 West
A block 01 rooms has been set aside for Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90212,
the convention. For reservations please (BOO) 421-0754, Fax (213) 203-0496,
contact the NYINC at Box 189, Normandy catalog with prices realized is $15 for
Beach, NJ 08739. each sale.
PREREGISTRATION INFORMATION George Frederick Kolbe, PostOffice
For those people desiring to Drawer 3100, Crestline, CA 92325. (714)
preregister you are advised to send $5 338·6527, Fax (714) 338·6980, atalog
along with your name and address to with prices realized is $10.
New York International, clo CNG, Inc., Christie's, 502 Park Avenue, New
Box 245 - Dept. NY, Quarryville, PA York, NY 10022, (212) 546-1 170, Fax
17566. (212) 980·8163, catalog is $20.
America's Most Prestigious
Ancient & Foreign Coin Show
The 20th Annual
New York International
N umismatic Convention
NYINC
NEW YORK December 6-8, 1991
INTERNATIONAL At the Drake flotel,
NUMISMATIC
Park and 56th , New York City
CONVENTION
Over 110 Deal er s from ar ound the world
Fi ve Major Ancient & Forei gn Auctions
• Classical Num ismatic A uctions - December 3
For further • Numismatic Fine Arts - Decem ber 4-5
information contact: • Superior Coi n & Stamp - Decem ber 5-7
NYINC
• Spink/Kol be - December 8
P.O. Box 189 • Christie's - December 9
Nonnandy Beach, NJ 08739
Educational Forums and C lub Meetings
November 1991 25
 Hirsch auction set
for November 27-29
Coming Events •••• Gerhard Hirsch Nachfo!ger, of Munich
Germany, is conducting Auction 172from
November27-29. This multi-session sale
Nov. 1 ·2 NAB - San Francisco Nov. 29 - 31 Michigan State Show
contains over 1,000 lots of ancient
Cathedral Hill Ho/el Dearborn, Michigan
coinage.
San Francisco, CA Dec. 3 CNAXVIII Greek highlights include a didrachm
Nov. 2 - 3 Rare Coin Expo Drake Hotel of Tarentum estimated at OM 3,500, a
Signal Hills Mall New York City drachm of Velia, ca . 500-450 B.C .
West St. Paul, MN Dec. 3 T radart Auction expected to bring OM 6,000, and a run of
Nov.6 Glendining's Auction Geneva, Switzerland 30 coins of Syracuse, among them some
101 New Bond Street Oec. 4-S NFAAuction rarities.
London Helms/sy Palace Among Roman examples set for the
Nov. 8 -1 0 M.O.c.N. Show New York City auction block is a sestertius of Agrippina,
Holiday Inn - Airport Dec.S - B New York International the wife of Germanicus, expected to
Bloomington, MN Numismatic Cony. realize OM 8,000. A Port of Ostia
Nov.15 Poindessault Auction Drake Holel
sestertius of Nero carries an estimate of
Espac8 Champerret New York City 26,000. Other items of interest include
Paris
an As of Julia Damna, a quinarius of
Dec.5-B Superior Auction Galba, and a solidus of Constantine II.
Nov.1 S-17 Bay State Coin Show Drake Holel
A variety of more modern coinage is
"57" Park Plaza Holel New York City
also included in the sale. Catalogs may
Boston Dec. 9 Christie's Auction be obtained for $25.00 from Gerhard
Nov. 21 Sotheby's Auction 502 Park Avenue Hirsch Nachfolger, Promenadeplatz 10,
1334 York Ave., NYC New York City 8000 Munchen 2, Germany.
Nov. 23 Craig Whitford Auction Dec. 9 Stack's Auction
Governor's Inn Omni Park Central
Lansing, Michigan New York City Stack 's auction
Nov. 27 - 29 Hirsch Auction
Promenadeplatz to
Dec. 15 Rare Coin Expo
Holiday Inn - Airport
features Roman gold
Munich, Germany Bloomington, MN On December9th Stack's will conducl
a major public auction sale of ancient and
foreign gold, silver and copper coins.
This sale conlains nearly 1,500 lois, to be
offered in two sessions.
Miinzen und Medaillen AG The afternoon session presents 307
lots of ancienl Greek and Roman coins in
For 45 years we have been serving gold, silver and bronze. There are 21 lots
of ancient Greek gold and an exceptional
collectors of Ancient Coins ... offering of Aoman gold (57 lots), a
and we would like to serve you too! wonderfu l Imperial portrait gallery
including many important and historic
reverse types.
The sale concludes with nearly 1,200
loIs of world coins and paper money.
Copies of the sale catalogue are available
10r$1 O.OObywritingtoSlack's, 123 West
57th Street, New York, NY 10019.

• Monthly Ill ust rated Fixed Price Lists·

• Publi c Sales· Appraisals·
Spengler and Sayles
• Large Stock in All Price Ranges· to discuss Turkoman
• Buying and Selling. coins at ONS meeting
There will be a meeting of the Oriental
Please send us your wantlisl..Wcwilljill it! Numismatic Society on December 7th,
1991, from5to 7p.m. at the Drake Hotel,
Please contact: Room 1925, in New York City. William F.
Spengler and Wayne G. Sayles will be
Miinzen und Medaillen AG speaking on the subject of "Turkoman
figural bronze coins and the ir
P.O. Box 3647 • Malzgasse 25 iconography". They will also discuss
CH - 4002, Basel, Switzerland their forthcoming book of the same title.
For further information about the ONS,
Tel. (061) 272 75 44 Fax. (061) 272 75 14 write to William B. Warden, Jr., P.O. Box
356, New Hope, PA 18938.
26 The Cefator
 A Small Selection of Greek Coins
Macedon, Kingdom. Alexander III. 336-323 BC,
A V Stater. Helmeted head of Athena, wearing a delicate
necklace I Beautiful long-legged Nike standing, framed
by her wings; wreath. Muller.723.
Beautiful XF, Artistic style. $2750

Calabria, Taras. 302-28 1 Be. AR Stater.

Naked warrior on spirited galloping horse, holding shield
to back I Taras (the legendary founde r) riding a dolphin
with hand extended, row of waves below. VaJasto.685.
Beautiful XF+ , with much luster. $675

Phoenicia, Tyre. 92/9 1 Be. AR Tetradrachm.

Lau reate head of Melquarth (the Phoenician equivalent
of Herakles) I Eagle standing on prow, club before.
S.59 18v, EA=Y r. 35 . Attractive XF and much better
than usual strike. "30 Pieces o/Silver". $550

C ilicia, Nagidos. 380-360 Be. AR Stater.

AphIodite enthroned holding phiale, behind stands Eros
with spread wings I Dionysios stands holding vine branch,
grapes, and thl)'sos. SNG .Cop.l 78. VF . $800

Bonus Buy: Price's Book on Alexander III $285.

"Quality Coins for Discriminating Collectors"

Our Immediate Convention Schedule
NAB in San Francisco. Nov. 1-2. Anciem and MetJieval coins only!
Michigan State Show in Dearborn. November 29-3 1. The most importam Mich. show.
NY InternationaL December 6-8 . The most important show gets better al a new localion!
FUN Convention, Orlando, FL. Jan. 9- I 2. They now have an Ancien/IForeign section.
Huston Money Show. Jan. 23-26. Our only Texas show now.

Subscriptions are available to our publications: $30 in the US and $40 for foreign addresses. Subscription
includes our quarterly fixed price lists, auctions, and supplements on Medieval coins, antiquities and books.

Pegasi Coins
P.o. Box 4207, Ann Arb or, MI 48106
Visa & MasterCard Postpaid. 15-day return period. Phone: (313) 434-3856

