 |
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA, UNCERTAIN MINT - AR Tetrobol, Khersonessos (?), ca. 450-400 BC
weight 2,22gr. ; silver Ø 11mm.
Milesian standard.
obv. Forepart of bull left
rev. Forepart of bull left within square incuse
We also know examples of this type with the inscriptions X, A and KIM, which probably refer to the mints of these coins. The X could refer to Khersonessos on the Loryma peninsula (Rhodian Khersonessos). This city also used a bull as a symbol, which we also see on its early coinage from the period 500-450 BC. It is not inconceivable that the letter A refers to a mint in the vicinity of Khersonessos, on the Loryma peninsula. The A could then possibly refer to the city of Amos. Where the inscription KIM refers to is as yet unknown. In a slightly modified form we also see this coin type under Hekatomnos, with the text EKA. It is not possible to say with certainty whether these specimens were struck in Mylase or perhaps also in Khersonessos.
The Milesian standard of the city of Miletus was based on a stater of 14.2 g, which could be divided into six hectae of 2.4 g or four drachmae of 3.55 g. One drachma is devided in 6 obols of 0.59g.
SNG Keckman I, - (cf. 916) ; SNG Kayhan I, - (cf. 973)
cf. Troxell 1984, 12(B) ; SNG.Copenhagen - ; SNG.von Aulock- ;
HNO.- (cf. 972) RRR
Attractive toning. Extremely rare.
vf |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA, UNCERTAIN MINT - AR Trihemiobol, circa 430-400 BC
weight 1,32gr. ; silver Ø 11mm.
Minted according to the Aeginetic standard.
obv. Forepart of roaring lion right with paws extended
rev. Local inscription to left of laureate young male head left;
to lower right, symbol, all within square incuse
Of this type we know a stater, a triobol and a trihemiobol (this specimen). The mint location of this series of coins is as yet unknown. However, the high standard of style and manufacture suggests that this is an important city familiar with the manufacture of coins. In all cases they are extremely rare. A few pieces of the stater and triobol are known. This trihemiobol is currently the only known specimen. Unique.
BMC- ; Rosen Collection - ; SNG.Copenhagen- ; McClean- ;
SNG.von Aulock- (cf. 8043 = triobol) ; SNG.Keckman - ;
Troxell 1979, Essays Thompson - (cf. 46 = Triobol) ; SNG.Tübingen- ;
Sammlung Klein - ; cf. Konuk 2007, M37 (unlisted denomination) ;
SNG.Kayhan - ; cf. Robinson 1936, pl. XIV, 15 (= triobol) ;
cf. N.C. 1936, p.271, Pl.XIV, 15 (= triobol) ; cf. W. H. Buckler, 1939,
p.271, E ; Babelon, Traité - ; HNO.1317 (this coin) RRRR
vf |
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA - PERSIAN COINAGE - ARTAXERXES III OCHUS, 358-338 BC - AR Tetradrachm, uncertain mint in Caria, circa 340 BC
weight 15,16gr. ; silver Ø 23mm.
obv. Persian king, wearing kidaris and kandys, in
kneeling-running stance right, drawing bow
rev. Satrap, wearing Persian dress, galloping right on horseback
and thrusting a spear in his raised right hand
Ochus, the youngest legitimate son of Artaxerxes II, was never much appreciated by his father, the Great King of the vast Achaemenid Persian Empire, and was not seriously considered as his successor. He only became designated heir after his eldest brother was executed for plotting against their father. He drove his second oldest brother to suicide, and he orchestrated the murder of his father’s favourite illegitimate son. With all other options gone, Artaxerxes II named Ochus as his successor and died soon thereafter.
When the triumphant Ochus ascended the Achaemenid throne in 358 BC, he took the name of Artaxerxes III and enacted new policies intended to restore a powerful central authority to the Persian Empire after decades of satraps creating virtually independent states for themselves within the territory of the Great King. He immediately demanded that the satraps disband their private mercenary armies, but when he attempted to remove Artabazus from Hellespontine Phrygia in 356 BC, Artaxerxes′ other satraps proved unequal to the task. With the support of Athenian and then Theban commanders, Artabazus inflicted major losses on the loyal satraps until 345 BC, when the Thebans turned on him and the rebel fled to Macedonia.
As part of his plan to restore Achaemenid prestige, in 351 BC Artaxerxes III mounted an invasion of Egypt, a province that had slipped from Persian domination in 404 BC. Unfortunately, this was defeated by the Greek mercenary generals employed by the Egyptian pharaoh Nectanebo II, forcing Artaxerxes III to withdraw. In the aftermath of this defeat, the cities of Cyprus began to throw off Persian authority as did those of Phoenicia under the leadership of Sidon. This resulted in a major show of Persian force in 343 BC, which saw Idriaeus of Caria and an Athenian mercenary fleet reduce Cyprus to submission and a punitive campaign against Sidon led by the Great King himself. Sidon was taken by force and burned to the ground along with its inhabitants while 600 of the leading men were crucified before the hapless city.
Having inflicted this brutal punishment upon Sidon as a warning against future rebellion, Artaxerxes III made a new attempt to restore Persian authority over Egypt. With a grand army of 330,000 Persians and 14,000 Greek mercenaries the Great King forced Nectanebo II to flee to Ethiopia and seized Memphis. The land of the pharaohs was once again a possession of the Achaemenids, but Egypt chafed under restored Persian rule and Artaxerxes’ intolerant religious policies so alienated the Egyptian priesthood that when Alexander the Great arrived a decade later, he was embraced by the Egyptians as a saviour.
Following the conquest of Egypt, Artaxerxes III largely focused on the containment of the growing power of Philip II of Macedon, providing Persian troops and money to support the Thracian dynast Cersobleptes and Perinthus in 340 BC. It is possible that the present coin was struck as part of the efforts to finance opposition to Philip II. Artaxerxes III ultimately failed in this regard and faced the growing possibility of a Macedonian invasion of the Persian Empire until 338 BC, when he was poisoned by his court physician.
Dewing 2715 ; Babelon, Traité 128 (pl.XCI,16-17) ; vgl.Kayhan 1004 ;
Konuk, Influences, Group 1, 1 and pl. XXX, 8 ; Sear - ;
cf. SNG.Copenhagen 290 (Persian Empire) ; A. Meadows, Pixodarus Hoard,
Royal Achaemenid Issues (?) Coin Hoards IX, pl. 30, 1ff. ; Mildenberg,
Münzwesen pp. 26–7 and pl. XIII, 117; Mildenberg, Money supply under
Artaxerxes III Ochus, Studies Price, 84 and pl. 61, 84 ;
Sunrise 73–4 var. (controls on rev.) RR
Very weak strike with worn dies. Very rare and highly interesting historical coin.
f+ |
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA, ALABANDA - AR Drachm, circa 189-75 BC
weight 3,78gr. ; silver 19mm.
