The Paramount Collection Heritage World & Ancient Coins

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by  Heritage Auctions

T H E PA R A MOU N T COLLEC T ION
WORLD & ANCIENT COINS
MARCH 25-26, 2021 | DALLAS

World & Ancient Coins Signature® Auction #3096
THE PARAMOUNT
COLLECTION
March 25-27, 2021 | Dallas
Heritage Auctions
2801 W. Airport Freeway | Dallas, TX 75261-4127
FLOOR Sessions 1-2 (*see note below) ONLINE ONLY Session 3
(Floor, Telephone, HERITAGELive!®, Internet, Fax, and Mail) (HERITAGELive!®, Internet, Fax, & Mail only Session)
Session 1 – Ancients / Albania – German States Session 3 – Albania – Zambia
Thursday, March 25 • 4:00 PM CT • Lots 30001–30293 Saturday, March 27 • 1:00 PM CT • Lots 31001–31204
Ancient Coins 30001-30067
Albania - German States 30068-30293
Session 2 – Great Britain – Yugoslavia
Friday, March 26 • 4:00 PM CT • Lots 30294–30497
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60162
World & Ancient Coins Specialists
Cristiano Bierrenbach Warren Tucker Sam Spiegel Roxana Uskali
Executive Vice President Vice President Director of Director of
World Coins International Numismatics Numismatics, Chicago
Zach Beasley Christian Winge Cale Meier
Senior Numismatist Senior Numismatist Numismatist
Consignment Directors: Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker, Sam Spiegel, Roxana Uskali, Zach Beasley, Christian Winge, Cale Meier
Cataloged by: Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker, Sam Spiegel, Roxana Uskali, Zach Beasley, Christian Winge, Cale Meier,
Kyle Johnson, Rex Goldbaum
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of the Board
Dear Bidder,
A world-class coin collection is a function of both means and opportunity, and requires patience and diligence that
goes beyond even what most collectors possess. It is with that in mind that we can confidently say that the Paramount
Collection is as world-class as they come. Built over many years, with pieces coming out of major auctions and dealer
inventories from around the world, it is a collection unlike any that Heritage has had the pleasure to handle. With an
eye not just for rarity, but also condition, collectability, and historical significance, the individual behind the Paramount
Collection put together a group of coins that, presented together in one auction, is an opportunity unlikely to be
matched in our lifetimes.
It is challenging to quantify how exceptional the Paramount Collection is. We can comment on the fact that there are
dozens of lots that are considered unique, or that there are over 100 multiple ducats that are 5 ducat size or larger, or
that there are many types that will be making their first auction appearance ever, but nothing quite does the Collection
justice. Suffice it to say, this is without a doubt the most significant collection of World and Ancient coins ever offered
by Heritage, and likely the most significant to come on the market in at least a generation.
Though nearly every lot warrants being a highlight, there are a few specific pieces that stand above the rest. While the
ancient coins constitute a comparatively small section of the auction, there are two exquisite gold medallions, a 4 aurei
of Maxentius and a 3 solidi of Magnentius, that deserve special attention. Moving into the world sections, the primary
focus is on large size gold coinage of Central and Western Europe, as well as the Americas. Many of these issues were
struck to commemorate marriages and deaths, document the tumult of wars, mark the beginnings of revolutions and
reformations, and one in particular, the abdication of a King instead of his coronation. The singular piece that graces
the cover of this catalog is particularly worthy of mention—the legendary 5 pounds of Edward VIII, one of only a few
known and the only example to be sold publicly in at least several decades. The list of highlights continues, which is
why we structured the auction and catalog in such a way that every lot receives proper attention.
In light of the fact that this is sure to become an integral part of any numismatic library, we have devoted extra care
to this catalog and the descriptions for every lot. While it is unlikely that we will ever have the opportunity to handle
a collection quite like this again, we are confident that this catalog will be consulted often, and remain on the shelf
forever. This is in many respects a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, both for us as an auction house and you as a bidder.
The Paramount Collection presents the chance to acquire pieces that could very well never surface publicly again, so
we encourage you to bid with that in mind. As always, we are available for any questions you may have, and wish you
the best of luck in the auction.
Sincerely,
Cristiano Bierrenbach Warren Tucker
Executive Vice President Vice President, World Coins
SESSION ONE
THURSDAY, MARCH 25 • 4:00 PM CT
ANCIENT COINS
GREEK
ANCIENTS
GREEK

