Numismatic Rarities: From the Wappenmünze to the German Thaler

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PRESS RELEASE Auction 232-234 October 5-9, 2015, Preliminary Report Numismatic Rarities: From the Wappenmünze to the German Thaler The Gorny & Mosch October sale has much to offer.

1 PRESS RELEASE Auction October 5-9, 2015, Preliminary Report Numismatic Rarities: From the Wappenmünze to the German Thaler The Gorny & Mosch October sale has much to offer. The sessions will present a wide range of numismatic highlights, featuring rarities from the ancient world and showpieces from alike. The Middle Ages are particularly well represented as well. Over the course of its auction week, Gorny & Mosch will conduct three auction sales. The event on Monday will focus on high-quality ancient coins. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the ordinary ancient coins will come up for bid in Auction 233. In the auction to be held on Thursday, rarities from Medieval and Modern Times will be offered for sale. And the entire Friday will be devoted to Islamic coins as well as Russian coins, medals and decorations. Auction 232 High-Quality Ancient Coins As always, the aficionado of the finest Greek coins will find a broad array of offers within the first catalog. Among others, the range includes a perfect early tetrachdrachm from Leontinoi, which was sold by Sambon-Canessa in 1927 (53 / EF / 7,500 euros), as well as an unsigned masterpiece of a Syracusan die cutter of the High Classical Period, depicting a monumental head of Arethusa (70 / VF / 26,000 euros). Anyone more fond of the rigid Archaic Period will surely find something to his or her liking, when turning to the coins from Northern Greece. Maybe he will opt for the marvelous tetradrachm of King Getas of the Edones tribe with its meticulous depiction of a shepherd and his flock (119 / EF / 80,000 euros). It goes without saying that the auction will also comprise numerous items for those who find great pleasure only in the great rarities. To name just a few: a tetradrachm from Apollonia Pontica (96 / EF / 12,000 euros), a bronze coin of the Thracian Dentheletes tribe (97 / VF / 4,500 euros), and an octodrachm of the Tyntenoi that is clearly modeled on the coinage of the Edones tribe (120 / VF / 15,000 euros). What do you consider more important, a higher degree of rarity or a finer style? With the large series of coins from the city of Athens, there is no need to make a decision since the coins offered combine both: they are not only rare, but also stylistically charming. We would like to highlight the first socalled wappenmünze featuring the gorgon s head on the obverse: This piece not only exhibits a superb Archaic style but is likewise exceptionally rare, notably in this perfect condition (178 / EF / 15,000 euros). The same applies to a wappenmünze with the depiction of a scarab (182 / EF / 15,000 euros). The Athenian tetradrachms virtually let the collector find the style he likes best, covering the 1

2 entire range, from the finest Archaic (187 / EF / 5,000 euros) to Archaizing Classical (197 / EF / 1,500 euros) and Hellenistic (206 / EF / 750 euros). With a small series from Crete and many rarities from Asia Minor, we are now turning to the Near East. This segment includes an extremely rare tetradrachm of Seleucus I with an Indian elephant on the reverse (293 / nearly EF / 20,000 euros) and a series of interesting Sassanid coins. As always, Gorny & Mosch likewise offers some superb examples of Roman Provincial coinage, such as a cistophorus of Claudius showing on the reverse the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus (332 / nearly EF / 2,500 euros). While the anonymous 60 asses gold coins of the 211 Roman monetary reform are rather frequent, their counterpart with a nominal value of 40 asses can only rarely be found. A perfect example of this type will be offered (351 / EF / 25,000 euros). This is just one of many pieces proving that the admirers of Roman numismatics whether gold, silver or bronze, whether Republic, Imperial or Late Rome will certainly find their favorite item. The fans of perfect bronze coins with the finest patina are particularly likely to discover many highlights. One example may suffice: a superb sestertius of Trajan with the still unidentified bridge on the reverse (430 / EF / 6,000 euros). Needless to add, that this segment includes great rarities as well, such as a sestertius of Britannicus (407 / VF / 4,500 euros). Of course, the great number of aurei in highest grades deserves mentioning as well. To give only a few examples: Domitian as Caesar, rev. the imperial son riding a horse, raising his hand in an oratorical gesture (423 / EF / 20,000 euros), Commodus, rev. Castor leading a horse (449 / EF / 20,000 euros), and Philippus Arabs, rev. Liberalitas (467 / FDC / 32,000 euros). Last but not least, there are the two medallions which likewise add to the broad array of magnificent numismatic diversity: a bronze medallion of Septimius Severus, showing the emperor and his sons addressing the army (456 / EF / 35,000 euros), and a large gold medallion of 9 solidi, which was probably awarded by Valentinian I to a barbarian ruler (524 / VF / 75,000 euros). Finally, Byzantine coins will conclude this sale. This segment comprises many rarities as well, such as solidi of the empresses Eudoxia and Irene. We would like to highlight a miliaresion of the shortreigning usurper Artavasdus, which is really hard to come by on the market (605 / VF-EF / 3,000 euros). Auction 233 Ancient Coins and Multiple Lots Auction 233 offers more than 2,000 lots consisting of ancient coins from the Celts and the Greeks to the Romans and Byzantium as well as multiple lots and numismatic literature. Collectors of 2