obv. Laureate head of Apollo left
rev. Pegasos jumping left Σ (or monogram ?) below
Alabanda or Antiochia of the Chrysaorians was an ancient city of Caria. The city is located in the saddle between two heights. The area is noted for its dark marble and for gemstones that resembled garnets. The city was founded by a Carian hero Alabandus. In the Carian language, the name is a combination of the words for horse ala and victory banda. In the early Seleucid period, the city was part of the Chrysaorian League, a loose federation of nearby cities linked by economic and defensive ties and, perhaps, by ethnic ties. The city was renamed Antiochia of the Chrysaorians in honor of Seleucid king Antiochus III who preserved the city′s peace. It was captured by Philip V of Macedon in 201 BC. The name reverted to Alabanda after the Seleucid defeat at the Battle of Magnesia in 190 BC. The Romans occupied the city shortly thereafter. In 40 BC, the rebel Quintus Labienus at the head of a Parthian army took the city. After Labienus′s garrison was slaughtered by the city′s inhabitants, the Parthian army stripped the city of its treasures. Under the Roman Empire, the city became a conventus (Pliny, V, xxix, 105) and Strabo reports on its reputation for high-living and decadence. The city minted its own coins down to the mid-third century. During the Byzantine Empire, the city was a created a bishopric.
BMC- ; SNG.Copenhagen- ;,SNG.von Aulock- ;
Weber collection- ; McClean- RR
obverse off-centre strike
f/vf |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA - BARGYLIA - AR Hemidrachme, 2nd/1st eeuw BC
weight 2,19gr. ; silver Ø 14mm.
obv. Veiled bust of Artemis Kindyas right
rev. Stag standing right, rose below, BAPΓY on right , ΛIHTΩN on left
The ancient city of Bargylia, on the coast of Caria, was said to have been founded by Bellerophon in honour of his companion Bargylos who had been killed by a kick from the winged horse Pegasus. Near Bargylia was the Temple of Artemis Cindyas. Strabo reports the local belief that rain would fall around the temple but never touch it. Artemis Cindyas and Pegasus appear on coinage of Bargylia. In 201/200 BC during the Cretan War King Philip V of Macedon wintered his fleet in Bargylia when he was blockaded by the Pergamene and Rhodian fleets. Protarchus the Epicurean philosopher, the mentor of Demetrius Lacon, was a native of Bargylia. Ruins still reminds us to the once flourishing harbour city of Bargylia.
BMC- ; SNG.Copenhagen- ; SNG.von Aulock 8074 ; SNG.Keckman 22 ;
Sammlung Klein- ; Sammlung Karl 104 ; SNG.Turkey I,752 ; Weber- ;
cf. Sear 4810 RR
Very rare coin in a superb quality.
xf-/xf |
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA, EUROMOS - AR Hemiobol, circa 450-400 BC
weight 0,49gr. ; silver Ø 8mm.
obv: Forepart of a boar right.
rev: Head of Zeus Lepsynos right, Λ behind
The city Euromos, located in the region known as Caria, was known from the 5th century BC as Cyramos (Hyramos). During the reign of King Maussollos of Halicarnassus (the 4th century BC) the city was subordinated to Milas and lost its independence. At the same time, its name was changed to Euromos (meaning ′Strong′), which resulted from the program of Caria Hellenization implemented by Maussollos. In Roman times, Euromos was granted the status of an autonomous city, but soon afterward it was completely abandoned. The most probable reason was the Antonine Plague that broke out in the western part of Asia Minor in 166 AD. The scholars suspect it to have been either smallpox or measles. In subsequent years, an epidemic spread throughout the entire territory of the Roman Empire, and within 20 years decimated its population. Euromos ruins, located just off the Söke-Milas road, has one of the best preserved ancient temples in Asia Minor, the ancient temple of Zeus Lepsynos.
Klein 819 ; Ashton & Kinns ″Opuscula Anatolica: II″ in NC 2003 p34, 13 ;
Demeester 128 ; SNG Kayhan 754 ; cf. SNG.von Aulock 2521 ;
cf.Aufhäuser Auktion 9, lot.159 RR
Minor traces of oxidation.
vf- |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA, STRATONIKEIA - EUMENES, magistrate - AR Reduced Drachm, ca. 30 BC - 10 AD
weight 1,55gr. ; silver Ø 15mm.
reduced Rhodian Plinthophoric standard
obv. Laureate head of Hekate right, wearing kalathos
with crescent, above, EYME - NHC
rev. Nikè advancing right, holding wreath in right hand and palm
over left shoulder; C - T, P - A across field, all within shallow incuse
In the Hellenistic period Stratonikea had produced a large silver coinage of plinthophori. This coinage ended circa 88 BC and was replaced by much rarer silver, which was accompanied by a bronze coinage. In the early imperial period, Stratonikeia seems to have made only silver coins, all excessively rare. This drachme was probably minted during the reign of Augustus, with the shallow incuse fabric as was the case with the plinthophoric coinage and Lycean Leagae silver. Extremely rare.
BMC - ; SNG.Copenhagen - ; McClean- ; Sear - ; Kayhan I - ;
SNG. von Aulock - ; HNO - ; Imhoof-Blumer 153, no. 7 ;
Winterthur 3531 (= specimen Imhoof-Blumer) ; RPC 2776 (1 specimen listed) ;
SNG.Keckman - ; Slg. Klein - ; Weber collection - ; SNG. Tübingen- RRRR
Attractive specimen with appealing tone.
vf-/vf |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA, KASOLABA - AR Hemiobol, circa 410-390 BC
weight 0,47 ; silver Ø 7mm.
obv. Head of ram right
rev. Young male head left, A lower left, Carian letter lower right
This coin type has long been attributed to Salamis and Halikarnassos. Reported finds however are mainly from the area which falls between Halikarnassos and Mylasa, so Halikarnassos seemed to be more likely as mint for this cointype. Modern studies, based on the inscription on the coin, do not support attribution to Halikarnossos longer. The coin has a Carian ethnic beginning with ″azo″. By studying the Athenian Tribute Lists, which mentions the city of Kasolaba, and the recently discovered inscription from Sekköy (north of Keramos), experts convincingly demonstrates that the city of Kasolaba ought to be located between Halikarnassos and Mylasa. Although its exact location still is uncertain. The legend on this coin “azo”shows a remarkable similarity to the Greek ethnic of Kasolaba. Another city in this area with a similar beginning, Kassossos, has also be considered, but its inland situation makes this city less likely as possible mint. Early coinages were usually issued by coastal cities. An ancient settlement near the village of Kemer is a suitable candidate as location of the ancient city of Kasobala.
SNG.von Aulock- ; cf. BMC 43(Salamis) ; cf. SNG.Copenhagen 39(Salamis) ;
Troxell page 253,9B ; Sear- ; Essays in Honour of Ioannis Touratsoglou, may 2009,
K.Konuk, Kasolaba, a New Mint in Karia ? , no.8
Small silver coin of fine classical style.
vf/xf |
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA, KAUNOS - AR Stater, circa 450-430 BC
weight 11,74gr. ; silver Ø 21mm.
