AnYangMan presents: an eclectic and diverse top 10

I couldn’t think of a better time to look back on last year’s additions than on this gorgeous January first 2021. 2020 hasn’t been the greatest year for the world – and that is certainly an understatement. I was supposed to graduate in September, but due to the general inability to organise internships in this turbulent time, that had to be postponed a year. Thankfully that in itself is the worst that befell me this year. A minor setback, but situations like this can really help put things into perspective. Compare that to someone who has lost a family-member, their business or who now has permanent health-damage. I really can’t complain. Let’s hope that 2021 will bring a better year for everyone!

All this has given me more time to focus on the collection and I think that shows; numismatically, 2020 has been the best year for my collection so far. Most of these coins are types I dreamt of owning and would drool over if I ever saw them for sale. ‘Maybe one day’. Well, I joined two major ancient milestone ‘clubs’ this year, both of which I wasn’t really planning on doing so and nearly all of these are bucket-list coins. I tried forcing myself to narrow it down to just ten and had some major heart-breaking choices to make once it came down to the final 14…

Some surprises: I doubled the amount of gold coins in my collection this year, focused quite a bit more on my medieval Low Countries subcollection than I had anticipated, started paying more and more attention to Central Asian and Islamic coinage and, shockingly, only one sort of Chinese coin on the list (heck, even a handful of Chinese coins in general)! An honourable mention goes to the 3 new spade inscriptions I added this year, which sadly did not make it into the top 10.

So without further ado: they are not listed in any particular order, although I do think the final three represent my actual favourite pieces of this year. Prepare for a journey criss-cross through time and space!



10. You can’t go wrong with an owl tet! I am sure this type and the reason every collector should want one needs no introduction. If these are perfectly perfect these can get stupidly expensive, so I am more than happy with this example I got earlier this year in a Roma auction. A couple of minor imperfections, but nice subtle toning that highlights the design and gives it a good amount of eye-appeal.



9. And another type any collector of ancients knows about: a portrait denarius of Caesar, in this case a DICT PERPETVO, meaning it was struck in the weeks leading up to his assassination in 44 BC! These too can get (stupidly) expensive in top grades and this has to be one of the lowest quality coins in my collection. The provenance and price however convinced me to bid; a year ago, it had hammered for over double what I paid. The reason? The amazing 19th century holder it had sold with was lost due to an idiot in the auction house’s shipping department. The buyer subsequently did not want it anymore (and who can blame him?) and it was listed in their next auction, where I bought it for half that price. This coin cost the auction house more than I eventually paid… Luckily the image from its last appearance included the holder. This denarius was donated to the Academic coin cabinet of Leiden (which was then tied to the university I am currently studying at) in 1869, by Dr. Elberling (1797-1873), a moderately well-known numismatist at that time. The academic cabinet merged with the National coin-cabinet, but the gifts and donations remained at the university. Until recently, when they were reincorporated into the National Numismatic Collection here in the Netherlands, with a few being sold to finance this transfer. The story behind this sure makes up for the weak spots and off-centre reverse. It does have a nice tone to it, after more than a century in the cardboard holder!




8. We’re moving across the globe to Central Asia and to the only sort-of-Chinese-coin on this list for this next one. It is a type that is tricky to find in any condition, let alone this nice. I initially settled on a little less nice example earlier this year, but in a strange twist of fate upgraded it within weeks. It is a bit tricky to photograph, as it has been slabbed by GBCA, so the design pops less than it should, especially on the reverse. But it really is a gem:



Khotan (Yutian/Hetien), Sino-Kharosthi coinage. AE unit of 6 zhu. Dating seems to be between the 1st-4th century AD, but very much unknown and later dates have also been proposed up until the 11th century.

