News from Spink

The Coinex Auction 28th & 29th September 2005

Indo-Greek, Indo-Scythian & early Persian coins

If you are a collector of Indo-Greek or pre-Islamic Persian coins, then the first day of Spink’s Coinex auction on 28th September is definitely one for your calendar. Spink is pleased to be offering a wide-ranging collection, remarkable for both the superb condition of the coins offered, and, in some cases, their extreme rarity.

The collection contains many interesting Greek and Roman coins, and several Parthian issues. However, the coins of Persis (lots 160-173) are truly exceptional, both in the range of denominations offered and for their remarkable condition. Many coins of this series have appeared on the market in the last year, but these must be the pick of the bunch. Lots 181-183 are similar portrait coins issued in the last century B.C. and first century A.D. by the Parata Rajas of Sind (now Pakistan). This little-researched series is one of very few in the Indian subcontinent to feature realistic portraits on the coins, along with the name of the rulers (very clear on these examples) in Brahmi script.

Gold coins are well represented by a selection of Kushan (lots 289-312) and Kushano-Sasanian (lots 192-195) staters. These are remarkable more for their wonderful condition than their rarity, and give collectors of this series a chance to upgrade their collections or acquire a few superlative examples. Another early Kushan rarity on offer is a wonderful portrait tetradrachm of Kujula Kadphises (lot 283).

However, the bulk of the collection comprises Graeco-Bactrian (lots 198-218), Indo-Greek (lots 219-248) and Indo-Scythian coins (lots 249-281). Starting at lot 198 with a gold stater of Diodotus I in extremely fine condition, and unblemished by test cuts, the collection moves on via a selection of tetradrachms of Eucratides, including the sought-after memorial issue depicting the ruler’s mother and father (lot 214), to encompass many unrecorded and scarce copper issues. Some of these are difficult to find in any condition, but even the more common types, such as lot 207, a coin of Demetrios I, bearing an elephant’s head, are of such a mouth-watering quality, that even the most seasoned collector will have difficulty finding their equal. Multiple lots in this series are certainly worth investigating, as there are many gems to be found.

The Indo-Scythian section contains one of the most comprehensive collections of tetradrachms since the Senior collection, every one displaying a different combination of monograms and letters, a few of which are unrecorded (examples to be found in lots 269, 272, 273, 275 and 277). Lot 262, a tetradrachm jointly issued by Vonones and Spalagadames appears to be only the second one of its type recorded.

If you are upgrading or reassessing the direction of your collection, and find yourself with surplus coins, Spink are always happy to find a buyer for them. We can help by arranging sale through our regular auctions, by offering them on commission, or by outright purchase. For Indo-Greek, Indian and Islamic coins please contact Barbara Mears (+44 (0) 207 563 4000/4019).