Twice the coins, twice the awesomeness

Great examples everyone with interesting discussion about changing attributions.

Here are my humble additions to the thread:

Hieron II, 275-215 BC
Æ19, 6.3g, 12h; Syracuse mint.
Obv.: Diademed head of Poseidon left.
Rev.: Ornamented trident head, dolphin downward flanking on each side, ΙΕΡΩ−ΝΟΣ horizontal across field divided by shaft, uncertain control symbols.

Lots of variety with the chins:


Hieron II, 270-215 BC
Æ27, 18.4g, 6h; Sicily, Syracuse, circa 230-218/5 BC.
Obv.: Diademed head of Hieron left, beardless.
Rev.: Horseman prancing right, holding couched spear, Σ
In Ex.: ΙΕΡΩΝΟΣ

 

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Jango, congrats on scoring two sweet new Greeks (they look good on ya, my dark-ages friend)



Again, those are both winners ... sadly, I don't have one of those types, but I do have a good ol' Hieron-II example

 

very nice indeed VK!

i have the standard heiron ii as well....

 

What the heck:

 

Thanks all for the kind words and great coins! Quite a range there is of Sicilian/Syracusan coinage! Next target is definitely a Mamertine coin, preferably one with a warrior reverse.

As soon as I first found about this coin I immediately knew I had to have it. Its rare but would you happen to know how often it shows up and how much this type usually go es for?

Its funny, because the busts on both of my coins kind of indicated to me that the obverses might be a die match, but the only difference I noticed was in the chins.

 

Also, what do the field marks under the horse stand for? Workshop letters?

 

Be careful if you find a nice one. The type has been popular enough to inspire excellent fakes, most of which are in better condition and have excellent centering and flan. Any example in excellent condition raises concerns it is a fake.

 

Was not aware of this (I mean, I would have figured there were fakes but I didn't think it was to this level). I will definitely be more aware when I come across this type in the future, thanks Warren.

 

There are reproductions which are perfectly centered with perfect details. I believe the company is Kupfer, but they were not made to deceive (which of course doesn't mean that thieves haven't tried to pass them off as authentic)...



Of the 28 coins listed on acsearch, only a couple come close to the level of detail and centering found in the replicas. Because of the wear and/or uneven strike on my specimen, I'm reasonably assured of its authenticity. It also exhibits no signs of casting, and appropriate style. The reason I haven't included in my auctions yet is that I was concerned about the little green spots on the obverse, but I've had the coin for several months now, and it shows no signs of BD. Also, the previous owner, who I trust, assures me that he's owned the coin for many years with no problems. So I'm ready to declare it stable.

 

Interesting. Thanks for sharing this.

 

VK,
Great and fascinating post, you scored two nice coins. The history of Sicily is such a fascinating subject given the various groups fighting it out for supremacy as well as the islands inhabitants trying to figure which side they should cast their lot with. Since I'm at work I don't have pictures of all of my Sicilian coins except for these two:

This Hieron II Poseidon arrived last Friday after sitting in Austrian customs waiting for clearance, for what seemed like an eternity.



My other Hieron II AE picked up because I really wanted a coin with Pegasus.:


Hieron II, AE, Circa 269-263 BC. Head of Artemis/Arethusa left, hair bound in Ampyx and sphendrone, poppy behind. Reverse, Pegasus flying left. CNS 202; SNG ANS 1018. 16 mm/2.95 grams.

 

Great detail all around, especially the busts. And I wish I had a coin with Pegasus that nice.