If you could only keep one...

ONLY ONE......that's a tough one

I guess it will have to be my Akragas Tetradrachm. Not only because I was fated to own it owing to a very fortunate 'mistake' while bidding but also because several highly respected CT members were also eyeing this coin and, owing to its rarity and popularity, there might be a long wait before another one is offered for sale

Ancient Sicily, Akragas c.413-406 B.C. AR Tetradrachm (16.98 gms) NGC XF Strike 4/5 Surface 5/5 Fine Style
SNG Lloyd-818; Kraay-Hirmer-178.





Female charioteer driving fast quadriga right, her robes billowing behind her, Nike above flying left to crown driver, splayed crab in exergue; Reverse: Two eagles feeding on downed hare on rocks, one with its head raised and one down.

From the Dr. Spencer Paterson Collection of Ancient Coins.

 

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The first coin my father gave me when he returned from overseas. All others are of value but this one is priceless, end of story. Thanks dad

 

OMG. No way. That would bring me sadness. I would CPR back to life. Hadta

 

That goldcollecter is a different story.

 

Maybe ones favorite meal.

 

But it is a complete set..... Hmm okay staying within the rules it would have to be the coin that is almost impossible to find.

The story behind it is very interesting. When is was first published in a modern publication was 1969, at that time the coin was considered by many to be mythical. Michael Hendy included it in his book because a 19th century catalog had one, however none were known to exist. Their was one found in Athens excavations but in horrible shape and many believed it to be mis cataloged. In the years following his original publication 1 coin was found in the Museum at Istanbul. I found mine 20 plus years ago as a miss attributed coin.

It is a 11th or 12th century Alexius tetarteron that has his name in a monogram like his grandson did in mass on a half tetarteron many decades after his rule.

The coin is now published and no longer considered mythical. This example is one of two known , we do not know the location of the Athens example.


AE Tetarteron S- Unlisted DOC 41 CLBC 2.4.11

OBV Monogram of Alexius.

REV Bust of Emperor wearing stemma divitision and jeweled loros of traditional type holds in r. hand jeweled scepter and in l. gl. cr.

Size 16/18mm

Weight 2.3gm

This is believed to be a Thessalonica minted coin, it contains no silver. This example has now been published in BULLETIN du cercle d'etudeas Numismatiques VOL 52 Jan 2015 by Cedric Wolkow.

DOC lists the above coin as the only example Weight 3.74gm and size at 17mm. Mine is considerably lighter.