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Satraps of Caria. Pixodaros, 340-334 B.C.

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:1,400.00 - 1,800.00 USD
Satraps of Caria. Pixodaros, 340-334 B.C.
Satraps of Caria. Pixodaros, 340-334 B.C.<p> AR didrachm. Laureate head of Apollo facing, with chlamys fastened at neck/Zeus Labraundos standing, holding double ax (labrys) and lotus-tipped scepter. 6.80 g. SNG von Aulock 2375, Dewing 2381, Boston MFA 2007. AU50 ICG, the obverse being particularly well-modeled and of beautiful style; a compelling coin. "But how good is the metal?" A question that can be heard at coin conventions from one ancient coin enthusiast to another. Depending on many conditions, such as acidity of soil, if the coin was buried loose or in a container, purity of metal at time of minting, actual depth of burial, expertise in removing incrustations, ancient coins can either be found of "good" silver or "poor" silver. Good silver implies that the look of both obverse and reverse is ice-like, without breaks in the surface. Craters and fissures can indicate a porous, crystallized coin, earning the appellation "poor" silver. When an Athenian silver tetradrachm, for example, is considerably porous, its weight could easily be one or two grams light. Inside the metal, the molecules of metal have shrunk, giving more space around each molecule. This can cause the coin to more easily break (if thin) and to give a grey, unappealing granularity to the coin. Some coin types are more often found in a porous state than others. The collector needs to compromise a bit for archaic coins, as they tend to have been buried at greater depths, with more pressure exerted upon them. The soil in Israel tends to be quite acidic, readily crystallizing, pitting and even corroding her coins, especially the bronzes, which are affected to the greatest degree. The response to the original question, in looking at this didrachm of Pixodaros, is "good silver, with insignificant areas of silver chloride, or horn silver, adhering, mainly on the reverse." Numismatists are forgiving to minuscule spots of silver chloride, but when major, the discoloration and resultant surface damage (if any) should be mentioned.From the Collection of Dr. Joseph M. Seventko. Important notice: We expect to be auctioning lots at the rate of 200-250 per hour. Sometimes eBay Premier live bid software cannot keep up with that pace, so we strongly recommend that you place a realistic proxy bid now as insurance to avoid disappointment. Also please note that all Heritage/CAA lots purchased through eBay Premier carry a 20% Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions.