Papers by Valentina Grigorova-Gencheva
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Mar 24, 2023
The aim of the present study is to review the history of Bulgarian numismatics between the Libera... more The aim of the present study is to review the history of Bulgarian numismatics between the Liberation of Bulgaria, in 1878, and 2020. It presents the principal centres of scientific research and emphasizes on the most famous personalities related to the development of Bulgarian numismatics, and their major works: Domenico Tacchella, Nikola Moushmov, Todor Gerasimov, Yordanka Yurukova. The article points out the main Bulgarian universities offering studies in numismatics, the numismatic collections of Bulgarian museums and their curators. The authors trace the history and the actual structure of the Bulgarian Numismatic Society, present the basic periodicals, websites, and internet forums specialized in numismatics and focused on numismatic discoveries and research.
Юбилейна конференция "Икономика на страха", посветена на 20-а годишнина от основаването на ВУЗФ, 2022
УСТОЙЧИВОСТ НА ФИНАНСОВАТА СИСТЕМА – ДЪЛГОСРОЧНИ ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ (онтологични и емпирични основания), 2021
circular-economy-chinahighlights-recommendations, изтеглен на 7.05.2016 g.
ВЪНШНА ТЪРГОВИЯ И ПАНДЕМИЯ Сборник с доклади, представени на кръгла маса на тема „Външна търговия и пандемия“, организирана от Висшето училище по застраховане и финанси и Лабораторията за научно-приложни изследвания към него VUZF Lab на 02.12.2020 г. Адрес на редакцията: София 1618 ул. „Гусла“ № ..., 2021
The current paper presents the challenges that a Bulgarian B2B company encounters while obtaining... more The current paper presents the challenges that a Bulgarian B2B company encounters while obtaining after-sales service in a pandemic context. The effects generated by the pandemic and the characteristics of after-sales service are being commented. The situation of the current company is
being analyzed as well as the actions taken in order to overcome the negative consequences.
BNJ, 2023
The aim of the present study is to review the history of Bulgarian numismatics between the
Liber... more The aim of the present study is to review the history of Bulgarian numismatics between the
Liberation of Bulgaria, in 1878, and 2020. It presents the principal centres of scientific research and
emphasizes on the most famous personalities related to the development of Bulgarian numismatics,
and their major works: Domenico Tacchella, Nikola Moushmov, Todor Gerasimov, Yordanka Yurukova.
The article points out the main Bulgarian universities offering studies in numismatics, the numismatic
collections of Bulgarian museums and their curators. The authors trace the history and the actual
structure of the Bulgarian Numismatic Society, present the basic periodicals, websites, and internet
forums specialized in numismatics and focused on numismatic discoveries and research.
the journal of archæological numismatics , 2022
Pautalia (Kyustendil, SW Bulgaria) has been a balneological and medical center since antiquity. T... more Pautalia (Kyustendil, SW Bulgaria) has been a balneological and medical center since antiquity. The coin finds retrieved from sacred sites in the city present an intriguing research topic. Certain key questions have the potential to shed additional light on the reconstruction of the city life in Pautalia. For example: what is the typology of these coin finds? Are there specific types that prevail, and could they be informative about the cults practiced there? What is the chronological distribution of the coin finds? Are there specific denominations that are being offered?
Thrace – Local Coinage and Regional Identity Ulrike Peter, 2021
The health cult was traditionally important in the province of Thrace. Pautalia represents an int... more The health cult was traditionally important in the province of Thrace. Pautalia represents an intriguing
research case in this sense. The city has mineral springs that have been popular because of their healing capacity
ever since antiquity. The cult is evidenced by different types of sources. There are archaeological artefacts directly
indicating medicinal activity, such as a box with medical instruments and a tube with medicines. The provincial
coinage minted in the city from the time of Antoninus Pius (AD 138–161) until Caracalla (AD 198–217) contains
an impressive diversity of types depicting the health cult theme. There are abundant reverses with Asclepius,
Hygeia, Telesphorus, the Nymphs, and the snake (including the Glykon and the specific type of Asclepius on a
flying snake). Attested are reverse types representing Asclepius and Hygeia in front of a temple, thus indicating
the existence of such cult building functioning in the city. The importance of the health cult in Pautalia is further
stressed by the inscription from the central Asclepeion of Epidauros dedicated to the health gods of the city in
question (IG IV, 477). Despite the evidence and several localization theories, the exact location of the Asclepeion
of Pautalia remains uncertain. This is just one of the issues concerning the health cult there. The systematization
and the simultaneous interpretation of the different types of sources have the potential to reveal aspects of the
religious activity and importance of the city that are yet to be researched and clarified.
Gesnerus, 2000
The city of Pautalia (Kyustendil in Bulgaria) is located near thermal springs in the Strymon vall... more The city of Pautalia (Kyustendil in Bulgaria) is located near thermal springs in the Strymon valley (Strouma),on a site occupied from the Iron Age onward by the Thracian tribe of Dentheletes. The temple of Asclepios and the walls of Pautalia, located on the hill of Hissarlaka, as well as the roman thermae in the center of modern Kyustendil are among the more important archaeological vestiges in the area. In 1990, near the village of Dragodan, district of Kyustendil, different surgical instruments in bronze were unearthed in a tumulus attributed to the roman period (Ilnd century A.D.). During the excavation of another tumulus in 1992, a truly exceptional discovery was made near the town of Kotcherinovo, district of Kyustendil: A variety of medicines were discovered in a small bronze case, dating from the roman period (Ilnd century A.D.). The complete results of the analysis of these substances and few hypotheses about their possible use are presented in this publication.
Paper with Dr. Ilya Prokopov, in: Actes du VIIIe Congrès International de Thracologie Sofia 2000... more Paper with Dr. Ilya Prokopov, in: Actes du VIIIe Congrès International de Thracologie Sofia 2000, Sofia 2002
En Thrace les monnaies d'Apollonia et Dyrrachion font leur apparition vers la fin du IIe et au début du Ier s. av. J.-C. Elles sont le plus souvent mélangées à des deniers romains républicains, dans leur majorité en très bon état de conservation, et apparemment non circulées. Cette observation soutient notre idée que les monnaies illyriennes ont pénevtré dans les territoires thraces après la conquête de Macédoine en 168 av. J.-C., avec les déplacements de troupes militaires romains. Il s'agit fort probablement d'une première vague de monnayages romaines destinés à l'échange monétaire dans les Balkans. D'après l'analyse des trésors, ces séries sont composées de monnaies de type romain centrale, mais également de monnaies de type grecque, comme celles d'Apollonia et Dyrrachion dont l'iconographie et les légendes sont connues pour la population locale. Il est bien possible que ces émissions ont été frappées dans un seul et même atelier monétaire, suivant peut-être les déplacements de l'armée romaine. Les régions de l'ouest de la Bulgarie actuelle sont particulièrement riches en trésors contenant des monnaies d'Apollonia et de Dyrrachion. La diffusion suit le courant du Danube de l'ouest vers l'est et descend vers le sud jusqu'à la chaîne du Balkan (Stara planina). Il n'existe pratiquement pas de monnaies illyriennes trouvées au sud de Balkan. Dans les régions de l'extrême ouest de la Bulgarie actuelle (jusqu'au courant de la rivière Lom) les trésors sont composés exclusivement de drachmes d'Apollonia et de Dyrrachion et de deniers romains républicains. Plus à l'est les trouvailles consistent également en monnaies de Macédoine postérieures à 168 av. J.-C., de Maronée, de Thasos et de type thasien. En Bulgarie du nord-est les monnaies illyriennes sont absentes. Sans doute dans cette contrée les éléments prépondérants pour la circulation monétaire sont les monnaies de Messambria et Odessos ainsi que celles de Thasos et de type thasien. Les imitations et les monnaies hybrides sont assez rares, leur présence dans les trésors est isolée. Pendant les IIe et Ier s. av. J.-C. les monnaies principales en Thrace sont les tétradrachmes de Macédoine postérieures à 168 av. J.-C., de Maronée et de Thasos ainsi que les drachmes d'Apollonia et de Dyrrachion et les deniers romains républicains.