The coinage of this city is quite unique and obscure. It names a monarch in Kharosthi on the obverse ‘Marahadja Gurgamoa’ (we have no idea as to how this would relate to an actual king or leader, as we know little about the kingdom itself). We do know that they were an important stop on the silk-road, being located on the very edge of the Taklamakan desert and that the area was renowned for its horses; such a horse even appears on the obverse of this coin. The reverse has fascinated numismatists ever since Aurel Stein first discovered them. It is of course in Chinese! It reads 六铢钱 – a coin of 6 zhu. This immediately rings bells of the Wu Zhu’s cast under the Han dynasty and it has been suggested that this meant that the central Asian corridor had been incorporated into the Chinese economic system by that time already. But the Sino-Kharosthi coins are just that unlike anything else, that they will likely remain mysterious… For a good write-up, check out Joe Cribb’s articles. But these Billigual horse coins, as they are referred to in the Chinese numismatic community, are really something special. They are one of the last time Kharosthi appeared on coinage, one of the only times we see Chinese together with a different script on the same coin and hail from a kingdom we haven’t even the faintest idea of how we should define! All in all, a purchase I could not have dreamed about and one of the rarest coins I added to the collection this year…


7. From one obscure coinage from a geographical extremity that came to be because of trade to another; from the edge of the Taklamakan desert to a fascinating island just off the Tanzanian coast. The Kilwa sultanate! Their coins represent one of the only times coins were struck in sub-Saharan Africa in the ancient and medieval period. I actually stumbled across multiple this year, hoarding them after deciding that one additional sub-collection couldn’t hurt! Right? My fave has to be this one:



Sultanate of Kilwa, Sulayman bin al-Hasan. AE Fals (Kilwa Kisiwani, circa 14th century)

While we know nothing about this sultan, I chose it over the Fals of Ali bin Al-Hasan I posted earlier this year because of the remarkably decent quality. Kilwa’s coinage mostly consists of very crummy and hardly legible coins, so clearly readable inscriptions as on this example are the exception. For a proper write-up of the history of this fascinating Tanzanian Sultanate, check out @FitzNigel's topics!


6. And from one island to another: Japan! I’ve seen plenty of appreciation for the Japanese culture already on this forum and especially the Sengoku Jidai period. So I am sure the name Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the key figures in uniting Japan after this period of warring states, rings a bell!



Azuchi–Momoyama period, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. AR Eiraku Tsuho 永樂通寳. Various mints throughout Japan, 1587 (Pardon the less than stellar pic).

A silver (!) Eiraku Tsuho cast under Toyotomi Hideyoshi from 1587 onwards, possibly later into the early Edo period. No official coins were cast in Japan after the end of the so-called ’12 antique coins’ (of which I was lucky enough to acquire three this year!) until the 17th century, so what coins circulated were mostly imported Chinese coins or unofficial recasts thereof. One of the most popular coins was the Ming cash inscribed Yongle Tongbao, which was Japanized into Eiraku Tsuho. This type also became the insignia of warlord Hideyoshi, even appearing on his banner. They were imitated on a large scale, but these much rarer silver ones weren’t made for circulation; instead they were presented to his officers and other elites as gifts. There aren’t a lot of coins from this period in Japanese history, despite being one of the most well-studied periods, so having this presentation-like piece is really something I have dreamed of.


5. An anicents top 10 wouldn't be complete without a (H)adrianus, right?



Papal States, Pope Adrian VI. AR Giulio (Rome, 1522-23).

