| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 198 | Silver | Auction date: 25 February 2024 |
| Lot number: 5 Price realized: 1,900 EUR (Approx. 2,054 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Central Europe. Vindelici circa 100-1 BC. "Regenbogenschüsselchen" type Stater AV 21 mm, 5,92 g Triskeles, with a pellet within an annulet at the center and a pellet at the end of each leg, to right within a wreath-like torc with an annulet at each end / Pyramid of eight annulets: five, on the bottom, each enclosing a pellet, and three, forming the top two rows, each enclosing a smaller annulet; all within a wavy torc. Near Mint State Allen & Nash 160. Castelin 1097. De la Tour 9441. Dembski 467-9. Kellner type IX The Regenbogenschüsselchen (Rainbow Cup) coins are a fascinating aspect of ancient numismatics, embodying the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the Vindelici, a Celtic tribe that inhabited the region of what is now Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg in Germany, and parts of Austria, during the late Iron Age. These coins are particularly notable for their distinctive designs and the symbolism they carry, which reflect the beliefs, values, and aesthetic preferences of their creators. The obverse of the Regenbogenschüsselchen features triskeles, a motif consisting of three spirals, radiating from a central point. This symbol is of significant historical and cultural importance, often associated with the movement of the sun and the concept of progress or competition. It is a motif found in various ancient cultures around the Mediterranean and beyond, symbolizing life, dynamism, and the cyclic nature of existence. In the context of the Vindelici coins, the triskeles might have represented strength, unity, or a connection to the divine, reflecting the tribe's worldview and religious beliefs. On the reverse, the coins are adorned with annulets and pellets. Annulets are small ring shapes, and pellets are dot-like marks. These elements might have served multiple purposes, including decorative, symbolic, and practical aspects such as helping to standardize the weight of the coins. The combination of annulets and pellets could symbolize the cosmos, with the annulets representing celestial bodies or eternity, and the pellets symbolizing stars or the abundance of the earth. This imagery suggests that the Vindelici attributed a cosmological significance to their currency, integrating their observations of the natural world and their spiritual beliefs into the design of their coins. The Regenbogenschüsselchen coins are an expression of the Vindelici's artistic capabilities and their interaction with the natural and divine worlds. As artifacts, they provide valuable insights into the social, economic, and religious practices of this ancient Celtic tribe. The use of triskeles and the combination of annulets and pellets on these coins illustrate the complex interplay between symbolism, aesthetics, and utility in ancient numismatic traditions, offering a glimpse into the past where currency was not only a medium of exchange but also a carrier of cultural identity and values. Starting price: 1800 EUR |  |
Match 1:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 203 | Silver | Auction date: 24 March 2024 |
| Lot number: 1 Price realized: 2,000 EUR (Approx. 2,172 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Central Europe. Germania. The Vindelici circa 150-50 BC. Stater AV 17 mm, 7,51 g Wreath formed of two branches with eight leaves going in opposite directions and with a disc at each end / Six pellets within torque with pellet at each end; all within cup-shaped incuse. The Celtic gold stater, known as the "Empty Leaf Type," is a remarkable issue from the ancient world, shedding light on the artistic and cultural practices of the Celtic people. Dating back to the late 2nd to the early 1st century BC, these staters are a testament to the intricate craftsmanship and symbolic significance in Celtic coinage. Originating from the region inhabited by the Vindelici tribe in what is now southern Germany, these gold staters display a unique design. The obverse features a distinctive leaf wreath made of opposing leaves, adorned with small balls at the ends. Intriguingly, the top of the wreath has only four leaves, a detail that may hold symbolic meaning. The center of the wreath is marked by a dot, surrounded by three small triangles, adding to the mystical allure of the design. The reverse of the coin features a torques, a traditional Celtic neck ring, embellished with six balls. This element not only showcases the Celts' renowned metalworking skills but also reflects their cultural identity, as torques were significant status symbols in Celtic society. The "Empty Leaf Type" gold stater is not just a piece of ancient currency; it is an embodiment of the artistic expression and cultural richness of the Celtic civilization. Its rarity and distinctive design make it a valued piece for historians and numismatists alike, offering a glimpse into the mysterious world of the ancient Celts Beautiful Reddish tone, well centred, Near Extremely Fine Flesche 312; Kellner, Manching, type IV Aa; LT 9423; SLM 1081; Cf. Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 228, lot 2; Cf. Leu Numismatik AG, Auction 2, lot 16. Extremely Rare! Only one dozen recorded in the past 3 decades and only very few in good condition. In colloquial language, "Regenbogenschüsselchen" refers to a unique type of Celtic gold and silver coin that was in circulation in a region stretching from what is now Hungary through Austria to southern Germany between roughly 200 BC and the turn of the era. These coins are known for their characteristic bowl-like shape and typically lack any inscriptions. Instead, they feature abstract, symbolic patterns or tangible motifs from Celtic iconography. The name "Regenbogenschüsselchen," which translates to "rainbow bowls," derives from a superstition that these gold pieces fell from the sky as if from a rainbow and landed on the earth. The unique curvature of these coins made them stand out when discovered, especially when the sun was at the observer's back, as their shape allowed them to reflect sunlight back in the direction it came from. This sometimes led people to believe that the coin had fallen from the heavens and was gleaming under a rainbow. These mysterious coins were often uncovered during plowing and were believed to bring luck, possessing even healing properties. This finding context likely inspired the Grimm fairy tale "The Star Money." The Bohemian numismatist Nikolaus Adaukt Voigt used the Podmokl coin hoard discovery in 1771 to characterize these coins as early indigenous pieces, dispelling theories about their foreign origin Starting price: 2000 EUR |  |
Match 2:
| Leu Numismatik AG > Web Auction 28 | Auction date: 9 December 2023 |
| Lot number: 512 Price realized: 260 CHF (Approx. 296 USD / 274 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: LUCANIA. Metapontion. Circa 340-330 BC. Didrachm or Nomos (Silver, 21 mm, 7.61 g, 3 h). Head of Demeter to right, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple pendant earring and simple necklace, and with a light veil at the back of her head. Rev. META Ear of barley with leaf to left; above leaf, mouse; [below leaf, Φ]. HN Italy 1570. Johnston Class A, 8.17. SNG ANS 422. Lightly toned and of attractive late Classical style. Slightly rough and with minor weakness and a small die break on the reverse, otherwise, about very fine. From the Lucien Birkler Collection, ex Münzen & Medaillen GmbH 35, 17 November 2011, 2. Starting price: 75 CHF |  |
Match 3:
| Numismatica Ars Classica > Auction 146 | Auction date: 8 May 2024 |
| Lot number: 2106 Price realized: To Be Posted | |
| Lot description: Syracuse. Double decadrachm or 100 litrae circa 405-400, AV 13 mm, 5.78 g. ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣIΟ Head of the nymph Arethusa l., wearing necklace, bar and triple-pendant earring; hair elaborately waved and caught up behind in saccos ornamented with stars. Behind head, star. Rev. Naked young Heracles kneeling r. on rocky ground, head to front, strangling Nemean lion with both arms; on the strip of ground, barley grain. Rizzo pl. LIII, 11 (these dies). Gillet 701 (these dies). Gulbenkian 325 (these dies). Dewing 926 (these dies). Bérend, Denys I, 38.12 (this coin). Rare. A portrait of superb style struck in high relief. An almost invisible mark on chin, otherwise good extremely fine Ex Ars Classica sale XII, 1926, 932. Before this series, gold coinage in the Western Mediterranean was episodic, and was only issued in times of emergency. Syracuse had traditionally set trends for coinage in Sicily, so it comes as no surprise that it led the way on the issuance of gold. The need for gold coinage in such quantity must have been military, and we can speculate that these coins were used to pay the mercenaries who Dionysios I hired to promote his ambitions. This coinage was probably introduced sometime around 400 B.C. and appears to have been struck in parallel with the silver decadrachms of the Kimon and Euainetos types. Though the precise date of this gold coinage is not known, the best opinions range from c. 406 to c. 390 B.C. as the starting point, and c. 370/65 B.C. as the end. Of particular value in establishing the context of this coinage are the Avola Hoards (ICGH 2122 and 2124) found not far south of Syracuse, which contained examples of this type in superb condition. Since other gold coins were found with them, including Persian darics and Lampsacus staters, these hoards probably were deposited by c. 370 or 360 B.C. Dozens of military actions are spread over the decades of Dionysius' reign, so it is impossible to isolate one that explains the genesis of this series. However, a theory was put forth by Boehringer, who associated these