In a thread a few weeks ago, I asked a question. Now that it's over, I can reveal that the auction was for a group of lead tesserae from Asia Minor, currently attributed to Ephesos. They likely functioned as a form of small change issued by private individuals and local officials. Other examples cite members of the boule (city council) and the agoranomos (official in charge of various aspects of the marketplace). All are very rare and most are unpublished. I've cataloged a few of them below: IONIA, Ephesos. Circa 2nd-3rd century AD PB Tessera (15mm, 1.74 g) TYXH THC ΠOΛEAC (Tyche of the City) Tyche Poleas standing left, holding rudder and cornucopia Blank Gülbay & Kireç - IONIA, Ephesos. Circa 2nd-3rd century AD PB Tessera (16mm, 2.83 g) Dog's head right Blank Gülbay & Kireç - IONIA, Ephesos. Circa 2nd-3rd century AD PB Tessera (14mm, 2.28 g) Female head right Blank Gülbay & Kireç - (but cf. 183 and 184 for other female portraits) IONIA, Ephesos. Circa 2nd-3rd century AD PB Tessera (15mm, 1.76 g) Two fish swimming in opposite directions Blank Gülbay & Kireç 125, 127-9
Sooo, how did you make out on the bidding? I'm not asking the prices realized, but were you able to get these at decent prices? And how many got away? And finally, what was the strategy you settled on? I'm just overall curious. Interesting pieces BTW.
Your Ancient trove reminds me of the true depth and breadth of this hobby. I own almost nothing (in coinage) older than 200 years...and have neither the time nor discipline to focus on any particular place or era. I salute your success in that pursuit. I got into this hobby accidentally, by looking for silver in bowls, boxes and bags of misc. coinage at flea markets and antique stores. I'm sure many of you know the progression that must naturally follow, if one has eyes and any appreciation for small art.. So, aside from the few nice (to me) examples I've shared here on CT, there are maybe ten pounds of what must be junk. I'm gonna go thru it, one of these fine days, and donate that dross to young folks, as seed for future growth. Like most seed, some will sprout, and some won't. No matter...the weight will be in the pocket of others, not mine! Thanks for posting those old lead coins...sweet.
What amazes me is that I have almost nothing less than 200 years and I still find these items amazing examples of the 'true depth and breadth of this hobby'. That is what is so great about the coins we collect. I probably will never own a lead token or any of a dozen other side paths that the hobby can lead us down but I can value the fact that they exist and that I know someone through Coin Talk who not only appreciates them but is willing to share them with the rest of us. Thank you.
