Lot 4-324. Sicily, Syracuse. Agathokles. 317-289 B.C. PB tetradrachm. BIFACE LEAD / ROSA OFF-METAL TRIAL STRIKE. CLASSICAL DECEPTION PLATE COIN.

Sicily, Syracuse. Agathokles. 317-289 B.C. PB tetradrachm (26.2 mm, 16.70 g, 6 h). BIFACE LEAD / ROSA OFF-METAL TRIAL STRIKE. KOPAΣ, Head of Persephone right, wearing earring and necklace, long hair bound with barley wreath / [KΛEIOΣ], Nike, half draped, standing right, hammering a helmet to the top of a trophy; triskeles in right field. BECKER BMC 378 stamped into the edge. cf. BMC 378; CD-169. EF. 

This is a plate coin from Classical Deception. Peter Rosa (1926-1990) was the owner of Becker Manufacturing Company in New York City and an avid admirer of the artistry of ancient coins. Since purchasing coins was beyond his means, he ordered casts of coins from the British Museum from which he created high quality replicas. Although considered by some as one the great numismatic craftsmen of the 20th century, his copies were never intended to deceive, but to educate the public about ancient art.The Rosa off-metal trial strikes offered for sale at Agora Auctions are Rosa's innovative craftsmanship. They are not second or third generation cast copies commonly found on the market today. This collection was purchased by Wayne Sayles directly from the Rosa family after his death. The dies themselves were donated to the ANS museum.All Rosa test strikes are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from, and signed by, Wayne Sayles. A copy of Mr. Sayles book Classical Deception: Counterfeits, Forgeries and Reproductions of Ancient Coins will be offered to the winning bidder at no extra charge. Limit one book per person. Please notify Agora Auctions if you would like a copy of this important book.

 

Estimate:

$  200.00

Final Price:

$ 120.00 (1 bid(s))
Approximately EUR 0.00 / GBP 0.00

$  ( bid(s))
Approximately EUR / GBP

Time remaining:

Bidding closed (Tuesday, 28 Jan 2014, 14:40:30)
Current time: Saturday, November 23rd, 20:42:41