Aeginetic standard
obv. Winged female figure (Isis) in kneeling-running stance left,
head turned right, holding kerykeion in right hand and wreath in left
rev. Conical triangular baetyl with small handles on apex flanked by
granulated protuberances (stylized birds ?), all within shallow square incuse.
The oldest find at the Kaunos archeological site is the neck of a Protogeometric amphora dating back to the 9th century BC, or even earlier. A statue found at the western gate of the city walls, pieces of imported Attic ceramics and the S-SE oriented city walls show habitation in the 6th century BC. However, none of the architectural finds at Kaunos itself dates back to earlier than the 4th century BC. Kaunos was an important sea port. Kaunos is first referred to by Herodotus in his book Histories. He narrates that the Persian general Harpagus marches against the Lycians, Carians and Kaunians during the Persian invasion of 546 BCE. Herodotus writes that the Kaunians fiercely countered Harpagus′ attacks but were ultimately defeated. Despite the fact that the Kaunians themselves said they originated from Crete, Herodotus doubted this. He thought it was far more likely that the Kaunians were the original inhabitants of the area because of the similarity between his own Carian language and that of the Kaunians. He added that there were, however, great differences between the lifestyles of the Kaunians and those of their neighbours, the Carians and Lycians. One of the most conspicuous differences being their social drinking behaviour. It was common practice that the villagers -men, women and children alike- had get-togethers over a good glass of wine. Herodotus mentions that Kaunos participated in the Ionian Revolt (499–494 BC). The remains of Kaunos are now located about 8 km from the coast, a few km west of the modern town of Dalyan.
Baetyl (also Baetylos, Bethel, or Betyl, from Semitic bet el "house of god") are sacred stones that were supposedly endowed with life. According to ancient sources, these objects of worship were meteorites, which were dedicated to the gods or revered as symbols of the gods themselves. The most famous baetyl in the ancient Greek World was ths Omphalos ″navel of the earth″ at Delphi, which was considered to be the center of the world.
BMC pag.96, 6 (Cilicia, Mallos) ; Konuk 1998a, period III, 88 ;
SNG.Copenhagen- ; SNG.von Aulock 2348 ; McClean- ;
Historia Numorum Online, 787 ; SNG Delepierre, 2784 ;
SNG Ashmolean XI, 37 ; SNG Keckman 823 ; Sear - R
A few minor scatches and some flatness on the obverse,
otherwise attractive specimen. Rare.
vf |
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA, KAUNOS - AR Stater, circa 410-390 BC
weight 11,60gr. ; silver Ø 20mm.
Aeginetic standard
obv. Winged female figure (Isis) in kneeling-running stance left,
head turned right, holding kerykeion in right hand and wreath in left
rev. Conical triangular baetyl flanked by inverted Δ and Γ
across upper field; all within incuse square.
The oldest find at the Kaunos archeological site is the neck of a Protogeometric amphora dating back to the 9th century BC, or even earlier. A statue found at the western gate of the city walls, pieces of imported Attic ceramics and the S-SE oriented city walls show habitation in the 6th century BC. However, none of the architectural finds at Kaunos itself dates back to earlier than the 4th century BC. Kaunos was an important sea port. Kaunos is first referred to by Herodotus in his book Histories. He narrates that the Persian general Harpagus marches against the Lycians, Carians and Kaunians during the Persian invasion of 546 BC. Herodotus writes that the Kaunians fiercely countered Harpagus′ attacks but were ultimately defeated. Despite the fact that the Kaunians themselves said they originated from Crete, Herodotus doubted this. He thought it was far more likely that the Kaunians were the original inhabitants of the area because of the similarity between his own Carian language and that of the Kaunians. He added that there were, however, great differences between the lifestyles of the Kaunians and those of their neighbours, the Carians and Lycians. One of the most conspicuous differences being their social drinking behaviour. It was common practice that the villagers -men, women and children alike- had get-togethers over a good glass of wine. Herodotus mentions that Kaunos participated in the Ionian Revolt (499–494 BC). The remains of Kaunos are now located about 8 km from the coast, a few km west of the modern town of Dalyan.
Baetyl (also Baetylos, Bethel, or Betyl, from Semitic bet el "house of god") are sacred stones that were supposedly endowed with life. According to ancient sources, these objects of worship were meteorites, which were dedicated to the gods or revered as symbols of the gods themselves. The most famous baetyl in the ancient Greek World was ths Omphalos ″navel of the earth″ at Delphi, which was considered to be the center of the world.
BMC pag.97, 9 (Cilicia, Mallos) ; SNG.Copenhagen- ;
SNG.von Aulock 2349 ; Boston MFA 2109 ; SNG.Tübingen- ;
SNG Keckman 826 var. (pellet on rev.) ; Karl 200 var. (pellet on rev.) ;
cf. Jameson 1601 ; SNG.München- ; Troxell, Essays Thompson,
p. 260, 28, pl. 31 ; cf. Konuk, Studies Price, 100-103 ;
McClean 9066 (Cilicia, Mallos) ; Sear- R
vf |
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA, KAUNOS - AE 10, circa 350-300 BC
weight 1,21gr. ; bronze Ø 10mm.
obv. Forepart of bull right
rev. Sphinx seated right, K - A across fields
The oldest find at the Kaunos archeological site is the neck of a Protogeometric amphora dating back to the 9th century BC, or even earlier. A statue found at the western gate of the city walls, pieces of imported Attic ceramics and the S-SE oriented city walls show habitation in the 6th century BC. However, none of the architectural finds at Kaunos itself dates back to earlier than the 4th century BC. Kaunos was an important sea port. Kaunos is first referred to by Herodotus in his book Histories. He narrates that the Persian general Harpagus marches against the Lycians, Carians and Kaunians during the Persian invasion of 546 BC. Herodotus writes that the Kaunians fiercely countered Harpagus′ attacks but were ultimately defeated. Despite the fact that the Kaunians themselves said they originated from Crete, Herodotus doubted this. He thought it was far more likely that the Kaunians were the original inhabitants of the area because of the similarity between his own Carian language and that of the Kaunians. He added that there were, however, great differences between the lifestyles of the Kaunians and those of their neighbours, the Carians and Lycians. One of the most conspicuous differences being their social drinking behaviour. It was common practice that the villagers -men, women and children alike- had get-togethers over a good glass of wine. Herodotus mentions that Kaunos participated in the Ionian Revolt (499–494 BC). The remains of Kaunos are now located about 8 km from the coast, a few km west of the modern town of Dalyan.
