Crete, Phalasarna AE12 (c.3rd Century BC) - ex. Alexander Pasha, Prince of Samos NGC Ch. F (Story Vault)

Why purchase this Cretan city of Phalasarna AE12 from the private collection of a Prince?

Alexandre Caratheodory Pasha was a diplomat of the Ottoman Empire, holding titles that included ambassador, commissioner, Governor-General of Crete, and Prince of the Island of Samos. He was the only Greek ever to hold the position of Ottoman Minister of Foreign Affairs. Pasha began collecting ancient coins while a commissioner in Berlin in 1878, eventually amassing a hoard of about 630 mainly Greek and Roman coins. This 12 mm diameter AE12 bronze coin issued by the 3rd Century B.C., Cretan city of Phalasarna, is authenticated as part of Pasha's vast collection.

Symbolism of the goat imagery

The obverse of the coin depicts a bee, as seen from above, with its wings spread open. The significantly worn reverse features the forepart of a Cretan goat. The goat is revered as a divine creature on Crete, equivalent to the mythological god Pan. Pan and his goats resided primarily on the Mediterranean island of Crete, supposedly living in the forests and the most rugged mountain terrains. This species of Cretan goat still thrives in the wilderness of Crete today.

Graded Choice Fine by NGC

This AE12 of Phalasarna, Crete, struck 3rd Century B.C., is graded Choice Fine by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation's (NGC) specialized ancient coin grading division. The coin will bear the surface and strike characteristics normally 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 carries certification that it comes from the private collection of the late Alexandre Caratheodory Pasha.

This ancient bronze coin from a royal collection belongs in yours! Don't miss this opportunity to purchase this bronze coin from ancient Crete!