Chris and Steve weren't the only ones to conquer something in the auction this past week. The first half of the lot of two tessearae that I acquired is shown below. This isn't the first coin I have from Staal's collection, but it is the first that is illustrated in his book. This is actually an extremely common type - Rostovtsev records 83 examples in public and private collections. Only the ubiquitous Mercury/Fortuna type can boast similar numbers. Furthermore, the type is recorded in a variety of sizes, implying several separate issues, as the sizes of cast coins are generally uniform. Does anyone else have a former Staal coin to share? ROME 1st-3rd centuries AD PB Tessera (17mm, 2.96 g, 12 h) The Charites (the Three Graces) standing, the left and right facing, the middle with back to view Modius with three grain ears Rostovtzev 358; Milan 52; München 67-70; BM 1330-3, 1335-8, 1340-1; Staal Appendix A, p. 148 (this coin illustrated) Ex Mark Staal Three Graces Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 300), lot 432 (part of)
I love three graces coins. Yet another sub collection i wish i had more time or money for. You shouldn't post such nice coins and educate us Bill. Aren't you worried about generating competition?
Cool addition! No Staal coins here, but I almost bought a similar Tessera. Almost doesnt count though :/