Vol. 1, No.2 Numismatic Art of Antiquity APR/MAY 1987 $1.

00

Coins of Theodosius /I
Fifth century Byzantine lamp
reflects contemporary gold coins
by David A. J. Liebert
Since many collectors of ancient
coins also collect antiquities. one might
find it interesting to combine me two
fields of collecting in a brief exam-
ination of the relationship between late
Roman coin an and the an depicted on
late Roman oil lamps.
Archaeologists frequently date the
artifacts they find by a chance asso-
ciation with coins found in the same
context. Thus a hoard of Antoniniani
found in a pottery jar amidst the ruins of
a town, might not only serve to
acc urately date the jar in which they
were found. but also an entire level of
the mg.
Few instances of this interaction
between coins and other artifacts are as
dramatic as that of a late Roman oil
lamp in this writer's collection. On the 5TH CENTURY A.D.
rim of this lamp can be found RomaIllamp
representations of the obverse and
reverse of a coin of the emperor
/ depiding coins of
Theodosius II
Theodosuis II. 50 detailed are these (after 422 A.D.)
representations, it is highly likely that
actual coins were used as models to
produce the mold . The reverse
inscription VOT XX accurately dates
this coin of 1lteodosius II to the year
Painting inspires coins
422 A.D. Therefore, this lamp must be
dated to the period after 422 and
probably before 430 A. D. It also
Death of Locrian Ajax depicted
confirms the fath century A.D. dating
Oileus, king of the Locri Opuntii and Cassandra away from the altar of Athena
commonly held by scholar! for lamps of
one of the Argonauts, had two famous Pallas. It was this violaton ot"
this general type.
sons who died as a result of the Trojan Cassandra, along with his arrogance
These lamps were made from two
War. His son Medon was slain in battle toward the gods, that brought about the
piece limestone molds, with the relief
by Aeneas, the other, Ajax, survived the hero's downfall. On the voyage home
designs carved intaglion into the mold.
war but on the return voyage fell victim from Troy, according to the tale in
much like the process used in making

r_
coin dies. The two clay halves were
removed when dry, joined with slip, and
Although other late Roman oil
lamps do not necessarily show coins,
they do exhibit a great affinity for
depicting the same general subjects
often found on coins of the period. For
example, Imperial portraits similar to
those found on the obverse of most
coins often appear on lamps of the late
Roman period. A rare lamp in the same
collection bears the portrait of what
appears to be an e mpress in a circular
medallion. This portrait has the same
basic features as the portraits of Fausta,
wife of Constantine I and daughter of
Maximianus, found on her gold coinage.
Although the identification with her is
by no means certain, due to the stylized
nature of the lamp portrait, the
resemblance is close enough artistically
to date this lamp to the fourth century
A.D. This tendancy of potters to use
coin designs actually dates as far back as
the six th century B.C. on Thasian
stamped amphorae and is seen also in
the Black Calean bowls with 5yracusan
coin designs.
A popular subject for North African
Please turn to page VII
to the wrath of Poseidon. Ajax was born Homer's "Odessey," the Greek fleet was
at Naryx in Locris and although an destroyed in retribution for the temple
impetuous youth, was worshipped by sacrilege. A violent stann was laid upon
the Opunui as their national hero. In the Greeks by Athena and Poseidon,
many respects his exploits rival those of wrecking the entire fleet. Ajax managed
the better known Ajax (son of Telemon) to escape death by swimming to a
from Salamis. nearby rock whereupon he boasted
The popularity, in ancient times, of foolis hly that not even the gods could
tales about the Locrian Ajax is very kill him. As he boasted, the rock was
evident. Hundreds of depictions survive struck with a lightning bolt hurled by
on vases, bas reliefs, carved gems and Poseidon and split in two. Ajax was
metalwork showing him, during the
Please turn to page XIV
sack of Tro tearin the 0 hetess
INSIDE
THE CELATOR:
P. II
Commentary
Book News P. III
People P. IV
Market P. V
P. VIII
Master Images
Calendar P. X
PuzzlelTrivia ·P. XI
Coin File P. XI
Does this second century B.C. P. XVI
Classlfleds
bronze coin of Aradus in Phoe-
nicia depict the fall of Ajax as Bid Board P. XVI
painted by AppoloeJorus?
II

Letters to the Editor

Commentary by Wayne G. Sayles
ere it is. April just around the
Great effort! I love it! This is what
the frustrated World Coin N e ws
subscriber/classical numismatist has
been wishing for for years! Mark
Lehman - Amherst Numismatic Con -
su/tanlS. Massaclwselts
the process that links collector to coin I think your paper is wonderful -
Congratulations on your flISt edition
of The Celator. I certainly hope it
proves to be financially successful. Bart
Lewis - Olympus Coins and Collecti -
/,ks. Nebrasi«J
(Me /()OI)

H comer, and another issue of

The Celator is about to hit the
press. The past two months have been
eventful to say the least. We have
received so many heartwarming letters
of encouragement and support that it is
imIX>ssible to personally thank everyone
or to publish them all (but we tried!).
There were many helpful comrnen~ and
suggestions, but one recurring theme
was the longing for some vehicle that
would bring collectors of ancient coins
and artifacts closer together as a
fraternity. Too arlen we find Qur.;elves
overlooked because of the minority of
our numbers. It would be a real source
of pride and satisfaction if The Cefator
could function as that vehicle.
We've been on the road lately and had
the pleasure of meeting some of you
personally at St. Louis. Charlotte and
Minneapolis. In the months to come
we'll be looking forward to meeting
more of you at Chicago and Long
Beach. Following the show and auction
circuit is a grueling experience and I tip
my hat to those who do it for a living.
"Watching traders work the bourse floor is a lot like
watching crap shooters at Atlantic City...
They certainly earn whatever compen -
sation the fates may send their way.
The action at a major show is
something to behold. There are often as
many "inside" trades as there are
counter sales. Watching traders work the
bourse floor is a lot like watching crap
s hooters at Atlantic City . To an
outsider. the action may seem frene tic
and enigmatic - one is never quite sure
where the deal is going down. Those on
the inside must find it nerve wracking
too, trying to figure out who has picked
over a lot before it was offered to them.
Still, the show is an important part of
Advertising Deadline for the
next issue of The Celator,
Vol. 1 No.3 is May 22, 1987
and at a good show bargains abound.
Inevitably. a new product must work
out the "bugs" as it presents itself to the
public. The Celator is sensitive to this
fine-tuning process and we hope to
make each issue better than the last.
One change you will see in this issue is
our Bid Board. We received a very poor
response to our first attempt and
obviously need to b'y something a little
different In this issue you will find that
the board is in a "Buy or Bid" format
and we are no longer selling board
spaces. In other words, we are running
the board as an "in-house" project and
personally stand behind every coin
offered for sale. We have also extended
the closing date for those who fmd their
issues delayed by unpredictable mail
service.
A few readers have expressed some
difficulty relating to our name. The
word celator is not, to some, graphically
descriptive of what the newspaper is all
about. This is a subject which I have
considered very carefully. I wonder if
The Voice of the Turtle would still be
around if it had been named Ancient
Coin News? On the other hand, a great
name like Classical Coin Newsletter
provides no guarantee of immortailty
either. The Celato r was chosen not
because it had a catchy ring to it, but
because it was a statement of purpose.
The name reflects Our commitment to
"advancing the appreciation of Ancient
Numismatic Art" by honoring those
artists who carved the dies for coins in
antiquity. We never tire of explaining
the title's meaning and hope our readers
feel the same way. Thanks for your
support, and let us hear your point of
view!
interesting articles, useful advertising.
even the crossword puzzle and the trivia
quiz are fun... I only have one
disagreement with you; I would prefer to
see the paper called "Caelatoc" ... I find
the ancient form of the word more
inspiring. G. P. FrancJr.-Weiby, Oregon
...Thought it was an excellent paper.
It's about time they devoted a paper to
ancient arts ... Look forward to future
issues. William E. Scltaqfer, CoJijorniIJ
Good luck on your endeavor. I hope
it's successful and will stimulate broader
interest in ancient coins. Cliff ConJter,
New York
I have waited for years to see a
publication on ancient coins in the
tabloid format that provides more than a
half page or so interesting reading. T~
C~lator appears to be the one. My
passion is Biblical numismatics. I hope
that in later issues you wiU carry one or
-more articles concerning coins in this
little-known but interesting area
LwnardDeLong.Japan
Just got through reading every word
of The Celator. In my opinion it is
great, just what I have been 100000ng flJ'.
FroM R. DeBOTUJkJ. F/QriOO
Congratulations on an excellent flTSt
issue. Gordbn. Schol/e - London. Coin.
Galleria, CalijornUJ
Art. history. news, fun. I agree with
your order of priorities. The timing is
right and the price is right I predict that
yours will be the first successful
newspaper devoted to ancient coins. Bob
Blanchard, Michigan
Congratulations on your fIrst issue!
Your publication offers the "average"
ancient numismatist a unique oppor-
tunity to participate ... I would like to be
able to get some names of people who
have similar interests without mailing
my address all over the United States.
Jerry Kolton., Mimu!$OIa
(Try a blind ad in The Cdalor
Cl=ifWs·J
The articles in T~ Cela/or may be of
interest to some few ancients collectors
and of relatively little interest to others
who may already have done extensive
research in the specific area dealt with
by the article(s) or be off into some
other field entirely. Articles are "nice"
and may occasionally be read with
interest, but what I believe collectors
really want is to collect. They want
listings - long listings with pictures. if
possible - of ancients in all price ranges
available for sale or bid. Most ancient
coin collectors have already done
extensive reading on background history
or else they wouldn't be collecting in
that area. They are looking for coins,
not articles which rehash what they
already know or go into an area outside
of their specific interest. James B .
Cas". PhD .• Ohic
My sincerest best wishes in the
publication ofT~ Celator. Desiree Van
Seelus - Classical Co in News-
letterlPMV, Florida
I have just received the FeblMarch
copy of T~ Celator and like what you
are doing. Dr. Marcu.s C. Bru.hn,
Minnesota
I greatly enjoyed your opening issue
and believe it shows considerable
promise - something we "antiquarians"
can use. Thomas E. Campbell, M.D.,
KenJuc/cy
As a relative newcomer to the world
of ancient numismatics. I am most
anxious to read and learn all that I can
about this fascinating field . I will look:
forward to future issues of The Celator.
Pa/ricio Marso/ais, New York
I do have one Question: "Where is
Wis?" Rodger Visd-, California
I....odj.
(Lodi means "peaceful valley" and is
nutled i" tM glacial hills along the
WiscOl'U'j,. Rj~r just north of Madison.
I,. ancienl tima il war the honv of Tom
Wopat 41It1 "Susie llu Dw:t. .. It still is
the honv of Susie!)
Please turn to page XIII

