Freeman & Sear - Gemini I, Session 2



      ancient classic artifacts coins numismatic roman greek 



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                        Lot: 504

                        (click on image to enlarge)
                        ROMAN EMPIRE: Irene. Sole reign, AD 797-802. AV solidus 
                        (3.88 gm).

                        ROMAN EMPIRE. Irene (sole reign, AD 797-802). Gold 
                        solidus (3.88 gm). Syracuse. Facing crowned bust of 
                        Irene holding globus cruciger in right hand and 
                        cruciform scepter in left, pellet in outer left field / 
                        Same type as obverse, but C in field left, I in right. 
                        Cf. DO 1c (Constantinople), but unpublished for Syracuse 
                        with these types and field marks. Unique. Fourth 
                        recorded solidus of Irene from Syracuse. An important 
                        rarity. Mint state 

                        At Constantinople during the sole reign of Irene only 
                        one type of solidus was issued while, at Syracuse, three 
                        solidi were recorded of two types. This new fourth 
                        specimen displays the same iconography as the 
                        Constantinople issue but the fabric and style are 
                        Sicilian. On the reverse, on either side of Irene's 
                        portrait, are the letters "C-I," which signify Sicily in 
                        Greek instead of Latin, marking an important transition. 

                        Estimated Value: $ 14,000 




...Sold for $13,000 USD [ approx 9880 EUR, 6890 GBP ] plus 15% buyers fee. 

Gemini I Auction Closed Jan 11-12, 2005. 

Re-used by permission of Freeman & Sear (www.freemanandsear.com) 
                      and Harlan J Berk (www.harlanjberk.com).