BMC 1 ; SNG.Copenhagen 180 ; SNG.von Aulock 2563 ;
SNG.Tübingen - ; Weber collection - ; SNG.Keckman 69 ;
McClean- ; SNG. Kayhan- ; Lindgren collection - ; Sear 4820 S
scarce coin type
vf- |
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA, KAUNOS - AE Chalkous, circa 350-300 BC
weight 1,58gr. ; bronze Ø 12mm.
obv. Bull butting right
rev. Sphinx seated right, K - A in field
The oldest find at the Kaunos archeological site is the neck of a Protogeometric amphora dating back to the 9th century BC, or even earlier. A statue found at the western gate of the city walls, pieces of imported Attic ceramics and the S-SE oriented city walls show habitation in the 6th century BC. However, none of the architectural finds at Kaunos itself dates back to earlier than the 4th century BC. Kaunos was an important sea port. Kaunos is first referred to by Herodotus in his book Histories. He narrates that the Persian general Harpagus marches against the Lycians, Carians and Kaunians during the Persian invasion of 546 BC. Herodotus writes that the Kaunians fiercely countered Harpagus′ attacks but were ultimately defeated. Despite the fact that the Kaunians themselves said they originated from Crete, Herodotus doubted this. He thought it was far more likely that the Kaunians were the original inhabitants of the area because of the similarity between his own Carian language and that of the Kaunians. He added that there were, however, great differences between the lifestyles of the Kaunians and those of their neighbours, the Carians and Lycians. One of the most conspicuous differences being their social drinking behaviour. It was common practice that the villagers -men, women and children alike- had get-togethers over a good glass of wine. Herodotus mentions that Kaunos participated in the Ionian Revolt (499–494 BC). The remains of Kaunos are now located about 8 km from the coast, a few km west of the modern town of Dalyan.
BMC 3-6 ; SNG.Copenhagen 182 ; SNG.von Aulock 2564 ;
SNG.Tübingen 3407 ; Weber collection 6452 ; SNG.Keckman 70-74 ;
McClean- ; cf. Lindgren collection 627 ; Konuk, plate 50, B ; HNO.280
attractive specimen with dark patina
vf+ |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA, KINDYA - AR Tetrobol, circa 510-490 BC
weight 1,99gr. ; silver Ø 12mm.
Milesian standard
obv. Head of Ketos left with gaping mouth
rev. Incuse geomatric pattern
On the obverse of these Greek tetrobols from the ancient city of Kindya in Caria is the head of a sea monster known as a Ketos with its tongue protruding. On the other side is a geometric pattern within an incuse square.
In Greek mythology, both Perseus and Herakles killed a Ketos (Latin cetus). When Kassiopeia boasted that her daughter Andromeda was more beautiful than the Nereids, this invoked the wrath of Poseidon who sent the sea monster Ketos to attack Æthiopia. Upon consulting a wise oracle, Kepheus and Kassiopeia were told to sacrifice Andromeda to Ketos. They had Andromeda chained to a rock near the ocean so that Ketus could devour her. Perseus found Andromeda chained to the rock and learned of her plight. When Ketos emerged from the ocean to devour Andromeda, Perseus managed to slay it. In one version, Perseus drove his sword into Ketos′ back. In another version, Perseus used Medusa′s severed head to turn Ketos to stone.
SNG.Kayhan 812 ; Rosen Collection 617 ; Asyut Hoard 687 ;
Historia Numorum Online 213 (Halikarnassos) ; Keckman 920 ;
SNG.Ashmolean 295-315 ; Sear- ; Ashton/Konuk 2 ;
SNG.Copenhagen 356 ; SNG.von Aulock 2340 ;
Kagan/Kritt ″the coinage of Kindya″, NC 1995, 103
Very remarkable cointype in an wonderful condition.
vf |
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA, KHERSONESSOS - AR Drachm, circa 480-450 BC
weight 5,88gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.
Aeginetic standard
obv: Head of roaring lion right with paw extended
rev: Facing head of bull, +ΕΡ to left, branch to right, in square incuse
Khersonesos (also Kherronesos), was a town of ancient Caria. Khersonesos is Greek for ′peninsula′ and several ancient Greek cities used the name. It was a member of the Delian League since it appears in tribute records of Athens between 452/1 and 428/7 BC, paying a phoros of two to three talents. It is also mentioned in a tribute decree of Athens dated to 425/4 BC. We also know that this Carian Khersonessos was the donor of the votive gift in Olympia. That suggests an independent city of prestige. Coins are preserved that have been dated around 500/450 BC, bearing the legend «ΧΕΡ»., which are attributed to Khersonessos (Kherronesos). Its site is unlocated.
The location of Carian Khersonessos, which was responsible for this coinage, has not yet provided a clear picture to historians. The fact that there probably were two cities of that name in Caria also plays a complicating role; one on the Knidian Peninsula and one on the Loryma Peninsula.
Possibly the Cnidian Khersonessos was a settlement that was located not far from early (Archaic) Knidos on the eastern slope of Cape Krio and was therefore highly dependent on Knidos. However, we are looking for a more autonomous city, which also had its own currency. This brings Khersonessos into the picture, which is mentioned in texts together with the island of Syme. An island that is approximately 20 km. was located offshore of the Loryma Peninsula.
The currently most likely location of the Khersonessos, which was responsible for this coinage, is on the Loryma Peninsula. A Doric settlement not affiliated with the Hexapolis, but in the late 6th and 5th centuries BC. a city of some significance. In a slightly later time the Loryma peninsula was also known as Rhodian Khersonessos. With a lion depicted on the obverse of her coins, Khersonesos probably sought connection with the coinage of Knidos. Her own distinctive symbol was a bull. We see a bull′s head or front part of a bull depicted on all her coins.
BMC - (cf. 2) ; Sear- (cf. 3547) ; SNG.Kopenhagen- (cf. 190) ;
SNG.Keckman- (cf. 29-30) ; SNG.Kayhan - ; SNG.Tübingen- ;
SNG. von Aulock (cf. 8077) ; Rosen collection 627 ; Cahn X, 18 RRR
Very attractive specimen. Extremely rare.
vf/xf |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA, OLD KNIDOS - AR Drachme, 490-465 BC
weight 5,87gr. ; silver Ø 16mm.
Aeginetic standard
obv. Forepart of lion right with gaping mouth
rev. Archaic portrait of Aphrodite facing right, with long hair falling
down behind tied up with cord, wearing necklace of beads,
all within incuse square
The first references to Knidos in the historical record would seem to place the foundation of the city, probably by Doric Greeks from Laconia or Megara in the Greek mainland, in the 8th or 7th century BC as a Greek colony on the coast of Caria. Early on, Knidos was allied with five other Doric cities in the islands and mainland of the region, forming the so-called Doric Hexapolis. The city appears to have achieved great wealth and major creativity already in the 6th century, by the middle of which it donated a treasury at the sanctuary of Apollo in Delphi. This building, designed to hold offerings to the deity, was revolutionary in many regards: it was the first such structure built at Delphi, and one of the first full marble structures in Greece, but moreover, it was the first building in mainland Greece to use caryatids instead of columns for its porch. To the Greek visitor of ca. 550 BC, the sight of the Knidian Treasury must have been astonishing, exotic, innovative and luxurious, and there can be little doubt that this was its creators′ intention, a reflection of how they saw their city and its place within the Greek World. We shall return to this theme of innovation, as the Knidians themselves did, later on. Around the same time, Knidos fell to the Persian empire. From 478 BC, i.e. immediately after the Second Persian War, it was part of the Attic-Delian League, the great naval alliance headed by Athens, but defected to the Spartan side in 412 BC. Also in the 5th century, the city donated another famous structure at Delphi, the so-called Lesche of the Knidians, lavishly decorated with frescos by Polygnotos, the greatest painter of that era, which were described in detail by the travel writer Pausanias some 600 years later. Unfortunately, that early Knidos of the Archaic and Classical periods remains a bit of a mystery, as we are not quite sure where it was located, although it is usually assumed to have been in the vicinity of the Datça peninsula, 30km (18mi) east of the present site of modern Ketir. At the place now known and visited as Knidos, full urban activity appears to have begun only to the 4th century BC, older material being scant. So, what seems to have happened is that the Knidians, and perhaps some of their neighbours, decided to abandon their original settlement(s) and refound their polity as a planned city in a highly strategic location. It is also possible that originally, Knidos was a state entity with multiple centres, in which case the refoundation represents an act of centralisation or synoikismos, a phenomenon observed in the same time-frame elsewhere in the region (e.g. on Rhodes and Kos). The site of "New Knidos" thrived in the succeeding centuries, first as a Hellenistic, then a Roman and eventually Byzantine city, to be abandoned around the 8th century AD. Many remains of "New Knidos" survived time, among which the agora, the theatre, an odeum, a temple of Dionysus, a temple of the Muses, a temple of Aphrodite and a great number of minor buildings have been identified, and the general plan of the city has been very clearly made out. The most famous statue by Praxiteles, the Aphrodite of Knidos, was made for Knidos. It has perished, but late copies exist.
