Lot 3130
Islands off Karia, Rhodos, c. 175-170 BC. AR Tetrobol (2.68 g). Facing head of Helios. Reverse: Rose with bud on right. SNG Keckman 794; IGCH 237 (ex Sitichoro hoard). Beautifully toned. Mint State.
In 1968 there was discovered a pot hoard of close to 3000 coins. The site was in Thessaly, near Pharsalus at Sitichoro. The most prevalent of coin types was the group of coins from Rhodes, about half the total of the hoard. There were also 500-600 light-weight tetradrachms of Perseus of Macedon. Imagine the thrill of uncovering these coins, most in mint state condition!
These tetrobols, or light-weight drachms, all had inscribed "Treasury" or "Treasury money" above the reverse rose. Because of the warring nature of the times, it is thought by many that these coins were minted to pay mercenaries for their efforts to protect Rhodes; the coins did not reach the soldiers, as evidenced by thier condition. While the tetrobols of this type all show no wear, being coins of the second century BC, some were double struck during minting, poorly aligned, displayed flatness or striking cracks. If a collector had the opportunity of selecting one of the finest, it could well be this specimen, as it shows no faults or irregularities. In their unbroken, over 2100 years under the ground, it is remarkable that so many were well-protected, like our modern Morgan silver dollars being stored in Treasury vaults.
Before 1968 Rhodian tetrobols with this inscription were unknown.
Estimated Value $350 - 400.
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| Realized $1,150 |