3 Greek fractions and bronze coins will make more than one amazing find. One such find may be a coin from the Lucanian city of Heraclea, featuring a river god with a fishtail on the reverse once sold in a Sternberg sale (1085 / VF / 120 euros). The collector of Roman coins will likewise discover many pieces of high historical interest: for example, a portrait of Fulvia, Marc Antony s first wife (2023 / nearly EF / 200 euros), or a denarius of Septimius Severus with a depiction of an animal fight (2418 / VF / 800 euros). Of course, Gorny & Mosch will offer their multiple lots as well which are virtually famous and keep attracting collectors and dealers from all around the world. This time, the segment consists of more than 200 catalog numbers. Auction 234 Medieval and Modern Coins / German Thaler / Islam / Russia This time, collectors of coins from pre-1871 are very likely to rejoice about the range of offers which is a class of its own. Rarities will alternate with interesting series. The thaler-like coins come in particularly outstanding grades. For starters, there is an extraordinary collection of perfect thaler of the Free Imperial City of Augsburg. From a fine city scape, an enthroned Augusta Vindelicorum or an emperor portrait, to the river deities of Lech and Wertach, all pieces on sale impress with their outstanding grades. These magnificent specimens vie with the almost omnipresent showpieces for the collector s attention. Here are a few: a 1777 gold medal on Charles Theodore taking office in Bavaria (4028 / EF-FDC / 25,000 euros), a 1790 ducat of Count Charles August of Bretzenheim (4088 / FDC / 6,500 euros), a 1652 thaler of Corvey, of which only 214 specimens were struck (4094 / EF / 10,000 euros), a unique 1591 double thaler of the Free Imperial City of Friedberg (4115 / EF / 40,000 euros), a very rare double thaler of Lippe, minted in Detmold in 1685 (4151 / VF-EF / 20,000 euros), a 1673 broad double thaler of the city of Magdeburg, the second specimen known to exist (4153 / VF-EF / 30,000 euros), a ducat piece of Ferdinand I of Bavaria as bishop of Münster (4162 / EF / 30,000 euros), a 1830 prämienthaler of the Saxon King Anthony, of which only 25 specimens were produced (4224 / EF-FDC / 20,000 euros), as well as a 1677 thaler on the death of William Louis, Duke of Wuerttemberg (4267 / EF-FDC / 20,000 euros). With all these pre-1871 German beauties in sight, one should not forget the equally remarkable rest. It consists of coins of the German Empire with many great rarities in the finest grades possible. The piece with the highest pre-sale estimate may serve as an example: the rarest of all imperial gold coin types, the 20 mark piece, struck in 1872 for Ernest II of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (4415 / nearly EF / EF / 65,000 euros). 3

