67. Koson Stater coin, Dacia, first half of the 1st century BC, gold, museum piece, originates from the collection of Swiss numismatic Markus Weder

Obverse: Procession of three persons with Roman toga, to the left, the first and last carrying fasces on their shoulder; Legend: ΚΟΣΩΝ and B monogram (for "Basileos", meaning king). Reverse: A vulture towards the left, on a scepter, holding in its right claw a laurel wreath. The Dacian Koson coin represents one of the most important and rare numismatic pieces of antiquity. The name of the Koson is closely linked to the name of the Dacian king, Cotiso. Many historians attribute the minting of the gold coin with the legend "ΚΟΣΩΝ" to Koson, who would have been the same as King Cotiso, mentioned by historical sources. Cotiso was the successor of Burebista who, after the dissolution of the Dacian kingdom, asserted himself as king of the Dacians between Banat and Oltenia, as the poet Horace called him. Historical sources tell us that the new king of the Dacians was courted by the two antagonists, Mark Antony and Octavian (later, Augustus) to form alliances. Cotiso is also mentioned in an ode by the poet Horace in which he assured the safety of Rome, as Cotiso's army was defeated by Augustus' troops in 25 BC. The end of Cotiso's reign is marked by the campaign of Marcus Vicinius, the first Roman general to cross the Danube and invade Dacia. It is assumed that King Cotiso was killed as a result of this campaign, marking the end of his reign in 9 BC. For history aficionados or collectors of rare coins, Koson is an essential piece, having a unique character. It is a symbol of tradition and the craftsmanship of ancient times, being an object of value not only financially, but also culturally. Owning such a coin is not just an investment, but also a way to keep in touch with an era filled with meaning, an object that attracts the admiration and respect of those who understand its importance.

Dimensions

weight 8 g, custom d=21 mm

Description

Gold 95.45%, Silver 4.38%, Copper 0.23%

PROVENANCE

The coin was purchased from the auction house Münzen & Medaillen GmbH in the city of Weil am Rhein, Germany, on December 4, 2024. The owner has all the acquisition documents, and copies of these, with personal information and prices removed, will be made available to the buyer.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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