NUMISMATIC NUGGETS: MAY 8, 2022

GAUL, Massalia. Circa 150-125 BC. AR Drachm (16mm, 2.68 g, 12h). Light standard. Diademed and draped bust of Artemis right; bow and quiver over shoulder; to right, ?I monogram above K / Lion standing right; to right, ?I monogram above K. F&P DRM-38-7; Depeyrot, Marseille 38/7. A couple of light marks, hairlines and die wear on reverse. Near EF.

Massalia (modern Marseille) was a major trading entrepôt settled by the Greeks on the coast of Southern Gaul in the 6th century BC. Its coinage circulated widely in southern Gaul and Northern Italy. The iconic lion on the reverse refers to the Gulf of Lion. The Massalia drachms offered in the next six lots date from late in the city's independence, before it was absorbed by Rome in 49 BC.

To read the complete lot description, see:
GAUL, Massalia. Circa 150-125 BC. AR Drachm (16mm, 2.68 g, 12h). Light standard. (https://auctions.cngcoins.com/lots/view/4-5IOLVF/gaul-massalia-circa-150-125-bc-ar-drachm-16mm-268-g-12h-light-standard)

Pattern Halfgroat of Charles I
In our upcoming Auction (number 105) we have on offer a Charles I, Pattern Halfgroat issued by Nicholas Briot. Briot's pattern Halfgroats for Charles I seem to either be the portrait type or the 1640 no legend, large crown (North 2688), non-portrait issue.

Our example is the Silver type [they were also offered in Copper], bare headed bust facing right in an elaborate ruff contained within an inner linear circle, the legend reads CAR DG MAG BRIT FRAN ET HIR, lozenge stop above King's head. These exact coins were fastened to Briot's first coinage between 1631-2 (references: North 2687; Brooker 1255). The reverse displays two crowned interlocking C's which denote the denomination of a two pence or half-groat, a ‘B' signed below for the designer, all contained within a linear circle, beaded borders both sides, the legend reads FIDEI DEFENSOR, which translates to defender of the faith. A fascinating little coin, a classic example of the proficiency and ability of Nicholas Briot, with an excellent provenance trail.

To read the complete article, see:
THE NICHOLAS BRIOT PATTERN HALFGROAT OF CHARLES I (https://www.baldwin.co.uk/news/the-nicholas-briot-pattern-halfgroat-of-charles-i/)

Obverse: GIVE THY IUDGEMENTS O GOD UNTO THE KING, bust of James
Reverse: AND THY RIGHTEOUSNESSE UNTO THE KINGS SONNE, bust of prince Charles

By Simon van de Passe

Simon van de Passe (ca. 1595 – May 6 1647), was the eldest son of Dutch publisher and engraver Crispijn van de Passe. He worked in England from about 1616 before moving to Copenhagen as royal engraver and designer of medals in 1624, where he remained until his death. He is best remembered for his early London print of Pocahontas (1616).

To read the complete lot description, see:
Great Britain. Ca. 1620. Simili engraved token or counter James I and Charles, Prince of Wales, workshop of Simon van de Passe (https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/jongeling_numismatics__ancient_art
/280/product/great_britain_ca_1620_simili_
engraved_token_or_counter_james_i_and_charles_prince_of_wales
_workshop_of_simon_van_de_passe/1563433/Default.aspx)

	NBS (coinbooks.org) Web