| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 187 | Silver | Auction date: 10 December 2023 |
| Lot number: 31 Price realized: 100 EUR (Approx. 108 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Lokris. Locri Opuntii (Epicnemidii) circa 340-330 BC. Obol AR 10 mm, 0,65 g Amphora with grape bunch and ivy leaf hanging from mouth / Star of twelve rays. Very Fine HGC 4, 977. The amphora, an iconic vessel from ancient Greece, stands as a testament to the practical ingenuity and artistic sensibilities of the ancient Mediterranean world. Its name, derived from the Greek words "amphi" and "pherein" meaning "on both sides" and "to carry," perfectly encapsulates its distinctive design featuring two handles on either side for ease of carrying. Crafted with a tall body, a narrow neck, and a pointed or rounded bottom, the amphora's shape allowed for efficient stacking and storage. Its functionality was enhanced by the presence of two handles, strategically positioned to facilitate lifting and pouring. The elongated neck leading to a relatively narrow mouth served a dual purpose-enabling controlled pouring of liquids and minimizing spillage. Amphorae were versatile containers, utilized for storing and transporting a variety of goods, ranging from liquids like wine and oil to grains. The different types of amphorae catered to specific needs, with variations such as the Panathenaic amphora, which held a distinctive form and was awarded as a prize in the Panathenaic Games. What adds an extra layer of richness to the amphora's legacy is its ornate decoration. Many amphorae were adorned with intricate artistic depictions, portraying scenes from mythology, daily life, or cultural events. These artistic embellishments not only served an aesthetic function but also provided valuable insights into the contents or the purpose of the vessel. Starting price: 50 EUR |  |
Match 1:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 209 | Silver | Auction date: 28 April 2024 |
| Lot number: 143 Price realized: Unsold | |
| Lot description: Pisidia. Selge circa 350-300 BC. Obol AR 10 mm, 0,90 g Facing gorgoneion / Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet; astragalos behind. Very Fine SNG BnF 1932; SNG von Aulock 5278; BMC 8; SNG Ashmolean 1546–50. The astragalos, also known as the knucklebone, is a small bone found in the ankle joint of some mammals, including humans. In ancient times, particularly in Greek and Roman cultures, the astragalos was commonly used as a game piece in various gambling and gaming activities. It was often fashioned into a cube-like shape with four flat sides and two rounded ends. The bone was used similarly to dice in games of chance and skill, where players would throw the astragalos onto a surface and observe the side that landed facing up. Depending on the game being played, the outcome of the throw could determine the winner or affect the progression of the game. Additionally, the astragalos held symbolic significance in ancient societies, representing luck, fortune, and fate due to its association with gambling and games. It was sometimes used in divination practices, where the position of the bone after being cast would be interpreted to predict future events or outcomes. Starting price: 50 EUR |  |
Match 2:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 187 | Silver | Auction date: 10 December 2023 |
| Lot number: 32 Price realized: 50 EUR (Approx. 54 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Phokis. Federal Coinage circa 449-447 BC. Obol AR 10 mm, 0,88 g Φ - O, facing head of bull / Forepart of boar right within incuse square. Very Fine BCD Lokris 246; HGC 4, 1074. Federal coinage is the practice of minting coins that were issued collectively by a group of cities or states, forming a political or regional alliance. These coins were a tangible representation of the unity and cooperation among the participating entities. Such federations were common in ancient Greece, where independent city-states often collaborated for mutual benefits. The reasons for creating federal coinage were multifaceted. First and foremost, it facilitated economic transactions within the alliance, as a standardized currency made trade and commerce more efficient. Additionally, these coins often bore symbols or inscriptions that highlighted the collective identity or shared values of the participating regions.The Federal Coinage of Phocis was a coinage system established during the time of the Delphic Amphictyony. The Amphictyonic League was a religious association of Greek city-states, and Phocis was one of its members. One of the league's most famous activities was the administration and protection of the sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi. Phocis, situated near the influential oracle at Delphi, played a significant role in the religious and political affairs of ancient Greece. The city issued coins as part of the federal coinage system implemented by the Delphic Amphictyony. These coins among others were a means of financing the maintenance and administration of the sanctuary, which included the famed Oracle of Delphi. Starting price: 50 EUR |  |