November 1991 27
Coinage reveals the evolution of the caduceus
from a simple staff to a respected symbol
by Mark Rakicic
Of all the symbols on Greekcoinage,
one of the most lasting and ubiquitous is
the caduceus. 1 shall refer to this Latin
loanword rather than the Greek
'kerykeion' (from 'karyx' meaning her-
aid), as most sources do likewise. De-
scribed in glossaries as the Staff of
Hennes (or Mercury), it is found on
coins from 500 B.C. up to the end of the
3rd century A.D. Over this amazing
span of eight hundred years it was used
regularly in Greece, Asia Minor, North
Africa and Italy. Why was this rod of a
minor deity used in cities large and
small all oyer the Greek world and
eventually Romeandherempire? What
was its attraction that enabled it to last
for eight centuries?
The Legend of Hermes
In a deep cave on the slopes of Mt.
Cyllene in Arcadia (about 25 mi les west
of Corinth), Hermes, the son of Zeus
and Maia (the daughter of Atlas) was
born. On his first day of life he crawled
from his cradle, killed a tortoise and
.9Lncient (jreel0
2\9man & 'Byzantine
COINS
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28 The Gelator
with its shell then invented the lyre.
This energetic and mischievous infant
Hermes with caduceus
(from an ancient vase)
then stole Apollo's sacred cattle herd
and slaughtered and flayed two of them.
He then returned home to the secu-
rity of his cradle, and when an irate
Apollo found his cave and questioned
him, impudently denied the theft and
argued with this powerful god. Zeus
was then asked to mediate and whilst
appreciating the wit, wile and wicked-
ness of this divine baby, ordered Hermes
to reveal to Apollo the whereabouts of
his cattle. A bemused Apollo labelled
Hermes the patron of thieves, and in
exchange for Hermes' wonderful lyre,
gave him the caduceus. After this they
swore their friendship with an oath which
contained, not surprisingly, an anti-theft
clause!
Hermes developed into a minor cult
deity and because of his speed became
known as themessengerofthe gods . He
was also regarded as the patron of
thieves, fertil ity, commerce and enter-
prise, and young men and athletics.
The Caduceus
in Greek and Roman Art
In human form, Hennes was firsl
represented in the archaic style as a
thick set, bearded man wearing a chiton
(a long or short tunic), but in classical
art is mainly depicted as a young man,
smooth cheeked and usually naked. He
does wear a petasos (a broad brimmed
travelling hat) and sandals replete with
small wings. These wings are often
found upon his hat as well, to emphasize
his swiftness.
Wherever Hermes does appear,
whether on vase paintings, reliefs,
statuary or coinage, he is generally
shown carrying his caduceus. Even on
the stone, square columned Hennes that
stood outside doorways (and which were
the targets ofthe scandalous vandalism
that rocked Athens prior to the ill-fated
Sicilian expedition), 1 the caduceus was
sometimes engraved upon the sides. 2
The scale on the artwork appears to
indicate that the caduceus was at least a
meter long, but we must guess at the
materials of which it was constructed.
A bronze 'head piece' and a wooden
shaft may have been likely, if not too
heavy. Roman artwork often portrays a
caduceus with wings attached to the
shaft, and an interesting variation found
in Pompeii has the sculptured figure of
Mercury holding a caduceus, the shaft
of which is composed of two intertwined
snakes. These snakes were a decorative
feature derived from ribbons often seen
on drawings or paintings of the caduceus.
The composition of the original
caduceus is speculated upon in Homer's
Odyssey and Horace's Odes. Homer
writes of Hermes' " ... golden wand ..
.,,3 and Horace likewi se speaks of Mer-
cury with " ... golden staffin hand ... ,,4
but these are poetic niceties, more likely
to result in a mugging. Carrying a
golden caduceus may have been fi ne for
a god, but would not be recommended
for mon al messengers!
The Functions of the Caduceus
Literary sources givc us some in-
sight into the uses of the caduceus, apan
from gracing the drawings of Hennes.
Thucyd ides wrote of a dispute before
the Peloponnesian War, between the
Corinthians and the Corcyrans (and their
powerful ally, Athens). A sea battle
looked imminent and Corinth" ... there-
fore decided to put some of their men ,
not carrying a herald ' s wand, on board a
boat and to send them to the Athenians
to find out how matters stood.,,5
Rex Warner's footnotes state they
did not send 11 caduceus with the delega-
tion as thaI would have indicated that
the Corinthians pre-supposed a stale of
war ex isted. The caduceus in this case
would have been a diplomatic blunder,
announcing the need for protection of
the messengers where no such an-
nouncement should have been neces-
sary.
Thucydides later gives the details of
an armistice between the Athenians and
the Spartans that was to have lasted one
year. There were seven formal condi-
tions detailed in the arm istice, the fifth
declaring ". , , Thai all he ralds and
embassies, with their appropriate staffs,
who arc dealing with the ending of the
war and the settlement of clai ms are to
be guaranteed a safe conduct, going and
coming, to Peloponnese or to Athens,
by land and by sea. ,,6
At a time when commu nication was
a difficul t and hazardous procedure, and
warring states often took prisoners fo r
ransom or execution. the caduceus must
have provided the bearer with some
confidence of surv iving an unwelcome
proposal or declaration. The caduceus
was a recognized symbol of immun ity
from physical harnl , and one only needs
to be aware of the fate of some Persian
messengers to realize thlll being named
a herald often meant an untimely end.
Darius, the Persian king, sent messen-
gers to Greece before his first invasion
dem anding token submissions of eanh
and wafer. Athens rejected them. and at
Sp<lrta they we re unce remoni ously
thrown into a well and told to dig for it!
They peris hed , bu t thei r fates
prompted outcry from Talthybiu s (who
was the head of a family who were the
state heralds, and who even had a temple handsome and naked .. . with the ser-
devoted to their line) and Darius him- pcnt rod and the herald's wand that he
self.1 This idea of sacrosanctity for carried ... ,,8 Apuleius states that the
heralds was probably the most widely boy was obviously Mercury, Hennes '
recognized political fun ction of the Roman counterpart, and he also states
caduceus, and was necessary for the that this festival was attended and led by
negotiation of truces and the conc1usion several priests who also carried the
of confro ntations. It was a formally herald 's wand. This leads us to its
recognized symbol and not just an artis- religious func tion as an adjunct of the
tic or ornamental device. god.
The caduceus had a less secular pur- Hermes was a popular de ity, even
pose as well. Lucius Apuleius, an early though not a major one, and in an early
2nd century A.D. writer, described a reference from Homer we see the super-
rich and ornate festival where a parade natural role ofthis intriguing god. In the
of the gods was being led by a boy ", , . last book of the Odyssey he wrote,
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November 1991 29
 "Meanwhile, Hennes of Cyllene was
gathering in the souls of the suitors,
CALVIN J. ROGERS anned with the splendid golden wand
that he can use at will, to cast a spell on
Classical Numismatist our eyes or wake us from the soundest
sleep.,,9
This idea of the caduceus' 'magic'
Fully illustrated role in the journey to the afterlife was
list free upon request echoed hundreds of years later by Horace
and Virgil, both writing during the rise
to power of Octavian. Horace writes of
Ancient & P.O. Box 7233 Mercury guiding the souls of good men
Medieval Redwood City CA 94063 to their Elysian fields, iO and Virgil
(415) 369·1508 similarly refers to Mercury's task of
dividing the good from the bad souls
and leading them to their respective
rewards. I 1
The religious connotations of the
caduceus are apparent. The staff repre-
sented divinity, and in literature had
supposed magical powers; it gave the
bearer immunity from harm (legally
speaking) and was a symbol of the will
of the gods because the bearer, Hermes,
carried out their decrees and messages.

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Dealer in Ancient & Medieval Coins
So Where are
all the Caducae Now?
Archaeological evidence for the ex-
istence of an actual caduceus is scarce.
This is hardly surprising considering its
fragile nature, and if there were any
golden ones, they have certainly van-
ished into time. There were many cult
shrines and statues dedicated to Hermes/
Mercury all over the Greek and Roman
world, and Pausanius, a Greek traveller
writing in the 2nd century A.D., re-
corded many such altars and statues
which must have featured the staff.
Among others, he wrote of two
bronze statues of Hermes in the market
place at Corinth,12 and an altar dedi-
cated to Hennes of the Games near the
racetrack at Elis 13 (we still pray for di-
vine tips). Fittingly, he noted a shrine
onMt. Cyllene, the birthplaceofHcrrnes,
with an eight foot high statue made of
juniperwoOO. 14 He recorded many more
statues, stone Hermes and shrines in his
Guide to Greece.
The only physically intact caduceus
I have located in archaeological litera-
ture is a miniature version held by a 19
cm statuette of Mercury that originally
graced a lararium (household shrine) in
Pompeii. This was excavated in Janu-
ary 1887. 15 Greek and Roman coinage,
however, is where most collectors will
encounter this curious symbol.

Specializing in P.O. Box 558 Coins and the Caduceus

A collector wishing to specialize in
Ancient Greek, Roman Burtonsville, MO 20866
coins featuring the caduceus would have
& Judaic Coins (301) 238-0256
an enormous range to choose from, and
would lack only a few important -+
30 The Gelator
 Buy or Bid Sale #101
Closes November 15, 1991
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1.. 1. Ii, I." 1110 .......................... , 11.00 ro.uti II... 1m IIfI ................... "... 11.01

All items one of a kind in inventory. Buyers add $2.50 post and ins to all orders.
Bidders will be billed for same. Ai l loreign orders billed pro forma. Full return lor any reason.
Minn and Wis res idents must add appropriate sales tax or furnish va lid tax number.
ANAC8

~ DAN P A T CH C OINS ~.
~ 4809 W. 123RD SI. • Savage, MN 55378-1364 • (612) 890-1435 ."...," '.,.
.,. .
November 1991 31
pieces such as coins from classical
Athens; though he or she would still be
able to obtain a 'new style' Athenian
tetradrachm. Yes, a winged caduceus
appears in the left field of the reverse of
a tetradrachm issued in 165/4 B.C., t6
and another' new style' tetradrachm de-
picts an archaic Hermes holding a
caduceus. 17
Perhaps the oldest coin featuring
Hermes' staff is a 12 drachma piece
from the T hraco-Macedonian Derrones
tribe c . 500 B.C. The obverse shows an
archaic bearded Hermes with stafflead-
ing two oxen. 18 such as Aradus, Babylon, and particu-
larly Amphipolis.
The caduceus became a reverse type There were some peculiarvariations
in cities such as Ainos in Thrace, in the positioning of the caduceus as convenient handle for easier portage!
Aspendos, Pale, Pheneus, Sciathus and well. Klazomenai issued bronze coins Even thoughM. Thompson 2i describes
Lampsacus. More commonly, it ap- in the 4th century B.c. with a swan it as a handle, the S.N.G. Leake Collec-
peared either with Hermes, or as a sec- standing upon a caduceus, 19 and the is- tion com mentary describes it as a
ondary magistrate's symbol in the field. land of Samos two hundred years later caduceus combined with ' TI',22 the
Carthage issued coins with the caduceus had a peacock astride a caduceus 20 as initial of a magistrate. Admittedly,
as a control device on the reverse, as did well. 'handled' caducae are not known in
Crete (Gortyna), Corinth, Thebes, One caduceus that differs from the mints other than Amphipolis, but con-
Leukas, T hrace, many mints in Asia others appears on some tetradrachms of versely, there are no other caduceus!
Minor and Pamphylia, and southern Lysimachos from the Amphipolis mint. letter combinations to suggest that this
Italian cities such as Yetia, Rhegion and This caduceus has a handle protruding wasnonnal practice among mint magis-
Terina. from the shaft. Perhaps with Lysimachos trates in Amphipolis or elsewhere, so
The caduceus appeared as a second- so deeply embroiled in battles and nego- I'll abide with Thompson's description
ary symbol of issue on the coinage of tiations following the death of Alexander and happily imagine Lysimachos' inno-
Alexander the Great in several mints, the Great, his weary heralds added a vative heralds. -+

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32 The Celator
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dc~ NumiNnaLiquc~ [l,,,,l',i~ you. Our e.x. p::rl ~lalr or pr0lc."'l',ionaLI', und
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November 1991 33
 Rome
The caduceus did not die out with the
rise of Rome. Like so much of Greek
mythology and culture, the early Ro-
mans adopted this symbol of tile will of
the gods, and the caduceus appeared on
an anonymous Aes Gmve Sextans of
269-242 B.c. 23 and on later denarii of
the early Republic. Its usage increased
on later Roman coinage, and it began to Denarius of Julius Caesar with
take on a more political role as a propa- a caduceus on the reverse
ganda device, in addition to its custom- surrounded by Ihe legend 'Antonius
ary symbolism as the staff of (now) Mer- IMP', which probably referred to the Octav ia, and the peace bringing caduceus
cury. reconciliation of Octavian and Mark may have been broadcasting the har-
For instance, a denarius of Octav ian Antony after their battle at Mulina in 43 mony or cessation of hostility between
of39 B.c. 24 showed a winged caduceus B.C. Antony married Octavian's sisler, them. It certainly was in line with Au-

Ancient Coins • Mail Bid Sales

• Fixed Price Lists
• Buy or Bid Sales
• Nu mismatic Literature
Specializing in moderate priced J udaean coins
(serious want-lists solicited) gustus' constant claim of ending the Civil
William M . Rosenblum /rare coins Wars and bringing peace to Rome.
The emperors used the caduceus in
p. o. box 355, everg reen, colo. 80439 combination with symbols of wealth and
303-838-483 1 plenty, such as the cornucopia. When we
also consider that the caduceus was held
by the figures of Pax and Felicitas, such
as on some bronze coins of Titus, it is
apparent that the intended image was one
of peace, happiness and deliverance from
hardship, courtesy of the emperor of
course!
Counterma rks
Countennarks were regularly used to
give new life totired and worn coins, and
many different symbols were used in the
vast number of mints issuing provincial
coinage . The winged caduceus appears

