SOLD
110,000.00CHF+ (18,150.00) buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2009 Oct 07 @ 12:41UTC+2
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The Roman Empire, Titus augustus, 79 – 81, Sestertius 80-81, Æ 25.92 g. Flavian amphitheatre (The Colosseum); on l., Meta Sudans and, on r., porticoed building. The exterior of the monument showing four tiers: the first with five empty arches; the second with six, all containing statues (a facing quadriga is recognisable in the central one); the third, with seven arches containing statues (in the central one is recognisable a kneeling figure under a palm between two standing figures, possibly a Judean between Titus and Vespasian); the fourth, with seven rectangular compartments containing globes and squares. Rev. IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII Titus seated l. on curule chair, holding branch and scroll; around, arms. In field, S – C. C 400. BMC 190 and pl. 50, 2 (these dies). RIC 184 (these dies). CBN 189 (this reverse die). Kent-Hirmer pl. 68, 239 (obverse only). Very rare and an issue of great fascination. Struck on a very broad flan, green patina and good very fine The most famous monument of Italy – if not of all Europe – is the Amphitheatrum Flavium, the Colosseum in Rome. Named after the emperor Vespasian (A.D. 69-79), who began its construction in 71, it was Rome’s first permanent structure of the type, as all such events in Rome had previously been held in wooden structures. Vespasian was still alive when the first three levels of his colosseum were completed and dedicated in 75. However, the final product – including the fourth and fifth levels, which are clearly represented on this sestertius – was not finished for five years, at which point it was formally dedicated by his eldest son Titus in June, 80. The engraver went to great effort to represent the Colosseum in detail. Not only are the statues and other ornaments on the exterior shown with considerable clarity, but the interior is well represented down to the smallest features, such as spectators, staircases and what we must presume is the viewing box reserved for the emperor. Flanking the amphitheatre on the right is the Meta Sudans fountain and an uncertain structure that has been identified as the Baths of Titus, the porch of Nero’s Golden House (Domus Aurea), or perhaps a temple. Various improvements were made to the Colosseum by later emperors, such as Trajan and Antoninus Pius, but little else is recorded until it was struck by lightening in 217. A conflagration resulted, and Dio reports that the damage was severe. Elagabalus began repairs in 218, and by 223 limited use of the amphitheatre was possible; it was at this point that the new emperor Severus Alexander celebrated its reopening. Restoration was completed by 244, at the end of the reign of Gordian III, after which the amphitheatre was used well into the Christian era. We have reports of it being damaged by earthquakes in 442 and 470, and of further restorations in 508 and 523 by the Germanic occupants who had overthrown the Romans. However, no effort was made to restore it after an earthquake in 847. From the numismatic perspective, the colosseum is among the least collectible of Roman monuments, for it only occurs on coinage three times – and in each instance the coins are famous rarities. It first appears on sestertii of Titus, the emperor under whom it was completed, and later on coins of Severus Alexander and medallions of Gordian III. The latter pieces are of unusual interest as the artist, in showing the monument from above, depicts a battle between wild beasts occurring within. Sometimes the most obvious things pass before our eyes and yet we do not manage to see them. In the case of this famous and celebrated sestertius of Titus with the Colosseum there are two main varieties. The first shows the “META Sudans” on the right of the Colosseum whilst the second has it on the left. It would appear that one of the two representations is wrong. However, I have a different opinion which I will explore in a study that I am currently preparing. As far as I am concerned, both varieties are correct because one represents the south view and the other, the north view.
Auction Location:
Hotel Baur au Lac, Zurich, 8001, Switzerland
Previewing Details:
By Appointment:
In London from Aug 24 to Sep 18, 2009 at
Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG
3rd Floor, Genavco House, 17, Waterloo Place
GB-London, SW1Y 4AR
Phone: +44 20 7839 7270
In Zurich on Oct 6, 2009 at the Hotel Baur au Lac, Talstrasse 1.
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
16.5% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
The coins will be dispatched by registered and insured mail for the account and the risk of the purchaser. The purchaser is responsible for any dues or taxes outside of Switzerland and is advised to acquaint himself with the formalities.