Hadrianus, but not the ancient one we have seen so often here: Adrianus VI, the only Dutch pope ever! Adriaan Floriszoon Boeyens was pope for a short while between August 1522 and September 1523. His election was one of compromise; during the conclave of 1521-1522, the many bribes, intrigues and political alliances resulted in the none of the obvious candidate-cardinals (Wolsey, Medici, Farnese, each with their own political allegiances) being able to secure the 2/3 plus 1 majority needed for their election as pope. Eventually, after a month of voting ending only in a stalemate, a compromise-candidate was proposed by De Medici; the relatively obscure, yet pro-imperial, cardinal Adriaan Boeyens from Utrecht. Thing is: he wasn’t even at the conclave himself! his absence meant the threshold for his election was lower (just 2/3 of the votes) and low and behold, he got exactly 2/3 of the vote (half of which by accessus)! The news of his election surprised even him. He would however not prove a popular pope and after just over a year, he died of illness. Coins were struck only in small numbers, most are anonymous from cities technically also under papal control so those directly referring to him are rare. Only the gold coinage and the Giulio from Rome show his name and coat of arms; as somebody who lives and grew up near Utrecht and visited Goedereede, where he spent a lot of his time, this year, I am super thrilled with this addition! Added bonus was an unbroken chain of provenance to the W.J.R Dreesman sale in 1956 (a catalogue I immediately bought to go with this coin), an important Dutch businessman and Papal collector (and honorary papal camerlengo). A papal coin from the only Dutch pope from his collection is in my opinion the perfect provenance. And now to find out where Dreesman bought it… Not exactly ancient, but thought you all would appreciate this bit of fascinating renaissance-era history.


4. Siege coins are another favourite of mine! I consider them very ‘personal’ coins with a very strong tie to a certain moment in time. Most of the types in my collection are from the Low countries and date from the second half of the 16th century, but there are a couple of other European Siege coins I truly admire. Those from the Siege of Vienna are amongst them! I put in a bid on it in a Baldwins sale this summer and initially saw it sold for 100 pounds above my max. Pretty bummed out about that, but apparently that was a typo; I won it for exactly my max!



City of Vienna, AR 6 kreuzer. Struck during the Siege by the Ottomans in 1529 to pay the defending force.

The siege of Vienna in 1529 was a rather pivotal moment in European history. The Ottoman forces had been ravishing through eastern Europe and stood at the gate of western Europe; had Vienna fallen, history would certainly have taken a different course. Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent and his 120.000 troops had set his eyes on ‘the golden apple’ and defences were improvised; The majority of the defending troops were local farmers and citizens, reinforced with 25.000 German Landsknechter sent by the Holy Roman Emperor. Fighting was vicious, the Turkish artillery and miners trying to place bombs underneath the city walls making for a hellish skirmish, even in the underground tunnels. Eventually, after several failed attempts and the autumn weather ensuring disease spread through the Ottoman camp, the siege was called off. What would have happened had the first assault been able to breach the walls? During the siege, a limited series of siege coins were issued both in silver and gold. I particularly think the obverse inscription is simple, yet speaks volumes; ‘TVRCK BLIEGERT WIEN’, ‘the Turks are besieging Vienna…’


3. This coin was an easy pick for me. How could I not include it?



Kingdom of Khwarezm, Sawashfan. AR reduced Tetradrachm on Dirham standard (Circa mid-eight century AD).

I’ve done a proper write-up of this magnificent coin and the reasons why I specifically enjoy this coin so much somewhere else on the forum. I want to thank @Finn235 once again for making this happen!


2. In the same auction as the Athenian tetradrachm above, I bought what was maybe my favourite purchase of the year. I’ve always had a fascination with Axum, and when this popped up I knew I had to go for it. Had to fight a fair bit, but in the end I won it for below my max! I’ve shown this before, but how could you ever possibly get bored of this coin?



Kingdom of Axum, Ousanas I. AR unit (Circa 320-240 AD)

Generally, Axumite gold is more numerous than good quality early silver and the quality of this piece is something I haven’t seen too often. Sure, the flan is a bit ragged, but the amazing portraits and toning sure make up for that. Much remains a mystery about Axum and its kings, but during Ousanas reign, Christianity was introduced to the kingdom. The script used is still very much Greek, only later would they switch to Ge’ez, at around the same time we see Christian symbolism start to take over their coins. All in all, a favourite from a typically underrepresented area in numismatics and history!


1. Lastly my most expensive purchase of this year! Simultaneously also the one closest to home. Within my subcollection of Low Countries Medievals, I especially really enjoy the history of the counts of Holland. One type had been on my wishlist forever and I finally had some budget to purchase it.



County of Holland, countess Jacoba van Beieren & Philip the Good (as Guardian (‘TUTOR’) and Heir (‘HERES’)). AV Gouden Bourgondisch Schild (Zevenbergen or Dordrecht, 1429-1433).

