Crete, Aptera AE14 (3rd-1st Centuries BC) - ex. Alexander Pasha, Prince of Samos NGC Ch. F (Story Vault)

Why purchase this ancient Greek bronze coin struck in the 3rd-1st centuries B.C. Crete, part of a royal collection?

This artifact of ancient Greece was once part of the personal hoard of Alexandre Caratheodory Pasha (1833-1906). Pasha pursued a distinguished career in service to the Ottoman Empire, an extraordinary accomplishment for a Greek born diplomat. He has the distinction of being the only Greek to hold the prominent position of Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Ottoman Empire from 1878-1879. Pasha's remarkable hoard of nearly 630 coins (mostly ancient Greek and Roman Issues) included this 3rd-1st century B.C. bronze AE14, struck in the city of Aptera, on the Mediterranean Island of Crete. The largest of the Greek islands, Crete was once the center of the Minoan civilization (c. 2700-1420 B.C.).

Imagery inspired from Greek Mythology

The obverse features the Helmeted head of Ares, facing left. The mythological Greek god of war, Ares is the son of Zeus and Hera, and one of the Twelve Olympians, usually representing the physical violence and chaos of war. Depicted on the reverse is a race torch, a symbol associated with the god Ares, surrounded by a Greek inscription.

Graded Choice Fine by NGC

This AE14 struck in the town of Aptera, Crete, 3rd-1st Centuries B.C., is graded Choice Fine, by NGC Ancients, Numismatic Guaranty Corporation's (NGC) specialized ancient coin grading division. The coin will demonstrate the surface and strike features typically seen on a coin earning a Sheldon Scale grade of 15, exhibiting moderate to sharp detail in the deeply recessed areas of the coin. Encapsulated in a protective labeled NGC holder, the coin includes certification that it comes from the private collection of the late Alexandre Caratheodory Pasha.

Don't delay, add this ancient Cretan bronze coin from a royal hoard to your collection now!