Page 13 - BussoPeus Auktion 433

By way of introduction

The antiquities section of the present catalog is composed of numerous collections or parts of collec-
tions, two of which deserve special recognition.

Collection of a pedigree enthusiast
The collector‘s ambition was to make a selection of pieces representing the Greek coinage in its enti-
rety. Thus, virtually all historically important „key coins“ from all regions of the Greek world are re-
presented, with an emphasis on Magna Grecia, whose aesthetics particularly appealed to the collector.
Our collector was guided by two thoughts in particular. As can be seen from a quick perusal of the
Greek section, the pieces were to be of good quality, with high standards of both style and preservati-
on. The consistently attractive toning (mostly a veritable cabinet toning) reveals a second requirement
that our collector pursued with almost sporting ambition: It was important to him to acquire coins
that already have a long history of collection. Thus it comes that in the provenance information in
this catalog again many of the illustrious names of classical numismatics can be found: Arthur Evans
(nos. 1008, 11 6), R. Jameson (nos. 1113, 13 3), Richard C. Lockett (nos. 1032, 1036, 11 6, 1254),
Henri de Nanteuil (nos. 1067, 1136, 1140, 1152), Vicomte de Sartiges (no. 1030), Consul Weber
(no. 11 6), but also younger „big collectors“ like Athos (and Dina) Moretti (nos. 1044, 1068, 10 )
and the legendary „BCD“ (nos. 114 , 1185, 1188 as well as also 11 0 from the collection of a Swan
friend). Our title piece (no. 1073) comes from the collection of Prince Chatkowski auctioned in
1 08, as does no. 1376. Besides the thought of collector personalities like these, it was also the memo-
ry of scholars who published these collections and through whose hands the pieces now offered here
have passed: E. S. G. Robinson, L. Forrer, H. Cahn. His strong antiquarian interest, coupled with
a good eye and great perseverance, often enabled our provenance enthusiast to acquire pieces whose
provenance had not been recognized by the processors of the respective auctions. Occasionally, he
also acquired quality pieces whose impression suggested a „deep“ provenance, which, however, could
not be uncovered until today. He is now happy to leave this task to others who are also enthusiastic
about the topic of provenance, which is currently in great demand and will probably remain so in the
future. Which in turn should not mean that one cannot acquire the coins from this collection solely
because of their appealing quality.

Collection of a swan friend
A completely different approach was taken by our swan friend. His collection covers all epochs of
coinage and concentrates solely on one motif: the swan (Greek kýknos, Latin cygnus or olor). For the
realm of antiquity, a few hints seem appropriate for the interpretation of this not exactly common
image. In the Mediterranean area, the swan was a welcome and attentively observed winter visitor. It
was mainly the Nordic Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) that settled in lakes and river deltas of Sicily
and Asia Minor, and with its peculiar sounds and impressive size, as well as its striking color, captured
the imagination of the people living there. The observation of the annual migration of the swans for-
med into a myth that is basically to be expected in all „swan cities“: swans pulled the vehicle of Apollo
and carried it to the land of the Hyperboreans (i.e. the north) every spring. Swans were thus associated
with the light and oracle god Apollo, and were generally regarded as his messengers. Everywhere - it
seems - the swan as a coin image is based on a significant cult of Apollo in the respective minting city.

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