This coin requires a bit of context to be properly enjoyed. While the Gouden Schild/Chaise d’or (litt. ‘Golden Shield’) was struck by plenty of rulers, there is something unique on this coin. It namely names two rulers; both Jacoba van Beieren (Jacqueline de Bavière) and Philip the Good, duke of Burgundy. Jacoba van Beieren is an incredibly fascinating historical figure, struggling to rule the county of Holland which she had inherited as only child of her father, count William VI. She was widowed at 16, remarried to an absolute prick that her advisers wanted her to marry (who was also her cousin), saw her uncle take over Holland, the prick she married take over her other possession of Hainaut (who she subsequently tried to divorce), had to flee to England where she married a nobleman promising her to take back her possessions. Promises were all it remained and she was forced to, for the first time, officially resign all these possessions and was imprisoned in Gent. When her uncle died in 1425 she tried taking them back once again, but discovered that in his will, he had bequeathed them to Phillip the Good, the Burgundian duke who was amassing an increasingly large share of fiefdoms within the Low Countries (and also her nephew). The old nobility did not approve of this and had Jacoba smuggled out of prison. After several battles and her English husband once again failing to come to her aid (we even have the heartbroken letter she wrote him preserved!), the situation became hopeless.

At the ‘Zoen van Delft’ (litt. The kiss of Delft, although it should be interpreted more along the lines of 'reconciliation') in 1428 she and Philip made an agreement. Jacoba would remain countess of Holland in name, but would name Philip her heir. He would also take over the daily governing of the county and it was decided that she could not remarry without his consent. She did so (in secret, as the rumours go) in 1434 with a Dutch nobleman who she found ‘true’ love with and was, also due to her financial situation, forced to officially resign. This Gouden Schild was struck in this short period where both rulers were active between 1429 and 1433 and represents the last major Dutch fiefdom passing over into Burgundian hands, the last truly ‘Dutch’ court vanishing and numismatically marks the end of one of the most interesting series of coinage in Dutch history. Generally, we see that the figure portrayed on the obverse of these Chaise d’or is a generic king copied from the French prototype, but here we have Jacoba herself, complete with flower-crown. I even like to imagine a sad expression on her face, from having lost so many wars for what was rightfully hers, smiling gloomy as her ancestors county would go up into the powerhouse that were the Burgundians…

While those are the top 10 coin-purchases of this year, there is also a bonus purchase I did not want to withhold. After all, all these gorgeous coins and historic coins need a stately home to match right? This purchase from a friend should fulfil that need. Luckily Chinese knives, spades and other proto-coinage take up a great deal of space, otherwise I wouldn’t even come close to ever filling it up!



Lastly I want to thank @Roerbakmix, @posnerfan_48 and @TypeCoin971793 for being great (coin-)friends this year; you guys have certainly contributed to my enjoyment of the hobby this year and in a time when meeting up in person at an auction or coin-fair is impossible have provided the right amount of coin related conversations!

Please post and vote on your faves; interested to see how some of the more conventional ancients on this list will compare to the more exotic!

 

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I prefer #3 as far as coins go but that really is a nice looking cabinet.

 

Some great coins you got. I like #3 best as well as 5 & 2.

 

Happy New Year!
These are nice selections. I like your coins #1, 2 and 3.

I wonder how you store your spade coins, since they are quite thin and with different shapes.

 

That's an amazing group. I voted for #'s 10, 4 (perhaps my favorite, because of the historical value), 3, 2 & 1. So only one ancient!

 

Really nice group. I also like siege coins so I voted for it and the Julius Caesar but you did well with all of them. The cabinet is a lovely piece of craftsmanship.

 

Eclectic and beautiful collection, @AnYangMan I enjoy them all for each as they represent. Just great coins. And, a very nice cabinet. I always enjoy your postings.