The city of Pautalia (Kyustendil in Bulgaria) is located near thermal springs in the Strymon vall... more The city of Pautalia (Kyustendil in Bulgaria) is located near thermal springs in the Strymon valley (Strouma), on a site occupied from the Iron Age onward by the Thracian tribe of Dentheletes. The temple of Asclepios and the walls of Pautalia, located on the hill of Hissarlaka, as well as the roman thermae in the center of modern Kyustendil are among the more important archaeological vestiges in the area. In 1990, near the village of Dragodan, district of Kyustendil, different surgical instruments in bronze were unearthed in a tumulus attributed to the roman period (IInd c. A.D.). During the excavation of another tumulus in 1992, a truly exceptional discovery was made near the town of Kotcherinovo, district of Kyustendil. A variety of medicines were discovered in a small bronze case, dating from the roman period (IInd c. A.D.). The complete results of the analysis of these substances and few hypotheses about their possible use are presented in this publication.
Our regular trips on different routes from Bulgaria to the island of Thasos (ca 300 km) over the ... more Our regular trips on different routes from Bulgaria to the island of Thasos (ca 300 km) over the past ten years have allowed us to get a clear idea of the dense network of roads and the numerous corridors for trade and cultural contacts between the island and the one-time Thracian lands. Nowadays, like in ancient times and in later ages, the movement of people and goods in both directions has been active and year-round. Undoubtedly, based on these observations, the latest coin finds in Bulgaria, and the interpretation of some older finds, we can claim that the island of Thasos and the territory flanked by the valleys of the Struma and the Mesta Rivers all the way north to Sredna Gora Mountain have formed an area whose population has common economic and political interests.
This report will provide a comprehensive overview, interpretation and dating of coin hoards from the modern Bulgarian territories, including small denomination coins of the island of Thasos, the most significant of which include: Gotze Delcev I and II, Koprivlen, Krustevitch, Satovtcha I and II, Skrebatno I and II, Vetren. The analysis of coin stamps has enabled us to propose a new dating for some coin types from the Island of Thasos. The distribution territory of small coin denominations and the review of publications on the economic and political relations across the region have allowed us to corroborate some assertions and also develop new hypotheses on the island’s relations with the Thracian hinterland.
Scattered Coin Hoard
of Silenus/Nymph Type Staters
Valentina Grigorova-Gencheva, Ilya Prokopov
Su... more Scattered Coin Hoard
of Silenus/Nymph Type Staters
Valentina Grigorova-Gencheva, Ilya Prokopov
Summary
In the years after 2000, a coin hoard consisting
of silver staters from the Silenus and
Nymph type was discovered near Tryavna in
the district of Gabrovo. There is no information
about the number of coins, neither of their type.
We were presented only with quality photos and
the metric data of 11 coins. Found in North Central
Bulgaria, this hoard is the northernmost one
known so far.
We do not aim to discuss the question who
is the emitent of this coin type. In our opinion,
the coins belong to a vast community that
shared solid and sustainable economic interests.
The territory that this community controlled undoubtedly
included the island of Thassos.
The closest analogue of this coin hoard is
the one from the village of Krastevich in the
municipality of Hisarya. The North-South axes
along which similar hoards have been found follow
the roads to the precious ore mines located
on the Southern slopes of the Stara Planina
Mountain. The staters entered the region north
of Stara Planina through the passes between the
Zlatishki and the Trevnenski ones.
The analysis of the numismatic material
shows that the distribution area of the Silenus/
Nymph type staters is considerably greater than
that of the small nominals attributed to Thassos.
Our observation of the coin types that circulated
in Thrace together with the Silenus/Nymph
type staters lead to two main conclusions: (a)
the large nominals were few and (b) the small
nominals of the drachm and hemidrachm types
were numerous, mostly in 5th c. BC.
In conclusion, we can say that the peculiar Thasian-Thracian Union was created around and
because... more In conclusion, we can say that the peculiar Thasian-Thracian Union was created around and
because of the rich mining zone within the southern Thracian lands. According to O. Picard, coins are
the biggest testament to the large volume and importance of economic activities associated with
mining operations. This slow and complex process is interconnected with coinage circulation that was
self-sustaining in the mining area. Even Athens did not have the manpower and materials necessary for
the establishment and development of a mine.17 Undoubtedly, Thracian rulers are those who provided
Thasos, and probably Athens and other large contractors, with all the important terms and resources
for a successful profitable activity in the mining area, namely political patronage, military protection,
experienced ancestral miners, metal workers and coin workers, a significant amount of slaves, timber,
charcoal and water. This cooperation led to the differentiation of the specific cultural and economic
zone, shown by coinage circulation and the object of our study. In brief, Thasos was the motor, but the
Thracian mainland was the origin and the reason for the existence of the rich small denomination silver
coinage in the region of our research in the 6th–5th century BC.
AN INEDITED IMPERIAL STATUE FROM BULGARIA
Volume dedicated to Ioannis Touratsoglou
Books by Valentina Grigorova-Gencheva
A book by Valentina Grigorova-Gencheva & Ilya Prokopov
“Sluntse Publishing”, Sofia 2017. Book, i... more A book by Valentina Grigorova-Gencheva & Ilya Prokopov
“Sluntse Publishing”, Sofia 2017. Book, in Bulgarian, pp. 127, hard cover
The period after Bulgaria’s Liberation from Ottoman Rule in 1878 was characterized by turbulent p... more The period after Bulgaria’s Liberation from Ottoman Rule in 1878 was characterized by turbulent processes of the building of the new Bulgarian state. One of the symbols of the state system is the independent national currency. Having realized this, Prince Dondoukov-Korsakov supported the proposal of Bulgaria’s temporary government and signed a decree on the establishment of the National Bank.
One of the first and foremost activities undertaken by the government of the young state was to determine the name and the type of its currency. In addition, the process of restoration of the Bulgarian coin minting, which had been interrupted for about five centuries, also commenced. National currency, along with the flag, the coat of arms and the language, is one of the symbols of national identity. Therefore, as early as 1879, immediately after the establishment of the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB), it was assigned the important task of organizing the minting and printing of Bulgaria’s coins and banknotes. BNB was created as a modern and efficiently operating structure. The multitude of documents accompanying coin production tender procedures, the licenses and the quality control exercised on money distribution and storage followed very high standards. The efficiently organized archives and the documents’ clarity are indicative of the responsibility and earnestness with which the bank employees performed their duties during the Principality and the Kingdom periods. In the process of compiling this book, we reviewed volumes of documents and numerous preserved artifacts in order to obtain the clearest and most accurate picture of coin minting in a country which, after almost 500 years of absence, had returned to its natural European environment. From a scientific perspective, this is the optimal starting point for a study. We would have failed to do justice to history, if we had limited our efforts to just technical collection of and reference to documents and facts. Because we would have missed the heroic endeavours of a handful of patriots who embarked on building a state from scratch, opposing to the interference of the Great Powers, and achieved exceptional results for a short period of time. Today, we live with the illusion of incredibly dynamic times going faster and faster. In fact, we have to bitterly admit that all the changes take place mainly in technology, not in human personality, morality or enthusiasm, or in the accomplishment of the delicate balance and harmony between human beings and the world around. More than a century ago, within a few months and years, “the builders of modern Bulgaria” designed and implemented the modern financial policy and coin minting of a young country in the spirit of pre-war Europe. Hence, the most important thing we would like to share about our work on this book relates to a completely subjective sensation. Browsing the pages of carefully systematized and docketed archives, which survived despite the vicissitudes of history, reading through all the documents – decrees, letters, correspondence, our perception of state grew increasingly stronger. A perception, alas, we have been missing for years now.
Entering the period of socialism, we suddenly identified the lack of many documents and we often found the “secret” stamp preserved on some of them even today. This makes these documents inaccessible to researchers and prevents the thorough elucidation of a number of facts and processes related to the history of modern coin minting in Bulgaria. Some contemporary myths and legends grew up due to the lack of official information about many cases from BNB and the Bulgarian Mint. The lack of explanatory notes in the catalogues published by BNB and the insufficient information on tests, samples, errors, counterfeits and hybrids provided by other authors have only incited the invention of such stories.