coins with Dionysius' great victory over the besieging Carthaginians in 396 or 395. He suggested that because the Carthaginians were routed at their encampment on the plain at the Anapus river, to the south of Syracuse, it was meaningful that the half-denomination of this series, the gold decadrachm (50-litra), portrays the river-god Anapus. Perhaps fortifying this idea is a report by Diodorus (14.75.1-3) that Dionysius collected 300 talents from the Carthaginian commander Himilco as a term of surrender after the defeat. That influx may have been converted into coinage to pay his troops. It is not clear why the Heracles-and-lion type was introduced with this issue, though it may be emblematic of the Greek struggle against the Carthaginians, with the lion being symbolic of that culture. Estimate: 15000 CHF |  |
Match 4:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 193 | Silver | Auction date: 28 January 2024 |
| Lot number: 265 Price realized: 550 EUR (Approx. 596 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Theodosius II AD 402-450. Constantinople Solidus AV 21 mm, 4,40 g D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG, pearl-diadmed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif in left / VOT XXX MVLT XXXX I, Constantinopolis enthroned left, with left foot on prow, holding globus cruciger in right hand, scepter in left, star to right, CONOB in exergue. Very Fine RIC X 257; Depeyrot 81/1. Theodosius II, known as Flavius Theodosius, was a prominent Roman Emperor who reigned over the Eastern Roman Empire, which would later become the Byzantine Empire, from AD 408 to 450. His ascent to the throne was unique, as he took on the mantle of leadership at the young age of 7 following the death of his father, Emperor Arcadius. Due to his youth, Theodosius II was placed under the guardianship of various regents during the early years of his reign. What sets Theodosius II apart in history is the remarkable length of his rule, spanning over four decades. Throughout his reign, he heavily relied on the counsel and guidance of advisors and regents, especially during his formative years as a ruler. One of his most enduring contributions was the construction of the famous Theodosian Walls that fortified the city of Constantinople, the Byzantine capital. These formidable defenses played a pivotal role in safeguarding the city from numerous external threats, including barbarian invasions. Theodosius II was a devout Christian, and he actively supported the Nicene Creed, an important doctrine of Christian orthodoxy. He also played a significant role in ecclesiastical matters, such as the convocation of the Council of Ephesus in 431, aimed at addressing theological controversies of the time. His reign also saw the initiation of efforts to compile and organize Roman laws, resulting in the creation of the Theodosian Code. This legal code became a vital source of Roman law for both the Eastern and Western Roman Empires, as well as for medieval Europe. In terms of relations with the Western Roman Empire, Theodosius II had a complex connection with his counterpart, Emperor Honorius. The Western Empire was grappling with internal strife and external threats, notably the Visigothic and Vandal invasions. Theodosius II provided limited assistance to Honorius, reflecting the challenges faced by both empires during this period. Theodosius II's reign came to an unfortunate end in 450 AD due to a riding accident. He was succeeded by Marcian, who was married to Theodosius II's sister Pulcheria. Theodosius II's long and relatively stable rule played a crucial role in preserving the Eastern Roman Empire during a time of considerable external pressures and internal complexities. His legacy endures through his significant contributions to law, fortifications, and the Christian tradition of the Byzantine Empire. Starting price: 200 EUR |  |
Match 5:
| Leu Numismatik AG > Auction 15 | Auction date: 1 June 2024 |
| Lot number: 8 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction - Bid on this lot  | |
| Lot description: CALABRIA. Tarentum. Circa 385-380 BC. Didrachm or Nomos (Silver, 20 mm, 7.86 g, 4 h). Nude youth riding horse walking to left, crowning the horse's head with a wreath; below, Λ. Rev. TAPAΣ Youthful oikist, nude, riding dolphin to left, holding kantharos in his outstretched right hand and resting his left on the dolphin's back; below dolphin, Ρ. Fischer-Bossert 457t (this coin, V200/R348). HN Italy 875. SNG ANS 914-5 (same dies). SNG Ashmolean 262 (same dies). Vlasto 414 (same dies). Beautifully toned and of fine classical style. Struck on a slightly short flan and with minor die wear, otherwise, extremely fine. From an American collection, ex Kirk Davis FPL 75, Summer 2020, 2, from the collections of Patrick H. C. Tan, Classical Numismatic Group 84, 5 May 2010, 61 and Dr. R. Maly, LHS 100, 23 April 2007, 49, and ex Sternberg XII, 18 November 1982, 31. Estimate: 750 CHF |  |
