ACHAIA, Patrai. Circa 35 BC. AR Triobol – Hemidrachm (15.5mm, 2.21 g, 4h). Damasias, son of Agesilaus, magistrate. Near VF.

Electronic Auction 526
Lot: 107. Estimated: $ 100

Greek, Silver

Sold For $ 70. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Go to Live

ACHAIA, Patrai. Circa 35 BC. AR Triobol – Hemidrachm (15.5mm, 2.21 g, 4h). Damasias, son of Agesilaus, magistrate. Head of Aphrodite right, wearing stephanos / ΔA/MACIAC in two lines above Patrai monogram; all within wreath. BCD Peloponnesos 525-8; HGC 5, 57. Deeply toned, die breaks, trace earthen deposits. Near VF.

This coin is from a massive issue that was struck in an apparent hasty manner, a fact suggested by the relatively crude dies that were often overused. Many of the known examples are poorly struck, another indication of haste. The date of the issue, in the mid-30s BC, suggests that the issue was made in conjunction with Mark Antony’s preparations for his incipient war with Octavian. The head of Aphrodite may also have the features of Cleopatra VII, as many issues in the region at this time used her likeness in an attempt to flatter the wealthy queen (in fact, another issue of Patrai, BCD Peloponnesos 531-531, were overt issues in the name of Cleopatra).

Closing Date and Time: 2 November 2022 at 10:35:20 ET.

All winning bids are subject to an 20% buyer’s fee.