Postmaster: send address changes to:

P.O. Box 123, Lodi, WI 53555
Phone (608) 592-4684
The Celalor is an independent bj-monthly newspaper published on the fi.rsl. day
of each even numbered month. It is circulated nationally through subscnphons,
dealer sales, and free distribution to pertinent non-profit organizations.
Subscription rat" are $6 per year to U.S. and APO!fPO ad~r8~S; $12
per year outside of the U.S. Advertising DeadlirMI IS the third Friday of
every odd numbered month. Unsolicited articles and ~ws releases. are
welcome but cannot be returned. Third class postage, permit No. 72, paid at
lodi, WI 53555. Copyright e 1987, Clio's Cabinet.
Wayne G. Sayles ............ . . PublisherlEdHor
Janet Sayl.. . . ........ . .... . . Art
Krls Crary ........ . ........... Copyl1.ayout

Sammlung Franz Trau
Munzen der Romlschen
Kaiser
by Gilhofer and
Ranschburg, Vienna
(original sale cat. 1935)
Attic Reprint - 1976
Don't let the title scare you away -
this well illustrated catalogue of the
Trau Collection of coins of the Roman
Emperors is easy to follow and a
bargain addition to the numismatist's
library.
The collection, formed by Carl Teau,
Franz Trau Sr., and Franz Trau Jr.
between the years 1850 and 1931,
consists of gold, silver and bronze coins
from the time of Pompey to Romulus
A Dictionary of Ancient
Greek Coins
by John Melville Jones
Seaby, London - 1986
(Review by Bart Lewis, Olympus
Coins and Collectibles)
It has been nearly 25 years since B.
A. Seaby reprinted the 1889 edition of
Stevenson's Dictionary of Roman
Ccins.. This new Seaby Greek dictionary
now provides a somewhat similar
format for the student of Greek and
Greek Imperial coins. It is much smaller
than its Stevenson predecessor (less
cumbersome some would say) and
certainly more succinct. The illus-
trations are superb and one only wishes
there were more of them.
This is not a reference book in the
style of Greek Coins and their Values.
but rather a dictionary in the traditional
A to Z approach. Entries include deities,
denominations (octuple is missing),
symbols, terms (brockage. exergue,
fourres), topics (Gresham's Law,
metrology), subjects (Macedonian
helmets, cista, silphium), and people
(Becker, but not Euainetos!). At the end
of the book are five useful tables of
early alpahbets (which have been copied
III
SPECIALISTS IN
Ancient Coins
Antiquities
Augustus. 4.727 lots are catalogued,
with many of the better pieces
Numismatic Art of the and Books
illustrated in the catalogue's 53 plates.
Greek Imperial World, about them
Interactions between
Although the text is written in Rome, Greece, Asia Send for a free
Gennan, descriptions are not difficult to illustrated catalogue
read and a numismatic glossary is Minor, Syria, the Holy
provided in English, French, Italian and Land and Egypt
Spanish to aid translation.
The variety of types and repre-
by Cornelius C.
Vermeule III
(lLYMM
sentations illustrated is remarkable and COINS & COLLECTIBLES
the quality of reproduction, for a reprint, Cambridge - 1986 P.O. Box 30581
is quite acceptable. A list of prices lincoln, Nebraska 6B503
realized is also included, with a currency This fresh approach to a fascinating
conversion table for figuring the prices area of coinage is written by one of the
in 1935 U.S. dollars. great classical scholars and numis-
matists of our time. The book offers
Any serious collector or student of significant text rather than JUSt another
Byzantine Coins
Roman coins will not want to miss this museum or private collection catalog. and Their Values
useful and enjoyable catalogue currently It examines in very readable format the
offered in card cover by numismatic place of Greek Imperial coins within the New edition
book sellers at as low as $15. overall artistic and historical framework by David Sear
of the Roman empire.
due in June 1987
It especially covers the many
mythological types which appear on orders now accepted
this coinage and their relationship to $75.00 plus $3.00
other major works of art. Softbound. postage
with 148pp. and 130 plates, it is
available exclusively from Edward J. Free Book Catalogue
Waddell, Ltd. for $45.00 plus $2.50
shipping.
THOMAS P. McKENNA
P.O. Box 1356-L
Catalog of Judaea Capta Ft. Collins, CO 80522
Coinage
by Howard B. Brin
Empire Coins has announced the The Classifieds
publication of this concise book
illustrating 138 different coin types are for Everyone
struck by the Roman Empire to
commemorate their costly victory over
the Jewish people in both revolts, as • BUJ.ers
well as related types. Each coin is • Se ers
illustrated next to the description, and • Traders
cross-referenced to Cohen, RIC, BMC, • Announcements
and Meshorer for the coins struck in
Iudaea
• Reminders
Book, in card cover, has 57 pages and • Club notices
is well illustrated. It sells for $16.95 • Opportunities
(plus $1 postage). • Services
Try Ihe
Celalor Classifteds
directly from Head's Hjstorja
Numoruml. QUOTES FR.On THE PA.ST
Dictionary is not nearly as copious
as Stevenson's Roman work but it
"No act of kindness, no matter how small,
contains more commonplace entries
than did Stevenson and it is cenainly is ever wasted"
easier to read The omission of an index
and a listing of city states is Aesop (c. 550 B.C.)
unfortunate. Despite these omissions
(and its price) it is still a book that
The Lion and the Mouse
most students of Greek numismatics
will use often, especially those who
already own the many other standard
Seaby works.
The book has 253 pages. New Location:
illustrations in text, and is sold (U.K.)
for 25 pounds.
It will be interesting to see if the Gallery of
new "Batsford flavor" can match the
"Sear touch" in popularity.
Harlan J. Berk, Ltd.
612 North Michigan Avenue
Byzantine Coins Chicago, Illinois 60611
by Philip Grierson (312) 337-0995 or (312 ) 337-0981
For you lovers of Byzantine coins, Ancient Numismatics & Antiquities
The Scholar's Bookshelf, 51 Everett
Dr.. Princeton, N. 1. 08550 is offering HARLAN J. BERK
Grierson's Byzantine Cojns for $49.95
plus $3 postage and handling. The
normal list price for this classic is $95.
IV
Missouri biologists look
to future in ancient coins
by Wayne G. Sayles
Collectors of ancient coins living in
the Midwest will not be the only ones
to enjoy a friendly conversation with
John and Janet Twente in the years to
come. The delightful couple from
Columbia, Missouri have been dealing
in ancients for about five years and
attend six shows annually - most within
commuting distance of their home.
Their current plans are to expand that
business.
Actually, the Twentes. who met as
graduate students at the University of
Michigan, have been collectors of
ancient coins for 16 years. "We sell
coins to support OUf habit/ quipped
Janet. who has a fascination with Owls
on coins. A couple of favorites in her
collection include scarce and interesting
bronzes from Teate and Camarina
Both John and Janet specialize in
Visitors to the ANA Convention at Charlotte examine ancient coins at the
table of Edward J. Waddell, Ltd.
coinage with animal motifs, under-
standably' since both have PhDs in
Biology.
John, with a disanning smile and the
probing eyes of a professor, is a
Hibernation Physiologist teaching at the
University of Missouri. He says he
enjoys the field of numismatics because
"It is a place where you can apply what
you have learned." John is especially
fond of small Greek silver pieces and
Italian (Magna Graecia) bronzes.
Members of the Society for Ancient
Numismatics (SAN) will recall John's
article "Getting Junior's Goat" (Vol. IX.
No.4) which dealt with animal coinage
of the 3rd century Roman Emperor
Philip the Arab and his son. John also
lectures on the subject of ancient coins.
"If you're a professor you haven't got
anything but your mouth." he claims
(tongue-in-cheek). lohn and Janet are
\i
John Twente
very proud of having started many
newcomers in the hobby.
The Twentes plan to deal in ancient
coins as a post-retirement business and
have a good start already. In addition to
the expected tray full of coins with
Numismatic Institute runs
program for handicapped
The Numismatic Institute, according
to President Ben Myers, is a not-for-
profit charitable organization that helps
handicapped children to learn by using
coins and stamps. The Institute
maintains a numismatic library and is
also in the planning stages of
developing a museum.
Materials received by the Chicago-
based organization are used for research,
library, museum and educational
purposes. "The coins and stamps that
we receive are sent to schools that have
handicapped children. We concentrate on
the education of these children because
they tend to have the greatest need for
the material," said Myers.
"Since my father and my sister are
both handicapped, I know first-hand
some of the many problems handicapped
children suffer." he continued.
Handicapped children are often required
to attend residential schools where they
are separated from their families for long
periods of time. Often these children are
unable to move around well and are
Photo contest is open
to young numismatists
Young Numismatists are encouraged
to use their cameras and their
imaginations again this year as the
Garden State Numismatic Association
sponsors its YN photography contest
Joseph Clay, contest chairman for
the New Jersey organiztion, stated that
there is no entry fee and no limit on the
number of photographs each youth may
submit. Clay adivsed The Celator that
the contest is not limited to club
members and contestants need not be
present to win.
Photos may be black and white or
color, but not slides; they may range in
~.- ... , ~ ... ..
si:,e from 3.5" x 3.5" up through 8" x
,
... . ...
Janet Twente
animal reverses. one will find a wide
selection of nice Greek silver and
Roman bronzes. John has a sharp eye
for the rarities, and loves to talk coins,
so drop by and say hello if you see their
bourse table in your travels.
mostly confined to their beds. These
children often have large amounts of
unoccupied spare time. The Institute
tries to help by introducing them to the
numismatic and philatelic hobbies and
thereby giving these children an
incentive to occupy their spare time
through learning. "We will also try to
supply the teachers of the children with
educational material so that the children
will learn the most they can from the
material they receive, n added Myers.
At the present time the Institute's
resources permit only the supply of
schools that have handicapped children.
According to Myers, the Irutitute would
also like to supply children's hospitals
and veterans' hosptials in the future,
hoping to send the schools and hospitals
a series of educational pamphlets that
will help teach children the basics of the
numismatic and philatelic hobbies.
Information on The Institute's
programs may be obtained from: Ben
Myers, President, Numismatic Institute,
P. O. Box 7476, Chicago, TIL 60680.
10" ; and they must deal with
numismatics in some way.
Clay said an entry could be a photo
of coins, medals, paper money, people
and coins, a scene at a coin show, or
anything else with a numismatic theme.
Entry deadline is June 12, 1987.
Each photo should be marked on the
back with the name, address and phone
number of the youth submitting it
Send entries to Clay at 540 East Rd.,
Belford, N.J. 07718. Winners will be
announced at the GSNA Convention,
lune 25-28, at the Hyatt in Cherry Hill,
N. J.
~ .- ..... ~ .. ~ .......... , .. .
 v