Ridiculously enough, it is exactly contemporary Bulgarian numismatics that hides numerous secrets, ambiguities and long-term discussions, which have remained unsettled. Along with the large volumes of information, there also proves to be a lot of disinformation within the space occupied by the fans of Bulgarian coins. Tall tales of mystical coinages of rare and unseen test coins and curios have spread and piled up like a quick-sand bog. The thousands of tales and pretty stories told by coin collectors sound good but often fishy, too. The questions we ask do not receive logical answers. All this confirmed our conviction that it was time someone checked, analyzed and proved or denied these tales and legends. For years, we have heard questions like: Why are the 1916 coins so rare?; Why was a centime struck in 1887?; Why are the 1912 gold coins in a perfect condition and the 1894 coins are not?; What are the 1923 Birmingham coins?; Do the 1930 “reversed Krum”, the 1928 five levs and the 1984 test coins exist? Nothing or almost nothing is published in the official sources and numismatists’ circles and different stories are circulated, like the story of a Roma boy in Serbia, who in 1916 made a hole in a wagon of coins and a number of two-lev coins that are famous today dropped out of it. These stories and the multitude of questions we could not answer strengthened our ambition to set up a team and write this book, which is needed by Bulgarian numismatics, historians and all who are interested in the Bulgarian coin minting of this period.
The members of the authors’ team have been active in the field of numismatics and appraisal of cultural valuables (mainly coins of various periods) for years. They have a long-standing experience in the study of ancient coins. In the process of our work on this book, we encountered the “talented artisans” of our time who focus their efforts on counterfeiting modern Bulgarian coins and, moreover, on creating “biographies” and “passports” of some especially valuable specimens. Our biggest concern, however, was that we saw a counterfeit copy of the new gold Bulgarian lev depicting the image of St. Ivan of Rila. We are no longer surprised by the fact that forgeries of rare and expensive Bulgarian coins and medals are produced and offered in faraway countries. Via the internet, in some Asian countries, anyone can order 1 and 2 lev coins of 1916, 1880 centimes, medals with the images of Prince Alexander I of Bulgaria and Ferdinand I as a prince and tsar. The issue of counterfeiting went beyond the national boundaries a long time ago to turn into a dangerous pandemic. We came to realize that it not only injures the interests of buyers of rare collectible coins, but above all it preconditions changes in history and misrepresents events and facts of the relatively near past. Washing away the line between real and fake nowadays constitutes a serious danger since it might cause unpredictable damage to the human world, beyond the realm of numismatics. The striving for “telling the real thing from the fakes” is a good though not the only reason for writing a book. During our numerous meetings with clients from all over the country, we found out that many of them were not familiar with the messages and symbols depicted on Bulgarian coins. The iconographic compositions, images and legends are perceived as only a distant reminiscence of almost forgotten and often misunderstood events and people, useless relics that are not directly connected with our lives.
Coins are among the most accurate carriers of information. They reflect the economic and political conditions in the country. Whoever can “read” them, can also draw conclusions and findings that were hidden by official chroniclers. Therefore, under the motto “learn history through coins”, the members of the authors’ team reviewed and analyzed hundreds of pages on coin minting in Bulgaria after 1880.
The long-standing professional experience of the team in numismatics ensures that you will get an impartial picture, cleared of the folklore of ordinary traders and coin collectors. You will acquire new knowledge. You will witness new theses, substantiated with documents and pictures. Each chapter analyzes in detail the periods of Bulgarian coin minting from a historical perspective: from the Principality and the Kingdom through socialism and the Republic. Chapter five features the most intriguing, rare and discussed coins. We have mentioned numerous counterfeits and coin-like samples. For the first time, all coin images, personalities and heraldry are described, explained and accompanied by historical references. You will find coins that have not been publicized so far and the answers to many questions that have been suppressed until now. Beginner numismatists will find it much easier to learn and comprehend the symbolism and logic, and sense the beauty of the small plastic arts represented by the coins. The chapter on counterfeits and errors includes dozens of pictures and methods that will help them find the truth more easily. We believe that here, at last, you will receive the answers to a multitude of questions which have tormented you over the years. We are confident that this book will help you build a more complete and valuable collection and you will be protected from the ever spreading “unique counterfeits”.
This book, part of which is the comprehensive catalogue of Bulgarian coins, does not target only numismatists, collectors and other experts in the field. It is meant for anyone who would spare some time for opening it; anyone who would like to find some new and interesting information about modern Bulgarian coin minting. It even goes beyond that... The book features and comments on, for the first time, valuable pictures of documents of the Bulgarian state archives. The study of coin-like artifacts (medals, medallions, jewelry, tokens, etc.), directly connected with Bulgarian coin minting, is also innovative.
L'Université de Fribourg est parmi les rares universités qui possèdent une collection numismatiqu... more L'Université de Fribourg est parmi les rares universités qui possèdent une collection numismatique. Elle est une donation au Département des sciences de l'Antiquité de théologien, écrivain et poète, de l'humaniste Prof. Josef Vital Kopp dont on dédie l'introduction de ce livre. En l'occurrence, dans la préface seront présentés sa collection et tous les gens et institutions liés à sa publication.
Le petit trésor numismatique qui nous allons dévoiler dans les pages suivantes contient 209 monnaies, dont 117 grecques et 92 romaines, républicaines et impériales. La justesse oblige de dire qu'une des monnaies grecques, présentée exclusivement à la p. 86 appartient à Mme Anita Nebel–Schürch, ancienne élève et collaboratrice proche de Josef Vital Kopp. Les autres 208 pièces ont reposait pendant trois décennies en paix, dans les coffres forts de la Banque Cantonale de Fribourg. A deux reprises une partie de monnaies avait vu le jour: en 1971 et en 1994, pour faire objet de mémoires de licence. Le premier, celle de Mme Carmen Biucchi, traite les monnaies de Grande Grèce et de Sicile (30 ex.), le second, de Mme Susanne Maugère–Hofstetter, les romaines impériales d'Auguste à Vitellius (18 ex.). Les deux auteurs nous ont livré des recherches systématiques et approfondies, mettant en valeur la beauté et la rareté des types représentés dans la collection Kopp. Sans doute pour Mme Biucchi ce travail a été une inspiration pour le futur, car depuis elle se consacrée à la numismatique. Auteur de plusieurs publications sur le monnayage grec, elle a été pendant des longues années conservatrice des monnaies grecques à la Société américaine de numismatique et porte le titre d'honneur "First Margaret Thompson Curator of Greek Coins". Mme Biucchi, ainsi que Mme Maugère–Hofstetter soulignent dans leurs mémoires la nécessité et l'importance d'une publication de l'ensemble de la collection Kopp. Une idée dont j'ai eu l'honneur et le plaisir de réaliser des années plus tard.Les monnaies de la collection Kopp révèlent le goût esthétique et les connaissances numismatiques de l'homme qui les a réunir. La plupart en excellent état de conservation, elles sont d'un intérêt historique et iconographique majeur. La collection donne un aperçu général du monnayage grec et représente une partie importante des monnaies romaines.
Les ateliers de la Grande Grèce brillent avec la parfaite exécution artistique de leurs exemplaires. Les ravissantes nymphes sur le monnaies de Syracuse nous touchent par leur beauté mystérieuse (nos. 24–28). Ont elles étaient des prototypes de la belle Damaris, héroïne d'un roman de Josef Vital Kopp?
La collection contient également un choix de monnaies des rois de Macédoine (nos. 36–43; 209), des pièces rares de la Thrace (nos. 46; 48, 50), de la Grèce (nos. 56; 58; 61) et de l'Asie Mineure (nos. 84; 99; 101) d'un grand intérêt historique et d'une gravure exceptionnellement fine. Ils sont représentés presque tout les ateliers monétaires de l'empire d'Alexandre le Grand, en commençant par la capitale de Macédoine, Pella, à travers Sardes, Amphipolis, Rhodos et Sidon, jusqu'au Memphis en Égypte. Par leur sublime beauté archaïque se détachent les monnaies d'Athènes, devenu un des symboles du monde grec antique (nos. 67–71). En regardant les monnaies de Corinthe, chaque une portant un Pégase (nos. 73–80), on devient presque certain que c'est elles qui ont donnaient le titre du roman "Die Launen des Pegasus". Parmi les exclusivités de la collection se trouvent neuf monnaies de Mytilene sur l'île de Lesbos, de vrais chef-d'oeuvres de l'art miniature, témoignes de tout un monde de divinités, des humaines et des animaux (nos. 87–95). L'intérêt qui J. V. Kopp portait aux grands hommes de l'époque ancienne nous conduit à travers une galerie de portraits, peuplée par les personnages majestueux des rois hellénistiques: les Seleucides en Syrie (nos. 103–108) et les Ptolemées d'Égypte (nos. 110–113).
