Top 5 for 2021

I'm doing this on my phone, so apologies for any quirky spelling errors!!

I won't write too much, just show the coins. Only bought five this year, which is about average for me. I strive for the best quality possible, but as you will see, some compromises need to be made to get the types I'm after. I'll show them in order of purchase.

First up, stater from Olympia. Struck 332 BC for the 112th ancient olympics. Has some wear and a few scrapes, but has an excellent portrait of Zeus. This coin used to be in Ancient Joe's collection and I'm using his excellent photo. This is a type I've really wanted.




Second is a tetradrachm from Ainos in Thrace, struck c. 450 BC under Antiadas. A rare type with the magistrates name on the reverse and the ethnic on Hermes petasos. Some double striking on the reverse, but an excellent head of Hermes. Also notable for being ex: Salvesen, Gillet and Consul Weber collections.




This next coin was bought as an unsold lot from the same auction as above. I've wanted a gold coin, and love the series from Lampsacus. There are some incredible coins minted in Lampsacus, and whilst this isn't the best die combination, it's still very fine style. This didn't sell because of the obvious test cut I assume, and iit has a few other marks, but having it in hand, I'm drawn to the face and don't even notice the cut.

Mysia, Lampsacus stater, c. 370 BC. Head of maenad (female follower of Dionysus) on the obverse and forepart of Pegasus on the reverse.




Next purchase was from NAC's Nov auction. It is an octadrachm from Alexander I of Macedon, struck c. 492 - 480 BC. Weighs 27.80 grams and the extra size makes it stand out in the tray. It's quite nice style for the type and has an impressive provenance having been in the Prospero, Rosen, Gillet, Jamieson and Prowe collections.




Lastly an unsold lot from the same auction. It's an electrum stater from Kyzikos struck 550 - 500 BC. The figure on the obverse has variously been described as Kore-Persephone, a harpy or just a female bust. I like the pleasant archaic style and that she is holding the tunny fish by the tail, it's just a design I really like.



Overall, very happy with my year and how my collection is growing. Hopefully some coins here that others might like to see also.

Wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

 

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Wow. All beautiful and impressive. I can't even begin to pick a favorite. Congratulations!

 

Such beautiful Greek coins, @Di Nomos.

My favorites are... all 5 of them!
Love the archaic design on your Kyzikos electrum.

 

Excellent coins!

I gravitate to the chunky coins, so the octadrachm of Alexander I really stands out - a beautiful obverse on that coin.

 

five excellent coins!

 

A wonderful quintet! All five are marvelous, but my favorites are the Ainos and Kyzikos. I like that Kyzikos design as well and yours is in very nice style.

 

When artisanship turns into art...

All fabulous coins, but the Kyzikos stater left me speechless.
Thank you for showing.

 

Incredible coins! I love them all, but the stater with the pegasus has to be my favourite.

AncientNumis

 

Gorgeous and interesting coins you've acquired the last year. Definitely quality over quantity. The obverse of the Lampsacus stater is magnificent, the marks are not even the slightest nuisance.

 

Congratulations on a wonderful year! I want the octodrachm to be my favorite but the Lampsacus stater is just an incredible piece all around. The test mark doesn't bother me when the level of art is so superb.

 

Beautiful coins! I really like the Olympian stater.

 

Thanks for the replies and kind remarks everyone.

I don't focus on any one area of ancient Greek coins, my interests are quite broad.

So it's pleasing to read that other collectors find what I collect attractive and interesting also.

 

Congratulations on a fine year! They're all fantastic. Lucky you to pick up AJ's Olympic stater! Love that octodrachm... wish I could hold it . The Lampsacus stater is drop-dead gorgeous.

 

Beautiful coins!

 

Wonderful group!....I ''''Really''''' like the Ainos Tetradrachm, beautiful ob and rev!
Congrats!

 

Di Nomos, Those are 5 gems ! My favorite has to be the Kyzikos stater, a true masterpiece of Archaic art .

 

Really lovely group. My favorite is the tetradrachm from Ainos. But to be honest, it's really close between that and the Lampsacus stater, which I find to be incredibly well struck. Coins like this make me want to pick up a few more ancient Greek pieces.

 

The best thing about purchasing one of AJ's coins is not only do you get a great coin but you get a great photo to go with it too!

The auction photo made it look in better condition, but lacked the character and genuineness of AJ's photo.

 

These coins are all excellent.

Personally I’m most drawn to the Olympia Stater.
The history with these coins is instantly relatable to everyone.
The toning is perfect and while both sides are impressive, if the coin were mine it’s the reverse that would be facing up in the tray - it’s just such a cool looking design!

 

Excellent selection. I wouldn't mind acquiring only five coins a year in this quality. My best would be the Ainos tet and the Kyzikos stater

Q