Numismatica Ars Classica Zurich

Auction 149  –  2 December 2024

Numismatica Ars Classica Zurich, Auction 149

The Medicus Collection of Hellenistic Coins

Mo, 02.12.2024, from 2:00 PM CET
The auction is closed.

Description

Tetradrachm, Seleucia on the Tigris circa 175-164, AR 28 mm, 16.84 g. Diademed head of Antiochus IV r., large and fine style, with break in hair at temple and hornlike lock above hear, diadem ends fluttering behind. Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ – ANTIOXOY Apollo seated l. on omphalos, testing arrow in r. hand and resting l. arm on grounded bow; in exergue, monogram. SC 1505.1-2 var.
Very rare. Old cabinet tone and good very fine

According to Oliver Hoover, the monogram might possibly be a retrograde version of 1505.1. Taking this together with the treatment of the diadem ends, which is exclusive to Seleucia on the Tigris in the period, he thinks the coin is much more likely to be Seleucia on the Tigris than something else. The quality of the portrait makes an imitative mint seem unlikely, notwithstanding the retrograde N. The portrait seems to represent a transition between that of 1505.1 and 1505.2. It has the hornlike lock and gap in the hair at the temples of 1505.1, but the tight curls of 1505.2.

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Bidding

Price realized 400 CHF
Starting price 400 CHF
Estimate 500 CHF
The auction is closed.
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