cf. NAC Auction 146, Lot 2224 (xf- : SFR 8.500 + 22%)
BMC 17 ; SNG.Copenhagen 235 ; cf. SNG.von Aulock 2597 ;
cf. SNG.Kayhan 816 ; cf. SNG.Tübingen 3419 ; cf. Weber collection 6467 ;
cf. McClean 8471 ; cf. Babelon, Traité 1622 (Pl.CXLV,13) ;
cf. SNG.Keckman 132-133 ; Cahn serie III, no.64 ; SNG.Delepierre 2709 ;
HNO.301 ; cf. Jameson II, 2300 ; cf. Gillet 1141 R
A portrait of lovely style and with attractive tone. Rare.
vf+/vf |
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA, NEW KNIDOS - KLEOKRATES, magistrate - AR Tetradrachm, circa 395-380 BC
weight 14,47gr. ; silver Ø 26mm.
Rhodian standard
obv. Head of Aphrodite left, hair in ampyx and sphendone,
wearing earpendant en necklace of beads, K before neck,
behind neck, prow left with NI below
rev. Forepart of lion left, ΚΛΕΟΚΡΑΤΗΣ below,
within incuse square
Strategically located at the southwestern edge of modern-day Turkey, this city-state of ancient Greece was renowned for its immense beauty and cultural advancement. Flourishing primarily during the Classical and Hellenistic periods, Knidos held an esteemed place within the Dorian Hexapolis, a federation of six cities. A masterstroke of ancient town planning, it was a two-harbored city, brilliantly exploiting its peninsular location for maritime trade and naval power. A leading center of arts, sciences, and architecture, Knidos was a stomping ground for the erudite; it was home to the astronomer, mathematician, and geographer Eudoxus. As a daring testament to the liberal ethos of the Knidians, the city was also famous for housing Praxiteles′ statue of Aphrodite, the first representation of a nude female figure in the history of ancient Greek sculpture.
Initially, the coinage of Knidos was based on the Aegean and Milesian standard. This changed around 400 BC, when the Rhodian standard was adopted. This most likely coincided with the abandonment of the old Knidos and the founding of the new Knidos. At the same time adopted a contempory fashion observable elsewhere (e.g. at Syracuse), reverses their position on the coin; the head of Aphrodite becomes the obverse, and the head of the lion the reverse. The Knidian tetradrachms from the early 4th century BC are generally of a high artistic quality and can, in that respect, compete with Syracusan coins from that period. It is also conceivable that die-cutters from Syracuse were active in Knidos. This tetradrachm can certainly be considered one of the most beautiful from that period. It is one of the few specimens known with this magistrate. Extremely rare.
cf. Heritage, sale 8 Januari 2024, Lot 31025 (in xf USD 31.000 + 20%)
(A samelike tetradrachme of the more common magistrate Eudoros)
BMC- ; SNG.Tübingen- ; SNG.Copenhagen - ; McClean - ;
SNG.von Aulock- ; McDonald, Hunterian collection - ;
SNG.Delepierre -; Sear- (cf. 4839-4840) ; SNG.Keckman - ;
SNG.Kayhan- ; Weber collection- ; Jameson - ; Gulbenkian - ;
Babelon, Traité - ; Hecatomnus, 32-34, 4b (A4/P3) RRR
vf/xf |
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA, NEW KNIDOS - PAN(…), magistrate - AE Chalkous, ca.375-340 BC
weight 1,09gr. ; bronze Ø 9mm.
obv. Head of Aphrodite right, hair rolled and in sphendone
rev. Prow right, below, KNI, above ΠAN
The first minting of bronze coins from Knidos is limited to two main types;
an obverse with the portrait of Aphrodite or with the portrait of Apollo. They are small bronze coins of approximately 11mm. with a prow on the reverse side. These coins were minted over a long period of time, from approximately 375 BC to approximately 200 BC, and therefore have numerous variations.
BMC- (cf. 55-62) ; SNG.Tübingen- ; SNG.Copenhagen- ;
SNG.von Aulock- ; SNG.Keckman I, 173 ; Weber collection- ;
Lindgren collection- ; cf. Sear 4855 ; HNO 703 RR
Very rare.
vf-/vf |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA - MYLASA - AR Double siglos or Stater, circa 520-490 BC
weight 11,04gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.
Persic standard
obv. Forepart of lion left with one extended foreleg and little horn (?) on forehead
rev. Incuse square, devided in two parts, with rough pattern
The name Mylasa, with the old Anatolian ending in -asa is evidence of very early foundation. Mylasa (Milas, Turkey today) earliest historical mention is at the beginning of the 7th century BC, when a Carian leader from Mylasa by name Arselis is recorded to have helped Gyges of Lydia in his contest for the Lydian throne. The same episode is at the origin of the accounts surrounding the beginning of the cult for and the erection of the statue of Labraundean Zeus in the neighboring sanctuary of Labraunda, held sacred by peoples across western Anatolia, with the statue holding the labrys brought over by Arselis from Lydia. Labraundean Zeus (sometimes also named "Zeus Stratios") was one of the three deities proper to Mylasa, all named Zeus but each bearing indigenous characteristics. Of these, the cult of Zeus Carius (Carian Zeus) was also notable in being exclusively reserved, aside from the Carians, to their Lydian and Mysian kinsmen. One of the finest temples was also the one dedicated to Zeus Osogoa (originally, just Osogoa), traceable to times when the Carians had been a maritime folk and which recalled to Pausanias the Acropolis of Athens.
