| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 187 | Silver | Auction date: 10 December 2023 |
| Lot number: 28 Price realized: 120 EUR (Approx. 129 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Thessaly. Thessalian League circa 150-100 BC. Tima–, magistrate Drachm AR 17 mm, 3,93 g Laureate head of Apollo right; monogram behind / ΘEΣΣA - ΛΩN, Athena Itonia right; two stars above, T-I/M-A across lower field. Very Fine HGC 4, 213. The Thessalian League was an ancient Greek confederation of city-states in the Thessaly region of central Greece. Established during the Hellenistic period, it played a crucial role in the political and military landscape of Thessaly. The league was formed as a defensive alliance, primarily to protect Thessaly's interests and maintain stability within the region. Thessaly, known for its fertile plains and horse breeding, was often a target for external powers seeking to control its resources and strategic position. The exact date of the league's foundation is not definitively known, but it likely emerged in the late 4th or early 3rd century BC. The city of Larissa, a major polis in Thessaly, was a key player in the league, and its leadership was crucial for the confederation's success. The Thessalian League faced numerous challenges and conflicts, both internal and external. Thessaly was often caught in the power struggles among the Hellenistic successor states, such as Macedonia and various Greek city-states. Additionally, the league contended with regional rivalries among its member cities. Notably, during the Chremonidean War (267–261 BCE), the Thessalian League found itself entangled in the conflicts between Macedonia and the Achaean League. Thessaly's strategic importance made it a valuable prize for larger powers seeking to expand their influence in Greece. Over time, the league's dynamics evolved, influenced by shifting alliances and geopolitical changes. By the Roman period, Thessaly became an integral part of the Roman Republic's sphere of influence. Starting price: 50 EUR |  |
Match 1:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 188 | Black | Auction date: 17 December 2023 |
| Lot number: 4 Price realized: 7,000 EUR (Approx. 7,696 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Macedon. Chalkidian League, Olynthos circa 432-348 BC. Aristonos, magistrate Tetradrachm AR 25 mm, 14,35 g Laureate head of Apollo to right / ΧΑΛΚΙΔΕΩΝ around lyre with seven strings; ΕΠΙ ΑΡΙΣΤΩΝΟΣ below. . Robinson & Clement Group V, 127 (A79/P109); SNG ANS 496; HGC 3.1, 500. NGC graded Ch AU Strike 5/5 Surface 3/5 The deep connection between the kithara and Apollo, the Greek god of the arts, is a profound aspect of ancient Greek culture and mythology. Apollo's multifaceted portfolio included music, poetry, prophecy, and more, but it's his role as the god of music that brings the kithara into focus. The kithara, a stringed musical instrument reminiscent of a lyre or harp, symbolized much more than music in ancient Greece. It embodied harmony, balance, and the pinnacle of cultural achievement. Apollo, often depicted with his kithara, was the ultimate musician. His divine melodies were believed to have the power to soothe the gods and uplift mortals, healing both body and spirit. In Greek mythology, Apollo's kithara wasn't merely an instrument; it was a source of inspiration, a means of calming divine tensions, and a symbol of cultural excellence. It was through the kithara that Apollo led the Muses, guiding humanity toward the arts and creativity. From the Matteo Savoca collection Starting price: 1 EUR |  |
Match 2:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 193 | Silver | Auction date: 28 January 2024 |
| Lot number: 6 Price realized: 3,600 EUR (Approx. 3,899 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Macedon. Chalkidian League, Olynthos circa 432-348 BC. Aristonos, magistrate Tetradrachm AR 25 mm, 14,23 g Laureate head of Apollo to right / ΧΑΛΚΙΔΕΩΝ around lyre with seven strings; ΕΠΙ ΑΡΙΣΤΩΝΟΣ below. Good Very Fine Robinson & Clement Group V, 127 (A79/P109); SNG ANS 496; HGC 3.1, 500. The deep connection between the kithara and Apollo, the Greek god of the arts, is a profound aspect of ancient Greek culture and mythology. Apollo's multifaceted portfolio included music, poetry, prophecy, and more, but it's his role as the god of music that brings the kithara into focus. The kithara, a stringed musical instrument reminiscent of a lyre or harp, symbolized much more than music in ancient Greece. It embodied harmony, balance, and the pinnacle of cultural achievement. Apollo, often depicted with his kithara, was the ultimate musician. His divine melodies were believed to have the power to soothe the gods and uplift mortals, healing both body and spirit. In Greek mythology, Apollo's kithara wasn't merely an instrument; it was a source of inspiration, a means of calming divine tensions, and a symbol of cultural excellence. It was through the kithara that Apollo led the Muses, guiding humanity toward the arts and creativity. Starting price: 2000 EUR |  |
Match 3:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 193 | Silver | Auction date: 28 January 2024 |
| Lot number: 169 Price realized: 1,700 EUR (Approx. 1,841 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Anonymous circa 225-214 BC. Uncertain mint Quadrigatus AR 24 mm, 6,70 g Laureate head of Janus / ROMA (incuse on raised tablet) Jupiter, hurling thunderbolt with his right hand and holding scepter in his left, in quadriga to right driven by Victory standing beside him. Crawford 29/3. RBW 63. Sydenham 64. Beautifully toned and very well centered, dies of beautiful style, Near Extremely Fine. Crawford 29/3; RBW 63; Sydenham 64. The Quadrigatus coin, a significant numismatic artifact from the Roman Republic, offers a window into the religious and cultural milieu of ancient Rome. Minted around the 3rd century BC, this coin is notable for its intricate design and the rich symbolism it carries, reflecting the religious beliefs and societal values of early Rome. On the obverse of the Quadrigatus is a representation of Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, gates, transitions, time, duality, doorways, passages, and endings. Janus is uniquely depicted with two faces, symbolizing his ability to see both the past and the future, a representation of his omniscient nature. This imagery was particularly fitting for a coin, an object that would pass through countless hands, witnessing countless transactions throughout its lifetime. The reverse of the coin is equally fascinating, featuring Jupiter, the king of the gods, and Victoria, the personification of victory, riding in a quadriga, a four-horse chariot. This scene is not just a display of divine power but also a symbol of triumph and success. Jupiter, with his commanding presence, signifies strength and authority, while Victoria represents the glory of victory, an important concept in a Republic often engaged in territorial expansions and military campaigns. Below this dynamic scene, the inscription "ROMA" is incused on a tablet. This not only signifies the coin's place of origin but also serves as a statement of civic pride and identity. In a time when Rome was expanding its influence across the Mediterranean, such coins would have served as ambassadors of Roman culture and power, spreading the city's name far and wide. The Quadrigatus holds a special place in the history of Roman coinage. Its design elements - the Janus head, the depiction of Jupiter and Victoria, and the proud inscription of "ROMA" - all convey the values, beliefs, and aspirations of the Roman Republic. As a medium of commerce, it facilitated economic transactions; as a work of art, it communicated the essence of Roman religion and culture; and as a historical artifact, it offers us insights into the world of ancient Rome, its gods, and its people Starting price: 1500 EUR |  |
Match 4:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 209 | Silver | Auction date: 28 April 2024 |
| Lot number: 65 Price realized: 340 EUR (Approx. 364 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Thessaly. Thessalian League circa 150-100 BC. Metrodoros and Pis..., magistrates Stater AR 22 mm, 6,19 g ΜΗΤΡΟΔΩΡΟΥ, head of Zeus to right, wearing oak wreath / ΘEΣΣA/ΛΩN - Π-ΙΣ, Athena Itonia striding right, hurling spear with her right hand and holding shield on her left arm. Very Fine, Toned BCD Thessaly II 856.5; HGC 4, 208. Starting price: 50 EUR |  |
Match 5:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 187 | Silver | Auction date: 10 December 2023 |
| Lot number: 29 Price realized: 90 EUR (Approx. 97 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Thessaly. Thessalian League circa 150-100 BC. Kephalos and Themisto-, magistrates Stater AR 22 mm, 6,12 g Head of Zeus right, wearing oak wreath / ΘEΣΣAΛΩN / KEΦ-AΛOY / ΘEMIΣTO, Athena Itonia advancing right, holding shield and preparing to hurl spear; star above. Very Fine BCD Thessaly II 882.3; HGC 4, 210. Starting price: 50 EUR |  |