Charlotte hosts ANA

Midwinter Convention
By Wayne G. Sayles
Although a heavy three-day drizzle
dampened the Charlotte, North Carolina
landscape, it did little to dampen spirits
at the ANA's midwinter convention held
there February 27-March 1, 1987. The
show was surprisingly well attended,
considering the dismal weather, with
over 2,000 visitors on Saturday alone.
While the Charlotte area is not a hotbed
of antiquarian activity, collectors of
ancient coins who did come out found a
number of tables available at which they
could search for special treasures.
Among the dealers (with tables)
specializing in ancients were George M.
an ANA convention, the intrepid
collector could fmd more than enough to
pique one's interest at this year's
midwinter gathering.
With the sun finally peeking through
on Sunday morning, collectors began to
tum out with more enthusiasm only to
be disappointed by a 2 p.m. closing.
ANA officials reported over 1,000 in
attendance during the final day with
many still trying to gain entry as the
doors were closed.

Dennis Kroh of Empire Goins chats with ancient coin enthusiasts at the ANA
Beach; Harlan Berk, Ltd.; Empire
Coins; Victor England; Numismatic
New 8erk
Midwinter Convention held in Charlotte, N. C. Febn;ary 27-March 1.
Consultants; London Coin Gallery; and
Edward J. Waddell, Ltd.
Several U. S. and world coin dealers
location
offered trays of ancients as well. Seen
in Chicago
Robinson announces on the floor were John Scyphers of
Royal Numismatics; Fred B. Shore and
Desiree Van Seeters of PMV - all Harlan J. Berk, Ltd., has announced

ancient mail bid sale dealers in ancients.

A 600-10t mail-bid sale of ancient
coins, with a closing date of April 16,
1987, has been announced by Albany,
N.Y. dealer Frank S. Robinson. The
coins will be offered without reserves or
minimum bids, and bids wiU be reduced
wherever possible.
The Greek: section of the sale
includes bronzes from Ptolemaic Egypt
including Cleopatra VII; Macedonian
Tetradrachms; and Seleucid bronzes.
Other Greek: silver includes a
Cistophoric Tetradrachm of Pergamum;
Tarentine Didrachmj and staters from
Corinth, Sybaris, Thurium and Vella.
Topping the Roman section is a rare
Sestertius of the Caesar AeIius, 136-138
AC, in choice condition with an EF
portrait.
. growing popUlarity of ancients among
Other noteworthy Roman entries
include a rare and important Sestertius
of Drusus portraying his two children; a
scarce denarius of Vitelli us and
affordable examples for such rare
personages as Didius Julianus, Aquilia
Severa, Diadumenian, and
Hannibalianus.
The sale will also include many
inexpensive and lesser quality items for
the budget-conscious bidder, as well as
some interesting group and study lots.
Free catalogs are available from
Robinson at Box 2064A, Albany, N.Y.
12220.
Trading in Greek, Roman and
Byzantine coins seemed sporadic, with
heavy activity in some areas and
virtually no movement in others. The
collectors new to the field was evidenced
by a fairly high volume of sales in
miscellaneous medium to low grade
material. Choice Greek silver and
Roman gold were in short supply, as
usual, with the best pieces bringing
strong prices.
Much of the better material which
nonnally would have been available was
apparently conunitted to major auctions
which are coming up in the near future.
With the current auction market
bringing strong prices for choice coins,
the depth of dealer stocks has inevitably
suffered. Still, as usually is the case at
their 48th Buy or Bid Sale with a
closing date of April 22, 1987. The sale
is the first from Berk's new location at
612 N. Michigan Ave. in Chicago.
Highlighting the 417-lot sale are 46
pieces of ancient and medieval gold
including an Aureus of the Roman
Emperor Maxentius estimated at
$15,000.
A number of rare and artistic Greek
silver coins also are being offered. Of
particular interest is a Tetradrachm from
Akcagas (Agrigentum) in Sicily, struck
during the years 413-406 BC, with two
eagles standing atop a dead hare. Equally
important to the admirer of numismatic
art is an extremely fine and very rare
drachm from Ainos Thrace (357-342
BC) with a magnificent 3/4 facing bust
of Hennes wearing a Petasos. On the
reverse is a throne sunnounted by the
cult-image ofPerpheraios.

ASK THE EXPERTS . ..