Under Achaemenid rule Mylasa was the chief city of Caria. A ruler (satrap) appointed by the Persian king, ruled the city in varying degrees of allegiance to the king. The first dynasty of rulers under the Achaemenid Empire was the Lygdamid dynasty (520-450 BC). Between 460-450 BC, Mylasa was a regionally prominent member of the Delian League, like most Carian cities, but the Persian rule was restored towards the end of the same century (ca.405-400 BC).
The Hekatomnids, the dynasty founded by Hekatomnos, were officially satraps of the Persian Empire but Greek in language and culture, as their inscriptions and coins witness. Mylasa was their capital and the mausoleum of Hekatomnos still be seen today which served as an architectural precedent from which the later mausolea of the dynasty developed. During the long and striking reign of Maussollos, they became virtual rulers of Caria and of a sizable surrounding region between 377-352 BC. During Maussollos′ reign the capital was moved to Halikarnassos, but Mylasa retained its importance. Maussollos was the builder of the famous Ancient Wonder of the World, the Mausoleum at Halikarnassos.
In the Hellenistic era, the city was contested by Alexander′s successors. In 314 BC bronze coins were minted by Eupolemos, general of King Kassander, during his military campaigns. It enjoyed a season of brilliant prosperity, and the three neighbouring towns of Euromus, Olymos and Labranda were included within its limits. Mylasa is frequently mentioned by ancient writers. At the time of Strabo (the first century BC), the city boasted two remarkable orators, Euthydemos and Hybreas. In 40 BC Mylasa suffered great damage when it was taken by Labienus in the Roman Civil War, but again regained prosperity under Roman rule.
cf. Künker Auktion 416, Lot 1243 (in vf € 8.125,00 incl. commission)
Sear 3575var. ; cf. SNG.von Aulock 2337 (Caria, incerti) ;
cf. Weber collection 6448 (Kaunos) ; cf. McClean 8465 (Kaunos) ;
SNG.Copenhagen 179var. (Kaunos) ; SNG. Keckman 64var. (Kaunos) ;
SNG.Tübingen- ; SNG.Delepierre- ; cf. Rosen collection 611 (Caria, incerti) ;
cf. Mitchiner ATAEC 587 (Knidos) ; cf. Konuk, Coin M1 ; Karl 166var. ;
SNG.Kayhan- ; cf. Kraay plate 5, no.100 ; HNO.210var. RR
Attractive tone. Very rare
vf
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA - MYLASA - AR 1/24 Stater (1/6 Drachm) or obol, circa 450-400 BC
weight 0,54gr. ; silver Ø 8mm.
Milesian standard
obv. Forepart of lion facing
rev. Scorpion within square incuse
This cointype is over the years attributed to various mints in Ionia and Caria. The scorpion has the same form as on slightly earlier electrum fractions of Ephesos. The style of ″facing lion′s forepart″ occurs on fractional coins minted by the Carian satrap Hekatomnos. Based on find data and recent studies, it is now assumed that Mylasa in Caria is the most likely mint fort his cointype.
The Milesian standard of the city of Miletus was based on a stater of 14.2 g,
which could be divided into six hectae of 2.4 g or four drachmae of 3.55 g.
SNG.von Aulock 1817 (Ionia, incerti) ; SNG.Tübingen 2998 (Miletos) ;
Rosen Collection 403 (Asia Minor, incerti) ; SNG Kayhan II, 1655 ;
SNG.Keckman 917 (Caria, incerti) ; SNG.Kayhan I 934-938 (Caria, incerti) ;
Brindley (2003), 72 ; Mitchiner ATAEC 566 (Samos) ; Sear- ; HNO 973
vf-/vf |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA - MYLASA - AR 1/48 Stater or hemiobol, circa 450-400 BC
weight 0,27gr. ; silver Ø 6mm.
Milesian standard
obv. Forepart of roaring lion right; head looking backwards
rev. Bird standing right; pellet on top left and bottom right corners;
all within square incuse
This cointype is over the years attributed to various mints in Ionia and Caria but mostly to Miletos. Based on find data and recent studies, it is now assumed that Mylasa in Caria is the most likely mint for this coin type.
The Milesian standard of the city of Miletus was based on a stater of 14.2 g, which could be divided into six hectae of 2.4 g or four drachmae of 3.55 g. One drachma = 6 oboles. One obol = 4 tetartemoria. This cointype usually is described as tetartemorion. Based on the Milesian standard, a tetartemorion would be approximately 0.148 g. have to weigh. Because specimens of this type generally weigh between 0.17 and 0.30 grams, they are clearly too heavy for a tetartemorion. I therefore consider it more likely that these are hemioboles. The official weight is approximately 0.296 g. Practice shows that the small denominations are often clearly lighter than the official prescribed weight. This is partly due to the fact that these are often found specimens that have been in the ground for a long time and of course as a result of wear and tear due to circulation. Maybe the two pellets refer to the value of the coin; 2 tetartemoria.
BMC- ; SNG.von Aulock 1818var. ; Rosen Collection 407var. ;
SNG.Tübingen 3006 ; SNG.Kayhan 944 (Caria,Mylasa) ;
Slg.Klein 432var. ; SNG Kayhan II, 1657 ; SNG.Berry 1046var. ;
SNG.Keckman I, 922-923var. ; Pfeiler 1966, p.13 and 20 ;
Demeester 119var. ; Mitchiner ATAEC 511 ; HNO.1996 R
f/vf |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA, MYLASA - HYSSALDOMOS, dynast of Mylasa, ca.420-395 BC - AR Obol
weight 0,43gr. ; silver Ø 8mm.
Milesian standard
obv. Forepart of roaring lion right, head turned back with
linear outline of its back between jaws; below, reversed foreleg
rev. Facing head of a lion with its forelegs on either side,
below, Ψ (off flan), all within round incuse
Mylasa, the ancestral seat of the dynasty of the Hekatomnids, has been a fairly active mint prior to Hekatomnos′ rule (ca.395-377 BC) and struck large numbers of small silver denominations. Formerly these small silver coins were usually attributed to the reign of Hekatomnos, but more recent studies by Koray Konuk suggest that attribution to Hekatomnos′ father Hyssaldomos is more likely. Apart from his name and paternity to Hekatomnos and his sister Aba, we know nothing about Hyssaldomos. Numismatic evidence would support a possible rule of Hyssaldomos, or predecessor, but not as satrap but as dynast of Mylasa.
The Milesian standard of the city of Miletus was based on a stater of 14.2 gr,
which could be divided into six hectae of 2.4 gr. or four drachmae of 3.55 gr.
In the reference literature this cointype is often described as hemiobol. As the weight of this cointype usually varies between 0.40 and 0.60 gr. it is far too heavy for a hemiobol. After all, according to the Milesian standard, a hemiobol (1/12 Drachma) should weigh circa 0.29 gr. For this reason I prefer to describe this coin type as obol, although the weight is usually somewhat lower than the official weight of 0.59 grams.
Rosen collection- ; SNG.Copenhagen- ; SNG.von Aulock 1819 ;
Troxell, page 250, 1B ; Mitchiner ATAEC 1990-1991 ; HNO 46 ;
Konuk 2009, Type 1.3 R
slightly off-centre strike
vf/xf |
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA, MYLASA - HYSSALDOMOS, dynast of Mylasa, ca.420-395 BC - AR Hemiobol, Mylasa
weight 0,21gr. ; silver Ø 6mm.
