Freeman & Sear - Gemini I, Session 1



      ancient classic artifacts coins numismatic roman greek 



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                        Lot: 258

                        (click on image to enlarge)
                        ARABIA OR THE PERSIAN GULF REGION: Uncertain mint. 
                        3rd-2nd century BC. AR tetradrachm (15.35 gm).

                        ARABIA OR THE PERSIAN GULF REGION. Uncertain mint. Third 
                        to second century BC. Silver tetradrachm (15.35 gm). 
                        Diademed head of king right, of local style / Male deity 
                        of local style seated left on diphros, pouring libation 
                        from phiale held in right hand, left hand behind him 
                        holding branch on which bird perched right. Unpublished. 
                        Surfaces somewhat rough. Very fine 

                        This intriguing coin, like the next, combines types 
                        inspired by Seleucid and Alexandrine coinage. The 
                        juxtaposition implies an origin in a region equally 
                        influenced by both traditions, thus someplace on the 
                        periphery of the Seleucid kingdom. The free 
                        interpretation of the reverse type here, and the style 
                        of the obverse of the next coin, both suggest that the 
                        Alexandrine influences were filtered through Arabian 
                        coinage. Potts Classes X-XII comprise 
                        "Seleucid-inspired" obols with a portrait head 
                        (sometimes diademed) on the obverse and a seated Zeus on 
                        the reverse, but they are much closer in style to their 
                        Greek prototypes than is this tetradrachm. 
                        Estimated Value: $ 750 




...Sold for $1,200 USD [ approx 912 EUR, 636 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).