Le monnayage romain est représenté dans toute sa splendeur et également d'une manière très systématique. On peut observer unes des premières monnaies romaines en bronze (nos. 115; 116; 119), de deniers en argent (nos. 120-149 etc.) ainsi que des pièces impériales pour la plupart dans les trois métaux monétaire, l'or, l'argent et le bronze (nos. 158–206). Sans doute, en formant cette partie de sa collection, J. V. Kopp se faisait de nouveau guidé par son goût raffiné et par son envie d'illustrer avec des monnaies les plus importants événements, les symboles et les plus remarquables personnalités de l'histoire romaine. En regardant les silhouettes élancées des divinités de la guerre Virtus et Minerva au revers des monnaies de Domitian (nos. 184; 185) il m'est arrivé de penser que si J. V. Kopp était sculpteur, des images de pareille beauté expressive pouvait l'inspirer de modeler de nouvelles statues... Sa collection se termine avec des exemplaires de l'empereur Marc Aurèle et sa famille, de dernières années du règne de la dynastie des Antonins et de la fin de l’époque d’or de l'empire romaine.
La collection fut acquise pièce par pièce entre les années 1940 et 1960. La plupart des monnaies ont été achetées chez A. Hess à Lucerne, Münzen und Medaillen à Bâle, Maison Platt à Paris, chez J. Hirsch à Munich ou S. Rosenberg à Frankfurt am Main. Plusieurs exemplaires proviennent des certains parmi les plus importantes collections privées du XX siècle: A. J. Evans, O'Hagen, R. Jameson, Rhousopolos. Des numismates comme H. Cahn ou S. Rosenberg étaient des amis ainsi que des précieux conseillers de J. V. Kopp.
La présente étude à pour but de publier l'ensemble de la collection de l'Université de Fribourg (Ex-collection Kopp). Les descriptions de monnaies sont accompagnées par des brèves notes historiques et iconographiques. Les termes en Italique figurent dans le dictionnaire. Les monnaies grecques sont cataloguées d'après la séquence employée habituellement dans les publications numismatiques: selon Head et l'ancien géographe Strabo. Les photos sont de format 1:1; les agrandissements 2:1, à l'exception de nos. 60 et 61–1,5:1. Les ateliers monétaires, les personnages historiques et les types principales sont représentés dans les index du livre.
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Papers by Valentina Grigorova-Gencheva
being analyzed as well as the actions taken in order to overcome the negative consequences.
Liberation of Bulgaria, in 1878, and 2020. It presents the principal centres of scientific research and
emphasizes on the most famous personalities related to the development of Bulgarian numismatics,
and their major works: Domenico Tacchella, Nikola Moushmov, Todor Gerasimov, Yordanka Yurukova.
The article points out the main Bulgarian universities offering studies in numismatics, the numismatic
collections of Bulgarian museums and their curators. The authors trace the history and the actual
structure of the Bulgarian Numismatic Society, present the basic periodicals, websites, and internet
forums specialized in numismatics and focused on numismatic discoveries and research.
research case in this sense. The city has mineral springs that have been popular because of their healing capacity
ever since antiquity. The cult is evidenced by different types of sources. There are archaeological artefacts directly
indicating medicinal activity, such as a box with medical instruments and a tube with medicines. The provincial
coinage minted in the city from the time of Antoninus Pius (AD 138–161) until Caracalla (AD 198–217) contains
an impressive diversity of types depicting the health cult theme. There are abundant reverses with Asclepius,
Hygeia, Telesphorus, the Nymphs, and the snake (including the Glykon and the specific type of Asclepius on a
flying snake). Attested are reverse types representing Asclepius and Hygeia in front of a temple, thus indicating
the existence of such cult building functioning in the city. The importance of the health cult in Pautalia is further
stressed by the inscription from the central Asclepeion of Epidauros dedicated to the health gods of the city in
question (IG IV, 477). Despite the evidence and several localization theories, the exact location of the Asclepeion
of Pautalia remains uncertain. This is just one of the issues concerning the health cult there. The systematization
and the simultaneous interpretation of the different types of sources have the potential to reveal aspects of the
religious activity and importance of the city that are yet to be researched and clarified.
En Thrace les monnaies d'Apollonia et Dyrrachion font leur apparition vers la fin du IIe et au début du Ier s. av. J.-C. Elles sont le plus souvent mélangées à des deniers romains républicains, dans leur majorité en très bon état de conservation, et apparemment non circulées. Cette observation soutient notre idée que les monnaies illyriennes ont pénevtré dans les territoires thraces après la conquête de Macédoine en 168 av. J.-C., avec les déplacements de troupes militaires romains. Il s'agit fort probablement d'une première vague de monnayages romaines destinés à l'échange monétaire dans les Balkans. D'après l'analyse des trésors, ces séries sont composées de monnaies de type romain centrale, mais également de monnaies de type grecque, comme celles d'Apollonia et Dyrrachion dont l'iconographie et les légendes sont connues pour la population locale. Il est bien possible que ces émissions ont été frappées dans un seul et même atelier monétaire, suivant peut-être les déplacements de l'armée romaine. Les régions de l'ouest de la Bulgarie actuelle sont particulièrement riches en trésors contenant des monnaies d'Apollonia et de Dyrrachion. La diffusion suit le courant du Danube de l'ouest vers l'est et descend vers le sud jusqu'à la chaîne du Balkan (Stara planina). Il n'existe pratiquement pas de monnaies illyriennes trouvées au sud de Balkan. Dans les régions de l'extrême ouest de la Bulgarie actuelle (jusqu'au courant de la rivière Lom) les trésors sont composés exclusivement de drachmes d'Apollonia et de Dyrrachion et de deniers romains républicains. Plus à l'est les trouvailles consistent également en monnaies de Macédoine postérieures à 168 av. J.-C., de Maronée, de Thasos et de type thasien. En Bulgarie du nord-est les monnaies illyriennes sont absentes. Sans doute dans cette contrée les éléments prépondérants pour la circulation monétaire sont les monnaies de Messambria et Odessos ainsi que celles de Thasos et de type thasien. Les imitations et les monnaies hybrides sont assez rares, leur présence dans les trésors est isolée. Pendant les IIe et Ier s. av. J.-C. les monnaies principales en Thrace sont les tétradrachmes de Macédoine postérieures à 168 av. J.-C., de Maronée et de Thasos ainsi que les drachmes d'Apollonia et de Dyrrachion et les deniers romains républicains.
This report will provide a comprehensive overview, interpretation and dating of coin hoards from the modern Bulgarian territories, including small denomination coins of the island of Thasos, the most significant of which include: Gotze Delcev I and II, Koprivlen, Krustevitch, Satovtcha I and II, Skrebatno I and II, Vetren. The analysis of coin stamps has enabled us to propose a new dating for some coin types from the Island of Thasos. The distribution territory of small coin denominations and the review of publications on the economic and political relations across the region have allowed us to corroborate some assertions and also develop new hypotheses on the island’s relations with the Thracian hinterland.
of Silenus/Nymph Type Staters
Valentina Grigorova-Gencheva, Ilya Prokopov
Summary
In the years after 2000, a coin hoard consisting
of silver staters from the Silenus and
Nymph type was discovered near Tryavna in
the district of Gabrovo. There is no information
about the number of coins, neither of their type.
We were presented only with quality photos and
the metric data of 11 coins. Found in North Central
Bulgaria, this hoard is the northernmost one
known so far.
We do not aim to discuss the question who
is the emitent of this coin type. In our opinion,
the coins belong to a vast community that
shared solid and sustainable economic interests.
The territory that this community controlled undoubtedly
included the island of Thassos.