4 This takes us right to the department of medals where two collection fields stand out. The first consists of 58 lots of medals created by the popular Finnish medalist Kauko Räsänen, followed up by nearly 20 lots with aeronautical topics, including numerous depictions of balloons and the zeppelin. The world coins section offers some big surprises as well, such as several Viking coins from Denmark and England which the specialized collector will surely appreciate. Among the coins of this section, an outstanding item can be found with a penny of Alfred the Great (4732A / VF / 5,000 euros). Anybody more interested in the later history of the United Kingdom might prefer the perfect halfcrown of Oliver Cromwell, showing an impressive portrait of this politician (4773 / EF-FDC / 5,000 euros). From the advocate of puritanism to the defender of the Catholic faith, the collectors of Vatican coins and medals are recommended to carefully examine the catalog. Featuring coins from many mints, some of them very sought-after (e.g. Avignon), it lists 48 lots, ranging from the coinage of Paul II ( ) to the current Pope Francis I. Some lots consist of only one item while others are composed of a couple of interesting pieces. Also the multiple lots are worth a close look at the catalog and a long close look when being viewed. To refer to just one example: Lot 4984 consists of eight albums of more than 2,000 coins of post The lot is estimated at 1,000 euros which, however, strikes as a starting price with which the bidding will begin. Friday morning begins with Islamic coinages. Two small collections will be offered for sale: first, a range of non-ottoman silver and copper coins, including some remarkable rarities. A collection of Ottoman gold coins featuring many rarities and outstanding quality items culminates in the presentation of the gold medal of Abd al-majid ( ) on the monetary reform and the adoption of a new monetary system, the medal coming up in a unique weight-entity. The Russian coins are next. This segment will kick off with a small collection of about 50 lots of Russian dengi. The pieces on offer, some of them extremely rare, come from the successor states and the cities of the post-14th century Russian Empire and will please the collector with their broad range of motifs. Needless to add, that the Russian section contains a lot of interesting rarities, especially when it comes to orders and decorations. Here are a few: a rare Order of St. Anne (6289 / good EF / 50,000 euros), a mounted medal of Alexander II on the 50th anniversary of the Russian Tsar as patron of the 3rd Prussian Uhlan Regiment (6300 / VF-EF / 50,000 euros), and a mounted bravery medal of Alexander III (6301 / nearly FDC / 50,000 euros). All catalogs can be viewed on the internet at Printed copies may be 4

5 ordered at Gorny & Mosch, Giessener Münzhandlung,, D Munich, phone +49 / (0)89 / , telefax +49 / (0)89 / Captions: Lot 70: SYRACUSE (Sicily). Tetradrachm, ca Very rare. Very fine. Estimate: 26,000,- euros Lot 96: APOLLONIA PONTICA (Thrace). Tetradrachm, ca Rare. Extremely fine. Estimate: 12,000,- euros Lot 119: EDONES (Thraco-Macedonian Tribes). Octodrachm, ca Very rare. Extremely fine. Estimate: 80,000,- euros Lot 178: ATHENS (Attica). Wappenmünzen. Didrachm, /515. Very rare. Extremely fine. Estimate: 15,000,- euros Lot 182: ATHENS (Attica). Wappenmünzen. Didrachm, /515. Extremely rare. Extremely fine. Estimate: 15,000,- euros Lot 187: ATHENS (Attica). Tetradrachm, about Very rare. Extremely fine. Estimate: 5,000,- euros Lot 243: PHAISTOS (Crete). Stater, about Nearly extremely fine. Estimate: 1.200,- euros Lot 293: SELEUCUS I ( ). Tetradrachm, , Susa. Very rare. Nearly extremely fine. Estimate: 20,000,- euros Lot 351: ROMAN REPUBLIC. Anonymous. 40 asses, , Rome. Extremely rare. Extremely fine. Estimate: 25,000,- euros Lot 407: BRITANNICUS, Sestertius, Thrace. Rare. Very fine. Estimate: 4,500,- euros Lot 423: DOMITIAN as Caesar, Aureus, 73, Rome. Extremely fine. Estimate: 20,000,- euros Lot 430: TRAJAN, Sestertius, , Rome. Rare. Extremely fine. Estimate: 6,000,- euros Lot 456: SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS, AE-medallion, 195. Very rare. Extremely fine. Estimate: 35,000,- euros Lot 467: PHILIPPUS I ARABS, Aureus, , Rome. FDC. Estimate: 32,000,- euros Lot 524: VALENTINIANUS, Multiple of 9 solidi, Rome. Unique. Unpublished. Very fine. Estimate: 75,000,- euros 5

