As I mentioned in the main AMCC thread, I did not win my main target in the auction. There were several other coins that I had on my watch list as backups just in case, and from those I managed to win a couple of coins. I have several collecting areas that I am interested in, but right now I am particularly focused on Ptolemaic coinage, followed by early Byzantine, so these two coins make great additions to my collection. My Ptolemaic collection is still relatively small but this one makes my third drachm for the year thus far, and my first of this type for this particular king. And regarding the Justinian follis, the large-sized facing follis (before it began to shrink over the years) I've been wanting for a long time, especially since its one of the more iconic Byzantine coin types (well, I actually had another one years ago but it had too many noticeable flaws for my liking so I sold it). Ptolemy IV Philopator, Ptolemaic Kingdom AE Drachm (Series 5) Obv: Diademed head of Zeus-Ammon right Rev: Eagle with closed wings standing left on thunderbolt; filleted cornucopia to left, ΔI between legs Mint: Alexandria Date: 222-204 BC Ref: CPE B495, Svoronos 1125, SNG Cop 199 Size: 65.94g, 42mm Provenance: Ex TheRed collection, Ex CNG E-Auction 354 lot 259, 2015.07.01 During Ptolemy IV's reign, he fought against the Seleucids under Antiochus III in the Battle of Raphia (near Gaza) in 217 BC, in which around 150,000 soldiers participated, making it one of the largest battles of ancient history (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Raphia). The result was a decisive Ptolemaic victory that ended the Fourth Syrian War. Justinian I, Byzantine Empire AE follis Obv: D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVG, diademed, helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield, cross to right Rev. Large M, cross above, officina letter B below, ANNO to left, XЧ to right, CON in ex. Mint: Constantinople Date: 541/2 (year 15) Ref: SB 163. Size: 23.30g, 39mm Provenance: Ex Severus Alexander collection, acquired from CNG (web store) in May 1999 This coin is also historically significant as it relates to the Plague of Justinian. It was minted either in 541 (the year the bubonic plague reached the Byzantine Empire via its port in Pelusium in Egypt) or 542 (when the plague was recorded as having first arrived in Constantinople). The Plague of Justinian (who was infected but survived) devastated the empire, and was a contributing factor in the resurgence of the Ostrogoths in their war against the plague-afflicted Byzantines in Italy. At its height, several thousand people were dying each day in Constantinople, and the plague would ravage the empire for eight years, although more outbreaks would occur sporadically over the course of the next two centuries. Based on modern research, it is believed the Plague of Justinian either had an origin in central Asia or sub-Saharan Africa (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plague_of_Justinian) I am very happy with my wins and also thankful to @Severus Alexander for running a great auction with top-notch service!
Those are both very interesting acquisitions. The Justinian is my favourite as it represents such an interesting and horrible part of human history. Congrats!
Those are both great! I love how beefy that Ptolemy Drachm is though. That is basically the same diameter as mine but almost twice the weight. Must be thick! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for looking and for the comments! When I look at and hold it, I sometimes can’t help but think about the possibility that it was in the middle of all that sickness and death in Constantinople, and that it could have been in the possession of one of the victims before they passed away.
Very nice coins @ValiantKnight I am particularly fond of the drachm of Ptolemy IV. Its nice to see that it went to a fellow CT member. With AMCC3 in the books I only have a couple of large drachms of the Ptolemys left including this one. Ptolemy II AE Drachm, Alexandria mint. 64.594g, 40.6mm, Obv: Horned head of Zeus Ammon right, wearing taenia. Rev: PTOLEMAIOU BASILEWS, two eagles standing left on thunderbolts, wings closed, heads left, Y/T monogram between legs.
Here's my Ptolemy Philopator, (Lover of his Father) Nice score by the way! PTOLEMAIC EMPIRE EGYPT. ALEXANDRIA. Ptolemy IV 221-205 BC AE Drachma. (75.52g, 41mm, 12h) Obverse: Bust of Zeus Ammon right Reverse: ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ, Eagle standing left on thunderbolt, cornucopiae in front, ΛΙ between legs Reference: SNG Cop 199.
Congrats, @ValiantKnight ! PTOLEMY IV Egypt Ptolemy IV 221-205 BCE AE 37mm 42g Drachm Zeus-Ammon Eagle Tbolt SV 974 JUSTINIAN BZ Justinian I 527-565 CE AE Folles 30mm 17g 40 Nummi M monogram