The closest analogue of this coin hoard is
the one from the village of Krastevich in the
municipality of Hisarya. The North-South axes
along which similar hoards have been found follow
the roads to the precious ore mines located
on the Southern slopes of the Stara Planina
Mountain. The staters entered the region north
of Stara Planina through the passes between the
Zlatishki and the Trevnenski ones.
The analysis of the numismatic material
shows that the distribution area of the Silenus/
Nymph type staters is considerably greater than
that of the small nominals attributed to Thassos.
Our observation of the coin types that circulated
in Thrace together with the Silenus/Nymph
type staters lead to two main conclusions: (a)
the large nominals were few and (b) the small
nominals of the drachm and hemidrachm types
were numerous, mostly in 5th c. BC.
because of the rich mining zone within the southern Thracian lands. According to O. Picard, coins are
the biggest testament to the large volume and importance of economic activities associated with
mining operations. This slow and complex process is interconnected with coinage circulation that was
self-sustaining in the mining area. Even Athens did not have the manpower and materials necessary for
the establishment and development of a mine.17 Undoubtedly, Thracian rulers are those who provided
Thasos, and probably Athens and other large contractors, with all the important terms and resources
for a successful profitable activity in the mining area, namely political patronage, military protection,
experienced ancestral miners, metal workers and coin workers, a significant amount of slaves, timber,
charcoal and water. This cooperation led to the differentiation of the specific cultural and economic
zone, shown by coinage circulation and the object of our study. In brief, Thasos was the motor, but the
Thracian mainland was the origin and the reason for the existence of the rich small denomination silver
coinage in the region of our research in the 6th–5th century BC.
Books by Valentina Grigorova-Gencheva
“Sluntse Publishing”, Sofia 2017. Book, in Bulgarian, pp. 127, hard cover
One of the first and foremost activities undertaken by the government of the young state was to determine the name and the type of its currency. In addition, the process of restoration of the Bulgarian coin minting, which had been interrupted for about five centuries, also commenced. National currency, along with the flag, the coat of arms and the language, is one of the symbols of national identity. Therefore, as early as 1879, immediately after the establishment of the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB), it was assigned the important task of organizing the minting and printing of Bulgaria’s coins and banknotes. BNB was created as a modern and efficiently operating structure. The multitude of documents accompanying coin production tender procedures, the licenses and the quality control exercised on money distribution and storage followed very high standards. The efficiently organized archives and the documents’ clarity are indicative of the responsibility and earnestness with which the bank employees performed their duties during the Principality and the Kingdom periods. In the process of compiling this book, we reviewed volumes of documents and numerous preserved artifacts in order to obtain the clearest and most accurate picture of coin minting in a country which, after almost 500 years of absence, had returned to its natural European environment. From a scientific perspective, this is the optimal starting point for a study. We would have failed to do justice to history, if we had limited our efforts to just technical collection of and reference to documents and facts. Because we would have missed the heroic endeavours of a handful of patriots who embarked on building a state from scratch, opposing to the interference of the Great Powers, and achieved exceptional results for a short period of time. Today, we live with the illusion of incredibly dynamic times going faster and faster. In fact, we have to bitterly admit that all the changes take place mainly in technology, not in human personality, morality or enthusiasm, or in the accomplishment of the delicate balance and harmony between human beings and the world around. More than a century ago, within a few months and years, “the builders of modern Bulgaria” designed and implemented the modern financial policy and coin minting of a young country in the spirit of pre-war Europe. Hence, the most important thing we would like to share about our work on this book relates to a completely subjective sensation. Browsing the pages of carefully systematized and docketed archives, which survived despite the vicissitudes of history, reading through all the documents – decrees, letters, correspondence, our perception of state grew increasingly stronger. A perception, alas, we have been missing for years now.
Entering the period of socialism, we suddenly identified the lack of many documents and we often found the “secret” stamp preserved on some of them even today. This makes these documents inaccessible to researchers and prevents the thorough elucidation of a number of facts and processes related to the history of modern coin minting in Bulgaria. Some contemporary myths and legends grew up due to the lack of official information about many cases from BNB and the Bulgarian Mint. The lack of explanatory notes in the catalogues published by BNB and the insufficient information on tests, samples, errors, counterfeits and hybrids provided by other authors have only incited the invention of such stories.
Ridiculously enough, it is exactly contemporary Bulgarian numismatics that hides numerous secrets, ambiguities and long-term discussions, which have remained unsettled. Along with the large volumes of information, there also proves to be a lot of disinformation within the space occupied by the fans of Bulgarian coins. Tall tales of mystical coinages of rare and unseen test coins and curios have spread and piled up like a quick-sand bog. The thousands of tales and pretty stories told by coin collectors sound good but often fishy, too. The questions we ask do not receive logical answers. All this confirmed our conviction that it was time someone checked, analyzed and proved or denied these tales and legends. For years, we have heard questions like: Why are the 1916 coins so rare?; Why was a centime struck in 1887?; Why are the 1912 gold coins in a perfect condition and the 1894 coins are not?; What are the 1923 Birmingham coins?; Do the 1930 “reversed Krum”, the 1928 five levs and the 1984 test coins exist? Nothing or almost nothing is published in the official sources and numismatists’ circles and different stories are circulated, like the story of a Roma boy in Serbia, who in 1916 made a hole in a wagon of coins and a number of two-lev coins that are famous today dropped out of it. These stories and the multitude of questions we could not answer strengthened our ambition to set up a team and write this book, which is needed by Bulgarian numismatics, historians and all who are interested in the Bulgarian coin minting of this period.
The members of the authors’ team have been active in the field of numismatics and appraisal of cultural valuables (mainly coins of various periods) for years. They have a long-standing experience in the study of ancient coins. In the process of our work on this book, we encountered the “talented artisans” of our time who focus their efforts on counterfeiting modern Bulgarian coins and, moreover, on creating “biographies” and “passports” of some especially valuable specimens. Our biggest concern, however, was that we saw a counterfeit copy of the new gold Bulgarian lev depicting the image of St. Ivan of Rila. We are no longer surprised by the fact that forgeries of rare and expensive Bulgarian coins and medals are produced and offered in faraway countries. Via the internet, in some Asian countries, anyone can order 1 and 2 lev coins of 1916, 1880 centimes, medals with the images of Prince Alexander I of Bulgaria and Ferdinand I as a prince and tsar. The issue of counterfeiting went beyond the national boundaries a long time ago to turn into a dangerous pandemic. We came to realize that it not only injures the interests of buyers of rare collectible coins, but above all it preconditions changes in history and misrepresents events and facts of the relatively near past. Washing away the line between real and fake nowadays constitutes a serious danger since it might cause unpredictable damage to the human world, beyond the realm of numismatics. The striving for “telling the real thing from the fakes” is a good though not the only reason for writing a book. During our numerous meetings with clients from all over the country, we found out that many of them were not familiar with the messages and symbols depicted on Bulgarian coins. The iconographic compositions, images and legends are perceived as only a distant reminiscence of almost forgotten and often misunderstood events and people, useless relics that are not directly connected with our lives.
Coins are among the most accurate carriers of information. They reflect the economic and political conditions in the country. Whoever can “read” them, can also draw conclusions and findings that were hidden by official chroniclers. Therefore, under the motto “learn history through coins”, the members of the authors’ team reviewed and analyzed hundreds of pages on coin minting in Bulgaria after 1880.
The long-standing professional experience of the team in numismatics ensures that you will get an impartial picture, cleared of the folklore of ordinary traders and coin collectors. You will acquire new knowledge. You will witness new theses, substantiated with documents and pictures. Each chapter analyzes in detail the periods of Bulgarian coin minting from a historical perspective: from the Principality and the Kingdom through socialism and the Republic. Chapter five features the most intriguing, rare and discussed coins. We have mentioned numerous counterfeits and coin-like samples. For the first time, all coin images, personalities and heraldry are described, explained and accompanied by historical references. You will find coins that have not been publicized so far and the answers to many questions that have been suppressed until now. Beginner numismatists will find it much easier to learn and comprehend the symbolism and logic, and sense the beauty of the small plastic arts represented by the coins. The chapter on counterfeits and errors includes dozens of pictures and methods that will help them find the truth more easily. We believe that here, at last, you will receive the answers to a multitude of questions which have tormented you over the years. We are confident that this book will help you build a more complete and valuable collection and you will be protected from the ever spreading “unique counterfeits”.