Jean ELSEN, s.a. as a countennark issued by Augustus,

Tiberius and Claudius in Tanagra, Olbia
(Northern Thrace) and Amisus
(Pontos}.25 The magistrates of the mar-
• Public Auctions ket place of Olbia made offerings to
Hennes to secure" ... the welfare and
• Numismatic Literature health of the city and themselves.,,26
The aptness, therefore, of this
• Monthly Illustrated Fixed Price Lists countennark suggests that it was more
than just an arbitrary choice. Usually an
• Ancient, Medieval, Islamic and Modern Coins administrative device, the caduceus in
this case appears strongly linked to the
city's cult worship of Hermes!Mercury.
Aven ue de Tervueren 65 The caduceus continued to be used by
1040 BRUSSELS-BELGIUM the first three centuries of Roman emper-
ors, but by the end of the third century,
Tel: 011-322-734-6356 the cuIt of Mercury and the symbolism of
Fax: 011-322-735-7778 his divine staff had been supplanted by a
new official vision and divine symbol of
a more monotheistic llature.
34 The Gelator
 Paganism and H ermaic cults had en-
joyed almost eight hundred years of rep-
resentation on coins in ci t ies and towns ANCIENT &
over the know n world. The caduceus, MEDIEVAL
from its humble origins as a shepherd's COINS,
staff, had evolved into a symbol respected
for its mys tic sacrosanctity. It renected BOOKS &
not only the spiritual, but very real and ANTIQUITIES
immediate day to day concernS of those
who lived in the anc ient world . Fertility
and youth, commerce and profit, herds L.R. LANTZ
and flocks, the journey afler death :
Hermes and his Siaffhad a role 10 play in
all of these as a patron and a gu ide. The
CMV NUMISMATICS
caduceus should be a reminder to us of PO BOX 1699, ALAMEDA, CA 94501 USA· 415 769'()137
the present, of the humanity of those w ho
l ived in the past.

Footnotes
I Thucydides. Tht: Pelopol1l1t:sial1 War,
Penguin Books Ltd., 1968, V1.30.
2 Farnell. L.R .• TIle Cults of the Greek States
Vol. V. Caratzas Bros.• New Rochelle. New
York.1977.p.32.
3 Homer. Tlu: Odyssey. Penguin Books Ltd.•
1977. XXI V. I.
4 Horace. TheOdesoflloroce. Penguin Books
Ltd .. 1970. 1.1 0,25.
5 The Pelopmmesian War. Ibid 1.52.
6 Ibid IV, 11 8.
7 Herodotus. The Histories. Penguin Books
Ltd .• 1980. VII. I l4.
8 Lucius Apuleius. TheGoldel1Ass, Penguin
Books Ltd.• XVII.6.
9 Homer, Ibid,
10 Horace, Ibid,
II Virgil. The Aeneid, Penguin Books Ltd.,
1973, I V.240.
12 Pausanius, Guide /0 Greece. Penguin
Books Ltd .• Vol. 1.1984.1 1.7.
13 Guide /0 Greece Vol. II. V,9.
14 Ibid VIII. 17,
15 Perkins, J. and Claridge. A .• Pompeii AD
79. Exhibition Catalogue, Westerharn
Press. England. 1976. Fig. 226.
16 M . Thompson, "The Agrinion Hoard".
Numismatic Notes No. 159, A.N.S .. New
York, 1968. Plate XIV No. 196.
17 F. Imhoof-Blumer, Allcielll Coins Illus-
trating wst Masterpieces of Greek Art,
Argonaut Inc. Publishers. Chicago, 1964.
Plate D.O. XX.
18 Kraay. C.. Archaic and Cla.u icol Greek
AUCTION S8
on November 21st, 1991
in Munich
ANCIENT COINS
CELTIC-GREEK-ROMA N-8YZANTINE
Over 1 000 selected ancient coins in gold, silver and bronze. About 400 Celtic and
Greek coins with interesling pieces from Italy, Sicily, Greece. Asia Minor and the
Orient, w ith a rare tetradrachm of Naxos and a very interesting group of coins in
the name of Alexander the Greal. About 530 Roman coins include 50 pieces of
the Republic, among the m a denarius w ith a very beauliful portrait of Julius
Caesar. About 460 coins of Ihe Roman Empire from A ugustus to Zena, with
magnificent aurei. especially from T rajan, Domilian. Marcus Aurelius, Caracalla
and Elagabalus, w ith an antoninianus of Pacatianus, interesting sestertii. numer-
ous denarii in exquisite quality and a series of rare cistophori from Marc Antony to
Hadrian. About50 Byzantine coins. most of them in gold and some interesting lead
tokens conclude the extensive offer.
AUCTION S9
on November 22nd, 1991 in Munich
MEDIEVAL & CONTEMPORARY COINS & MEDALS
Over 1100 coins and medals in gold . s ilver and bronze including the Middle Age s
wi th denarii of the Carolingian. Saxonian and Franconian emperors. with interest-
ing coins of the Holy Roman Empire. house of Hapsburg. Austria, coins of the
churches. the secular houses and the cities. More than 200 talers of the 16th
century with rare pieces from Riga and Tann and interesting gold coins. like the
ducat of Lobkowitz and a series of
Saxony with the quadruple taler of

l~~~>~
Co;'rs. Methuen & Co. Ltd., London, 1976.
Plate 27. No. 488. Dresden of 1608. Also coins of the
19 Sear. D.. Greek CoilJS and Their Values. German Empire, the foreig n counlries

,~ . jf '
Vol II. Seaby Publications. London. 1979. from Albania to Cyprus, and series
No. 4339. from Belgium, Franceand Greece. with
20 Ibid. No. 4676. " WMI'IJ rare Zecchinos of Chios, Mytilene,
21 Thompson, M ., "The Armenak Hoard",
NumisnwticNotes3J, 1986,NOll. 905, 906.
~ Phokaia and Rhodes. Coins of Italy
910,9 11 ,91 4.915. w ilh Aquileia and Venice, the Nether-
22 S.N.G. Vof.IV.Fitz ....ilfiamMuseum.Leake
mid General Collections. Port II Sidly-
Thrace. No. 1845.
NUMISMATIK lands, Poland and Hungary.
Subscription, air mail $20. each
catalogue, including lisl of prices realized.
23 Sear. D.• Roman CoinsmrdTheir Values.
Seaby Publications, London. 198 1, No.5.
24 Seaby. H.A.. Roman Si/I'er Coins Vol. I.
Seaby Pub.• 1967. Nos. 5. 6. 6a. p. 132.
25 Howgego, C. J.. Greek Imperial
CoulI/ermarks. Royal Numismatic Soci-
LANZ
MONCHEN
NU MISMA TIK LANZ
Maxi miliansplatz 10
DW-8000 Munchen 2/ Gennany
T o!. (0049) (89) 299070
ety, London. 1985. T, I,fax (0049) (89) 220762
26 Cults of the Greek Stares. Ibid. p. 24.

November 1991 35
A reverie in Attic key:
The crescent moon and the battle of Salamis
by Brian A. Brown back. The crescent moon was added thereby making the engagement of
Here al the Institute for Intuitional because it resembles a sigma fo rces inevitable. The Athenians
Numismatics mailers oflen get QuI of (sigmoeides in Greek), and contrib- were quick to claim this victory as
hand, and Ihis month has been excep- utes a beautifully appropriate sym- (heir victory. placing themselves as
tionally robust. Pe rhaps it is the moon, bolic tone to the co in. It represents, the authors of the united Greek de-
or the lack of local precipitation aggra- of course, the flfSt letterof"Salamis". fense against the barbarians, and the
vat ing dry brains. First there was the B The battle of Marathon was fought preservers of Greek liberty. During
attempt by a beloved and cherished while the moon was full, and the that night prior to the battle of
colleague to establish that the riderless Athenians attacked in the earl y Salamis, all had seemed lost for the
and often debased letradrachms of morning. The connection between Athenians. Attica had beensavaged.
Archclaus were in fact not coins at all, the crescent moon and Marathon and Athens sacked. Once the Athe-
but racetrack tokens. Unable to find a seems tenuous. nians realized whatadecisive victory
publisher for his claim, he is presently C The addition of the moon to the re- had been won at Salamis, their spirit
engaged in writing pseudonymous leI- verse occurs, however, at a time that returned as if from the dead.
ters to the London Tim es. Then a close seems to coinc ide with the Greek E Salamis had been made a cleruchy of
associate came fo rward with the idea victory over the Persians. The addi- Athens by Cleisthenes, who was
that the bump on the nose of the fcline tion accompanies a change to the generally considered the father of
head found on Lydi:m c icclrum coinage obverse die as well, consisting of the Athenian democracy. Salamis was
is not a wart but a knob o r hand le. He olive leaves added to Athena's hel- the outpost of Attica, beyond which
imagines that the Lyd ian kings had their met. As an admirer of Herodotus, I there was no retreat for the Athe-
boots pol ished with the manes of de- would side with those who see a mans. It was actually their last
capitated lions. sacred significance in the obverse chance. Had the battle gone 10 the
In the midst of these controversies, a die change , and think it a reference to Pers ians, then the fate of Greece
notion concerning Athenian te lra- Ihe sprouting of the o live tree pre - would have rested with the Spartans.
drachms has gripped my fancy. Over viously burnt by the Pers ians (rather As it happened, the " walls of wood"
the years I have e ncountered some dis- like the conclusion of Tannhiiuser). prevailed in an area of Athenian
cussions of the add ition of a crescent To consider the moon on the reverse hegemony.
moon to the reverse d ies afte r. it seems, as a me re reference to the fact thai F 'm e Athenians remained extre me ly
the batt les of Marathon and Salamis. owls are awake during the night sensitive about their annexation of
The suggestion has been made that this strikes me as flatly unappreciative. Salam is. They had previously tried
was to commemorate a victory which D It is probable that the baltle of Salamis many differe nt means of pUlling a
was fought when the moon was in its occurred at a time when the Athe- "good face" on their history. An-
last quarter. Against this suggestion nians would nonna lly have been cel- cient sources even claimed that a
others have argued thai the moon is ebrating the Eleusinian Mysteries just line was added to The Illiadto make
strictly a reference 10 the o wl' s noctur- across the bay. Whatever the accu- it appear that Salamis pertained to
nal activities. I now believe that a more rate details of the baltle may be, it Athens prior to any extant record
specific reference was intended when seems certain that the night prior to (Book II, Line 558). Megara had
the crescent moon was added to the the actual engagement was crucial. once controlled Salamis, and the
reverse field. Please consider: It is about that night that we are told Athenians were not about to ac-
of the desire for retreat sweep ing knowledge that claim.
A TIle horns of the moon point to the through the allied Greek forces, and
right o n the earliest issues of th is of Themistocles' ruse that caused In conclusion, the crescent moon on
type. Only lalerdoes the moon lip to the Persians to send in their ships by the reverse of the Athenian tetradrachm
the right to align itsel f with the owl's night to block the western straits, is nothing less than the ethnic for
Salamis, the site oftheir great and widely
memorialized victory, and a reminder
of successfu l Athenian expansion .
A ll :lUthenticatcd & grnded by David R. Sear
1. C. Mall&olus C.1. (e. It e B.C.). RSC Poblicia 1. Mr. Brown is currentlychiefcustodianat
good VF with dark lone. a ~1tIe flatness in the striking. the imaginary Institute for Intuitional
an interesting early provincial issue .
Numismatics located in Long Beach,
2. Man. AemWius LepidJs (c. 114·113 B.C.).
RSC Aemitia 7. good VF. California. ~
though struck a little ot! center.
3. L. Roscius Fabatus (c. 64 B.C.). RSC Roscia 3.
VF. an interesting variant daritying the identilication
01 a previously misdescribed symbol (on obverse. Writing for The Celator
control symbol is head of wi ld boar and not htllmel).
is easy and fun.
Michael & Sandra Wolf Don't be afraid
1'.0. ))ox 233, Dewey, A2 86327
(602) 772-7 l44 to give it a try!

