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Research Coins: Affiliated Auction

 
Sale: Nomos 3 & 4, Lot: 160. Estimate CHF10000. 
Closing Date: Monday, 9 May 2011. 
Sold For CHF10000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy VI and Ptolemy VIII. 180-116. Octodrachm mounted for use as a pendant (Gold, 45.34 g 12). Head of “Arsinoe II”, similar to the last, with Κ behind. Rev. ΑΡΣΙΝΟΗΣ ΦΙΛΑΔΕΛΦΟΥ Double cornucopiae bound with fillet; border of dots, as last. SNG Copenhagen 322. Svoronos 1499. A solid and curiously attractive example of modern jewelry made in a ‘pseudo-antique’ style utilizing a genuine ancient coin as a center piece. It is set within a rough, torc like exterior circle and backed with a similarly made circlet to which is joined a suspension loop and four attachment lugs in the shape of polyhedral beads. The exterior ring is stamped with three marks: the name HOROVITZ, the fineness, 750, and a control stamp.. Coin extremely fine, mount with a few minor marks, otherwise nearly as made.


From the Anthemion collection, USA.

The maker of this attractive pendant was Theodore Horovitz. Born in 1917, he began his career at 17 working in his father’s shop in Alexandria in Egypt. He was ultimately given his own atelier in the shop and created jewels for the city’s high ranking and wealthy population, even making a crown for the Queen. After the overthrow of King Farouk in 1952, things became increasingly unpleasant in Alexandria and Horowitz moved to Geneva in 1956, setting up his own business in 1960 and becoming one of the finest jewelers in the city: he actually offered $12 Million for the so-called “Incomparable” diamond, found in the Congo in the 1980s: this bid was rejected since the owners had put a reserve of $20 Million on it! Where it is now no one is too sure. In any event, this lovely piece of jewelry will be a fine memento of Horovitz, and surely cheaper than a 407 carat diamond.