Experts in Coins & Medals

ITALY. Decio Azzolino, Cardinal, 1623-1654-1689. Medal (Bronze, 62 mm, 82.87 g, 12 h), by Massimiliano Soldani Benzi (1656-1740), undated but 1681. DECIVS CARD - AZZOLINVS Bare-headed bust of Azzolino to left, wearing fur-lined robes. Rev. INVIDIAM VIRTVTE (=envious of virtue) Eagle standing facing on a boulder, with his wings spread and his head to left, clutching a writhing serpent in his claws. Bargello 161. Rare. A lovely example, with a fine brown patina. Extremely fine.

SASANIAN KINGS. Bahram V, 420-438. Drachm (Silver, 27.5 mm, 4.13 g, 3 h), WH (Veh-Ardashir [Seleucia]). Bust of Bahram IV to right, wearing merlon crown ornamented with crescent surmounted by korymbos. Rev. Fire altar with ribbons flanked by two attendants; l'st in Pahlavi on altar shaft. Göbl type I/1. SNS type Ib1/1. Sunrise -. Light deposits and some porosity, otherwise, about extremely fine.