36 The Celator
Rosenblum list strong
in Roman bronzes
In Fall Fixed Price List #21 F, William
M. Rosenblum offers 463 lois of ancient
coinage for sale. These include ancienl
Jewish coins. Greek and Greek Imperial
issues, Roman Republican and
Impe rato rial coins, Roman Imperial
issues, and Byzantine coins.
Highlighting the Jewish coins is a VF
tetradrachm of the Bar Kochba war,
Hendin 162, listed at $2175. A total of
113 lots of ancient Greek and Greek
Imperial coins cover almost the entire
ancient Greek world. Selections include
examples from many city-states in
Greece, the Aegean islands, Asia Minor
and Sicily.
A sestertius of Galba with Concordia
reverse highlights the Twelve Caesars
coinage, along with denarii of Augustus,
Vespasian and Domilian. Gallienus,
Probus, Diocletian, Maximianus, and
Constantius are well represented with
nice runs of bronze coinage.
A small selection of Byzantine gold
and bronze concludes the offering of
ancient coinage. Rosenblum's lists also
include a wide variety of Medieval and
modern coinage. Forcopies of his current
catalog, contact William M. Rosenblum
at P.O. Box 355, Evergreen, CO 80439.
Helios holiday list
features inexpensive
Egyptian amulets
Hel ios has prepared a holiday listing
which should please both the novice and
seasoned collector of antiquities and
ancient art. Items vary from the time of
the Egyptian pharaohs through the period
the Medieval England.
Collectors of modest means should
be pleased at the number of reasonably
priced Egyptian amulets (many under
$40), making them very desirable gifts.
Collectors with a Med ieval interest will
like the quantity of pilgrim and secular
badges which are being offered.
Some of the list's highlights i nelude an
early marble Christian ossuary (reliquary) ;
a large Roman marble stele fragment
depicting a beautifUlly detailed standing
goddess with offering in hand; a stunning
Byzantine earring measuring nearly 8" in
length; two museum quality examples of
South Italian pottery, a fine limestone
fac ial fragment from the head of a Cypriote
statue, and a large selection of
inexpensive Greek and Roman bronze
coins.
A free list may be obtained by writing
to Helios, P.O. Box 25, Westminster, MD
21158, or by phoning in the evening (41 0)
876-7140 or (410) 235-1 696.
JUST FOR BEGINNERS
by Wayne G. Sayles
Questions Answers
I was hoping you The term~rare~ certainly needs no explanation.
might be able to The question posed here seems to deal more with
answer and describe the perception of "value~, which mayor may not be
the word rare! affected by rarity. AU ancient coins are rare if
Sometimes used compared with Lincoln pennies, but that is certainly
by dealers in not the context in which a dealer or cataloger notates
their auction/sale a coin as rare, Neither is the appearance or lack of
ciltalogues of coins appearance of coins in museum collections a reliable
that are,listed with guide to rarity, Just because RIC lists a coin as R-5
having a less does not necessarily mean that only one coinot the
desirable quality type exists in the world. It means only thatasirigular
such as porosity example was noted in the survey of collection$that
or an off cenler flan. form the basis of this work. Assuredly, an R:S coin
The word rare is rare by anyone's standards, but just how rare - we
seems to pop up may not be able to ascertain with any degree of
after being described certainty,
with these flaws, Why do catalogers apply Ihe term rare to coins
It seems as if offered in lesser grade when they might not use the
the dealer is trying term for a coin of the same type in higher grade?
to "butter up" I suppose that there is some attempt here to present
these coins. the best side of the coin (pardon the pun). That is
not a phenomenon to deride, it is simply good
salesmanship. If the coin is not rare and is presented
as a rare example, then we have cause for concern.
What constitutes rare? Simply the occurrence,
or perhaps lack of occurrence, of the coin in the
marketplace. Although a coin may be listed in every
reference work, if it never shows up for sale, it may
with justification be considered rare - regardless of
the number of examples known to exist. From a
collector's point of view, there may be thousands
of examples of a type resting in a museum Vault
somewhere, perhaps the product of a single find,
but if only two or three coins are known to exist in
private hands it is a very rare coin indeed.
Many ancient coins are truly rare. They aren't all
found in EF condition and usually the opposite is the
rule. It is appropriate to bring this aspect to the
potential buyer's attention, but rarity is not the only
aspect affecting a coin's value. It should be factored
in with all of the other strengths and shortcomings
of the piece in question.
A major factor influencing value, in addition to
rarity, is popularity. A rare Parthian or Indo-Greek coin
will probably not generate the same level of market
reaction (read that as price) as a rare Greek or Roman
variety,
In summary, it is not really important whether a
coin is described as "rare~ or not. What is important
is whether the price is set at a level the buyer is
willing to pay. This is a very difficult concept for
some collectors to grasp, but in the field of collecting
ancient coins it is reality. As I have said before - the
buyers a/ways set the price!
November 1991 37
Letters
Before we proceed I must admit that 1
don't know of any Jewish coins in his
column that have to do with the Bible.
However your response to our reader
really left me hanging. You reply "The
title comes from a series of coin articles
published some time ago by David
Handin. Although his series in The Gelator
includes a broad range of Judaean coin-
age, we have retained the basic title for
the sake of continuity."
II appears thaI you are saying two
things. 1: At some time there was a
discussion of coins of the Bible, Can you
please inform me which coins you are
referring to. 2: Thai you agree with our
reader that the Jewish coins which have
nothing to do with the Bible should not be
treated as coins of the Bible. I think that
is very reasonable.
But David Hendin does not appear to
go along with that. For in the same issue
(p. 38) David Hendin writes ult's also
informative to know where the various
types of Biblical coins are found .. , The
... Bar Kochbacoins, , ,Coins of Agrippa
I and Agrippa II ... Herod Antipas and
Herod Phillip II . Jewish and Tyre
shekels of the First Revolt ... Hasmonean
(or Maccabean) .. . Janneuscoin ... are
commonly found . . .~ What is going on?
s.z. Reich
Ganada
(We fail to see the confusion here. David
Hendin wrote a series of articles titled
"Goins of the Bible~, It consisted of 12
installments. We reprinted, through the
kind permission of Mr. Hendin, al/ 12
segments of that series. Following that
series, David agreed to continue the se-
ries about Jewish coins and we chose to
retain the header uGoins of the Bible~.
David often writes about coins of the
Bible (i,e. coins mentionedin the Bible) in
his series and he is the author of the well
known and highly respected book Guide
to Biblical Coins. We see no conflict or
confusion in titling his column uCoins of
the Bible" even though some installments
may have virtually nothing to do with the
Bible. Is there some deep rooted reli-
gious implication to this innocent litle? If
so, it has escaped us, To us, a rose is a
rose. If it makes you feel better, read
"Goins of the Judaean region in Biblical
times", Meanwhile, welike the term "Goins
of the Bible~ and will stick with it.)
I read with great interest the letter by
Ralph DeMarco [October, 1991] about
38 The Gelator
the kouros of the Getty museum and how
the analysis olthe piece- both scientific
and aesthetic - parallels that of the
Black Sea Hoard.
Though, I must admit, I am intrigued
about how one object which has been
conclusively proven ancient and one
which has conclusively proven a modern
forgery can be "very similar",
In any case, the point of the letter was
that science cannot be solely relied upon
to analyze items of antiquity. I agree with
this assessment totally - to negate all
that has been learned about style and
fabric would be foolish.
My claim has never been that science
is infallible. I use science as it provides
added dimensions to the study.
That's why my investigation was not
limited to the lab, but involved countless
hours of research in the library and even-
tually, a trip to Bulgaria.
When the hoard first became known it
was, perhaps, good connoisseurship to
suspect the hoard coins as being forger-
ies. The weight was low, the silver con-
tent was low and the style was slightly
different from known examples in West-
ern museums.
But this judgement was made on a
limited knowledge base: the coins were
rightly suspicious considering how little
Westerners know of these intriguing de-
based coins.
However, now there is a new level of
connoisseurship to which experts in the
West must aspire. Before my trip to
Bulgaria we did not know of these coins.
It turns out they are absolutely common-
place in Bulgaria where they've been
excavating them for years.
The "odd" style and the lighterweight
were considered absolutely typical for
this debased issue, Bulgaria's leading
numismatists said.
Factor in also the important die links.
Just because the die links were not made
between hoard coins and coins in a
Western museum does not make them
any less legitimate.
If you were researching 18th century
Russian coins you would be negligent to
ignore the collections at the Hermitage
and other Russian museums! Theseare
the best reference collections available
to the researcher of those coins. So why
then would a museum in a city which lies
on the very site of ancient Mesembria be
viewed any differently? For these par-
ticular diobols, the coins in Bulgarian
museums are indispensable research
tools.
Continued from page 4
In the event some readers of The
Gelator aren't aware, Europe's most re-
spected authentication bureau, the Inter-
national Bureau for the Suppression of
Counterfeit Coins has declared the Black
Sea Hoard coins to be of ancient manu-
facture - not modern forgeries.
Even Dr. Martin Price of the British
Museum, originally one of the most ar-
dent condemners of the Black Sea Hoard ,
acknowledged it is possible that the hoard
coins are ancient.
The results of my later studies, which
had not been made public until the cover
story in the Oct. 9 issue of Goin World, is
important. I examined three ·coins~ pro-
vided by Silvia Hurter of Bank Leu which
were believed to be products of the mys-
terious Bulgarian counterfeiter Siavei.
Trace elements of gold in the metal of the
Siavei coins detected by neutron activa-
tion analysis were not even close tothose
of the Black Sea Hoard coins and must
have come from a different are source.
Along the same line, I examined five
authentic pre-hoard, high-silver diobols
provided by dealers in Europe and the
U.S. The trace elements in the metal of
the pre-hoard coins proved virtually iden-
tical to the later, debased Black Sea
Hoard coins, with a 99.5 percent chance
that the metal of both issues originated at
the same ore source,
This would make sense if the Black
Sea Hoard coins were genuine, since
these two cities would likely have ob-
tained their coinage metal from the same
mining source for a long period of time.
Let's say you are not a believer in
science. Not just cautious, but an out-
right skeptic. That still should not be an
obstacle for analyzing the authenticity of
the hoard coins.
The level of connoisseurship in nu-
mismatics must continually be improved
as new evidence is discovered. This new
evidence - a consensus on style and
weight by Butgaria's experts - must be
factored into any sound judgement.
Even though I am a scientist by pro-
fession, I do not undervalue connois-
seurship as a legitimate method of ana-
lyzing coins. After all, the vast majority of
counterfeits have been discovered with-
out the aid of scientific analysis.
In the case of the Black Sea Hoard ,
the scientific findings provide a solid base
on which to form an opinion, After this
groundwork is done, however, one must
rely on the intuition of the connoisseur.
With the information shared by Bulgarian
numismatists (who are the true experts
on the diobols) at hand, there now exists
an obligation for Western numismatic
connoisseurs to digest these findings.
Bravo for connoisseurship!
Stanley L. Fleg/er, Ph.D
Michigan Slate University
(Webster defines conclusive as ·putting
an end to debate, leaving no room for
doubt·, a protagonist in debate cannot
arbitrarily claim conclusive results .
Therefore, until independent investiga-
tion settles the issue we maintain the
righ t to reselVe judgement. Your editor
is, by the way, a believer in science. as
well as a believer in investigating all
possibilities.)
In response to the letter by Brant
Gibbard [October. 1991], about my claim
the Visigoths used stirrups, I wish to say
that I appreciate his concern because as
I was researching the material, I found
that there were several conflicting schools
01 thought regarding the invention, devel-
opment and use of the sti rrup in antiquity.
lionel Casson. the eminent classicist. in
a definitive article tilled. "The Horse in
History", published in the book Discovery
of Lost Worlds, 1979, states that the stir-
rup was invented in India in the second
century B.C. This was a toe stirrup in
which the rider placed onty his big toa.
The Chinese later adopted the stirrup
and enlarged it to take the whole foot.
Casson illustrates this by wall carvings
from Han dynasty tombs which show
riders using a full stirrup. This would be
before A.D. 220 when the Han dynasty
ended. Casson then says that the stirrup
moved into Korea and Japan but did not
reach Persia until the seventh century
and then reached central Europe in the
eighth century.
Another school of thought is repre-
sented by R. Ewart Oakeshotl. who in his
book TheArchaeologyofWeapons, 1963.
discusses the battle of Adrinople at great
length and says that the Goths did use
stirrups. He then outlines the complete
history of the stirrup and accounts for
those centuries between A.D. 200 and
600, which Casson leaves blank.
Oakeshotl says that from China, the stir-
rup proceeded to the Huns. nomadic
horsemen who spenl lheiriives on horse-
back, and who fought for or against the
Chinese for cen turies. When the Huns
raided westward, in the first century ,they
forced the Sarmalians, also famous
horsemen, out of central Asia. The
Sarmatians brought the stirrup west and
gave it to the Goths, who came from the
area of Scandinavia and the north east-
ern steppes and later occupied the
Sarmatian lands. The Goths learned
about horsemanship from the conquered
Sarmatians and brought the stirrup to
eastern Europe when they crossed the
Danube and fought the Romans in 378. It
was then adopted by several nations in
that area such as the Avars, who trans-
mitted the stirrup to the Byzantines in the
6th century.
It would be difficult to believe that the
tribes of nomadic horsemen, such as the
Huns and Scythians, who came in con·
tact with the Chinese as early as A.D. 100
and were pushed westward. did not adopt
the stirrup. It was such a practical and
easily made device that no horseman
could neglect itonce he saw it used by his
enemies . For this reason, I accept
Oakesholl's theory. And besides, the
stirrup made a great dramatic ending for
my story.
Marvin Tameanko
Canada
I had to lire oil a nole to you after
receiving my Celator. I must come to the
aid of Marvin Tameanko. Mr. Gibbard
disagreed with the idea that the Goths
had the stirrup. I have in my possession
an unpublished Fel Temp Reparatio coin
(circa A.D. 350-355) of Constantius II,
emperor spearing falling horse, RIC 133
of Antioch, MM.ANEI where the barbar-
ian is clearly using a stirrup. I have been
waiting to publish this coin in an article I
am writing for your consideration on Fel
Temp Aeparatio coinage. I hope to have
it finished soon and feel it will contain
much new information.
VictorFailmezger
Virginia
I saw a recent ad for aglass fiber pen
in The Celator. They recommended it for
cleaning coins. I have used one for the
past five years to remove rust from de-
tailed carvings on guns. I have had some
real problems with them.
They will definitely scratch copper.
silver, and gold. They leave a mane finish
made up of thousands of scratches.
I know they are dangerous. The bundle
of fibers is made up of several thousand
very fine glass fibers. As the tip is rubbed
against corrosion they break. This turns
the bundle into hundreds of thousands of
very fine glass fragments weighing 4 mil-
lionths of an ounce. These small spears
get lodged in your hands, arms, chest
and everywhere they land. They are
small enough to be inhaled.
I strong ly recommend that these pens
should only be used as a last resort. They
should be used outside the house or
shop. You must use gloves to protect
your hands, masks to protect your face,
and goggles to protect your eyes.
Paul H. Goodman Jr.
Texas
(Having used the product myseff, I can
verify that your observations are accurate
and caution is required, as the ad points
out. Still, when used with care it does a
very good job on bronze coins.)
This is in response to a letter-to·the-
editor by Mr. Mark Edwards (Vol. 4, No.
12) where he shared with the reading
audience his visit to the tumulus of
Antiochus I, Soter on Nemrut (Ninrud)
Dagh in Turkey (A photograph accom-
panied the letter showing the author
standing next to a stone head of Apollo
which is located on thewestterrace of l he
tumulus). He suggested at the time thai
perhaps someone could provide more
information on the king.
Mr. Edwards is probably already fa·
miliarwith 'Eastern Turkey' and 'Adiyaman
and Environs' brochures which are pub-
lished by the Turkish Ministry of Culture
and Tourism, and the following welt known
references.
J. Anthony, Collecting Greek Coins
(Longman Inc., New York, 1983).
P. Gardner, A Catalogue of Greek
Coins in the British Museum: The Se/eucid
Kings of Syria (Arnaldo Forni, Bologna.
1963).
CA Kincaid, Successors ofAlexander
the Great. Ptolemy 1- Pyrrhus of Epirus,
Hiero of Syracuse-Antiochus III (Ares
Publishers Inc., Chicago, 1980).
S. Lloyd, Ancient Turkey, A Traveler's
History of Anatolia (University of Califor-
nia Press, 1989).
D.A. Sear, Greek Goins and Their
Values, Vol. II: Asia and North Africa
(Seaby Publications Ltd., London, 1979).
C. Sellman, Greek Goins, 2nd ed.
(Methuen and Co. Ltd. , London, 1955).
Though. I suspect, he may not be
aware of two of the early papers by
Theresa Goall concerning the excavation
at Nimrud Dagh, which are the following.
T. Goall, "Nimrud Dagh: The Tomb of
Antiochus I. King of Commagene", Ar-
chaeology, 5. 3.1952 (136-144).
T . Goel!, "Throne Above the
Euphrates", National Geographic, 119,
1961 (390·404).
R. T. Nishiyama
Colorado
November 1991 39
Reference Reviews
The Coins of the Parthian and Sasanian Kingdoms
by Dennis Kroh
There are 20 times more reference works and
other books on Ancient Coins available roday
than jusr rwenty years ago. Very Jew numis-
matists know how to utiliu these rejerencts, or
even where I(} STart looking for cuMin itemJ.
Many of th ese books art essen tial Jar lhe
collector to own, others worlhy of one reading
(and are never again consulted), and some are
obsolete and pontkrous atrciu.r in futility.
This monthly column uplores most uJerenus
on Ancienr Coins (by city-stall: or time p eriod),
and will rate them according to their useful-
ness, clarity, illuslralions, and availability,
utilizing a fiv e-slar sysltm similar to that used
for movies, restaurants, and hotels. Prices are
also given wherever avai/able. It is highly
recommended that at least 10% a/your collect-
ing budget be invtsted in reference boob.
With a half-million troops having just
returned from the Gulf War, and after all
the "excavating" that has been occuring
latcly in Kuwait and Iraq (and in Iran for the
past ten years), it is inevitable that hoards of
Parthian and Sasanian coins will bc (or have
becn) discovered, although few have trickled
out as yet. This will hopefully popularize
ANCIENT COIN SPECIALIST
GREEK, ROMAN, BYZANTINE COINS
AND CLASSICAL ANTIQUITIES
SAMPLE CATALOG UPON REQUEST
EDWARD J. WADDELL, Ltd.
7910 Wood mont Avenue, #1104
Bethesda, MD 20814
~ (301) 654-0470 FAX: (301) 654-0730
• catalog is very well written (in French) , and
40 The Gelalor
these issues, and they are of cxtrcme
historical importance, and still one of the
fcw fields that one can get into "on the
ground noor~ as far as price goes.
PARTHIAN KINGDOM
Sellwood
*****
An Introduction to the COinage of PaTlhia
(Second edition, 1980) by David Sellwood is
the standard reference for this somewhat
mysterious and difficult series. 93 coin-
types (with many sub-varieties) are fully
described and illustrated with line-drawings
in the text as well as 10 excellent plates of
photos in the back. The revisions in many
attributions from the flI"St edition (which is
now all but totally useless) refl«t much
recent research. His style of writing is very
readable and concise, and his distinct cal-
ligraphy is easy on the eyes. This is much
more than simply an introduction to these
coins, and has certainly increased their
popularity. At $32 it is a good value indeed
and highly recommended for all.
**
The Parthian coinage is split up between two
of David Sear's popular handbooks . "Greek
Coins & The;r Values, Volume 2" (1979,
pages 690-705), covers the period down to
2 BC (Phraates IV), and "Greek Imperial
Coins & Their Values" (1982, pages 567-
582) covers the later issues down to 224 AD
(Artabanos IV). Unfortunately, both utilize
the "old" Sellwood attributions from his first
edition (which must now be used with ex-
treme caution, especially for those issues of
the late-$econd to mid-First Centuries BC),
and so is not as useful as it might be. The
coverage is also very spouy, and the dating
is often in disagreement with the currently
held opinions. Use Sellwood instead of this .
Gardner
The Parthian Coinage by Percy Gardner
was originally published in 1877, and was
*
the only standard handbook for many years.
65 pages, 7 plates. This was reprinted (with
additions) by Joel Malter as "The Coinage of
Farthia: Catalogue of a Recent Hoard" in
1968 (68 pages , 11 plates), which is itself
now out of print. This work is no longer
very useful, with many of the attributions
not in line with modern thinking.
BMC. Farthia
Written by Warwick Wroth in 1903, its **
research and attributions have really been
totally superseded by Sellwood, and BMC is
now very seldom used as a reference. It is,
however, very useful for its excellent intro-
duction and as a source of illustrations. 377
pages, 37 plates, originals sometimes found
for around $225, the FORNI reprint $85 .
Petrowicz
***
Arsaciden Miinzen was written by Alexander
von Petrowiez in 1904, and reprinted in
1968. Although basically a catalogue of the
author's private coll«tion, it is quite a good
survey of the ooinagc (even though many
attributions are now thought obsolete), and
is still used as a basic reference, especially
in Europe. 206 pages of German text, 25
plates. Elusive, but very worth having, and
the reprint is only about $30 when found
(o riginals are quite rare).
Petrowic:l Collection ***'h
The complete coll«tion of Alexander von
Petrowicz was offered by Naville et Cie in
ARS CLASSICA XII in 1926. This offering
included many important eoins added to the
collection since its pUbiication 22 years
earlier, and resulted in over 500 lots, most
illustrated on superb collotype plates. The
the material first-rate. These are very
popular, and can be found for around $100.

