I wasn't supposed to bid at Roma XX today, but let's say my fingers slipped when I saw this beautiful Antonian cistophoric tetradrachm at a relatively low price. It feels great to add this to the collection as it is a type that's been high on my list for a while. I'm also excited that this is a larger silver denomination, as these are uncommon in Republican coinage. Marc Antony and Octavia. AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm (12.40g, 27mm, 12h). Minted in Ephesus, Ionia. 39 BC. Obverse: M•ANTONIVS•IMP•COS•DESIG•ITER•ET•TERT, head of Antony right, wearing ivy wreath, lituus below; all within wreath of ivy and flowers. Reverse: III•VIR• R•P•C, head of Octavia atop cista mystica, between twisting snakes. References: RPC 2201; RSC 2; CRI 262.
I guess the coin was overshadowed by the sale having so many great coins. There is no reason that so nice a coin should not sell well. Congratulations.
Wonderful cistophorus @Michael Stolt !!!! I especially like Octavia's portrait, it looks exceptionally crisp! Congrats!
Thanks Doug! I agree that the multitude of great pieces in the sale kept prices down a little here and there on other coins.
Mike, Nice score ! I noticed that coin in the Provincial section & was tempted to bid on it too . Instead I waited for lot 382, much to my regret , pictured below. The coin had an estimate of 2,500 British pounds that I thought was high, so I bid 2,200 on it. It went for 2,800 . Geta as Caesar, AD 205-207, Laodicaea ad Mare, AR Tetradrachm: 27 mm, 13.48 gm, 6 h. Prieur 1135.
We're never "supposed" to, it's just an automatic response to a stimulus, sort of like bees to nectar.... Very beautiful, crispy specimen, & really, how can you go wrong with snakes?...@TIF?...anyone?...
..EVERYBODY needs at least one snake coin......i had this one for 12+ years before Doug Smith told me for sure who was on the obverse...snake! Provincial Marcrinus & Son
