The first issue of a book containing pictures of five thousand splendid coins belonging to Iran’s Sassanid period is soon to be published. More information will be posted as soon as we have a publication date and particulars.

Sassanid coins are decorated with original Persian patterns and minted in gold silver and copper. Golden Sassanid Drachma was used only in foreign trade, making them very rare today. Silver coins were used as the main currency and were circulated even in neighboring regions.

Iran’s national museum and the British museum are working together to compile a two-volume publication, focusing on pieces belonging to a period between the rein of Ardeshir I and Kavadh I.

The Sassanid era is considered to be one of the most important and influential historical periods in Iran, witnessing the highest achievements of Persian civilization. Many notable pieces of Pahlavi literature were written and Sassanid music reached its zenith. Many sports such as polo also emerged as pastimes for royalty in this period.

GEORGE FREDERICK KOLBE AUCTION SALE 105: MARCH 20, 2008

On March 20, 2008 George Frederick Kolbe/Fine Numismatic Books will sell at auction the Numismatic Library of Dr. Dan Koppersmith, part three of the Alan M. Meghrig Library, further selections from the library of Bob Vail, and other notable properties.

Leading off the sale is the superb Koppersmith library, which includes a complete set of the Numismatic Chronicle, a complete run of the Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum, standard works on ancient Greek coins in outstanding condition, and important auction sale catalogues featuring archaic and classical Greek coins.

A nice consignment of works on British and American numismatics follows. It features a fine original set of Dalton and Hamer’s Provincial Token-Coinage of the 18th Century, heavily annotated by a knowledgeable collector. Complete sets of Barney Bluestone, New York Coin & Stamp Co., and J. C. Morgenthau sale catalogues are featured in the Bob Vail consignment, which also includes an extensive run of elusive United States Coin Company sales, among them a fine 1913 Malcolm Jackson sale with photographic plates. (more…)

In preparation for the move to new premises later this year, the ANS will be holding a sale of duplicate books, sales catalogues and periodicals. Lists of available catalogues and periodicals will shortly appear on the ANS website, with prices and instructions for ordering. Shipping and handling will be charged to purchasers.

Duplicate books, together with unsold catalogues and periodicals will be offered for sale on the ANS premises from Saturday, March 8th, 2008. Opening hours will be posted on the ANS website.

Only duplicates of items in the library are being sold. no books or duplicates from the rare book room are included. all proceeds from sales will benefit the ans library.

In addition to the sale of material by the ANS, a mail bid auction of duplicate books is being held on behalf of the ANS by Charles Davis.

The catalogue is available online: http://members.aol.com/numislit/daviscatalogue.pdf Selected lots are also illustrated: http://members.aol.com/numislit/ Inquiries may be addressed to: Numislit@aol.com