Payment Details:
After the auction invoices will be sent to the successful buyers. Payment instructions are found on the invoice.
The sign-up for this auction will close 48 hours before the auction starts. Please make sure you sign up on time. Also, there is NO ABSENTEE BIDDING for this auction. Please plan to bid live during the sale.
English:
The following conditions are acknowledged by all persons participating in the auction:
The estimates are in Swiss Francs. The opening bids will be about 80% of estimate, unless there are higher offers. The purchase price plus a commission of 16.5% is due and payable in Swiss currency. For lots delivered in Switzerland, VAT of 7.6% will be added to the total (hammer price together with auctioneer's commission and sending charges). Gold coins (AV) are free of VAT. The total price is due after the final bid and payable on delivery. A default interest of 1% per month on the purchase price will be charged for delayed payments. Adjudication ensues after the highest bid has been called three times, and commits the bidder to accept the coins. Written bids have preference over room bids. The buyer cannot claim to act on behalf of a third person. The authenticity of the coins is unconditionally guaranteed, without time limit. All identifications of the items sold in this catalogue are statements of opinion and made in good faith. The coins will be dispatched by registered and insured mail for the account and the risk of the purchaser. The purchaser is responsible for any dues or taxes outside of Switzerland and is advised to acquaint himself with the formalities. The auctioneer cannot be responsible for contraventions. The auction is held in Zurich and any legal questions arising shall be determined in Zurich. A buyer consigning commissions or executing room bids acknowledges the acceptance of the above conditions. The usual conditions applied to auction sales held in Zurich are here reiterated. The above mentioned conditions are written in German, French and English; the only valid text is the German one.
German:
Mit der Teilnahme an der Versteigerung werden folgende Bestimmungen anerkannt:
Die angegebenen Preise sind Schätzpreise in Schweizer Franken. Der Ausruf erfolgt in der Regel bei 80%, sofern nicht höhere Angebote vorliegen. Auf den Zuschlagspreis ist ein Aufgeld von 16.5% zu entrichten; für Auslieferungen in der Schweiz erhöht sich der Endpreis (Zuschlagspreis + Aufgeld und Versandspesen) um die MWSt von 7,6%. Goldmünzen (AV) sind von der MWSt befreit. Der Gesamtpreis ist nach erfolgtem Zuschlag fällig und bei der Aushändigung in Schweizer Franken zu bezahlen. Für verspätete Zahlungen wird ein Verzugszins von 1% pro Monat in Rechnung gestellt. Der Zuschlag erfolgt nach dreimaligem Aufruf des höchsten Gebotes und verpflichtet zur Annahme. Schriftliche Gebote haben den Vorrang. Jeder Ersteigerer verpflichtet sich für die durch ihn getätigten Käufe persönlich. Er kann nicht geltend machen, für Rechnung Dritter gehandelt zu haben. Für die Echtheit der Münzen wird vorbehaltlos und zeitlich unbeschränkt garantiert. Alle Angaben im Katalog sind nach bestem Wissen und Gewissen zusammengestellt. Der Versand erfolgt eingeschrieben und versichert auf Kosten und Risiko des Empfängers. Im Ausland verrechnete Gebühren und Steuern gehen zu Lasten des Käufers. Es obliegt dem Erwerber, sich über ausländische Zoll- und Devisenvorschriften zu informieren. Die Veranstalterin der Auktion übernimmt keine Haftung für allfälliges Zuwiderhandeln gegen solche Vorschriften. Erfüllungsort und Gerichtsstand im Verhältnis zwischen der Veranstalterin und dem Erwerber ist Zürich. Die Abgabe eines schriftlichen oder mündlichen Gebotes bedeutet gleichzeitig die Anerkennung der Auktionsbedingungen. Im übrigen kommen die ortsüblichen Gantbedingungen zur Anwendung. Vorliegende Bedingungen liegen in deutscher, französischer, italienischer und englischer Fassung auf. Bei Meinungsverschiedenheiten ist die deutsche Fassung massgebend.
