When Henry Gorringe excavated Cleopatra’s Needle in 1880, he reportedly found this bronze coin of Cleopatra under the pedestal. Its whereabouts and significance were forgotten for 140 years. Until now.
Category: Provenance
My First 100 Provenance-Coins Posted
I’ve just reached 100 “provenance coins” cataloged online. Click for “object biographies” (click again to enlarge). See also the collector bios & more in the “provenance glossary.”
From the BCD Library Sale at Kolbe & Fanning
For decades (formed c. 1970s-1980s), the BCD Library has been known as the world’s greatest private library of classical numismatics….Thus I received news of the sale with mixed feelings — having missed any chance to visit, but excited to acquire an artifact of the legendary institution.
Provenance Glossary: Dr. Jay M. Galst (1950-2020)
Jay Galst (1950-2020) was a prominent New York ophthalmologist & important numismatist. His magnus opus was Ophthalmologia Optica et Visio in Nummis (2013, ANS, w/ van Alfen). Much of his collection was auctioned by CNG, 2021-.
Provenance Glossary: Richard J Plant (1928-2020), “Reverend of Numismatics”
Coins from the collection of the important numismatic author, Rev. Richard J. Plant (1928-2020), including a biography and bibliography.
“Provenance Diagrams” for Ancient Coins: Chain-of-Custody, Publication, Sales and Other Important Events in Numismatic “Object Biography”
“Provenance Diagrams” are a way to visually represent important moments in a coin’s “object biography.” These can begin with a hoard discovery, continue to sales and collections, or publications, exhibitions, and other key events.
New Additions: Roman Bronze Coins with Distinguished Provenances Depicting “Barbarians, Captives, and Enemies”
In addition to the interesting imagery of captives on their reverses, each coin has a notable provenance and backstory related to the modern history of classical numismatics.
Showcase: Gordian plate coin, Giovanni Dattari (1858-1923) Collection, important die variant
Pedigreed to 1901, from the Giovanni Dattari Collection & plate coin from Savio-Dattari & RPC. Gordian III Tetradrachm of Egypt, Alexandria with very rare obverse die & legend arrangement.