Milesian standard
obv. Forepart of roaring lion right, head turned back with
linear outline of its back between jaws; below, reversed foreleg
rev. Male head (Apollo ?) facing, turned slightly left
Mylasa, the ancestral seat of the dynasty of the Hekatomnids, has been a fairly active mint prior to Hekatomnos′ rule (ca.395-377 BC) and struck large numbers of small silver denominations. Formerly these small silver coins were usually attributed to the reign of Hekatomnos, but more recent studies by Koray Konuk suggest that attribution to Hekatomnos′ father Hyssaldomos is more likely. Apart from his name and paternity to Hekatomnos and his sister Aba, we know nothing about Hyssaldomos. Numismatic evidence would support a possible rule of Hyssaldomos, or predecessor, but not as satrap but as dynast of Mylasa. There are also specimens of this coin type with the text EKA. These specimens can be attributed with certainty to Hekatomnos. The coinage of this coin type probably already started under Hyssaldomos, and continued during the reign of his son Hekatomnos, as satrap of Caria.
The Milesian standard of the city of Miletus was based on a stater of 14.2 gr,
which could be divided into six hectae of 2.4 gr. or four drachmae of 3.55 gr.
In the reference literature this cointype is often described as tetartemorion. As the weight of this cointype usually varies between 0.16 and 0.23 gr. it is too heavy for a tetartemorion. After all, according to the Milesian standard, a tetartemorion (= ¼ obol) should weigh circa 0.148 gr. For this reason I prefer to describe this coin type as hemiobol, although the weight is usually somewhat lower than the official weight of 0.295 grams.
SNG.Copenhagen- ; cf. SNG.von Aulock 1820 (Ionia, incerti) ;
BMC- ; SNG.Tübingen 3312-3314 ; cf. Sammlung Klein 507 ;
cf. SNG.Kayhan 867 ; McClean- ; Troxell 1984, p.250,2C ;
SNG.Keckman 856 ; cf. Aufhäuser Aukion 9, lot 172 ;
Konuk 2009, Plate I, no.9 ; HNO.937 RR
Obverse struck off-centre. Very rare coin type.
vf |
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA, MYLASA - AR Didrachm, circa 250-200 BC
weight 6,42gr. ; silver Ø 22mm.
obv. Zeus Osogoa standing right, wearing chiton and himation,
holding trident in right hand and eagle in left, all within dotted border
rev. Zeus Labraundos standing right, wearing chiton and himation;
double axe on right shoulder, lotus-tipped scepter in left hand,
MYΛA in front, ΣEΩN behind, all within dotted border
Until now this is the only known didrachm of this type,
published by Delireux. A unique coin.
According to the first century BC Greek geographer Strabo (Geography 14. 2. 23), the Mylasians had three temples of Zeus in their city. In addition to the temples of Zeus Labraundos and Zeus Karios, a third was dedicated to Zeus Osogoa, an indigenous Carian god. On this coin Zeus Labraundos and Zeus Osogoa are depicted.
Zeus Osogoa:
The temple complex dedicated to him in Mylasa was of such a size
and style that Pausanias (8.10.3) equated it with the Athenian Acropolis.
Zeus Labraundos:
Labraunda is an ancient archaeological site five kilometers west of Ortaköy, Muğla Province, Turkey, in the mountains near the coast of Caria. In ancient times, it was held sacred by Carians and Mysians alike. Zeus Labraundos was worshiped in this sanctuary and there was also a holy well, where one could consult a fish oracle. If the fish accepted the food thrown to it the answer was ″yes″, if it was refused the answer was ″no″. The sanctuary owes its name to the labrys, the double-sided ax that Zeus Labraundos carries as an attribute.
The site amid its sacred plane trees was enriched in the Hellenistic style by the Hekatomnid dynasty of Maussollos, satrap (and virtual king) of Persian Caria (c. 377 – 352 BC), and also later by his successor and brother Idrieus; Labranda was the dynasty′s ancestral sacred shrine. The prosperity of a rapidly hellenised Caria occurred during the 4th century BC. Remains of Hellenistic houses and streets can still be traced, and there are numerous inscriptions. The cult icon here was a local Zeus, a standing Zeus with the tall lotus-tipped scepter upright in his left hand and the double-headed axe, the labrys, over his right shoulder. The cult statue was the gift of the founder of the dynasty, Hekatomnos himself, recorded in a surviving inscription. In the 3rd century BC, with the fall of the Hekatomnids, Labraunda passed into the control of Mylasa. Mylasa was through a 14 km. long street connected to the mountain cult site of Labraunda. The site was later occupied without discontinuity until the mid Byzantine period.
Strabo (Greek geographer ca. 64 BC - 24 AD) stated :
″Mylasa is situated in an exceedingly fertile plain; and above the plain, towering into a peak, rises a mountain, which has a most excellent quarry of white marble. Now this quarry is of no small advantage, since it has stone in abundance and close at hand, for building purposes and in particular for the building of temples and other public works; accordingly this city, as much as any other, is in every way beautifully adorned with porticoes and temples. The Mylasians have two temples of Zeus, Zeus Osogoa, and Zeus Labraundos. The former is in the city, whereas Labraunda is a village far from the city, being situated on the mountain near the pass that leads over from Alabanda to Mylasa. At Labraunda there is an ancient shrine and statue of Zeus Stratios (Warlike). It is honored by the people all about and by the Mylasians; and there is a paved road of almost sixty stadia from the shrine to Mylasa, called the Sacred Way, on which their sacred processions are conducted. The priestly offices are held by the most distinguished of the citizens, always for life. Now these temples belong peculiarly to the city; but there is a third temple, that of Zeus Karios (of Karia), which is a common possession of all Karians, and in which, as brothers, both Lydians and Mysians have a share.″ (Geography 14. 2. 23)
The cult statue depicted here first appeared on very rare tetradrachms of Maussolos struck at Mylasa, circa 377 BC. It also appears later on cistophori of Hadrian, as well as Roman provincial bronze issues of Mylasa. This didrachme is from the first issue of this type. The obverse and reverse of this coin symbolizes the close interrelationship of the city of Mylasa with the nearby sanctuary of Labraunda and is therefore a beautiful and important historical document.
cf. CNG Auction 97, Lot 244; a tetradrachm of this type,
of which 4 specimens are known (good vf: $ 15.000 + 15%)
BMC- ; SNG.Copenhagen- ; SNG.von Aulock - ; SNG.Tübingen - ;
SNG.Kayhan - ; Babelon, Traité - ; McClean- ; SNG.Keckman - ;
F.Delireux, NC.159, 1999, 32,2 (pl.9 = this specimen) ;
Akarca - (cf. 9 = tetradrachm) ; HNO.- (cf. 1721 = tetradrachm) RRRR
vf- |
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA, MYLASA - AE 12, 3rd/2nd century BC
weight 1,48gr. ; bronze Ø 12mm.
obv. Horse trotting right
rev. Ornamented trident-head pointing downwards,
deviding M - Y in upper field
Mylasa (Milas, Turkey today) was often mentioned by ancient writers. The first mention is from early 7th century BC, when Arselis, a Carian leader from Mylasa, helped Gyges in his fight for the Lydian throne. Under Persia, Mylasa was the chief city of Caria. Mylasa joined the Delian League c. 455 BC, but Persian rule was restored by 400. Mylasa was the hometown and first capital of the Hecatomnid dynasty, nominally Persian satraps, but practically kings of Caria and the surrounding region, 377 - 352 BC In the Hellenistic era, the city was contested by Alexander′s successors, but prospered. In 314 BC bronze coins were minted by Eupolemos, general of King Kassander, during his military campaigns in Caria. Mylasa was severely damaged in the Roman Civil War in 40 B.C., but again regained prosperity under Roman rule.