This book, part of which is the comprehensive catalogue of Bulgarian coins, does not target only numismatists, collectors and other experts in the field. It is meant for anyone who would spare some time for opening it; anyone who would like to find some new and interesting information about modern Bulgarian coin minting. It even goes beyond that... The book features and comments on, for the first time, valuable pictures of documents of the Bulgarian state archives. The study of coin-like artifacts (medals, medallions, jewelry, tokens, etc.), directly connected with Bulgarian coin minting, is also innovative.
Le petit trésor numismatique qui nous allons dévoiler dans les pages suivantes contient 209 monnaies, dont 117 grecques et 92 romaines, républicaines et impériales. La justesse oblige de dire qu'une des monnaies grecques, présentée exclusivement à la p. 86 appartient à Mme Anita Nebel–Schürch, ancienne élève et collaboratrice proche de Josef Vital Kopp. Les autres 208 pièces ont reposait pendant trois décennies en paix, dans les coffres forts de la Banque Cantonale de Fribourg. A deux reprises une partie de monnaies avait vu le jour: en 1971 et en 1994, pour faire objet de mémoires de licence. Le premier, celle de Mme Carmen Biucchi, traite les monnaies de Grande Grèce et de Sicile (30 ex.), le second, de Mme Susanne Maugère–Hofstetter, les romaines impériales d'Auguste à Vitellius (18 ex.). Les deux auteurs nous ont livré des recherches systématiques et approfondies, mettant en valeur la beauté et la rareté des types représentés dans la collection Kopp. Sans doute pour Mme Biucchi ce travail a été une inspiration pour le futur, car depuis elle se consacrée à la numismatique. Auteur de plusieurs publications sur le monnayage grec, elle a été pendant des longues années conservatrice des monnaies grecques à la Société américaine de numismatique et porte le titre d'honneur "First Margaret Thompson Curator of Greek Coins". Mme Biucchi, ainsi que Mme Maugère–Hofstetter soulignent dans leurs mémoires la nécessité et l'importance d'une publication de l'ensemble de la collection Kopp. Une idée dont j'ai eu l'honneur et le plaisir de réaliser des années plus tard.Les monnaies de la collection Kopp révèlent le goût esthétique et les connaissances numismatiques de l'homme qui les a réunir. La plupart en excellent état de conservation, elles sont d'un intérêt historique et iconographique majeur. La collection donne un aperçu général du monnayage grec et représente une partie importante des monnaies romaines.
Les ateliers de la Grande Grèce brillent avec la parfaite exécution artistique de leurs exemplaires. Les ravissantes nymphes sur le monnaies de Syracuse nous touchent par leur beauté mystérieuse (nos. 24–28). Ont elles étaient des prototypes de la belle Damaris, héroïne d'un roman de Josef Vital Kopp?
La collection contient également un choix de monnaies des rois de Macédoine (nos. 36–43; 209), des pièces rares de la Thrace (nos. 46; 48, 50), de la Grèce (nos. 56; 58; 61) et de l'Asie Mineure (nos. 84; 99; 101) d'un grand intérêt historique et d'une gravure exceptionnellement fine. Ils sont représentés presque tout les ateliers monétaires de l'empire d'Alexandre le Grand, en commençant par la capitale de Macédoine, Pella, à travers Sardes, Amphipolis, Rhodos et Sidon, jusqu'au Memphis en Égypte. Par leur sublime beauté archaïque se détachent les monnaies d'Athènes, devenu un des symboles du monde grec antique (nos. 67–71). En regardant les monnaies de Corinthe, chaque une portant un Pégase (nos. 73–80), on devient presque certain que c'est elles qui ont donnaient le titre du roman "Die Launen des Pegasus". Parmi les exclusivités de la collection se trouvent neuf monnaies de Mytilene sur l'île de Lesbos, de vrais chef-d'oeuvres de l'art miniature, témoignes de tout un monde de divinités, des humaines et des animaux (nos. 87–95). L'intérêt qui J. V. Kopp portait aux grands hommes de l'époque ancienne nous conduit à travers une galerie de portraits, peuplée par les personnages majestueux des rois hellénistiques: les Seleucides en Syrie (nos. 103–108) et les Ptolemées d'Égypte (nos. 110–113).
Le monnayage romain est représenté dans toute sa splendeur et également d'une manière très systématique. On peut observer unes des premières monnaies romaines en bronze (nos. 115; 116; 119), de deniers en argent (nos. 120-149 etc.) ainsi que des pièces impériales pour la plupart dans les trois métaux monétaire, l'or, l'argent et le bronze (nos. 158–206). Sans doute, en formant cette partie de sa collection, J. V. Kopp se faisait de nouveau guidé par son goût raffiné et par son envie d'illustrer avec des monnaies les plus importants événements, les symboles et les plus remarquables personnalités de l'histoire romaine. En regardant les silhouettes élancées des divinités de la guerre Virtus et Minerva au revers des monnaies de Domitian (nos. 184; 185) il m'est arrivé de penser que si J. V. Kopp était sculpteur, des images de pareille beauté expressive pouvait l'inspirer de modeler de nouvelles statues... Sa collection se termine avec des exemplaires de l'empereur Marc Aurèle et sa famille, de dernières années du règne de la dynastie des Antonins et de la fin de l’époque d’or de l'empire romaine.
La collection fut acquise pièce par pièce entre les années 1940 et 1960. La plupart des monnaies ont été achetées chez A. Hess à Lucerne, Münzen und Medaillen à Bâle, Maison Platt à Paris, chez J. Hirsch à Munich ou S. Rosenberg à Frankfurt am Main. Plusieurs exemplaires proviennent des certains parmi les plus importantes collections privées du XX siècle: A. J. Evans, O'Hagen, R. Jameson, Rhousopolos. Des numismates comme H. Cahn ou S. Rosenberg étaient des amis ainsi que des précieux conseillers de J. V. Kopp.
La présente étude à pour but de publier l'ensemble de la collection de l'Université de Fribourg (Ex-collection Kopp). Les descriptions de monnaies sont accompagnées par des brèves notes historiques et iconographiques. Les termes en Italique figurent dans le dictionnaire. Les monnaies grecques sont cataloguées d'après la séquence employée habituellement dans les publications numismatiques: selon Head et l'ancien géographe Strabo. Les photos sont de format 1:1; les agrandissements 2:1, à l'exception de nos. 60 et 61–1,5:1. Les ateliers monétaires, les personnages historiques et les types principales sont représentés dans les index du livre.
being analyzed as well as the actions taken in order to overcome the negative consequences.
Liberation of Bulgaria, in 1878, and 2020. It presents the principal centres of scientific research and
emphasizes on the most famous personalities related to the development of Bulgarian numismatics,
and their major works: Domenico Tacchella, Nikola Moushmov, Todor Gerasimov, Yordanka Yurukova.
The article points out the main Bulgarian universities offering studies in numismatics, the numismatic
collections of Bulgarian museums and their curators. The authors trace the history and the actual
structure of the Bulgarian Numismatic Society, present the basic periodicals, websites, and internet
forums specialized in numismatics and focused on numismatic discoveries and research.
research case in this sense. The city has mineral springs that have been popular because of their healing capacity
ever since antiquity. The cult is evidenced by different types of sources. There are archaeological artefacts directly
indicating medicinal activity, such as a box with medical instruments and a tube with medicines. The provincial
coinage minted in the city from the time of Antoninus Pius (AD 138–161) until Caracalla (AD 198–217) contains
an impressive diversity of types depicting the health cult theme. There are abundant reverses with Asclepius,
Hygeia, Telesphorus, the Nymphs, and the snake (including the Glykon and the specific type of Asclepius on a
flying snake). Attested are reverse types representing Asclepius and Hygeia in front of a temple, thus indicating
the existence of such cult building functioning in the city. The importance of the health cult in Pautalia is further
stressed by the inscription from the central Asclepeion of Epidauros dedicated to the health gods of the city in
question (IG IV, 477). Despite the evidence and several localization theories, the exact location of the Asclepeion
of Pautalia remains uncertain. This is just one of the issues concerning the health cult there. The systematization
and the simultaneous interpretation of the different types of sources have the potential to reveal aspects of the
religious activity and importance of the city that are yet to be researched and clarified.