SNG Cop.
Volume 39 of the Danish NatiolUJl Museum
**
Coffection (in Volume 7 of the reprint) was
written in 1965 (it also contains coins of
Bactria and India) . 250 Parthian coins arc
iUustrated on 7 plates, but the material is
nothing special (elleept for the many very
nice small bronzes illustrated), and the text
is now considered virtually obsolete.
****
Oriultal CoillS & n,eir Values: n,e Ancient
and Classical World 600 B. C. - A.D. 600by
Michael Mitchiner (1978) is a massive and
excellent reference for many types of coins.
The full range of Parthian coinage is fairly
well represented on pages 105-123 (with ISO
coins illustrated), and subsequent chapters
deal with their vassals and sub-kingdoms.
His arrangement follows the outdated first
edition of Sellwood, with a few modifica-
tions of his own, so some of the dating and
attributions are ~ orr. In print, £85.
Milchiner
Indo-Greek and Indo-Scythian Coinage,
**
Volume 5 (1976) has a section on the
Parthian coinage from c.248 Be to cAS AD
(pages 414-29, Types 616-48), with quite a
they relate to and (to some extent) circulated
in the areas covered by this book. £18.
de Morgan lh *
Pages 125-171 of Jacques de Morgan's
Manuel de Numlsmatique Orientale de
L 'Antiqllili et du Moyen Age (Paris , 1923-
36) arc dedicated to Parthian coins, with
many of the main types illustrated by line-
drawings. His attributions are more often
wrong than right, and it is not recommended
for this coinage (although it can be handy
for many other oriental coinages).
SASANIAN KINGDOM
Sasanian Numismatics by Robert Gobi
***'11
(1968) was published in English in 1971,
and is now the standard reference, although
it is not at all easy to use. It features a brief
but very clear introduction, and 254 coins
are iIlu~trated on the 16 plates (including
one plate of modem counterfeits). The 16
tables include legends and charts of head-
dress styles to assist in attribution. A 1991
Durst reprint is now available for $30.
***
An Introduction to Sasaniall CoillS by David
Sellwood'! work on Parthia, even though it
superficially appears similar (thanks to Mr.
Sellwood's distinctive ealligraphy). But
whcre Sellwood's Parthian book is an excel-
lcnt catalogue of types, this is more of an
introductory survey. 178 pages of text, 16
plalcs illustrating 74 coin-types as wcll as
examplcs of Parthian art and monuments .
This was £12, but is now out of print.
Valen!ine **
William H . Valentine's classic Sasanian
CoillS was published in 1921 , the first book
in English (and the first really serious wo rk)
to deal with the Sasanian series. Nearly half
of the book also covered the Arab-5asanian
issuCll. Containing 11 8 pages of his very
distinctive handwritten text & linc-drawings,
it is still useful today if you can find a copy.
as it has not been reprinted and the originals
are now quite rare.
****
Oriental CoillS & Their Values: 1ht Ancient
and Classical World 600 B.C. - A.D. 600by
Michael Mitehiner (1978) provides excellent
coverage of the Sasanian series (pages \35-
196), and illustrates nearly 500 specimens.
The introductions are quite good and the
mint-tables particularly useful. £85 .

