Verdura

Ptolemaic Gold Coin and Sapphire Pendant | Verdura | 托勒密王朝金幣及藍寶石吊墜

Auction Closed

December 7, 09:12 PM GMT

Estimate

10,000 - 15,000 USD

Lot Details

Description

Verdura | Ptolemaic Gold Coin and Sapphire Pendant

Verdura | 托勒密王朝金幣及藍寶石吊墜

Set with a gold mnaieion (octadrachm), struck at Alexandria, with a diademed and veiled bust of Arsinoe II; behind head, K, reverse, a double cornucopia bound with a royal diadem; the coin mounted in a frame of round sapphires, unsigned. With signed, fitted case.

In good condition, with light wear to the gold commensurate with wear. The coin with light nicking throughout. The mounting tests as 14 karat gold. The sapphires are medium slightly violetish blue, slightly included, with scattered chips and abrasions. Gross weight approximately 22 dwts. Dimensions approximately 1⅞ x 1⅛ inches. Coin slightly loose in mounting.

In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.Certificates of Authenticity: Various manufacturers may not issue certificates of authenticity upon request. Sotheby's is not under an obligation to furnish the purchaser with a certificate of authenticity from the manufacturer at any time. Unless the requirements for a rescission of the sale under the Terms of Guarantee are satisfied, the failure of a manufacturer to issue a certificate will not constitute grounds to rescind the sale. Gemological Certificates and Reports: References in the catalogue descriptions to certificates or reports issued by gemological laboratories are provided only for the information of bidders, and Sotheby's does not guarantee and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, terms or information contained in such certificates or reports. Please also note that laboratories may differ in their assessment of a gemstone (including its origin and presence, type and extent of treatments) and their certificates or reports may contain different results.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

For other examples of Verdura jewels featuring coins, see Verdura, the Life and work of a Master Jeweler, by Patricia Corbett, page 132.

Patricia Corbett notes in her seminal book on Fulco di Verdura that he “had a preference for coinage,” positioning them as featured motifs in both jewels and objects. Not simply currency, coins also serve as souvenirs from travels abroad, and it is reasonable to speculate this may have been the original intent of the pendant offered here, set with a 4^th- 3^rd century B.C. gold octadrachm from the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Ancient Egypt. The portrait bust featured on this coin is that of Arsinoe II (b. 316 B.C., d. 270 B.C.) a queen and co-regent of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of ancient Egypt. She was given the Egyptian title "King of Upper and Lower Egypt," making her pharaoh as well. Arsinoe was also Queen of Thrace, Anatolia, and Macedonia by marriage to King Lysimachus. Her role as queen was unprecedented in the Ptolemaic dynasty; she wielded great power and acted as a role model for later Ptolemaic queens.