En Thrace les monnaies d'Apollonia et Dyrrachion font leur apparition vers la fin du IIe et au début du Ier s. av. J.-C. Elles sont le plus souvent mélangées à des deniers romains républicains, dans leur majorité en très bon état de conservation, et apparemment non circulées. Cette observation soutient notre idée que les monnaies illyriennes ont pénevtré dans les territoires thraces après la conquête de Macédoine en 168 av. J.-C., avec les déplacements de troupes militaires romains. Il s'agit fort probablement d'une première vague de monnayages romaines destinés à l'échange monétaire dans les Balkans. D'après l'analyse des trésors, ces séries sont composées de monnaies de type romain centrale, mais également de monnaies de type grecque, comme celles d'Apollonia et Dyrrachion dont l'iconographie et les légendes sont connues pour la population locale. Il est bien possible que ces émissions ont été frappées dans un seul et même atelier monétaire, suivant peut-être les déplacements de l'armée romaine. Les régions de l'ouest de la Bulgarie actuelle sont particulièrement riches en trésors contenant des monnaies d'Apollonia et de Dyrrachion. La diffusion suit le courant du Danube de l'ouest vers l'est et descend vers le sud jusqu'à la chaîne du Balkan (Stara planina). Il n'existe pratiquement pas de monnaies illyriennes trouvées au sud de Balkan. Dans les régions de l'extrême ouest de la Bulgarie actuelle (jusqu'au courant de la rivière Lom) les trésors sont composés exclusivement de drachmes d'Apollonia et de Dyrrachion et de deniers romains républicains. Plus à l'est les trouvailles consistent également en monnaies de Macédoine postérieures à 168 av. J.-C., de Maronée, de Thasos et de type thasien. En Bulgarie du nord-est les monnaies illyriennes sont absentes. Sans doute dans cette contrée les éléments prépondérants pour la circulation monétaire sont les monnaies de Messambria et Odessos ainsi que celles de Thasos et de type thasien. Les imitations et les monnaies hybrides sont assez rares, leur présence dans les trésors est isolée. Pendant les IIe et Ier s. av. J.-C. les monnaies principales en Thrace sont les tétradrachmes de Macédoine postérieures à 168 av. J.-C., de Maronée et de Thasos ainsi que les drachmes d'Apollonia et de Dyrrachion et les deniers romains républicains.
This report will provide a comprehensive overview, interpretation and dating of coin hoards from the modern Bulgarian territories, including small denomination coins of the island of Thasos, the most significant of which include: Gotze Delcev I and II, Koprivlen, Krustevitch, Satovtcha I and II, Skrebatno I and II, Vetren. The analysis of coin stamps has enabled us to propose a new dating for some coin types from the Island of Thasos. The distribution territory of small coin denominations and the review of publications on the economic and political relations across the region have allowed us to corroborate some assertions and also develop new hypotheses on the island’s relations with the Thracian hinterland.
of Silenus/Nymph Type Staters
Valentina Grigorova-Gencheva, Ilya Prokopov
Summary
In the years after 2000, a coin hoard consisting
of silver staters from the Silenus and
Nymph type was discovered near Tryavna in
the district of Gabrovo. There is no information
about the number of coins, neither of their type.
We were presented only with quality photos and
the metric data of 11 coins. Found in North Central
Bulgaria, this hoard is the northernmost one
known so far.
We do not aim to discuss the question who
is the emitent of this coin type. In our opinion,
the coins belong to a vast community that
shared solid and sustainable economic interests.
The territory that this community controlled undoubtedly
included the island of Thassos.
The closest analogue of this coin hoard is
the one from the village of Krastevich in the
municipality of Hisarya. The North-South axes
along which similar hoards have been found follow
the roads to the precious ore mines located
on the Southern slopes of the Stara Planina
Mountain. The staters entered the region north
of Stara Planina through the passes between the
Zlatishki and the Trevnenski ones.
The analysis of the numismatic material
shows that the distribution area of the Silenus/
Nymph type staters is considerably greater than
that of the small nominals attributed to Thassos.
Our observation of the coin types that circulated
in Thrace together with the Silenus/Nymph
type staters lead to two main conclusions: (a)
the large nominals were few and (b) the small
nominals of the drachm and hemidrachm types
were numerous, mostly in 5th c. BC.
because of the rich mining zone within the southern Thracian lands. According to O. Picard, coins are
the biggest testament to the large volume and importance of economic activities associated with
mining operations. This slow and complex process is interconnected with coinage circulation that was
self-sustaining in the mining area. Even Athens did not have the manpower and materials necessary for
the establishment and development of a mine.17 Undoubtedly, Thracian rulers are those who provided
Thasos, and probably Athens and other large contractors, with all the important terms and resources
for a successful profitable activity in the mining area, namely political patronage, military protection,
experienced ancestral miners, metal workers and coin workers, a significant amount of slaves, timber,
charcoal and water. This cooperation led to the differentiation of the specific cultural and economic
zone, shown by coinage circulation and the object of our study. In brief, Thasos was the motor, but the
Thracian mainland was the origin and the reason for the existence of the rich small denomination silver
coinage in the region of our research in the 6th–5th century BC.
“Sluntse Publishing”, Sofia 2017. Book, in Bulgarian, pp. 127, hard cover
One of the first and foremost activities undertaken by the government of the young state was to determine the name and the type of its currency. In addition, the process of restoration of the Bulgarian coin minting, which had been interrupted for about five centuries, also commenced. National currency, along with the flag, the coat of arms and the language, is one of the symbols of national identity. Therefore, as early as 1879, immediately after the establishment of the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB), it was assigned the important task of organizing the minting and printing of Bulgaria’s coins and banknotes. BNB was created as a modern and efficiently operating structure. The multitude of documents accompanying coin production tender procedures, the licenses and the quality control exercised on money distribution and storage followed very high standards. The efficiently organized archives and the documents’ clarity are indicative of the responsibility and earnestness with which the bank employees performed their duties during the Principality and the Kingdom periods. In the process of compiling this book, we reviewed volumes of documents and numerous preserved artifacts in order to obtain the clearest and most accurate picture of coin minting in a country which, after almost 500 years of absence, had returned to its natural European environment. From a scientific perspective, this is the optimal starting point for a study. We would have failed to do justice to history, if we had limited our efforts to just technical collection of and reference to documents and facts. Because we would have missed the heroic endeavours of a handful of patriots who embarked on building a state from scratch, opposing to the interference of the Great Powers, and achieved exceptional results for a short period of time. Today, we live with the illusion of incredibly dynamic times going faster and faster. In fact, we have to bitterly admit that all the changes take place mainly in technology, not in human personality, morality or enthusiasm, or in the accomplishment of the delicate balance and harmony between human beings and the world around. More than a century ago, within a few months and years, “the builders of modern Bulgaria” designed and implemented the modern financial policy and coin minting of a young country in the spirit of pre-war Europe. Hence, the most important thing we would like to share about our work on this book relates to a completely subjective sensation. Browsing the pages of carefully systematized and docketed archives, which survived despite the vicissitudes of history, reading through all the documents – decrees, letters, correspondence, our perception of state grew increasingly stronger. A perception, alas, we have been missing for years now.
Entering the period of socialism, we suddenly identified the lack of many documents and we often found the “secret” stamp preserved on some of them even today. This makes these documents inaccessible to researchers and prevents the thorough elucidation of a number of facts and processes related to the history of modern coin minting in Bulgaria. Some contemporary myths and legends grew up due to the lack of official information about many cases from BNB and the Bulgarian Mint. The lack of explanatory notes in the catalogues published by BNB and the insufficient information on tests, samples, errors, counterfeits and hybrids provided by other authors have only incited the invention of such stories.