6 The multiple to be auctioned off equals 9 solidi. It was given as a donative to distinguished dignitaries and officers. The mounting with a granule decoration and a hole suggests that the gorgeous medal was worn on a chain for a longer period of time, as indicated by the traces of wearing. The identity of its wearer cannot be ascertained anymore. Surely, the medal was given to a barbarian ruler as one of Rome s allies. Giving away a medallion, graced by the portrait of the emperor, was a Roman way of nobilitating the presentee, to the effect that his rule was almost divinely legitimized. Apart from that, both the influence and the charisma of the emperor were transferred upon the barbarian ruler. Unsurprisingly, the barbarians used to wear these gold medallions in such a way that everybody could clearly see the portrait of the emperor. Lot 605: ARTAVASDUS, Miliaresion, Constantinople. Rare. Very fine to extremely fine. Estimate: 3,000,- euros Lot 1085: HERACLEA (Lucania). AE, Very fine. Estimate: 120,- euros Lot 4015: AUGSBURG thaler. FDC. Estimate: 800,- euros Lot 4028: BAVARIA. Charles Theodore, gold medal by Joseph Scheufel on Charles Theodore taking office in Bavaria. Ex MMAG Auction, Basel (1983). Extremely rare. Extremely fine to FDC. Estimate: 25,000,- euros Lot 4094: CORVEY. Arnold of Waldois, thaler, Höxter. Only 214 specimens struck. Ex MMAG, Basel Auction 48 (1973), 352. Extremely fine. Estimate: 10,000,- euros Lot 4115: FRIEDBERG double thaler. Unique. Extremely fine. Estimate: 40,000,- euros Lot 4153: MAGDEBURG broad double thaler. Ex Giessener Münzhandlung Auction 6 (1973), nd specimen known to exist. Very fine to extremely fine. Estimate: 30,000,- euros Lot 4163: MÜNSTER. Ferdinand I of Bavaria, ducats, Münster. Ex Giessener Münzhandlung Auction 8 (1975), 524. Extremely rare. Extremely fine. Estimate: 30,000,- euros Lot 4224: SAXONY. Anthony, thaler. Only 25 specimens struck. Extremely fine to FDC. Estimate: 20,000,- euros Lot 4267: WUERTTEMBERG. William Louis, thaler, Stuttgart. Very rare. Extremely fine to FDC. Estimate: 20,000,- euros Lot 4415: SAXE-COBURG-GOTHA. Ernest II, mark E. Extremely rare. Nearly extremely fine / extremely fine. Estimate: 65,000,- euros 6

7 Lot 4484: KAUKO RÄSÄNEN component commemorative medal on the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, Helsinki. Only 50 pieces struck. Artist s specimen! Mint state. Estimate: 500,- euros Lot 4538: AERONAUTICS medal on the air race conducted in October that year. Very rare. Good extremely fine. Estimate: 250,- euros Lot 4732A: GREAT BRITAIN. Alfred the Great, Ceolwulf type penny. Extremely rare. Very fine. Estimate: 5,000,- euros Lot 4733: GREAT BRITAIN. Oliver Cromwell halfcrown, London. Very rare. Extremely fine to FDC. Estimate: 5,000,- euros Lot 4809: VATICAN. Leo XIII, gold medal by F. Bianchi on resolving the controversy about the Carolines. Very rare. Nearly FDC. Estimate: 3,000,- euros Lot 5049: UMAYYADS. Reign of Abd al-malik, Dirham 80 H. Extremely rare. Very fine. Estimate: 700,- euros Lot 5153: OTTOMANS. Abd al-majid, On the monetary reform and the adoption of a new monetary system. Unique in this weight. Extremely fine to FDC. Estimate: 30,000,- euros Lot 6124: RUSSIA. Paul I, rouble, St. Petersburg. Coinage in the standard of an albertusthaler. Rare. Extremely fine to FDC. Estimate: 12,000,- euros Lot 6289: RUSSIA. Order of St. Anne. 3rd class Cross, 1st model (since 1815). Very rare. Good extremely fine. Estimate: 50,000,- euros Lot 6301: RUSSIA. Alexander III. Gold medal For Bravery. Specimen from the Michailovich Collection. Extremely rare. Nearly FDC. Estimate: 50,000,- euros 7

Spring auction at Gorny & Mosch: Numismatic masterpieces from antiquity, the middle ages and modern times.

PRESS RELEASE Auction 236-238 March 7-9, 2016, Preliminary Report Spring auction at Gorny & Mosch: Numismatic masterpieces from antiquity, the middle ages and modern times. From March 7 th 9 th, 2016 Gorny