Di Nomos Posted December 16, 2022 · Member Share Posted December 16, 2022 This isn't really a top coins list, as I only purchased three coins this year, and I wasn't going to do it at all, but decided I'd show them. As someone who is consumed by ancient Greek coins, I really enjoy others end of year lists and seeing great coins from other eras and civilisations, so thanks to everyone who posts their coins. Anyway, I'm assembling a small collection of the best quality coins I can afford that cover as much of the Greek world as possible. This obviously limits the number of coins I can afford. The first coin I purchased is a coin I have admired since I first saw it in the Prospero collection. Then it came up for sale in an NAC auction last year, but I had to pass as I'd already spent my budget earlier in that auction. I was a bit disappointed I'd missed it. Then, much to my surprise, it came up for sale in a Nomos fixed price list sale. I had to get it, it's not very often you get a second chance like that. And I thought their price was fair also. The coin is a tetradrachm from the Cycladic island of Tenos. Minted c. 200 - 180 BC. The obverse has a figure of Apollo with a rams horn. The reverse has Poseidon seated, holding a dolphin in one hand and a trident in the other, with a bunch of grapes in the left field. What is very obvious is the die makers have copied the very well known Alexander tetradrachm Zeus reverse and Lysamichos Alexander obverse, but put their own twist on the design. Anyway, you can see what I mean with the coin. Next I bought a stater from Larissa in Thessaly, minted c. 350 BC. I've been on the lookout for one of these for a few years, but always get outbid. This one has a few problems, some die rust around Larissa's eyes, and the reverse die had a few issues also. But I love the style and I'm really pleased I bid on it, as I think the price was fair. My last coin purchase was in the recent Nomos sale. When I first saw this, I thought this is just what I'm looking for, but thought the estimate was a bit steep for a hemidrachm. Just before the auction, decided to do some research, and found that they do in fact command high prices and the estimate is reasonable. I knew my targets in the NAC sale the day after this would get blown out of the water (they did), so decided to go for it. And I'm pleased I did. Kyrene, Kyrenaica hemidrachm c. 500 - 480 BC. I really wanted a coin from Kyrene, and I love their archaic coinage. This coin is only small, (but thick), and the head of Zeus is fantastic I think, it really appeals to me. And the heart shaped seed of the silphium plant on the obverse is also very attractive. Anyway, well done if you read all that. Didn't intend to ramble so much. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone on Numis Forums. 31 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Kowsky Posted December 16, 2022 · Member Share Posted December 16, 2022 6 minutes ago, Di Nomos said: This isn't really a top coins list, as I only purchased three coins this year, and I wasn't going to do it at all, but decided I'd show them. As someone who is consumed by ancient Greek coins, I really enjoy others end of year lists and seeing great coins from other eras and civilisations, so thanks to everyone who posts their coins. Anyway, I'm assembling a small collection of the best quality coins I can afford that cover as much of the Greek world as possible. This obviously limits the number of coins I can afford. The first coin I purchased is a coin I have admired since I first saw it in the Prospero collection. Then it came up for sale in an NAC auction last year, but I had to pass as I'd already spent my budget earlier in that auction. I was a bit disappointed I'd missed it. Then, much to my surprise, it came up for sale in a Nomos fixed price list sale. I had to get it, it's not very often you get a second chance like that. And I thought their price was fair also. The coin is a tetradrachm from the Cycladic island of Tenos. Minted c. 200 - 180 BC. The obverse has a figure of Apollo with a rams horn. The reverse has Poseidon seated, holding a dolphin in one hand and a trident in the other, with a bunch of grapes in the left field. What is very obvious is the die makers have copied the very well known Alexander tetradrachm Zeus reverse and Lysamichos Alexander obverse, but put their own twist on the design. Anyway, you can see what I mean with the coin. Next I bought a stater from Larissa in Thessaly, minted c. 350 BC. I've been on the lookout for one of these for a few years, but always get outbid. This one has a few problems, some die rust around Larissa's eyes, and the reverse die had a few issues also. But I love the style and I'm really pleased I bid on it, as I think the price was fair. My last coin purchase was in the recent Nomos sale. When I first saw this, I thought this is just what I'm looking for, but thought the estimate was a bit steep for a hemidrachm. Just before the auction, decided to do some research, and found that they do in fact command high prices and the estimate is reasonable. I knew my targets in the NAC sale the day after this would get blown out of the water (they did), so decided to go for it. And I'm pleased I did. Kyrene, Kyrenaica hemidrachm c. 500 - 480 BC. I really wanted a coin from Kyrene, and I love their archaic coinage. This coin is only small, (but thick), and the head of Zeus is fantastic I think, it really appeals to me. And the heart shaped seed of the silphium plant on the obverse is also very attractive. Anyway, well done if you read all that. Didn't intend to ramble so much. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone on Numis Forums. Di Nomos, Those are 3 great scores for the year 😊! The tetradrachm with Poseidon on the reverse is my favorite 😍. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kamnaskires Posted December 17, 2022 · Member Share Posted December 17, 2022 Trifecta! Outstanding. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor kirispupis Posted December 17, 2022 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted December 17, 2022 Gotta love (he he) the Kyrene hemidrachm. Yours is in great condition. Fantastic evidence of the history of one of the world's most famous symbols. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
singig Posted December 17, 2022 · Member Share Posted December 17, 2022 All three coins are great , my preferred is the Larissa stater , I would love to have one. Congratulations ! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor DonnaML Posted December 17, 2022 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted December 17, 2022 Wow! All three are fantastic. That reverse with Poseidon especially! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy_collector Posted December 17, 2022 · Member Share Posted December 17, 2022 These are cool coins, @Di Nomos. I especially like the design of Poseidon holding a dolphin. 🙂 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pavlos Posted December 17, 2022 · Member Share Posted December 17, 2022 Lovely coins! I really like the archaic coinage of Kyrene, and that Tenos tetradrachm is stunning! I would love to have one as well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spaniard Posted December 17, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted December 17, 2022 Lovely trio @Di Nomos... They're all wonderful looking coins, I really like the Larissa portrait! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sulla80 Posted December 17, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted December 17, 2022 Awesome coins - I find the Kyrene, Kyrenaica hemidrachm particularly interesting....best wishes for 2023! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qcumbor Posted December 19, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted December 19, 2022 Few can be more : those three are really something Q 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hughie Dwyer Posted December 19, 2022 · Member Share Posted December 19, 2022 Not a massive addition to your collection - but an absolutely stunning one. It's all about 'quality not quantity' (in my opinion anyway). Lovely coins. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curtisimo Posted December 19, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted December 19, 2022 That Larissa stater is simply wonderful @Di Nomos. I like them all. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panzerman Posted December 20, 2022 · Member Share Posted December 20, 2022 Yeah.....but they are THREE really nice ones with great eye appeal😀 John 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Di Nomos Posted December 21, 2022 · Member Author Share Posted December 21, 2022 (edited) Thanks for the positive feedback everyone. Always pleasing to know others appreciate and enjoy seeing what I've added to my collection. Edited December 21, 2022 by Di Nomos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Limes Posted December 21, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted December 21, 2022 Three superb coins! I like your quality over quantity approach. Best wishes for 2023! 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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