Provenanced Coin Collection and Artifacts for Auction
giganews
lots of antiquities and one large study collection of ancient coins from my
private holdings (these are not items that have ever been offered by
Classical Coins). This is a truly unique opportunity to obtain items with
museum provenance dating back three decades. The six lots of antiquities are
very nicely presented, as attractively illustrated boxed collections with
individual themes. The remaining lot is a really interesting and eclectic
study collection of 234 ancient coins in eleven display cases, which would
make an excellent acquisition for a collector interested in expanding his or
her interests into ancient numismatics. Thematic study collections such as
these were the norm during the great days of antiquarian scholarship a
century ago, however they are becoming increasingly scarce today and no
wonder, since scholarly collectors such as the one who formed these seven
museum collections are a vanishing breed.
These antiquities and coins were acquired at auction in 1997 after being
deaccessioned from the collection of a private Orange County museum owned by
this scholarly and elderly antiquarian. Although I don't now have details on
this museum and its records, I do know that the antiquarian (whose expertise
was highly regarded by Joel Malter) spent at least ten years assembling
these collections.
Collectors for whom provenance is of special importance can be confident
that museum acquisition dates for these antiquities and coins go back at
least twenty five years, to the mid 1980s at the latest.
The Malter auction is available online for bidding -
http://tinyurl.com/64kgvle
Lots 163 through 168 are very attractively presented sets of small Roman
antiquities, mostly military related.
Lot#: 163
Description: Roman, 16 fine bronze tools
Roman, c. 125AD., a lot consisting of 16 small and fine bronze tools from a
legionary soldier's cobblers kit. These items were used by Roman soldiers to
repair their boots, sandals, belts and leather armor vests. Lot consists
mostly of small awls for punching holes. Length of most of the awls are �"
to 1". All 16 pieces are boxed in a velvet covered box that fits into a
larger box with attractive label describing its contents affixed on top.
Lot#: 164
Description: Roman, a lot of 6 fine small bronze items
Roman, c. 100-300AD., a lot consisting of 6 small and fine bronzes. Lot
consists of 5 armor buckles and an iron ring. All with attractive patina.
Sizes are about from 1"-1.5" in length on all pieces. All 6 pieces are boxed
in a specially made lidded box that closes with magnetic latches. All pieces
are protected in round plastic container that set inside of padded box. The
cover of box has attractive label that describes the contents.
Lot#: 165
Description: Roman, 25 small and fine bronzes ornaments
Roman, c. 100-300AD., a lot consisting of 25 small and fine bronzes. Lot
includes 1 belt buckle, 4 armor attachments, 15 lead seals, (14 round, one
being square in shape). Lastly the lot includes 5 Late Roman coins, (3 of
Constantine and 2 of Aurelian). All are nice and about 1" in diameter. All
25 pieces are boxed in a specially made lidded box that closes with magnetic
latches. All pieces are protected in round plastic container that set inside
of padded box. The cover of box has attractive label that describes the
contents.
Lot#: 166
Description: Roman, 25 small and fine bronzes ornaments
Roman, c. 100-300AD., a lot consisting of 25 small and fine bronzes. Lot
consisting of 14 armor attachments, 2 buckles, 1 cross amulet, 1 key and 6
rings. All are about 1" in length and have attractive dark and glossy
patinas. All 25 pieces are boxed in a specially made lidded box that closes
with magnetic latches. All pieces are protected in round plastic container
that set inside of padded box. The cover of box has attractive label that
describes the contents.
Lot#: 167
Description: Roman, lot of 8 interesting small bronzes
Roman, c. 100-300AD., a lot consisting of 8 small and fine bronzes. Lots
consisting of 3 pendants, 3 hairpins, 1 armor attachment and 1 lion head
medallion in high relief. All are about 1.5" long and in nice condition. All
pieces are protected in round plastic container that set inside of padded
box. The cover of box has attractive label that describes the contents.
Lot#: 168
Description: Roman, lot of 18 small and fine bronzes
Roman, c. 100-300AD., a lot consisting of 18 small and fine bronzes. Lot
consisting of 5 armor attachments, 1 clinched fist amulet, 5 armor link
pins, 2 armor belt buckles, 2 hair pins, 1 baby bangle, 1 pendant, 1 star
shaped amulet associated with the god of war, Mars. Most are about 1.5"-2"
in length and in very nice condition with attractive patinas. All 18 pieces
are boxed in a specially made lidded box that closes with magnetic latches.
The cover of box has attractive label that describes the contents.
Lot 169 is an attractively presented study collection of 234 ancient coins,
displayed in capsules in 11 small black cases. Each coin is set in its own
clear plastic padded container. Every coin has been attributed and every box
has a typed information card inserted on the inside cover. Each coin is
charted with a number that corresponds to the reference card making it easy
to use. The coins are mostly bronze but there are some in silver. Roman,
Greek and Byzantine coins are the central focus of the collection. Roman
sestertii are plentiful; many quite nice. The collection includes a nice
silver tetradrachm of Alexander the Great, a silver stater from Aspendus, a
nice hemidrachm of Philip II, a choice billon tetradrachm from Alexandria of
Marcus Aurelius, a "replica" Athenian tetradrachm as well as a few Roman
Republican and Imperial silver denarii and many other nice quality and
attractive ancient coins. A few nice Parthian silver coins are also
included.
Dave Welsh
Classical Coins