BMC 11 ; SNG.Copenhagen 422 ; SNG.von Aulock 2618 ; SNG.Kayhan- ; HNO.734 ;
SNG.Keckman 228 ; McClean- ; Weber collection 6528var. ; Mionnet VI, 352 ;
Akarca 34b ; Lindgren collection A653A ; Waddington 2452 ; SNG.Tübingen 3446
vf- |
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA, MYLASA - AE 12, 3rd/2nd century BC
weight 1,60gr. ; bronze Ø 12mm.
obv. Horse trotting right
rev. Ornamented trident-head with prongs pointing up,
deviding M - Y in lower field
Mylasa (Milas, Turkey today) was often mentioned by ancient writers. The first mention is from early 7th century BC, when Arselis, a Carian leader from Mylasa, helped Gyges in his fight for the Lydian throne. Under Persia, Mylasa was the chief city of Caria. Mylasa joined the Delian League c. 455 BC, but Persian rule was restored by 400. Mylasa was the hometown and first capital of the Hecatomnid dynasty, nominally Persian satraps, but practically kings of Caria and the surrounding region, 377 - 352 BC. In the Hellenistic era, the city was contested by Alexander′s successors, but prospered. In 314 BC bronze coins were minted by Eupolemos, general of King Kassander, during his military campaigns in Caria. Mylasa was severely damaged in the Roman Civil War in 40 BC., but again regained prosperity under Roman rule.
BMC - (cf. 11) ; SNG.Copenhagen - (cf. 422) ; SNG.von Aulock 2619 ;
SNG.Kayhan- ; SNG.Keckman 226-227var. ; McClean- ;
Weber collection 6528 ; SNG.Tübingen 3447 ;
Lindgren collection - (cf. A653A) ; Akarca 35 ; HNO.1127 R
Minor traces of corrosion. Attractive dark patina.
vf |
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA - RHODIAN PERAEA - AR Drachm, circa 180-140 BC, Mylasa
weight 2,04gr. ; silver Ø 14mm.
Reduced Rhodian standard
obv. Facing head of Helios with eagle superimposed on right cheek
rev. Rose with two buds; Μ - Α on either side of stalk.
The Rhodian Peraea or Peraia was the name for the southern coast of the region of Caria in western Asia Minor during the 5th–1st centuries BC, when the area was controlled and colonized by the nearby island of Rhodos. Coins were issued there from time to time, with types resembling the regular Rhodian coinage, but without the name of the mint.
Already in Classical times, before their synoecism and creation of the single Rhodian state in 408 BC, the three city-states of Rhodes, Lindos, Ialyssos, and Kameiros, separately possessed territory on the mainland of Asia Minor. This comprised the Knidian Peninsula (but not Knidos itself), as well as the nearby Trachea peninsula and its neighbouring region to the east. Like Rhodos, these territories were divided into demes, and their citizens were Rhodian citizens.
During the Hellenistic period the extent of the Peraia grew with the addition of various vassal regions. It reached its greatest extent after the Treaty of Apamea in 188 BC, when the entirety of Caria and Lycia south of the Maeander River came under Rhodian rule, but this was short-lived; when Rhodes submitted to Rome in 167 BC, this region was lost again. During this time, the Peraia comprised the fully incorporated portion, lying between Knidos and Kaunos, which as before was divided into demes and formed part of the Rhodian state, and the remainder of Caria and Lycia, which were tributary to Rhodos. Rhodos retained a portion of its old domains in Asia until 39 BC, when they were ceded to Stratonicea.
BMC- ; SNG.Copenhagen 922 ; SNG.von Aulock 2865 ; SNG.Keckman- ;
SNG.Kayhan- (cf. 846) ; SNG.Tübingen - (cf.3646) ; Weber collection- ;
R. Ashton, "The Pseudo-Rhodian Drachms of Mylasa", NC (1992), 157 ;
Akarca 1959, p. 88, 6.3 ; McClean- ; HNO.426 R
vf- |
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA, ORTHOSIA - AE 21, circa 80-130 AD
weight 7,68gr. ; bronze Ø 21mm.
obv. Draped and laurated bust of Senat right
rev. Veiled Kore standing left, holding corn-ears and sceptre,
OPΘΩCIEΩN behind, KOPH in front
The settlement Orthosia stood on high ground overlooking the Maeander valley towards Nysa, which occupied the opposite hills on the northern side of the river at a distance of ten or twelve miles. It was located at the eastern part on the Maeander valley, not far from Alabanda. (noways: located within the borders of the Donduran Village in the Yenipazar District of Aydın). Near this town the Rhodians gained a victory over the Carians. Orthosia was not a very impotant city and not many coin are known from this city. From this coin type only one example seems to be published (Copenhagen). That piece is heavily worn with unreadable legends. Very attractive coin of the highest rarity.
SNG.Copenhagen 458 (= Ramus 4 = Mionnet Suppl. VI, page 530, 458) ;
SNG.von Aulock- ; SNG.Tübingen- ; SNG.Kayhan- ; SNG.Keckman- ;
Lindgren collection- ; RPC- ; Weber collection- ; BMC- RRRR
Attractive coin with dark green patina.
vf/xf |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
 |
CARIA, TABAI - AE 18, 1st century BC (after 81 BC)
weight 5,68gr. ; bronze Ø 18mm.
obv. Laureate head of Zeus right
rev. Caps of the Dioskouroi, small helmet on right,
I - K in upper field, TABHNΩN beneath
The city of Tabai (modern Tavas) occupied the heights at the western end of a plain extending in a north-easterly directyion towards Mount Salbacus, situated on the boundaries of Caria with Phrygia. During the Galatian War, the inhabitants of Tabai were defeated in 189 BC by Gnaeus Manlius Vulso, when they blocked his passage. Vulso exacted from Tabae a fine of 25 talents and 10,000 medimni of wheat.
BMC- (cf.9) ; SNG.Copenhagen- (cf.523-527) ; SNG.von Aulock- ;
SNG.Keckman- ; SNG.Tübingen- ; McClean - ; SNG.Kayhan- ;
Lindgren collection- ; Weber collection- ; Sear- (cf. 4944) RRR
vf- |
|
| |
|