Question: "What makes one coin worth $200 and another
$500?" - R.S., Delaware

Answer: The relative value of an ancient coin is based on

a number of factors. Among the most important concerns
are the overall condition as well as the rarity of the particular
coin. In regard to the difference in values on two coins of
the same type, a coin that is well struck, toned and has a
good style will naturally demand a higher price than a coin
lacking these qualities, although the second coin may be of
a higher grade. The eye appeal is an important
consideration and problems such as scratches, grafitti, edge
nicks, etc. definitely affect the market price. The bottom line
on any coin purchase should be that you are pleased with
the coin aDl1 the price.
Desiree Van Seeters - PMV inc.,
P.O. Box 3007
A broad assortment of Byzantine gold solidi circulated on the Charlotte
Daytona Beach, FL 32018 bourse floor.
VI
Purchase leads to research
Hobbyist finds ancient treasure
Lot #43
By Vincent Kosik
Hatra, Mesopotamia - AE23rnm,
ca 1st-2nd cent. AD. Obverse - bust of
moon-god rightIRevene - SC.
Rare ($30) Min. $70 Est.
Those lines caught my eye in a mail
bid sale of Coloseum Coin Exchange
this past I anuary and lead me into a
whole new area of numismatics that I
had previously neglected. As a collector
concentrating mainly on the Roman
Imperial issues of Claudius Gothicus
(who said collecting had to be
expensive), I was now at the cross-roads
of my endeavor. I had simply acquired
most of what was available on the
market within my price range and began
running out of reverse types to buy.
After reading the commentary (The
Celator. p. 2, Vol. 1, No.1), by Frank
S. Robinson (sorry Frank, this coin
wasn't from your sale), I decided to take
a chance and broaden my horizons and
hopefully the fun too!
I remembered from my past readings
of ancient and modem sources that this
mid-eastern city was located on the
volatile frontier between the Roman and
Persian Empires. Being semi-
automonous from the Parthian Persians,
it acted mainly as a trading caravan
community where exotic Indian and
Chinese goods were sold to Roman
merchants. The people prospered from
this economic activity but they paid a
price for it; namely being "caught in the
middle" when the two superpowers
engaged in border disputes or all-out
war. Two great Roman Emperors,
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Trajan and Septimium Severus. laid
seige to the city but were unable to
capture their prize because of its well
defended walls and the harsh surrounding
arid terrain, which laid waste to the
Romans.
On its coinage, I had almost no
sources to which to tum. The plate in
the sale showed a stylized oriental head
on the obverse and . a very' crudely
engraved SC on the reverse. This
reminded me of the vast assortment of
Syrian bronzes from Antioch with this
reverse type minted on and off for a
period of over two centuries ! The
Roman Emperors placed these letters on
coins in respect to the Senate (S.enatus
C.onsult). I can only venture a guess
, that they were inscribed on the bronze
from Hatra as one way for the coinage
to interchange freel y among both
peoples.
Looking through my storehouse of
past auctions and price lists, I was only
able to fmd one similar coin offered for
sale a number of years back by Alex G.
Malloy. So, I entered a minimum bid of
$30 and hoped for the best. A few days
later a package from Empire Coins came
in the mail with a copy of Henry
Lindgren and Frank Kovacs' Anci ent
Bronze Coins of Asia Mjnor and the
l&Yant. which I had ordered a few days
before. After thumbing through this
excellent reference I came across the
following entry on page 139:
"Hatra
2595. 12.01 HTR DSMS in Aramaic.
Bust of sun god, r., wearing
flowing locks and emiuing rays.
'independent during this time and the
:
•
•
•
• towns in England, fleecing individuals
• P.o. Box 7699
:
• there as a rogue and swindler; and, it is
Rv.: SC inverted,. enclosed in a
wreath; eagle. wings spread,
above. John J. Slocum, "Another
Look at the Coins of Hatra,"
ANS Museum Notes, No. 22,
t977, [·3.
2596. 13.30 (Aramaic, meaning
Worod, Orodes, or Urad, all
pzthian names). Bust of king
right, wearing large Parthian
headress . Rv.: SC in wreath.
(Similar coin described by
Slocum in letter to Kovacs. g
March 1982.)"
The excitement of this discovery was
increased when I reached for the
accompanying "Estimated Values"
booklet. The authors indicated a retail
value of these coins at $200 each!
Lucky thing I had placed my bid sheet
in the mail the day before. To my
surprise, later in the month, I was
notified that I had indeed been the
successful bidder and the coin was mine!
So, my friends, there are still many
areas of ancient numismatics (e.g. Greek
Imperials) that remain unexplored and
are just waiting to be plucked.
I think it is fitting to end my story
with the fate of Hatra. The power of the
Parthian nobles began to wane in the
early third century and a vigorous vassal
kingdon. the Sasanians, conquered them..
Unlike the Parthians, the new rulen had
no desire to accept the status quo and
felt they were the rightful rulers of the
old Persian Empire, which included Asia
Minor and Syria. Maybe Hatra grew too
Sasanians felt the city a potential threat
to their desire for territorial expansion.
King Shapur I, with his armies,
destroyed Hatra in ca. 250 AD. All that
now remains of the city are ruins, some
surviving artwork, and a coin that I'm
holding in my hand.
PEGASI COINS
P.o. Box 4207
Ann Arbor, MI 48106
Phone: (313) 434-3856
Classical ns.unUmatist serving begin-
neTS through t1f1vanced collectors. Send
for free illustrated catalog. Specify:
• Quality Ancients: Choice and
scarce coins over $1 00.
• Barilla!" Ancients: Attradive
anCients (not junk) under $150.
• Medieval Coins: Hammered
European from 500 to 1650 A.D.
• Antiquities: Art~ads (other
than coins) from Stone A!:!e
through Renaissance perIOds.
Want lists Sl1flIked. Consuttations available.
Appraisals and astate eV<WaOOns performed.
Active buyer" 01 al mal9fiaJ.
SAN.
A.NA
V.N.A.
• Ancient Coins
• Buy - Sell
• Free Lists
Royal Numismatics
(703) 362·5750 evenings
Dust
of the
Ages
of the
Captain Manning, R.N., of Portland
Castle, has been so obliging as to
forward us three specimens (of Roman
coinage), with the following remarks:
"The coins are found about a mile from
Portland, on the west side of the Chesil
Beach. The whole of the Chesil Beach is
about 17 miles long, about a quarter of
a mile wide, and 150 feet high above the
level of the sea at low water. It rests on
a bed of blue clay, and during very
heavy gales, when a portion of the
Beach scours away, the clay becomes
visible, and in it are found coins and
other remains." Those forwarded are of
Lucius Aelius, Antoninus Pius, and
Faustina the Elder. It is supposed by
some that a Roman galley may have
been wreck.ed at the spot; but it is
equally, if not more probably, that they
may fall from the foundering of the
Cliff. It would be desireable to know if
they are ever discovered in the fields
above the Cliffs.
FORGERIES OF ANCIENT COINS·
We have just received a communication
from a correspondent respecting the
individual whose frauds we have so
often exposed, and who, it seems,
" unwhipt by justice," is still
imprudently, and, as it were, in defiance
of the law, exercisi.ng his nefarious and
profitable trade.
We have hitherto been somewhat
scrupulous about publishing all the
infonnation we have been in possession
of concerning the swindlings of this
rogue; perhaps from being 100 delicate
in consulting the feelings of the
suffering parties in preference to the
more important consideration of the
public good, and partly from hoping
that some spirited individual would ere
this have brought the scamp to a stand-
still. However, as the arch-impostor is
apparently yet in the plenitude of his
vocation, we shall not stay our hand,
but, in justice to the public, make
known any authenticated facts that may
from time to time be brought before us.
It appears that about three months
since, a person about 60 years old,
rather short and slight, calling himself
Dr. James Edwards, of Waterford, in
Ireland, called on Mr. Levi, a
silversmith in Plymouth, and offered
him a collection of coins, which he
stated to have belonged to a clergyman
in Ireland lately deceased, and whose
executors had sold them to him,
together with some carvings in ivory, a
box in mosaic, a cameo of Alexander,
&c.
From these representations, and the
gentlemanly appearance and good address
of the fellow, Mr. Levi, in conjunction
with a fellow-tradesman, was induced. to
purchase the coins and other articles of
vert, for, as is reported, the enormous
and almost incredible sum of three
thousand pounds!
From the description of this Edwards,
there can be no doubt but that he is the
same person who has been to most
and public museums of large sums in
the most merciless manner. In
December he was at Winchester, and
narrowly escaped being apprehended
presumed, he visited Plymouth next.
 VII
Lamps Continued from page I

red wear lamps of the fourth and fifth
century A.D. was crosses
Chrislograms, which gave rise to the
misconception that all lamps of this
type were early Ouistian in origin. This
is no more true of the lamps than it is
of contemporary coins whose reverses
often bear the same objects. Rather it is
a reflection of the fact that the state
religion of Rome was, at that time.
Christianity. Just as the an found on
early Roman coins and oil lamps often
contained representations related to the
state cult, and in the early Roman
period, depictions of the various Roman
deities were extremely common on
both, so too on the late Roman objects
we find depicted the symbols of the state
religion. There is however an important
difference. On the oiJlamps we also find
the religious symbols of other groups in
the Empire. The Jews for exmaple
decorated similar oil lamps with their
own religious symbols, s uch as the
menorah, which are not found on the
coins of the period. This is because
w hile only the Imperial mints had the
right to manufac tu re coins, any local
potter could make a lamp taking for his
inspiration either the official art of the
Empire, or the local wishes of his
patrons.
In a similar way the popular culture
of the Empire influenced the art of both
coin s and lamps. A nimals of all types
were a ubiquitous subject for Roman
artists in every medium so it is n ot
surprisin g to find them freq uently
depicted o n both coins and lamps.
Notable among the many coins with
animal reverses are the base Antoniniani
of Gallienus, altho ug h animals are less
common on coins following the third
century AD. They remain popular on
and lamps of the fourth and fifth centuries,
perhaps once again demonstrating the
stronger influence of popular culture in
the art of the lamps, which we have
already seen in the religious themes.
Unlike the early Roman lamp makers
who often signed their works, the artists
who created the molds for later Roman
oil lam ps were for the most part
anony mous. Although they were
probably not the same as those who
created the dies for coins, clearly both
were infl uenced by the same basic
cultural forces.
Readers wishing to pursue the study
o f late Roman oil lamps further are
referred to the excelle nt volume by A.
Ennabli, Lamps Chretiennes de Tunisjc,
Paris, 1976.
(David LielHrt is director of thl! Time
Machi~ Company, IOCllled in Quuns,
N.Y.)
Club Secretsrys:
Send your club news
to The Celator..•
there may be a lot of
other collectors Just
waiting to find out
about you!
Portraits on Roman lamps often parallel styles found on coins of the same
period. The author sees a resemblance to the wife of Constantine the Great
in this ,:ieee.
- Collection of David Liebert

