Lot 3002
Celtic Central Europe. Slovakia. Boii. Busu. AR Hexadrachm (16.91 g) struck c. 2nd century BC. Diademed male bust left; to left, palm branch. Reverse: BVSV; winged female centaur left, head right. Cast. 1161; BN 10141; Paulsen 786; Allen-Nash 84. See Paulsen pp. 88-89 for source of prototype. A remarkable example of this intriguing coin. Very Fine and extremely rare.
The Attic weight tetradrachms of the "Biatec" series are often referred to as hexadrachms, given the contrast in weight with the comparatively light tetradrachms struck contemporaneously in the Celtic world. Their size and purity are testament to the prosperity of the Boii on the eve of Roman domination of the region. The reverse motifs of the series are mostly fabulous beasts; the winged centauress of the present type is perhaps the most original.
Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000.
From the Garrett Collection Part II (Johns Hopkins University) Leu/NFA Zurich (Oct. 16-18, 1984) lot 66 (realized 6250 SF); Previously: JWG, Schulman I. April 1927; Sotheby Auction 12. Feb. 1923 (Sandars), 142.
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| Realized $12,650 |