Match 3:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 193 | Silver | Auction date: 28 January 2024 |
| Lot number: 4 Price realized: 100 EUR (Approx. 108 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Gaul. Massalia circa 410-380 BC. Obol AR 10 mm, 0,83 g MAΣ[ΣAΛIΩTAN], horned head of Lakydon to right / Wheel of four spokes; M in one quarter. Nearly Extremely Fine Chevillon & Lillamand fig. 2c. The silver obols originating from the ancient Greek colony of Massalia, known today as Marseille, and dated between the 5th and 1st centuries BCE, display a consistent design. Initially, they depicted the head of a young man with horns and the name of the local river god Lakydon. However, in later mass productions, these attributes were omitted, leading to their current interpretation as representations of Apollo. On the reverse side, a four-spoked wheel is featured, possibly symbolizing the sun and associated with the god Apollo. Starting price: 50 EUR |  |
Match 4:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 193 | Silver | Auction date: 28 January 2024 |
| Lot number: 86 Price realized: 55 EUR (Approx. 60 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Phoenicia. Arados circa 380-350 BC. Obol AR 10 mm, 0,80 g Laureate head of Ba'al–Arwad right / Galley right over waves. Very Fine HGC 10, 46. Baal Arwad refers to the main god worshipped on the island city-state of Arwad, an ancient Phoenician settlement located off the coast of modern-day Syria. Arwad was one of the most prominent Phoenician city-states and played a significant role in trade and maritime activities in the Mediterranean. The worship of Baal Arwad was a central aspect of the island's religious practices. Baal Arwad was likely a local manifestation or adaptation of the broader deity Baal, who was associated with fertility, agriculture, and the forces of nature in Phoenician culture. The people of Arwad would have emphasized aspects of Baal's power that were relevant to their maritime and island lifestyle. Starting price: 50 EUR |  |
Match 5:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 203 | Silver | Auction date: 24 March 2024 |
| Lot number: 14 Price realized: 500 EUR (Approx. 543 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Sicily. Himera circa 470-450 BC. Litra AR 10 mm, 0,61 g Bearded male head to right, wearing a crested Attic helmet, adorned with an olive sprig on the bowl / Attic helmet to right, adorned with a tendril on the bowl. Attractive, toned and well-struck and centred. Near Extremely Fine. Buceti 43b. HGC 2, 446. SNG Lloyd 1029. The ancient city of Himera, located on the northern coast of Sicily, was one of the significant Greek colonies in the region, founded around 648 BC by settlers from Chalcis in Euboea and Zancle (modern Messina). It was strategically situated at the mouth of the Himera River, serving as a vital link between the Greek world and the indigenous populations of Sicily. Himera played a critical role in the Greek-Punic conflicts, standing as a bulwark against Carthaginian expansion in Sicily. The coinage of Himera, like the one described – a Litra dating from circa 470-450 BC – offers a fascinating glimpse into the art, culture, and political affiliations of the city. The litra, made of silver, reflects the economic prosperity and trade connections of Himera. Its weight and composition align with the broader system of Greek coinage, which facilitated commerce across the Mediterranean. The obverse of the coin features a bearded male head, right-facing, adorned with a crested Attic helmet. This imagery is significant in several ways. The helmet is a symbol of warfare and defense, possibly reflecting Himera's military readiness or its participation in the wider conflicts of the Greek world. The olive sprig on the helmet may symbolize peace or victory, potentially commemorating a specific event or general prosperity. The depiction of the bearded male could represent a god, hero, or local ruler, indicating the city's cultural and religious affiliations. The reverse of the coin depicts an Attic helmet to the right, this time adorned with a tendril. This imagery reinforces the martial theme while also connecting to the agricultural bounty of Sicily, perhaps symbolizing the intertwining of military strength and economic prosperity. Coins like the one from Himera serve multiple purposes beyond mere economic transactions. They are instruments of propaganda, conveying messages about the city's wealth, power, and divine favor. They also act as pieces of portable art, showcasing the skill of Himeran engravers and the aesthetic values of the time. This Litra from Himera is a testament to the city's historical significance, reflecting its economic activity, cultural connections, and political ambitions in the classical period. It encapsulates a moment in time when Himera was an active participant in the complex tapestry of ancient Sicilian history Starting price: 500 EUR |  |