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This sylloge is a remarkable refer-
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This fine volume is the first Swiss
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well as the usual complete descrip-
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A Dictionary Of
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Whether you are an advanced collector
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Coins And Investment
J. Andrew Pearson, consultant editor of
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contributor to th' personal finance
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regular
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VIII

Master images reflected in coins from antiquity

Throughout time, certain images have become accepted as the true
and undisputed representation of a particular subject. These images
manifest themselves in many ways, andfind their sources in a variety of
media. The develoment of their specific features and the reason for their
overwhelming popularity is a topic worthy ofanalysis partly because of
the durabiUty of the phenomenon itself Some of these master images
date back to the Archaic Period a/Greek art and continue into the 20th
century. They very often have found their way to the whole of society,
the external world, and posterity through their representation on ancient
coinage. In some cases, the coin itself may have provided the source. In
others, it may have been a carved gem, painting or sculpture.
Regardless a/the soW"ce, a master image is immediately recognizable. It
becomes universally accepted; a standard representation for all media.
This series of articles will examine some master images from the
ancient world that have come down to US through the numismatic
record. It is not an attempt to show coins as the source of artistic style
any more than it is an anemptto place chronologically the many works
of art that share an image. That analysis is better saved for another time
and place. It is hoped, however, that the high esteem ancient celators
achieved among their fellow artists, and the many great artists that A sixth century Attic black-figure crater in the Kerameikos Museum shows an
followed them in later years, can be more adequately demonstrated early representation of the chariot wheeling.
through a comparision of their works.

painters, in the mid fifth century. created reliefs. It is also a favorite motif on red·
PART II: Chariots Wheeling anolher major innovation in the history figure vases. At the same time, cities in
of quadriga representation. the chariot Sicily were producing some of the most
The artist's portrayal of hOl1ies and quadriga, that gained universal and wheeling around a tum pole. artistic coinage in the entire record of
chariots is pethaps one of the oldest permanent acceptance. The chariot wheeling not only caused numismatics. At fust glance, those
images recorded by civilized man. It is Sometime around 600 B.C .• the first another flurry of activity in vase coins with quadriga scenes look very
a1so one of the least likely candidates for examples of frontal chariots on Attic painting, it became a master image similar. A closer analysis, however,
artistic expression and innovation. As black-figure vases appear by the hand of representing the fast chariot of gods and provides some interesting insights lO
one art history student put it, "How the Gorgon Painter. Without going into heroes, athletes, and kings. A key the artist's understanding of the image
many ways can a horse rearT' For elaborate detail, the next 50 years saw a element of this style is the action of the he is creating. A comparison of three
centuries. the four horses abreast could flurry of interest in this new technique outside pole horse, or third horse from tetradrachms from the period serves this
easily have come from the same mold. including works by the KX Painter; the viewer. In virtually every example purpose well.
A profile view looked something like a Sophilos; Lydos; and the E-Group of this image. whether it be on stone The fust is by the celator Euainelos,
quadruple exposure. Yet, there were painters. Celators were quick to pick up relief, carved gems, vases, coins, or struck al Catana about 410 B.C. The
during the great age of experimentation on the theme also, as seen on a paintings, the third horse is reined in wheeling effect is clearly illustrated on
in Greek art. some new and exciting tridrachm stater from Chalkis struck tight, causing the head to pull this coin as the artist places the chariot
treatments of the four horse chariot, the about 55()..525 B.C. One of the E-Group dramatically. Occasionally the first in a 3/4 frontal position. The outside
horse (inside trace horse) will pull as pole horse is reined in tightly, as can be
well, creating a less common but seen by the ftrm, straight line of the
apparently popular variation. The horses rein itself. The inside pole horse rears to
avoid collision with his ouler com-
ANNOUNCING were sometimes attended by leading
figures, Nike for example, but they panion, and the outside trace horse
OUR PUBLIC AUCTION # 7 present a much more forceful effect already starts his tum toward the viewer.
when alone. The inside horses have their rear legs
The theme seems to gain popularity well under them and the animation of
"The Greater New York Numismatic Convention during the late fifth century and is by the driver beftts the power and
lhen found frequently in sculpture, excitement of the scene.
Public Sale of Ancient Coins ... Featuring the especially on sarcophagi and votive
Gordon Dickie Collection"· Please turn to page XII

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While Eur0p8 sank. into the Datk Ages, a newcMlization arose in th9 Near
East under the bann9fS of Is/anI. The new Islamic stat9S produced a vast
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Please send $5.00 for a copy if you are not already on our mailing list
(Subscription $1 0.00 per year).
See us at the Chicago International Coin Fair - Table #18
Auction tots will be available for vlewl"

tttmpite C1Ioius STEPHEN ALBUM

P.O. BOX 7386
P.O. Box 609, Holly Hili, FL 32017 Santa Rosa, CA 95407
Phone: (904) 677·7314 1·707·526-3421
 IX

A Sample of 35 better
coins from our stock

See our book list in the Isst Issue of The Celstor

ANCIENT GOLD COINS:
C 1 - Syracuse, Sicily, gold drachm, Agothakles, ApollolBiga BMC 338 VF $1950
C 2· Ptolemy II, pentadrachm, Ptolemy llEagle, Sear nso Choice VF+ $3800
C 3· Faustina Sr., aureus, FaustinafAetemitas, BMC 371 Choice VF+ $3200
C 4 - Faustina Jr., aureus,.FaustinaJrJCybais wllions, RIC 704 Ch. VF+ $3600
C 5 - Honoriu$, solidus, Helmeted bustlConstantinopotis, Sear 4142v EF $575
C 6 - Anlhemius, solidus, bustlAnthemius & Leo I, Ex. rare, S-4265v VF $1600
C 7 - Zena, tremissis, by Theodoric in Ravenna, bUSt/ClOSS, Choice EF $575
C 8 ·Justinian II. solidus, 1st rgn, bust/cross, ex Ratto sale Sear 1246, EF $650
C 9 - Tiberius III, solidus, facing bustllong crOS&, scarce ruler, Sear 1360 $450
ANCIENT GREEK SILVER:
CI0 -Ainos, Thrace, 4dr., Hermes with PetasoslGoat, S-IS68v, VFJF+ $7500
Cl1 - Macedon, Philip II, 4dr., Philip as Zeuslyouth on horse, S-6681v, VF $425
C12 - Danubian Celts, 4dr., c.200 B.C., imitation of above, LT9B70. VF+ $850
C13 - Aphrodisias-Plarasa. Caria, dr., AphroditelE.agle, Pozzi 2565, VF+ $1250
C14 - Tarsos. Cilicia. stater, Mazaios, Baal.1.K:m & bull, S-5690. Mint state $750
C15 -Seleukos I. drachm, Zeus/Athena in chariot, Sear 6836v, Choice VF $525

ANCIENT ROMAN BRONZE COINS:

C16 - Claudius. 41-54 A.D.,As, bare head/Constantia, RIC 95, VF+ $325
C17 - Tdus, 79-81 AD .• Sest., laureate bust! Spes, AIC 100. VF $225
C18 - Hadrian, 117-138 AD., Sest., Bust/Providentia, RIC m. AEF. $300
C19 - Hadrian. same as abovelMonetastd.left, RIC 767. VF+. $240
C20 - Hadrian. Drachm of Alexandria, yr. 16, BustlNilus reclining, VF $150
C21 - Antoninus Pius. 138-161 AD., Drachm of Egypt, BustJEirene. VF+ $225
C22 - Antoninus Pius, Drachm, bustfTyche reclining. BMC 956v., VF+ $175
C23 - Lucilla, 163-169 AD .• Sest., Bust/Juno & Peacock, Choice port. AEF $650
C24 - Crispina. died 183 AD., Sest., BustlSalus, Scarce, Cohen 33, VF, $175
C25 - Maximus, 235-238A.D .• $est., BustJEmp. std., BMC 213. EF, $950
C26 - Philip I. 244-249 AD., Sest., BustlSAECVLVM NOWM. RIC 164. VF $90
C27 - Philip I, Tetrassarion of Sidon, BustlZodiacwheel, Very Unusual, F, $300
C28 - Postumus, 259-268 AD., Sest.• BustlFldes Militum, RIC 124, EF, $1750
C29 -Aurelian, 270-275 A.D .• As, BustJEmp. & Wife, RIC BO, scarce VF, $50
C30 - Maximianus, 286-310 A.D., Follis, Trier, Bust/Genius, Super Port. EF $120
C31 - Severus II. 305-306 A.D., Follis. BustlGenius, RIC VI.207,651 EF$250
C32 - Maxentius, 307 AD. Follis, BustlOeity of Carthage, RIC VI.432.60 EF $125
C33 - Constantine I. 307 AD., Follis, Carthage (as above). Very rare in EF, $100
C34 - Constantine I, 307-308 A.D., Follis. Trier, BustIGenius, EF+, $100
C35 -Constans. 347-348 A.D., Foais, Trier. BusVfwo victories, Gem Mint $50
P.O. Box 609
All coins sold by us are GUARANTEED GENUINE and as described. Items found
unsatisfactory MUST be returned within 7 DAYS of receipt for a full refund, including
your return postage. All prices are in U.S. DOLLARS and are NET. We do NOT seOO
coins on approval! Send your check FI RST, we will gladly refund your money if you
arc not completely satisfied.
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 x
Coming Events ....
April 3-5: Chicago International Coin Fair, Hyatt
Regency, 151 E. Wacker Dr., Chicago.
April 29 - May 1: Stack's Auction, Omni Park Central
Hotel, New York, N.Y.
April 30 ~ May 3: Greater New York International and
AINA Convention, Omni Park Centr::!1 Hotel,
New York, N.Y.
May 1: Classical Numismatics Auction \Victor
England), Sheraton Centre Hote, New York, N.Y.
- May 1 - 3: California State Numismatic Association
Convention. Cathedral Hill Hotel, San Francisco.
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Dickie Collection, Omni Park Central Hotel,
New York, N.Y.
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May 26 - 28: Georgia Numismatic Association Show,
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Expo, Long Beach Convention Center,
California. . in Redwood City, Calif. has announced
CLASSICAL COINS
Ancient Greek & Roman
Medieval European
Early British
PUBLIC AUCTION SALE
MAY 1, 1987
NEW YORK CITY
CLASSICAL NUMISMATIC
AUCTIONS, LTD.
VICTOR ENGLAND
BOX 245
QUARRYVILLE, PA 17566
(717) 786-4013
WRITE TODAY
CATALOG AND PRICES REALIZED $10.00
CNA at New York
Inaugural auction set
On Friday, May I, Classical
Numismatic Auctions, Ltd .• a division
of Victor England, The Historical Coin
Review, will hold its inaugural public
auction in the coin capital of the world -
New York City.
CNA's initial sale is 466 lots strong.
The catalog is fully illustrated,
including nine plates of enlargements.
Only a limited number of catalogs have
been printed and approximately 500
extra copies are available for sale (SI0)
and distribution to the public.
The flf'St public viewing of the sale
will take place at the Chicago
International Convention to be held over
the weekend of April 3-5. The second
will take place in New York: City at the
Omoi Park Hotel during the spring
AINA Convention. Lots may be
inspected on Thursday, April 30 and on
May 1 until auction time at the table of
Victor England.
The Greek Section (129 lots) is
highlighted by an extremely rare stater
in gold of Alexander, King of. the
Epeirotes. It is believed that this is the
fIrst specimen to come on the open
market in auction. The other four
specimens rest in the hands of museums
worldwide. Another exceptional coin is
an attic weight obol ~truck in Egypt
Photo process improved
Aries Photographic Documentation
the introduction of a new model that
makes possible instant color photo-
graphy of almost all types of coins. The
new system utilizes circular strobe
lighting and Polaroid color fIlm for fine
detailed photographs of coins from proof
to heavily toned ancients.
The system does not require focusing
and is extremely easy to operate. It also
has a doubJe exposure technique which
enables the photographer to photograph
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under Ptolemy I. According to England,
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The Roman Republican
Section (50 lots) is made up of coins
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of this section include a mint state gold
sixty asses from after 211 Be, as well
as an extremely rare silver sestertius
struck by the moneyer T. Carisius in 46
Be.
The Imperial Roman Section
features many beautiful coins including
a spectacular denarius of Julius Ceasar
sruck by T. Sempronius Graccus. A
highlight of the Roman section is a
spectacular run of late Roman bronzes
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consular staff in Egypt. He had the
absolute top pick of some of the hoards
of the day.
Many other choice and interesting
coins of the dark ages and Medieval
Europe are also on the auction block at
this promising sale. For further
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both the obverse and reverse of a coin
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_____ • • • •
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 XI

____I Clip & Save

AJAX WORD SEARCH ""'. /
_.
Within the grid below are twenty names of persons, places or titles which
may be found in the feature story on the death of Ajax this Issue. Words
may run horizontally, vertically, or diagonally -
How many can you find?
Coin File
---------------------"",;;;;-;;&,
Cyme
T B H T L 0 C R I S G R L
AR· Tetradrachm
0 T Z Y G P K F A c: Z E S Aft.r 190 D.C.
BMC -112, 80
I I J C H A C D 0 A F S Q
L J L H P L I N Y R U K V
I Z A E K L Y E B P J YN
U H A r u A N X 0 H I X A
Cyme was the largest of Aeolian cities and was senled by colonists from
P r R p 0 s p Q N E H A R Locris. It was located on the Aegean coast near the present day city of
Namurtkey. The city is said to have been the home of Hesiod. The
E L G 0 P U N T II U R Y tetradrachms of Cyme struck during the 2nd century B.C. portray the
R C P R 0 0 P F M A J A X Amazon Cyme on their obverse and a bridled horse on their reverse.
These large flan, and usually well struck, ooins clearly reflect the style and J
L _________________________
S W L C S G L R W I W D P precision of the Hellenistic period.
I Y A B E D R 0 S T R U M
S A N E r y M A D U C S L
D V C V D X E Z S 0 V J K
TR.'lVU QU'lZ
U N U N 0 S T 0 I N R M D
R P S Q N S B W Z A E U T The Intriguing Roman Numeral
DCCCLXXIllI appears on a coin of the
T A E N E I D0 C X L B S Roman Emperor Hadrian, struck
during the 5th year (121 A.D.) of his
reign, What do these letters
Answer on page XVI commemorate?

(Answer on page XVI)

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provide you with the best in fine Attic and Corinthian or South halian Greek pottery, to the
most hurrble 01 clay bowls used daily in antiquity.
Whether you collect coins, bronze figures, topical antiquities, fine ancient glass, weights,
gold jewelry, cylinder seals or engraved gems, we have you covered in depth from 4500 B.C.
to 1000 A.D. We stock a good selection of Christian items from the early period as well as a
fine selection of items from the Holy Land. Illustrated catalogue #1 will be out shortly. Write
lor your lree copy.
A rifle coII8ction of {XAtery from the Holy Land mooing clay lamps, bowts and smaH jugs all different.
yet similar. ;s offertld hem. These date from the early Hebrew period to the late Roman period artd are
all vel)' interesting historical items with religious signitk;ance. They are priced by condition and
category. Five day rerum privilege on any item. Terms are check with order. Add $1.00 lor each
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#3. Good, plain types or possibly larger damages, handles missing, worn surface $20.00
EXCELLENT
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I suggest you call on Excellent and Vel}' Good categories as only Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
limited quantities are on hand. We look forward to hearing from (305) 631-7985
you on your needs in all areas and levels of ancient art and coins.
 XII
Master images
Another tetradrachm. struc.:k at
Syracuse about 400 B.C. by Kimon,
vaguely emulates its forerunner from
Catana The horses are less animated and
the driver. although looking in the
direction of the tum, is certainly not
engaged to the same degree. Still, the
essence of the movement remains and
the artist seems to have understood the
technical as well as psychological
aspects of the image.
A third tetradrachm by EukJeidas.
also struck at Syracuse about 400 B.C.,
follows the earlier sixth century style in
much the same fashion seen on bJack-
figures vases. The inside trace horse is
cast in profile, which places it almost
perpendicular to the chariot's line of
movement. The driver holds the reins
limply and focuses his attention on
Nike as she approaches. One can't help
but wonder how the outside pole horse
is reined in or how the driver plans to
execute a tum left while looking right.
The artist, as great as he obviously was,
either did not understand the technical
aspects of the scene he was ponraying,
or was purposely copying directly from
an older, possibly more venerable,
prototype.
This question, while academic,
brings up an important point in the
consideration of master images. In some
cases, the master image is one that will
be faithfully reproduced for as long as
the image is popular. Some examples of
this are royal or imperial portraits;
representations of gods or heros; city or
state symbols; and symbols of votive
offering. In other cases, the master
image is like the Herakles/Archer;
EDWARD J. WADDELL, LTD.
_"'=
.."....'
7919 Woodmont Ave., Suite 1104
Bethesda, MD 20814
--
Crete, Gortyna. AR Tetradrachm. 2nd -1st cent. B.C.
Head of Zeus 1 Athena Parthenos
The 1llirQ known example. Svoronos, pi. 42, 9 Superb: $9,500
ANCIENT COIN SPECIALIST
Classical Antiquities
D1ustrated price lists
Numismatic Literature
Auction representation
Want List Search Service
Exhibition at major shows
Appraisals & consultations
U.S. Distributor for Abafil coin cases
- .. , ......
Continued from page VIII
Catana Syracuse Syracuse
ca. 410 B.C. ca. 400 B.C. ca. 400 B.C.
AR-Tetradrachm AR-Tetradrachm AR-Tetradrachm
by Euainetos by Kimon by Eukleidas
from which it sprang. It clearly evolved
Locrian Ajax; or Wheeling Chariot, one scheme. It is a symbol of victory and
the grows stylistically within its own courage. It conjures up visions of stylistically over the centuries, but in
retaining its essence and purpose,
context. grandeur and a recognition of certain
The Sicilian tetradrachms were by no values regarded highly by the culture became unquestionably a master image.
means the last word in wheeling
chariots. Stone grave reliefs found as far
east as Trysa in Asia Minor, show just
how universal the image really was in
the late fifth century B.C. The image is
also popular, of course, on carved gems.
A fourth-century silver libation bowl in
the British Museum depicts chariots
both running straight and wheeling in
alternating segments. This same motif
of alternating chariots may be seen on a
third-century clay bowl with black. slip
by Calenos in the Villa Giulia Mu-
seum.
The image continues into Roman
times in a variety of media and A silver libation bowl of the fourth century B.C. in the British Museum shows
represents more than just a decorative quadrigas running straight and wheeling.
".
(301) 654-0470
fa'
Ufo
i
Mo::::~'"
Etruscan, archaic period,
c. 550-500 B.C. , Bronze
asta foot. ~ ~
31/2" high. $4,000
Now accepting consignments for OUT September 11-12
public auction sale of ancient coins to be held at the A.I.N.A.
Convention in New York City. If you are considering the sale
of ancient coins, please contact us for our competitive rates.
Please stop by our table #71 at the Chicago International Coin Fair,
Friday, April 3 - Sunday, April 5, 1987.
Sample catalog on request
,.,~ .. '~" ...
 XIII
Letters Continued from page II