number illustrated (mostly from hoards and

David Sellwood's personal collection), as
Sellwood, Philip Whitting, and Richard
Williams (lAndon, 1985 ) i! not at all like
Plant
Chapter XVII (pages 72-84) of Grttk,
***

No Need For Any Further MedItatIon!

The BEST standard one-volume catalog of
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Nashua, NH 03063 soft·cover. ISBN 1-B78420.()6-2, $24.95.

November 1991 41

If you aren't seeing this symbol on
catalogues you are currently receiving
Semitic, Asiatic Coins and How to Read
Them by Richard J. Plant (New York, 1979)
concentrates on ~The Sasanian Empire to
531 AD". One of the main hindrances of
this coinage is its Pahlavi script, which can
be very difficult to decipher. Mr. Plant
provides much assistance here as the legends
(including the dates) appearing on the coins
is analyzed and explained by excellent line-
drawings, with many problems discussed in
detail. Available, but elusive, $40.

de Morgan
42 pages (289-331) arc dedicated to
**
Sasanian issues in Jacques de Morgan's
Manuel de Numismatique Orientale de
L 'Antiquili et du Moyen Age (Paris, 1923-
36), with most major types illustrated by
linc-drawings. His coverage is quite good
(if a bit brief), but there are now much
better references available.

NEXT MONTH:
The books on the coinages of
Write for our membership list Ptolemaic and Roman Egypt.

Jean-Paul Diva Dermis K roh is a full-time dealer of ancient coins

Gild books abou l them. as well as <l free·/ance
Secretary, I.A.P.N. ca/Q/ogue writer who maintains a very large
L6wenstrasse, 65 worl.:ing library m,d ulilizes many coin references
evuy sillgle day. Queries and commellls
CH-8001 Zurich, Switzerland concerning the subject ofthis column are welcome.
Please enclose SASE and write c/o The Cefalor.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS IMPORTANT NEW PUBLICATION NOW!

The International Bi-Monthly Review of Ancient Art & Archaeology
...-------------~~..
M INERVA is an illustrated news and review magazine, appearing bi-monthly
(6 issues per year). devoted to ancient art, antiquities, archaeological and
numismatic discoveries worldwide from prehistory to the 18th century. With
regular contributors from around the world, MINERVA, published in England,
is trUly international in style and coverage. Feature articles will emphasize
newly discovered works of art and objects of archaeological and numismatic
importance leading to a better understanding of the past.
A bi-monthly numismatic column, by Eric J . McFadden, will furnish readers
with a lively review of the ancient coin marketplace. Regular excavation
reports will include prehistoric, classical, early Christian. medieval, Egyptian,
Biblical, Near Eastern, Asian, Oceanic, African and American findings, as well
as reports on underwater archaeology.
Liberally illustrated with full-color and black and white photographs, it will
impress you with the breadth of its coverage, the forcefulness of its reporting,
the knowledge and wit of the feature writers, and the sheer usefulness of the
many reports and listings for museum and gallery exhibitions, auctions. fairs,
conferences. meetings, as well as the abstracts and book reviews.

Jerome M. Eisenberg, Ph.D., Editor-in-Chief

SUBSCRIPTION BATES Surface Mail Mmail
1 year (6 issues) U.S. $27.00 U.S. $39.00
2 years (12 issues) U.S. $54.00 U.S. $77.00
3 years (18 issues) U.S. $76.00 U.S. $11 0.00'
Payment may be made by check or by Mastercard, Visa or Access cards
(please give account no. and expiration date).