Stunning Satyra Didrachm Plate Coin
30001 CALABRIA. Tarentum. Ca. 450 BC. AR didrachm (21mm,
8.19 gm, 6h). NGC Choice AU★ 5/5 - 3/5. TAPAΣ (retrograde), Taras
astride dolphin right, both arms outstretched; scallop shell below / Head
of nymph Satyra right, wearing broad diadem, hair in long braid turned
upward behind; all within olive wreath. HN Italy 838. Vlasto 154 (these
dies). Jameson 2389 (these dies). Cahn, Chronology 65. de Luynes 268
(these dies). Holloway 3 enlarged p. 96 (this coin). Fischer-Bossert 130a
(this coin). Extremely rare and likely the finest example extant.
From the Paramount Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica, Auction
13 (8 October 1998), lot 77
Satyra was the daughter of King Minos, who met with Poseidon and bore
him his son, Taras. Antiochus, reporting from the Delphian oracle (apud
Strab. VI 3,2), stated to Phalanthus “To thee Satyrium I have given, and
the rich country of Tarentum to inhabit, and thou shalt become a scourge
to the Iapygians.” Phalanthus and the Parthenae settled Satyrium (named
for Satyra - modern day Saturno on the southeast coast of Leoprano),
which recent findings appear to indicate was the oldest Laconian site in
Apulia.
Estimate: $20,000-$25,000
Session One, Auction #3096 | Thursday, March 25, 2021 | 4:00 PM CT 5
THE PARAMOUNT COLLECTION

30002 CALABRIA. Tarentum. Ca. 332-302 BC. AR stater or di- 30004 CALABRIA. Tarentum. Ca. 281-240 BC. AR stater or di-
drachm (21mm, 7.96 gm, 2h). NGC Choice AU★ 5/5 - 5/5, Fine Style. drachm (21mm, 6.44 gm, 9h). NGC Choice AU 5/5 - 4/5. Ca. 280-272
Ca. 315-300 BC. Sa-, W- and S-, magistrates. Nude warrior on horse rear- BC, Sedamos, Fy- and Gy, magistrates. The Dioscuri on horseback can-
ing right, shield and two lances in left hand, thrusting downward with tering left; ΣΩΔ-Α-Μ-Ο-Σ below, ΦΥ monogram above / ΤΑΡΑΣ, Taras
spear in right; ΣΑ below / TAPAΣ, Taras astride dolphin left, cantharus in astride dolphin left, two spears and round shield decorated with hippo-
outstretched right hand, trident cradled on left arm; Ω above arm in left camp in left hand, Nike in right hand crowning him with laurel; ΓΥ in left
field, Σ below, dolphin swimming left below. HN Italy 937. Vlasto 615. field, waves below. HN Italy 1011. Vlasto 775. Well struck and centered
Fisher-Bossert 890. BMC 230. Crisp strike on lustrous flan. Very attrac- on lustrous flan.
tive in hand.
From the Paramount Collection. Ex Leu Numismatik AG, Auction 86 (5
From the Paramount Collection. Ex Numismatica Genevensis, Auction 2 May 2003), lot 219
(18 November 2002), lot 7 Estimate: $600-$800
Estimate: $1,000-$1,500

Second Punic War Drachm
30003 CALABRIA. Tarentum. Ca. 332-302 BC. AR stater or di-
drachm (21mm, 7.91 gm, 4h). NGC Choice AU★ 5/5 - 4/5, Fine Style 30005 BRUTTIUM. The Brettii. Ca. 216-214 BC. AR drachm
Ca. 315-300 BC. Sa-, W- and S-, magistrates. Nude warrior on horse rear- (20mm, 5.01 gm, 3h). NGC Choice AU 4/5 - 5/5. Second Punic War
ing right, shield and two lances in left hand, thrusting downward with issue. Draped bust of Nike right, seen from front with spread wings, wear-
spear in right; ΣΑ below / TAPAΣ, Taras astride dolphin left, cantharus in ing stephane, pendant earring and necklace, hair tied back in jeweled chi-
outstretched right hand, trident cradled on left arm; Ω above arm in left gnon; pentagram behind / ΒΡΕΤΤΙΩΝ, river god standing facing, nude,
field, Σ below, dolphin swimming left below. HN Italy 937. Vlasto 615. crowning himself with wreath in right hand, scepter in left, cloak draped
Fisher-Bossert 890. BMC 230. Struck from beautiful, fine style dies, with over left arm; rudder (or thymiaterion) and H (turned sideways) to right.
attractive rainbow cabinet toning throughout. HN Italy 1959. Scheu 34. Deep cabinet toning with flashes of rainbow
hues and underlying luster.
From the Paramount Collection
Estimate: $1,000-$1,500 From the Paramount Collection
Estimate: $2,000-$3,000
6 Visit HA.com/3096 to read full descriptions, check graded population data and auction comparable results, view enlargeable images, and bid online.
GREEK