French:
En participant à la vente, les conditions suivantes sont considérées comme acceptées:
Les prix indiqués sont des prix estimatifs en francs suisses. La vente débute en principe à 80% du prix d'estimation, pour autant qu'il n'y ait pas d'offres plus élevées. Sur le prix d'adjudication une majoration de 16.5% est prélevée. En cas de livraison en Suisse, le prix total (prix d'adjudication + majoration et frais d'expédition) est augmenté de la TVA de 7,6%. Les monnaies en or (AV) ne sont pas sujettes à la TVA. Le prix total, y compris les taxes, est payable en francs suisses à la réception de la marchandise. Un intérêt de 1% par mois sera facturé pour tout retard. L'adjudication a lieu après le 3e rappel de l'offre la meilleure et oblige l'acheteur à prendre son acquisition. A prix égal, les offres écrites ont la priorité. Chaque participant à la vente s'oblige pour les achats effectués par lui-même. Il ne peut faire valoir avoir agi pour un tiers. Nous garantissons l'authenticité des monnaies sans condition et sans aucune limite de temps. Les indications de notre catalogue ont été faites en toute science et conscience. L'envoi se fait sous pli recommandé, assuré, aux frais et risques du destinataire. Toutes taxes ou impôts prélevés à l'étranger sont à la charge du destinataire. L'acquéreur doit lui-même s'informer des prescriptions douanières et des taxes du pays d'importation. La maison organisatrice de la vente ne peut être tenue pour responsable au cas ou ces prescriptions ne seraient pas respectées. Le domicile juridique entre l'organisatrice et les acheteurs est Zurich, ceci en cas de différences. La remise d'une offre écrite ou verbale signifie en même temps l'acceptation des conditions précitées de vente aux enchères. Les conditions locales de mise aux enchères seront appliquées et celles-ci sont disponibles dans les langues allemande, française, italienne et anglaise. En cas de différences d'interprétation, le texte allemand fait foi.
Italian:
La partecipazione alla vendita all'asta comporta l'accettazione integrale delle seguente condizioni:
I prezzi indicati rappresentano la stima in franchi svizzeri. Se non sono pervenute offerte più elevate, l'inizio di battuta d'asta corrisponde generalmente all' 80% circa dello stesso. Al prezzo di aggiudicazione verrà aggiunto un diritto d'asta del 16.5%. Per le consegne all'acquirente in territorio svizzero sarà aggiunta al prezzo totale (prezzo di aggiudicazione + diritto d'asta e spese di spedizione) il 7,6% d'IVA. Le monete in oro (AV) non sono soggette al pagamento dell' IVA. L'importo complessivo sarà esigibile alla consegna dei lotti e pagabile in franchi svizzeri. In caso di ritardo nel pagamento sarà applicato un interesse dell'1% al mese sul totale dovuto. L'aggiudicazione avviene dopo la terza chiamata della migliore offerta ed obbliga l'offerente ad accettarla. In caso di parità di offerte, avrà la precedenza quella effettuata per corrispondenza. Ogni partecipante alla vendita all'asta è personalmente responsabile degli acquisti effettuati: pertanto egli non può pretendere di avere agito per conto di terzi. Gli oggetti offerti in vendita sono garantiti autentici senza limiti di tempo. L'invio degli oggetti viene di regola effettuato in plico postale raccomandato a spese ed a rischio del destinatario, il quale, se residente all'estero, dovrà assumere a proprio carico ogni eventuale tassa o imposta applicata nel paese di residenza. E' onere dell'acquirente d' informarsi sulle prescrizioni doganali e valutarie del paese d' importazione e la società organizzatrice della vendita all'asta non può essere ritenuta responsabile nel caso in cui esse non vengano rispettate. In caso di controversia è competente il foro di Zurigo. L'inoltro di un'offerta scritta o verbale implica l'accettazione senza riserve delle presenti condizioni d'asta. Saranno inoltre applicabili le consuetudini locali sulle vendite all'asta, il testo delle quali è disponibile nelle lingue tedesca, francese e inglese: in caso di divergenze di interpretazione farà fede il testo in lingua tedesca.