In reply to M. Thomas McKenna's
comment. I made the same observation
in my 25 years of collecting coins.
however most of these publications
became collector items in themselves.
I for one am happy that someone in
the U.S. is undertaking this project. The
only pUblication I am aware of currently
comes from Germany about four times a
year. Joseph Bracken. California
(The publication referred to is
Roman Coins and
lIonsd/str 8, D·7640 Keltl, West Gu -
-y)
You and your staff are to be
commended for the fU'St issue of The
CeiatOT and to show my support I have
enclosed my subscription. I hope all
ancient numismatists will do the same
because this hobby is more than just
accumulating old coins and placing
them in a safety deposit box for
occasiona1 viewing. Our area of interest
comprises but a small number of the
total collectors in this country and we
need a voicebox. such as your paper. to
bring us together.
I am certainly glad of the fact you are
encouraging reader respon se . My
primary suggestion is for you to provide
an incentive for those unseasoned
Culture,
writers to share their expertise or
experiences with others on this
fascinating hobby of ours. What type of
incentive? Perhaps a yearly subscription
to your newspaper or membership to a
numismatic organization for the best
researched aniele. personal story, etc.
What do you say? To practice what I
preach, I have written my first aniele
(one in many moons at least); hope you
can use iL Vin cent Kosik. Florida -
(Greal idea, Vince. Your cQnlribUlion.
is prinled ~rein and an additional year
has been added to your subscription.
We'll do the same for any other reader.
submitted arti(;/u which we print in The
CdatoT.J
As a collector of ancient Roman
coins of Julius Ceasar through Nero, I
can't begin to tell you how much I
enjoyed a newspaper about only ancient
coinage! Bob Levy, Tennessee
(Th4nk you all for your very kind
wisMs and warm respon.re. We'll do OIU
best to jwtify yO IU support.)

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CHOICE ANCIENTS & COINS FROM THE BRITISH ISLES

from our latest catalog.
ANCIENT GOLD
The fits! four coins are from ~he beglnninp of coIn.ase. Gold from river
bedl _ used lor trade In AsY Minor iround ~he Fenile Crescent. Ulina
IMte nuget$ was .. complex process tha~ de<Nnded scales and weighu
as well as a WlIY of cleterm1nlna ptJri!y_ louchstone ind a set of
~
~~!r~);~~:
,~ ."
'\.1'....... -J
.....
:~:~
\." , ,.-~ ./
..,
\

.
(i".!..~ ::~,!u~!~~!..B,~~~~,I!!~'''''H~""""u;_.
-
.. :
"'
~ouchstone needlel. CORINTH lA, Corinth. SiI_ "at~. Pegasos righl, kopp.i ~Iow. Rev:
Merchants beIIIn maorklng the lumps t~, h.d been checked. In the 71h Held of A~hena Iefl wi~h i Corin~hian hefmet over i leather cap; reverse
cenlury B.C. Kina Allya ll!"J of Lydia ~ook ~he next laaleal step-he issued letters and symbols are lis~ed for each piece ~Iow.
milrked pie«l .nd coinage WilS born. AU Ihe coins are even in IIppear~nce, pleasing surfaces, basically as minted
" d leneraJly well above in quality (or ~hls series. Those gr;w{ed near fF
The earlydenomin.a~k>m-.-e In ~ItfITIS of~he eledrum SUI~er_lboul 1• .1 and F generally have min~ s~a~e sutfaces "nd lustre.
raml. Fraction, -.-e abo struck-"Ihlrds," "sixths," "12th,," "2.~hs, "
I.4Ilths," and ''96cm..'' Thefol~~ ire an altlla""" and interdina '&3. 150-Jl8 8.C. (8.28 griml). Gammao; dove /lying left In wreath.
but ~hey are no! readily phot:osr~. 8MC 282 . Neir EF, p leasing. USO.
1. ASIA MINOt. 7th-6I:h (enlbty 8.C. veedectrum ftal~
'&.4. Similar. (8.S.grlmS! . Good VF. $ 19S .
.1S lVImt.. EuboIc-Mic stilnd.rd. SwdikMitlClne punch. Rosen
366 (buI lI481:hl. As struck. near EF. $22S. '8S. 31S-310 B.C. (8.40 grams). ~Ib., I; ur of ,rlin (biMyI). This
mark no~ liSlO!<! In 8M(, SNG Cop, Heitd . Good YF + .$285.
~wo votumes. $SS plus shipping) and Seabv num~., (Staby Sunmrd
c..la/otl 01 Briljsh Coins, Coins offnslMld and 1M Unjltd KinBdom, nnd
Edition 1987. SI6.00plus shippin8l. Pricing infOl"lNtion it also taken from
Coins M.rket V.lI~ 1~7 ($6 post~id).
CELTIC BRITAIN
'189. DUROTRICES. 60 8.C.·A.D. 2(1. Sil_ quarter .later. SryIized
panern. RI'V : CrookO!<! linew~h ornaments on either side. Sellby
61 type. Mack 119. The design b@g.1n IS a laureate head of
Apollo Of! ~he ~rse and a ~ on ~he rl'Vel1e bu~ the design
bec.ome ,ncrt:iSrngly styIlztd ind unrecos.ni~able. The w,ue
be!tan w~h filM! $iMr Ifld wai gr<>dualJy debased. The pieces
ofle.red here ue from a SIniU ~p of high gnrde eumpJes ~
recently ptJrchlsed . The Seaby c.a~alos valUft . hem III ~ 12S
while Coins ~rke~ Villues 1987 valul!"J ~hem a~ ~90
A. Choice H (~IISlluck boI:h sides) . . $60
B. Good VF (IS S!<uck, one side ml Y ~ ~a k and ~he o~her