Apollo Chasing Daphne
30006 BRUTTIUM. Caulonia. Late 6th century BC. AR stater or
nomos (30mm, 7.65 gm, 12h). NGC Choice AU 4/5 - 4/5, flan flaw.
Ca. 530 BC. KAVΛ, full-length figure of Apollo, nude, advancing right,
torso turned facing, olive branch in raised right hand, pursuing Daphne
running right, head reverted, transforming into laurel tree with branches
as arms; stag standing right in right field, head reverted, guilloche border /
Incuse of obverse, reversed and without ethnic, save for olive branch and
Daphne, which are in relief; striated border on incuse band. Noe 2. SNG
ANS 150. An attractive and well struck example of this popular type.
From the Paramount Collection. Ex UBS Gold & Numismatics, Auction
56 (28 January 2003), lot 39
Caulonia was founded in the 7th century BC by Achaean Greeks, either
emigres from the homeland or from the nearby city of Croton. The loca-
tion, on the underside of Italy’s “toe” on a headland jutting out into the
sea, has in the centuries since disappeared beneath the waves. Underwa-
ter archaeology has located more than 100 fluted columns and two spec-
tacular mosaics, both depicting dragons, in the ruins dating to the 5th-4th
centuries BC. The columns were likely for a large shrine to Apollo, the
deity depicted on the city’s beautiful and intriguing coinage.
On this magnificent piece, Apollo’s entire nude body is shown in a refined
Archaic form, striding to the right, and with what has traditionally been
described as a small winged daemon on his left arm; to his right stands
a stag, sacred to both Apollo and his sister Artemis. However, the tradi-
tion of claiming the small figure as a winged daemon does not seem to be
grounded in any evidence connected to either the city, or the mythology
and iconography of Apollo. Most likely the iconography depicts the myth
of Apollo’s hopeless pursuit of Daphne. Apollo, upon seeing Daphne for
the first time, had a moment of either love at first sight, or with some in-
tervention of a certain god of love Eros, fell madly in love with Daphne.
He began chasing her, and in order to protect herself, as she had vowed to
be a maiden, she plead to her father, Peneus, for assistance. In response,
Peneus transformed Daphne into a laurel tree, thereby thwarting Apollo’s
pursuit. Still loving Daphne, Apollo vowed to honor her for all time, thus
the laurel tree, which is Daphne in Greek (Δάφνη), became Apollo’s main
attribute, with the laurel wreath he wore upon his head and the laurel
staff he often carried. The laurel wreath thus became used as a prize for
victors, as well as, symbol for the power of leadership. Therefore, the
small figure on the coin that is running away from Apollo with branches
in hands, or as arms, is most likely that of Daphne mid-metamorphosis.
The artist that designed this coin type with the three figures placed in
perspective, gave each a separate ground line and size to show a depth of
field. Apollo is the largest and most prominent figure, and he is placed in
the foreground. The deer is smaller and has its own ground line, placing it
further back in the scene, in the midground. Lastly, there is the small figure
of Daphne with her ground line behind Apollo’s arm. She is the smallest
figure because she is the furthest away. She looks back as she runs away
mid-transformation. This was a very creative way to show the full story of
the myth, stuck forever in a pregnant pause.
Estimate: $2,000-$3,000
Session One, Auction #3096 | Thursday, March 25, 2021 | 4:00 PM CT 7
THE PARAMOUNT COLLECTION

30007 BRUTTIUM. Croton. Ca. 530-500 BC. AR stater (28mm,
6.88 gm, 12h). AU, edge repair. ϘPO, tripod with leonine feet on thick
Fine Style Apollo and Lion
dotted exergual line; heron standing left to right, large dotted border /
ϘPO, incuse tripod, heron standing left at right; ethnic and heron in relief,
30008 SICILY. Leontini. Ca. 450-420 BC. AR tetradrachm (26mm,
striated border within incuse band. HN Italy 2081. SNG ANS 248-249.
17.46 gm, 2h). NGC AU 4/5 - 4/5, Fine Style. Laureate head of Apollo
Edge repairs, thus ineligible for encapsulation.
left / LE-O-N-TI-N-ON, head of lion left with open jaws and protruding
tongue; bay leaf behind, three barley corns around. Boehringer, Leontinoi
From the Paramount Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica, private
55. Rizzo pl. XXIV, 4. SNG ANS 257. Obverse with deep cabinet toning.
sale with old dealer tag, No. 07474
Lustrous reverse with flashes of red orange toning.
Estimate: $500-$1,000
From the Paramount Collection
The silver tetradrachms of Leontini show a notable progress of artistic
styles throughout the fifth century, beginning with archaic depictions of
a walking quadriga similar to issues of Sicily, to a highly stylized Apollo
head of a “mannerist” style, to the final evolution seen with this beauti-
ful issue of circa 435-430 BC, depicting Apollo in a highly refined and
naturalistic form. Leontini’s reliance on agriculture instead of sea trade is
reflected on the barley corns surrounding the central lion on the reverse.
Estimate: $2,000-$3,000
8 Visit HA.com/3096 to read full descriptions, check graded population data and auction comparable results, view enlargeable images, and bid online.