7 DAVIES STREET LONDON WlY ILL, ENGLAND Telephon" (44) 71·495·2590 Fa" (44) 71·491·1595

42 The Cefator
 Book News
ANS publishes A Hoard oj Coins From Eastern Parthia
The American Numismatic Society us all that we kno w about a ruler or NNM - 165 has been mailed to ANS
enjoys a dis tinguished record of dynasty. The author divides the hoard membe rs ho lding p ub licati on sub-
publications which disseminate resu lts into 14 groups and several sub-groups scriptions and is available to others by
of numismatic research . One of the which aid the chronology of the period writing to the American Numismatic
prime vehicles in this process is the sign ifican tly and cause rei nterpretations Society, Broadway at 155th Street, New
series titled Numismatic Notes and of some earlier theses. York , NY 10032.
Monographs. the latest issue of which is
the Society's 1651h such effort. A Hoard
of Coins From Eastern Parthia by
Heidemarie Koch catalogs and analyzes
a hoard of 266 copper coins, belongi ng
to the J. Paul Getty museum , which
Maine Classical Numismatics
were found in a single group in modern New England's largest ancient coin inventory
Iran .
Parthian history is vague in any
Bo w ley's Route # 1, W arren, Maine 04864
sense, but the region altha Northeastern Ph. Bowley's 207-273-3462 - Home 207-273-26 53
Parthian Kingdom , where these coins Sorry, no lists available. Write for our show schedule
originated. is even more obscure
Buying and selling at competitive prices
historically . Finds such as this often tell
Barr ie Je n kins Upcoming shows
Classical Nov . 3 - Gorham Maine Show
McKenna auctions N umismatist Portland, Maine
scarce references
A mail-bid auction of books is being
held by Ancient Greek and Roman
Coins. This is an auction of nearly 150 A MAJOR NEW WORK ON
lots 01 books on ancient Greek and
Roman coins and the history related to ROMAN PROVINCIAL COINAGE
them . Many out-ol-print and scarce
books are included.
BURNETT, AMANDRY, and RIPOLLES,
A highlight of the sale is a complete Roman Provincial COinage, Volume I, From the death
set of the reprint of the 29 volume of Caesar to the death of Vitellius (44 B.C. - A.D. 69).
Catalogue of Greek Coins in the British
Museum with an estimate of $2,200. A new B ritish M useum series w h ich publish es the first full
Some of the other important lots are reconstruction of the coina g e of over 400 Ro ma n cities d uring this
a complete set of Roman Imperial period . Over 100 ,000 coi ns from ten major collections are classifi ed
Coinage, including the extremely scarce into over 5,000 types. Complete listings o f the coinag e issued for each
Volume V, the complete SNG of the dty, prefaced by discussions of attribution, d a ting , d enominatio n ,
American Numismatic Society, and the typology and interpretatio n. T ext volu me 752 p., illustrations, 7 m aps .
reprint of SNG von Aulock. which is
Plate volume 2BB p., 19 5 p lates, 7 indices. A cased set.
seldom offered used because it is a
recent publication. An original index to Available in Nove mber. #B20. $275
SNG von Aulock is also included. • Fixed price catalogs and auctions of quality coins.
Other lots inc lud e Franke and • Catal ogs of new, used, and out-of -print books.
Hirmer's Die Griechische Muenze, (the • Write f or free sample copies.
German language version of Kraay and
Hirmer's Greek Coins ), Howgego's
~lea$eadd $4 for
postage
Greek Imperial Countermarks, now out-
ol-print, and reprints of The Weber O.S.1'.S. Special HandJing$2 lid4itional
Collection and The Jameson Collection.
This auction will close at 12:00 noon
on Tuesday, November 19th, 1991.
THOMAS P. MCKENNA
Catalogues may be requested by phone P.o. Box 1356·F - Fort Collins, CO 80522
or FAX at (303) 226-5704, or by writing
to Ancient Greek and Roman Coins, Phone or FAX: 303-226-5704
P.O. Box 1356, Fort Collins, CO 80522.
November 1991 43
 TRIVIA QUIZ
Moneta, the protectress of money, was
actually a surname of one of the major
Roman deities. It was in this deity's
temple on the Capitoline that the
mint was located. Who was this deity?
(Answer on page 52)
QUOTES FROM THE PAST
"We abandon nature and surrender to the
mob, who Bre never good advisors in anything"
Seneca
Greek silver coinage
highlights Kritt list
Brian Kritt, has published List No. 18,
which is comprised of 98 lots of ancient
coinage, including Greek silver, Roman
Republican coinage, Greek and Greek
Imperial bronzes, and Judaic bronzes.
An FOC tetradrachm of Philip II from
the Amphipolis mint highlights the Greek
silver. Other interesting items are a
Metapontum stater in superb EF listed at
$1.600, a tetradrachm from Messana in
VFfor $1 ,200, and a Hecte of Croesus. A
Siculo-Punic tetradrachm with the head
of Herakles on the obverse and a horse
head facing left on the reverse is offered
at$2,450. Concluding the silver issues is

r------------------------,
I Clip & Save I
a shekel of the First Judaean revolt. This
Year 2 shekel has a chalice on the obverse
and three pomegranates on the reverse.
and is priced at $2,450.

i '
I- ____________________ Coin File "'---.J_~
i Roman Republican coinage features
denarii ofC. Coelius Caldus, P. Servilius
Rullus, Mn. Fonteius and C. Mamilius
Limetanus. An FOC denarius of Q .
Antonius Balbus with a laureale head of
Faustina Jr. Jupiter and Victory in a quadriga is listed
at $350. A variety of other moneyers are
Died AD 175 represented with denarii and quinarii as
AE·As well.
FaustinaJVenus & Mars Important Greek and Greek Imperial
bronze issues include an AE 22 of Tiberius
SR 1521 from the Amphipolis mint, an AE 23 from
The younger daughter of Anloninus Pius and Faustina (the Elder), Annia Galeria Agathokles. and an AE 22 of Marcus
Faustina was married to Marcus Aurelius in A.D . 145. In A.D. 161 at Lanurium she Aurelius from Barata in lycaonia. The
gave birth to L. Aelius Aurelius Com modus, who was later named co-emperor with Judaic bronze section features an AE 22
his father. Faustina accompanied her husband on the campaign in Syria and died of Herod the Great at $550. a Year 3 AE
al the village of Halala near Ihe fool of Mount Taurus in 175. She was reputed by 20 of the Second Revolt at $600, and an
historians to be a profligate woman, but is highly honored on coins struck by her AE 25 of Volusian from Neapolis.
husband both before and after her death. The reverse of this coin depicts Venus Kritt's list includes 4 plates of photos.
restraining Mars from going off to war. The theme was a popular one in antiquity and one of which is an enlargement. For
was also the inspiration for a famous painting (now in Florence) by Peter Paul further information please contact Brian
L ________________________ ~
Rubens titled "The Horrors of War". Kritt, P.O. Box 558, Burtonsville, MD
20866, or call (301) 236-0256.

44 The Celator
Professional Directory
( Antiquities ) ( Antiquities ) ( Antiquities )
£. . . . ~ _~'II_ ... + ...... __ M_:.. ~
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November 1991 45
Professional Directory
( Coins & Books ) ( Coins &. Books ) ( Coins & Books )
Greek, Roman, Byzantine Lucien Birkler
& Medieval Coin s
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Professional N umismatists
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46 The Gelator
Professional Directory
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Specialist in Ancient Coins Wrile for your
NUMISMATICA complimentary copy of OUT:
ARS CLASSICA AG alJa Jtock World Minor Coins. M~daIJ.
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Nove mber 1991 47

Professional Directory
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48 The Gelator
Professional Directory
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(714) 629-0757 Beverly Hil ls, CA 90212-4236 Holicong. PA 18928
Serving the collector since 1959 (213) 203-9855 (215) 491-0650

November 1991 49
Professional Directory
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Equip & Supplies
."". ,;.,,"c.,,' )

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BOSTON. __
Ancient and Foreign Coin
WW Me cca of The Northeast!
W BAY STATE COIN SHOW
WW November 15,1 6, l7, 1991

GALERIE des •
Call or Send for
Free Brochure
P.O. Box 2937
ro--- ~
, f'"
"57" PARK PLAZA HOTEL
Room reservations: 617-482- 1800
NUMISMATIQUE..<:;, Ltd. "" Over 25 years ...
WI-IOL&~LE DIVISION R,dwood City, CA 9~ "
222 ~""])u , coux mY RD.
"New England's Largest Coin Show!.!!"
S." rn I TO\\' .~ ..'.;EII' YOI<K 117117
CfA5.<;/CALAXC1E:\T COl/,\S OF ~ Bourse space $195 and up.
EXCEl'nox,\1. QUALm'
Chairman : Ed Aleo
- -
• WIIDI I>S,VF wrs& I!O\ROS'

1-800-852-8161
['PI ARI ES PHOTOGRAPHIC
(415) 854-7662
Box 400, Winchester, MA 01890
6 17-729-9677

C ServIces
. .) GRE ATER
Ancient Coins
Antiquities, Fossils NEW YORK
NUMISMATIC
al keenest prices
ATHlE NET
Antiquities
19 Llandudno Road
-
Send/or illustrated list
Database of Dealers in
Ancient Coins and Antiquities
We can help you find the dealers whose
location, specializa tion, price range, and
CONVENTION
MAY 7, 8, & 9, 1992
OMN I PARK CENTRAL HOTEL
7th Ave. & 56th St, New York City
Held &imuhar.eoysiy ....i!h the
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Penrhyn Bay. Gwynedd, LUO 3EP ASSOCIATION CONVENTION
Write for free brochure. CONVENTION FEA TURES:
P.O. Box 1127
·""""'nt.
" ..eli.",. by SI_'s, 8r.c"'nts a..el>on. ,
.....cade·, MedalslExonumia Hall. meetir>gs, lerum . ,
semi""rs, eXllibilS. numisma!ic liIef8!lHft and $upplie&.
Saratoga Spr ings, NY 12866-0889 100. Numisma!ic dealers in all ca!egcOe&.

Moe Weinschel
P.O, Box 277
Professional Directory ads just make good sense! Rockaway Park, NY 11694-0277
(718) 634-9266

1 9BB - Be!!lt:: Dr The I:elat::or

.d/..·",d cf Ex/, ,,,,,di~" 'J dbu ~ The Numismatic Literary Guild
1 9B9 - Be!!lt:: Dr The I:elat::or
'13..,/ {l"u. ~ <1J1o,tJ {!cnw" ,d,,{ eN"""""",,,, 0'11".1'" '''''' - The Numismatic Literary Guild
1 990 - Be!!lt:: of' The Celat::or
'13..,/ [J"u< ~ <1voJ'd (!Dn",,<>dJ eN"""""",,,, 0'11".1"''''''' - The Numismatic Literary Guild
1 991 - Be!i't ot=The Celat:or
Better Than Everl
Best 0/ 1991, $6.95 postpaid (U.s . andeal/ada). All/our: Best 0/88, 89, 90 , alld 91 , $20.00 postpaid.
Foreign orders please add $5.00/or postage.