 

I voted #2,#3 and #9. I'm amazed by the diversity of your interests in numismatics, the why you choose this or that, and understand better now how lucky I've been to have you as my Saturn in 2020

Excellent selection
Q

 

Amazing coins, @AnYangMan. Of course, I knew them all already, and was lucky enough to see them in real life. The total lack of sceatta's is lamentable, but nonetheless, your top-10 is impressive. You probably know my favorites: the Axum, the Athens tetradrachm (which is more impressive in hand than your photo's suggest), and of course, good ol' Jacoba. I vividly remember the bidding and your hours of sleepless nights...

I kinda expected your fat-necked Etruscan to appear? Why didn't the poor fellow make it to your list? And, also, our first coin auction together ... I remember some bronze coins that deserve at least a (honorable?) mention? What a year

As you know, I really like your coin cabinet. It's of course immense. There are a few black spots however:

I would suggest a brief immersion in sodium thiosulphate followed by gentle rubbing.

Cheers, and happy new year!

 

Very impressive, @AnYangMan, not least for your eclecticism! My first pick was your remarkably late denarius of Julius Caesar --with kudos for your willingness to let scarcity and historical significance win out over condition! (Athenian tets are still out of my range, even though they're thick as flies on the market; my eyes just sort of glaze over. ...Same with medieval gold, fun as it is to look at.)
I've been wanting a representative fals of Kilwa for a while. Congratulations on landing that one! Fantastic example.
And I was watching that AR of Ezana. It's stunning --and, Promise, I didn't bid on it!!! Here's mine, just from over the past year. But No, besides the amazing strike, yours is of the key transitional interval in his reign, between the pre-Christian crescent and star and the gold issues with crosses. ...Evoking Constantine I's initial ambivalence about advertising his adherence to Christianity.
...Why not. Here's the earlier one of Aphilas (c. 300 ACE), from the same auction.
...Right, your cabinet is pretty great, too!

 

I liked #1,4,3 that cabinet is so beautiful wow. Can we see what the inside of that cabinet looks like. I am very curious.

 

Ok, @Roerbakmix , I volunteer to accompany you to @AnYangMan ’s home. You and I can can lift the cabinet, and briefly immerse it in a pan of thiosulphate, as Anyang holds the pan. Piece of cake!

 

These are some awesome coins, I like how you're choosing coins with great stories or great provenance.

I also want to see the inside of the cabinet!

 

Wow. Not a single Chinese coin made your list! How can we possibly be friends now?

Very diverse and interesting selections this year! My favorite is the JC portrait Denarius.

 

Great extensive write-up, thanks! As a collector I’d prefer 2 and 3 naturally, the Axum silver and the large Khwarezm drachm.

But my votes went for the three special coins #9, #8 and #5. The Caesar for its unbelievable pedigree, deep into the 19th century; the Khotan coin is a legendary and delectable bilingual rarity - and the Pope Adrian giulio is one of those masked Hollandesque coins, just like the 17th century coins of the Principality of Orange issued by the Stadtholders of the Netherlands. This will be a point of attention for 2021.

 

That Kilwa coin is exceptional! I’m envious you have been finding some, as I have struggles to find any after my initial 3. Well done! Looks like a good year all around!

 

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Very nice set of coins for the year. The Caesar is kind of a must-have, also nice Axum coin.

 

Wonderful coins!

The siege AR 6 kreuzer is a wonderful coin. Siege and necessity coinage is a fascinating and challenging area to collect.

The Kingdom of Khwarezm AR reduced tetradrachm is also one my favorites.

The owl is very nice and a wise purchase. Owl prices have come down with coins flooding the market, and, yes, your example is a very choice one. This full crest business in the owl market can get pretty silly sometimes.

 

A lovely varied list of coins! My favorite is your no. 10 and no. 1, and about no. 9 ...

... Meen je niet! When this one came into auction last year, I unfortunately did not bid high enough to win it. The reason I went for this coin despite its wear, was exactly the provenance and ticket. Unbelievable they lost it! Despite the weakness/wear, it's still a nice coin, with great provenance. Congratulations!