Numismatik Naumann

Auction 111  –  5 December 2021

Numismatik Naumann, Auction 111

Ancient and World Coins

Su, 05.12.2021, from 5:00 PM CET
The auction is closed.

Description

★ Judgement of Paris ★

TROAS. Scepsis. Caracalla (198-217). Ae.

Obv: AY KAI M AYPH ANTΩNINOC.
Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: CKHΨIΩN ΔAPΔA.
The Judgement of Paris: Eros on rock advancing left and holding out an apple to Aphrodite, standing right and holding sceptre; behind her, Hera holding sceptre and Athena with spear and shield; to right, mountain-god Ida on tree.

M. Bernhart, Aphrodite auf griechischen Münzen (1934), no. 314.

Extremely rare and a beautiful specimen. Son of Priam and Hecuba of Troy, Paris was exposed on Mount Ida for the funereal prophecies that accompanied his conception and birth. He lived as a shepherd until he was chosen by the gods to give his judgement and select the most beautiful between Hera, Athena and Aphrodite, awarding the golden apple thrown on the table by Eris, the goddess of strife, during the banquet of the wedding of Peleus and Thetis. Paris chose Aphrodite, who offered him the love of the most beautiful woman on Earth, Helen of Sparta. During the Troyan War he faced Menelaus in a duel and was saved from death by the intervention of Aphrodite, then killed Achilles helped by Apollo. Later he was mortally wounded by Philoctetes. The scene is rarely represented on coins, where usually Paris is holding out the apple. The reverse of this issue shows Eros instead.

Condition: Good very fine.

Weight: 26.30 g.
Diameter: 37 mm.

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Bidding

Price realized 4'250 EUR 16 bids
Starting price 800 EUR
Estimate 1'000 EUR
The auction is closed.
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