'The Celator, P.O. Box 123, Lodi. WI 53555 (608) 592-4684

50 The Gelator
 Paid Advertisement
THE BACK PAGE
Dear Celator Reader:
If nothing else, one has to admire the persistence of Dr.
Stanley Flegler as he simply refuses to let the matter die
a quiet death. Hello out there - anyone listening??? No
one cares!!! I will have more to say about the topic once
I can get a chance to see my fellow dealers at Long Beach,
and once I can get a chance 10 really think Ihe matter of the
"Black Sea Hoard" over. I do know thai I am invited to
submit yet another article to Coin World, and so something
will be forthcoming.
The market continues ever onward. I am really amazed
that the U.S. coin market continues the way it does on its
downward spiral. f have been a watcher for decades, and
I must admit that I have never seen anything like this
before. The biggest problem with ancient coins is that the
supply of really "neat" material issimply not available, and
Ihe people who are waiting for it are. An anecdotal story
about a friend who is an ancient dealer. He went to Europe
on a buying trip/vacation and accidentally was the first to
spot a "fresh" denarius of Labienus. A truly great rarity! Of
course he was immediately beseiged by colleagues from
both overseas and here who "had a client" for the coin.
Well, the coin now resides in a very important private
collection, and thank-you-very-much, he certainly did not
need any "friends" to help him sell the coin. What he could
use is about another three examples to supply the rest of
his clients, who also want and/or need an example. Yes,
we have an "economic down-turn", etc. elc. Butthe fact is
that a lot of very serious collectors world-wide have been
waiting years in some cases for certain coins, and they
simply never seem to show up. I have had a client waiting
since the early t 980's forasestertius of Saloninus. I have
yet to hear of an example coming onto the marketplace
from any source.
Of course, a 101 of people who read "The Back Page"
regularly have never actually met me, so consequenlly, I
imagine that a lot of you have a mental image of me based
on what you read, rather than having actually ever seen
me. I can already hearthe "mental thinking" of some of my
"buddies" going, "those are the lucky ones" . Well anyway,
many of you must have gotten the idea by now, that we are
in the business of buying & selling ancient coins. We
really are not researchers and we spend very little time
actually trying to find "die-matches" orto see how often a
similar coin has come up in auction overlhe past decades.
Atthe same time, we do have two very extensive libraries
at our two locations, moslly due to the "nudging" of my
good friend Dennis Kroh, who makes sure that we buy at
least two copies of everything that comes out that is
important. I tend to go on instinct when I buy coins, since
their beauty catches my eye, and I have an excellent
understanding of what makes good style. But in terms of
actual rarity, I do not price my coins based on any other
criteria than quality, what the coin cost to buy, and current
market conditions. Therefore, I wasslighllyamazed when
one of my good clients in NYC started sending the coins
which I had sold him over the years to David Sear for his
new certification service. Now if anyone has a photographic
knowledge of what has appeared, when it did, and where
it did, il is David. His background knowledge of ancient
coins is simply phenomenal. La and behold, as the
certificates began to come in, it became quite apparent
that, based on instinct, 1had located forthis client some
phenomenally rare coins. A rare aureus of Caracalla
that does not appear in BMC, an apparenlly unknown gold
stater of Philip 111 of Macedon, where Athena wears an
undecoraled helmel, one of the finest known silver staters
of Knossos in Crete showing the details of the Labyrinth.
I was certainly pleasantly surprised, as was my client,
because hedid not pay any substantial price increment
based on style or rarity. Well, it just shows to go you, as
someone used to say, so I guess we will just keep on doing
things the way we have been, as it seems our instincts
work as well as those who spend hours trying to research
a co i n~ so that they can figure out how to substantiate the
price asked.
Due to the fact that we sell a lot of ancients, we always
need 10 buy! IFYOU ARE IN THE DEACQUISITION!NG
MOOD, please give us a shot. I will tell you that at shows,
where a collector goes all around Ihe room getting offers,
it seems Ihatwe often end up being the final buyer. Why??
We pay more, right on the spot, and our cheques are
good as gold. We don't want to "borrow" your coins, we
don't want to auction your coins, we don't want to act as
your agents, we want to buy your coins.
FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER
CONTACT US AT OUR N.J. OFFICE
Upcoming Shows:
":'~:7~~~~~~~e~NI~O.~v.~em~~b~:e;r)
" ~
1st & 2nd, at the Ca-
Show hours 10-70n
Bay StaleSbow-Boslon NovemberI4Ih-16th. As usual
at the Park Plaza Hotel (Ho·Jo "57") in downtown Boston.
Fri. -Sun. show with show hours 10-6 each day and 10-4 on
Sun. This is an excellent show for ancients, and the largest
of its type in all of New England. Try to make il if you can.
Grand Central Show-NYC November 21 st-23rd. At the
Omni Park Central Hotel al56th & 7th Ave. Thurs.-Sat. show
with show hours 10-6 each day. This is one of the "old-time"
traditional NYC shows, and a number of important ancient
dealers wilt be attending.
2),. c:/f,nofd cR. ~adow
Rare Coins & Classical Arts Ltd.
8Specialists in Museum Quality COins 8
Member: ANA, ANS, SAN, AINA, INS, Ex-Fellow RNS
P.O. Box 374 P,O. Box 699
South Orange, NJ 07079 Palm Desert, CA 92261
Phone: (201) 761-0634 Phone: (619) 345-7161
FAX, (201) 761-8406
November 1991 51
 INDEX OF DISPLAY
ADVERTISERS
Celator Classifieds
Rates:
Aigai Numismatics
Album, Stephen "" $5.00 for the first 20 words, 20¢ each additional word.
Amphora
Amsellem, Claude
Ancient World Ans, ltd.
"
6, 46
CeUic- Medieval English gold, silver Greek,Roman, Byzantine coins, Free
Antiquities
Aries Photograph ic
"5050 for sale. Write, Brian Yarwood, list upon request. Reasonable prices;
AtheNa! 50 Yarwood Hall, Luttongate Rd., Sutton something for any budget. Want lists
Bank Leu Ltd
Bay State Coin Show
Beach, Gaorg& M.
50" St. Edmund, Spalding, Lincs" PEl2
OLH, England,
serviced. Guy Clark, clo CANDLCoins,
373 Independence Blvd., Virginia
Berk. Harlan J. Ltd.
Bir!<.ler, Lucien & Co.
"
Cover, 48
11,46
Beach, V A 23462,
810m, Christian
Must dispose of budget coin collection.

""28
Byers, C.B. Corp. Single or whole. Range from R-oman STILL LOOKING for a special book
Cederl ind, Tom Republic to 2nd Century AD, Mostly on ancient or foreign coins? We stock
Celato. 50 over 1000 different titles. Please write:
Christie's 3 denarii. Average fine condition, many
Classical Numismatic Group Cover, 22 $20 each. Send SASE for list. K. A. G. van der Dussen, Hondstraat 5,
CMV Numismatics 35 Cotner, 29492 Thackery Dr., Laguna 621 1 HW, Maastricht, Netherlands.
COM, Joel O.

"""
Colosseum Coin Excha"9'" Niguel, CA 92677 . Dealer wants ancient Greek silver coins.
Cummings, John Ltd.
Auction prices paid without the auction
Davissons Ltd.
Economopoulos Enterprises
Elsen, Jean SA
"" The other ancients: Africa, Mideast,
India, Southeast Asia, the Orient,
wait. D. Bakker, Box 968, Orleans, MA
Empire Coins Inc.
Fagan, W. & Co.
"" Primitive Monies. Books too. Free list.
02653.

Gale,;" des Numismabques. Ltd.

Greater New York Numismatic Cony.
33,50
50
" Semans, Box 22849P, Seattle, WA
98122.
Computer filing (IBM): List,Sort, Print
out your collection. Easy, powerful,
Hamioi, Ornar
Harmer Rooke Ga lleries "" Con noisseu rs and romantics will love
Shareware. $15 postpaid. Bob's, 100
Overlook, Willow Grove, PA 19090.
Havandjian, Viken M.
Halios Old World Antiquiti~ "" Valenline Duval: an autobiography.
COLLECTOR WANTS ancient coins
Herman, David P .
Hirsch, Gerhard Nachl~ger
Huston, Stephen M.
"
23
21 .49
Non-ficlion at its very best! Send$19.95
for your hardback copy to The Celator, with any of the following words in Greek
P.O, Box 123, Lodi, WI 53555. MIC or Latin : Olympia, Pythia, Isthmia,
tAPN
Imperial Coins & Antiqu ities "
17,48
and VISA ok. Nemea, Actia, Capitolia . Anthony
Kern, Jonathan K.
Kovacs, Frank L.
Krill. Brian
""
30 Free Catalog: Write for our latest il-
Milavic, 6861 Elm S1. # I A, McLean,
VA 22101, (703) 620-1117.
Lanz, Hubert 35,46 lustrated catalog of classical Greek,
Laurion Numismatics Syrian terracotta oil lamps, 3rd to 7th
""
Link, Arthur J, Roman & Byzant ine coins of excep-
century AD" completely intact and at-
London Coin Galleries 6,49 tional quality. Want lists welcomed. tractive. Guaranteed authentic. $35
Maine Classical Numismatics 43
Galerie des Numismatiques, LId., 222
Malloy, Alex G, lne,
MaRer, Joel & Co.
Martin, C.J. (Coins) lid.
"" Middle Country Road, Smithtown, NY
postpaid. Somewhere in Time, P.O.
Box 123, Lodi, WI 53555.
""
McDaniels, Bill
11787,
McKenna. Thomas P. 43,49
Greek, Roman, Medieval coins.
Minerva
Munzen uox! Medaillen AG "
26 Monthly catalogs with very reasonable November 91
M & R Coins Trivia Answer:
New Yo",," Int'l Numis. Conv.
Numismatic Archives
"
25 prices and discounts issued for24 years.
Francis J. Rath, Box 266, Youngstown, "Juno"
Numismatic Fine Arts
Numismatica AAS Classica AG
" 5
NY 14174,
Oracle Ancient Coins
Patch Coins, Dan
Pegasi Coins
""
"
27,47 If you buy or sell ancient coins or classical antiquities
Phillips, Wayne C.
PhO<lnicia Holyland AnHquities
Ponterio & Associates
"
13,29,45
8,9,48
You should be subscribing to the Popular Award Winning Periodical
Rogers, Calvin J . 30 Specializing in Ancient Numismatics and Antiquities:
Rosenblum, William M. 34,47
Royal Athena GaJleries
Rynearson. Paul
Sadigh Galleries
Saslow, Arnold R.
Cover

""
51
rrfie CeCator
Schinke, Glenn
Sear, David R. "" Offering Monthly:
Shore, Fred 8.
Singer, Gordon Andreas
Spink & Son, Ltd.
""
7
• News· Features ' Commentary· Book Reviews ' Coming Events ·
• Letters and Notices· Display and Classified Ads· And much more! •
Stack'sJCoin Galleries
Sternoorg, Frank. 8.49 " Write to:
Superior Galleries
Time Machine Co. 10,45 " ONLY $24.00 The Celator
"""
Tradart
Treasure Island for twelve issues (U.S. addresses) P.O. Box 123
Twente, John & Janet
Waddell, Edward J. Ltd. 40,4S (Canada - $30, All other addresses $48, Lodi, WI 53555
Warden, William B. 12,48 payable in U.S. funds)
Whitlord, Craig A. (608) 592-4684
WolI, Mic hael & Sandra "
36,49

52 The Gelator
In Conjunction with the 20th New York International

A Public and Mail Bid Auction Sale of

CLASSICAL COINS
Featuring
• Ancient Greek (Cold & Silver)
,
• Greek Bronzes
• Roman Republican
• Roman Imperial
(Highlighted by a Continental Collection of Bronzes)
• Byzantine
• Medieval & European

TUESDAY· DECEMBER 3, 1991·3 PM

DRAKE HOTEL
Park at 56th
New York, NY

• SALE XVIII
• Catalogue wilh prices realized $10.00
• Write today

Classical Numismatic Auctions

Post Office Box 245
Quarryville, Pennsylvania 17566-0245
(717) 786-4013, Fax (717) 786-7954
EXQUISITE ROMAN MARBLE TORSO
150-200 AD 137/8" high
on a Black & Red Granite Base
$26,500
I

31 N. Clark Street, Chicago , Illinois 60602

(3 12) 609-0017 FAX: (3 12) 609-1309