-
l. SImilar• . 27srvnl. AeRinet."ln SUlndard. Lines rAdiatina from eel)- ' 86. llS-ltO 8.C (8.49 8I1ms) . Deka, I; Anemls running left with
trill iJIobeIIncuse punc"h. Rosen 3SS /but l14&h) . As strock, near H ). S6S.
Ions ~orch . 8MC liS. EF, Choice.
~ &>~
$300.
EF. $225.
'87. Similar. (8.48 grims). EF, choice; in~erestJng die bruk on
4. S1milar • •26 gllms. Mi~n standard . Hone he<>d (styli~ed)fI",
(use in form oIlriangle or ilrmli of CfO$S. Rosen 293. As wvck,
nelf EF. $225 .
reverse.
'88. Similar. 13.48 gramS!. VFfEF; ~!I ceme.ed, f'qisus' he<>d lind
$300.
~~
shoulder wea~. $21 S.
... JusnN II . A.D. 565-578. SoIldu •. (• . 010 .,amoJ. SM, '0. U 89. Similar. (8.1 . grams.!. Good Vf; broad llan, Pegasus a bit EDWARD THE CDNFESSOR-Sltwllr p.nnln
but !lOme flatneu obverse «nter. $17S. blundered . $190. Th is group indudes several piecl!"J desi'l\I~td lIS from lhe 1882
'7. MAURICE nIERlUS. A.D. 582-602. Solidus.. (•. ).4 grams). Sear York find. Thompson, Inwnlory oIsm;sh Coin He»tdJ. AD.
• 78. Nur EF. $275. '90 . 338 I.e. (8.42 warns.!. I; Nike Hying left "'rrylng fillet. BMC )SO . 6()(l..1500. cilpsa yo.\( find 1\ Bi$hoohiU in 1882-Yori<. No. 3-01"
EF + , min~ lusne, sharp strike, well cen~ertd, minor Han 25 coins ~hat were deposi~ed in ~he II~h cen~ury. (Thompson
'8. _. T~lnls. (1 •• 7 grams) . Sellr 488. Nur EF, minor s~rike iHegulari~y. $300. 386). According 10 Thompson, ~ha~ hoard Included savereian
wea knell . $165 . '91 . 338 B.C. (8.4) Brllms). I; Slar o f eight rays. 8MC )S2. Near £F. ~ype pennies. One oIthe old ~icket5 ~hat Cime wi~h this coUec·
'9. HUACLIUS. A.D. 610-641 . SMlissis. (2.26 grams) . Sellr 78-4. good s~rike, cramped flan, fresh surfaces. '21 S. tion refers speciOcal!t ~o ~hat hoord. The coins were found in
Choice f F_ mint s~ate; minor reverse s~rike wt"akness. a po~ of"crucible" shoalH'. The coins are ill very dark blue--gnry
$lIS . '92 . 350-338 B.C. (8.3S grams). N; facing term (posl wi~h upper pan in color.
in shape of hUlnin body). SNG Cop 120. Cood VF + , lIS SlIuCk,
"0. CONSTANTINE IV. 6S4-69S. Solidus. (4.2S gramS!. Sear 1153. some wea l<nesJ on ~$U5; broad flan. plelSina sutflCl!"J.$12S. ' 20S. Anolher. York: IOCTEL. Toned YF+. SI6S.
Good EF_mlnt SII~e. S4OO. '91. lSO-J06 8.C. (8.l6 gramS! . A, lambda behind Athen.a with '206. hcin, bus! penny. (1062.1065). london; AHMVNO (lltis
11. EMPIRE Of NICEA. JOHN III DUCAS-VATATZES. 1221-1254. ~riskelesin .. circle. ANS Dewing 1768. Good YF +, panicular· moneyer noc lislO!<! In North; Apmundl) North 8)0. Seiby II Bl.
H~ . 1• .07 gram,). Christ on ~hrone, hand raised in Iy neat reverw. S240. Toned. bold, well struck VF+ NF. $165.
benedidlon. Rev: John bo.ing crowned by Virgi n. O. Sear 2029. · 208. A no~h"r. london; SP£fMAN. Nicely ~oned, near EF, crICk a~
Scypha~e coin. Near fF; o~rse in terestingly doublesn,,",". '94. ITALY. BRUTTIUM. Lobol Epiuphyrlol. ]]2·)00 B.C. (8.56 5. S11~
$235. grams). RII!V: Atheni left with ieaend in fronl. BMC 7,8. Cf. Sear
483 . H, bold, plusing. $325. '2(19 . Another. WlllinK/on:l; 8RIHTMIER. Rare mint. Toned EF, 3S
suuck. edge"! of (l,n rough from I to 1; limill! ed~ crad a~ 2.
$1 7S.

We specialize in Coins of the British Isles and Ancient Greek & Roman Coins. This IisUs a sample from our Spring 1987
catalog. We publish one ofNorth America's most serious and extensively illustrated coin catalogs. Send $2.00 for the
~ current issue plus our special book catalog.

I~
~ii~~
.W
CJJavi (' ('QnS
A_G A(9(9
AUan & Marnie Davisson
Rural Route Two, Cold Spring. MN 56320
~ Ltd. A.N.A., A.N.S., British Numismatic Society, Fellow: Royal Numismatic Society
 XIV
Ajax
- swallowed up into the sea
While the violation of Cassandra in
Athena's temple ultimately cost Ajax
his life, other Greek leaders also paid the
price for his insolence. The terrible
storm brought about by Athena and
Poseidon was the cause of heavy
suffering, including 10 years of
wandering by Odysseus and his men.
The impetuous deeds of the Locrian
Ajax set the scene in ancient literature
for the "Nostoi," the return of the
heroes. as well as the "Odyssey," the
greatest adventure story of all time.
The power and importance which
.- Homer's tale of Ajax and Cassandra
assumed in classical Greek and Roman
mytho l ogy s hould not
underestimated. The story of Cassandra's
be
violation and the reprisal of the gods
appears frequently in literature as well as
in art. Virgil's ~ Aeneid relates a version
6
which parallels that of Homer. Other
accounts may be found in "Troj an
Women~ by Euripedes and the summary
of Arctinus' "lliupe:rsis" by Proclus.
Other writers dealing with the subject
included Stesichorus and Sophocles.
who wrote a lost tragedy called "Ajax
the Locrian." A passage in Athenaeus
relates how Phoenicia was full of little
tunes called "Locrian" songs which he
.,. refers to as songs with adultery for their
theme.
The precise date that Ajax first
appears on coins of Locris is uncertain,
but probably about 387 B.C. after the
Peace of Antalcidas, as suggested by
Barclay Head in "Historia Nummorum."
At about this time. Ajax in a venerable
heroic warrior pose first graces the
reverses of Aeginetic Staters and
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Hemidracms struck at Opus. He appears
also on bronze coins of the Locrian city
Scarpheia during this period.
Artists have always borrowe d
successful rnotives and irnages with
strong iconographic meaning from their
predecessors - the heroic warrior was no
exception. Often the celator who
engraved coin dies took inspiration from
narrative scenes in sculpture or painting.
c.H.Y. Suthel:and's "Art in Coinage H
admirably addresses the former, while
several irnportant examples of the latter
may be found in an essay by Martin
Price titled "Paintings as a Source of
Inspiration for Ancient Die Engravers."
(See Cojns Culture and HisIQrv in the
Ancient World)
One interesting example of a coin
inspired by a painting is the Quadriga
led by Nike which one finds o n the
reverse of Roman Republican Denarii of
L. Plautius Plancus. The scene, as
pointed out by Dr. Price, is thought to
be copied from an important painting by
Nichomachus which was owned by the
Plancus family and placed in the
Capitol.
According to Pliny the Elder, the
first real master of painting was
Appolodorus. One of the most
remarkable scenes that this artist is said
to have painted was that of the death of
the Locrian Ajax as he was struck by
lightning.
Just as the coin of Plancus seems
clearly to reflect the work of
Nichomachus, it is the belief of this
writer that a bronze coin from the
Phoenician city of Aradus reflects the
scene painted by Appolodorus. The AE-
20, which Head places in the period
Continued from page I
from 174-137 B.C., is catalogued in the
British Museum as #143 and in the
Seaby catalogue of Greek coins as
#2204. On the obverse is a bust of
Tyche facing right with t~rreted head.
On the reverse is a galley moving from
right to left On the rostrurn, Poseidon
is seated with his raised right hand
holding a group of lightning bolts.
Before him is a small Corinthian-
helmeted figure holding a shield Neither
Head nor Seaby make any mention of
the figure. One dealer offering this coin
at a recent sale described the figure as a
"figure-head of Athena. H
It seems very unlikely that the figure
is intended to be an actual representation
of Athena. The seated Poseidon is rnany
times larger than the small figure before The helmeted figure is sometimes
it, as if to emphasize the superiority of shown, as on this coin, falling for-
one over the other. Furthermore there is ward rather than standing.
no literary background for a narrative
which would place Athena in this
position. The nature of this coin's reverse is
The helmeted figure might actually distinctly narrative. It was struck by a
have been intended to be a part of the
seafaring people, inhabitants of an
ship's structure except that its placement
at the forewardmost point of the rostrum island themselves. The tales of the
Trojan War were cenainly well known
is not consistent with other examples of
figures on the prows of ships. to the local inhabitants, as were the
stories of Ajax and his pan in bringing
destruction to the Greek fleet. There is
no direct evidence that the narrative
scene on this coin is after the painting
by Appolodorus, but Pliny says in his
Natural Histories that the painting could
still be seen in his tirne at Pergamum.
Being that it was significant enough at
that late date to warrant his corrunent, it
was undoubtedly significant enough to
Phaselis inspire the Aradlan celator as well.
3rd· 2nd Cent.
AR - Stater
Apollo I Athena o n prow of ship
The actual position of the figure
seems to change from die to die. One
example clearly shows the figure falling
forward rather than standing. The figure
seems to be falling away from the prow
of the ship, almost as if it were in the
distance - perhaps on a rock? The
Corinthian helmet and hoplite shield Ihe Inexpensive Way
were certainly well known throughout
the Greek world as attributes of the
hero/warrior - as much so as attributes
10 Shop
of Athena.
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 XVI

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1. AU · Tremissis 582.so2 AD. 2 FOCAS
4. Board will close on 15 May 1987
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MAURICE nBERIUS AU· Tremissis 602·610AD.
EF $170
3 AU . Semissis
CONSTANnNE IV

6. Seller has the right to reject a bid Double struck, but sharp clear Berk 176
(actual size 18mm)
for any reason whatsoever. Minor weakness at edge
portrait, VF $140
(actual size 18mm)
offlan, VF $150
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5 AR - Drachm, 2nd Cent. B.C.
4 HISTAIA. EUBOEA
AR· Drachm 196--146 B.C.
F $75

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6 AE-192ndCent.B.C.
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7 AR-Denarius90·91
DOMITIAN
A.D.
JULIA MAMAEA
8 AE· Seslertius 222·235 AD.
I Onlyonobidpersheetplease,foraddi- I Exceptional portrait, 8--263 RIC338 F$65 .
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AR· Antoninianus 253·255 AD.
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10 AE - Follis 286-305 A. D.
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