Ridiculously enough, it is exactly contemporary Bulgarian numismatics that hides numerous secrets, ambiguities and long-term discussions, which have remained unsettled. Along with the large volumes of information, there also proves to be a lot of disinformation within the space occupied by the fans of Bulgarian coins. Tall tales of mystical coinages of rare and unseen test coins and curios have spread and piled up like a quick-sand bog. The thousands of tales and pretty stories told by coin collectors sound good but often fishy, too. The questions we ask do not receive logical answers. All this confirmed our conviction that it was time someone checked, analyzed and proved or denied these tales and legends. For years, we have heard questions like: Why are the 1916 coins so rare?; Why was a centime struck in 1887?; Why are the 1912 gold coins in a perfect condition and the 1894 coins are not?; What are the 1923 Birmingham coins?; Do the 1930 “reversed Krum”, the 1928 five levs and the 1984 test coins exist? Nothing or almost nothing is published in the official sources and numismatists’ circles and different stories are circulated, like the story of a Roma boy in Serbia, who in 1916 made a hole in a wagon of coins and a number of two-lev coins that are famous today dropped out of it. These stories and the multitude of questions we could not answer strengthened our ambition to set up a team and write this book, which is needed by Bulgarian numismatics, historians and all who are interested in the Bulgarian coin minting of this period.
The members of the authors’ team have been active in the field of numismatics and appraisal of cultural valuables (mainly coins of various periods) for years. They have a long-standing experience in the study of ancient coins. In the process of our work on this book, we encountered the “talented artisans” of our time who focus their efforts on counterfeiting modern Bulgarian coins and, moreover, on creating “biographies” and “passports” of some especially valuable specimens. Our biggest concern, however, was that we saw a counterfeit copy of the new gold Bulgarian lev depicting the image of St. Ivan of Rila. We are no longer surprised by the fact that forgeries of rare and expensive Bulgarian coins and medals are produced and offered in faraway countries. Via the internet, in some Asian countries, anyone can order 1 and 2 lev coins of 1916, 1880 centimes, medals with the images of Prince Alexander I of Bulgaria and Ferdinand I as a prince and tsar. The issue of counterfeiting went beyond the national boundaries a long time ago to turn into a dangerous pandemic. We came to realize that it not only injures the interests of buyers of rare collectible coins, but above all it preconditions changes in history and misrepresents events and facts of the relatively near past. Washing away the line between real and fake nowadays constitutes a serious danger since it might cause unpredictable damage to the human world, beyond the realm of numismatics. The striving for “telling the real thing from the fakes” is a good though not the only reason for writing a book. During our numerous meetings with clients from all over the country, we found out that many of them were not familiar with the messages and symbols depicted on Bulgarian coins. The iconographic compositions, images and legends are perceived as only a distant reminiscence of almost forgotten and often misunderstood events and people, useless relics that are not directly connected with our lives.
Coins are among the most accurate carriers of information. They reflect the economic and political conditions in the country. Whoever can “read” them, can also draw conclusions and findings that were hidden by official chroniclers. Therefore, under the motto “learn history through coins”, the members of the authors’ team reviewed and analyzed hundreds of pages on coin minting in Bulgaria after 1880.
The long-standing professional experience of the team in numismatics ensures that you will get an impartial picture, cleared of the folklore of ordinary traders and coin collectors. You will acquire new knowledge. You will witness new theses, substantiated with documents and pictures. Each chapter analyzes in detail the periods of Bulgarian coin minting from a historical perspective: from the Principality and the Kingdom through socialism and the Republic. Chapter five features the most intriguing, rare and discussed coins. We have mentioned numerous counterfeits and coin-like samples. For the first time, all coin images, personalities and heraldry are described, explained and accompanied by historical references. You will find coins that have not been publicized so far and the answers to many questions that have been suppressed until now. Beginner numismatists will find it much easier to learn and comprehend the symbolism and logic, and sense the beauty of the small plastic arts represented by the coins. The chapter on counterfeits and errors includes dozens of pictures and methods that will help them find the truth more easily. We believe that here, at last, you will receive the answers to a multitude of questions which have tormented you over the years. We are confident that this book will help you build a more complete and valuable collection and you will be protected from the ever spreading “unique counterfeits”.
This book, part of which is the comprehensive catalogue of Bulgarian coins, does not target only numismatists, collectors and other experts in the field. It is meant for anyone who would spare some time for opening it; anyone who would like to find some new and interesting information about modern Bulgarian coin minting. It even goes beyond that... The book features and comments on, for the first time, valuable pictures of documents of the Bulgarian state archives. The study of coin-like artifacts (medals, medallions, jewelry, tokens, etc.), directly connected with Bulgarian coin minting, is also innovative.
Le petit trésor numismatique qui nous allons dévoiler dans les pages suivantes contient 209 monnaies, dont 117 grecques et 92 romaines, républicaines et impériales. La justesse oblige de dire qu'une des monnaies grecques, présentée exclusivement à la p. 86 appartient à Mme Anita Nebel–Schürch, ancienne élève et collaboratrice proche de Josef Vital Kopp. Les autres 208 pièces ont reposait pendant trois décennies en paix, dans les coffres forts de la Banque Cantonale de Fribourg. A deux reprises une partie de monnaies avait vu le jour: en 1971 et en 1994, pour faire objet de mémoires de licence. Le premier, celle de Mme Carmen Biucchi, traite les monnaies de Grande Grèce et de Sicile (30 ex.), le second, de Mme Susanne Maugère–Hofstetter, les romaines impériales d'Auguste à Vitellius (18 ex.). Les deux auteurs nous ont livré des recherches systématiques et approfondies, mettant en valeur la beauté et la rareté des types représentés dans la collection Kopp. Sans doute pour Mme Biucchi ce travail a été une inspiration pour le futur, car depuis elle se consacrée à la numismatique. Auteur de plusieurs publications sur le monnayage grec, elle a été pendant des longues années conservatrice des monnaies grecques à la Société américaine de numismatique et porte le titre d'honneur "First Margaret Thompson Curator of Greek Coins". Mme Biucchi, ainsi que Mme Maugère–Hofstetter soulignent dans leurs mémoires la nécessité et l'importance d'une publication de l'ensemble de la collection Kopp. Une idée dont j'ai eu l'honneur et le plaisir de réaliser des années plus tard.Les monnaies de la collection Kopp révèlent le goût esthétique et les connaissances numismatiques de l'homme qui les a réunir. La plupart en excellent état de conservation, elles sont d'un intérêt historique et iconographique majeur. La collection donne un aperçu général du monnayage grec et représente une partie importante des monnaies romaines.
Les ateliers de la Grande Grèce brillent avec la parfaite exécution artistique de leurs exemplaires. Les ravissantes nymphes sur le monnaies de Syracuse nous touchent par leur beauté mystérieuse (nos. 24–28). Ont elles étaient des prototypes de la belle Damaris, héroïne d'un roman de Josef Vital Kopp?
La collection contient également un choix de monnaies des rois de Macédoine (nos. 36–43; 209), des pièces rares de la Thrace (nos. 46; 48, 50), de la Grèce (nos. 56; 58; 61) et de l'Asie Mineure (nos. 84; 99; 101) d'un grand intérêt historique et d'une gravure exceptionnellement fine. Ils sont représentés presque tout les ateliers monétaires de l'empire d'Alexandre le Grand, en commençant par la capitale de Macédoine, Pella, à travers Sardes, Amphipolis, Rhodos et Sidon, jusqu'au Memphis en Égypte. Par leur sublime beauté archaïque se détachent les monnaies d'Athènes, devenu un des symboles du monde grec antique (nos. 67–71). En regardant les monnaies de Corinthe, chaque une portant un Pégase (nos. 73–80), on devient presque certain que c'est elles qui ont donnaient le titre du roman "Die Launen des Pegasus". Parmi les exclusivités de la collection se trouvent neuf monnaies de Mytilene sur l'île de Lesbos, de vrais chef-d'oeuvres de l'art miniature, témoignes de tout un monde de divinités, des humaines et des animaux (nos. 87–95). L'intérêt qui J. V. Kopp portait aux grands hommes de l'époque ancienne nous conduit à travers une galerie de portraits, peuplée par les personnages majestueux des rois hellénistiques: les Seleucides en Syrie (nos. 103–108) et les Ptolemées d'Égypte (nos. 110–113).
Le monnayage romain est représenté dans toute sa splendeur et également d'une manière très systématique. On peut observer unes des premières monnaies romaines en bronze (nos. 115; 116; 119), de deniers en argent (nos. 120-149 etc.) ainsi que des pièces impériales pour la plupart dans les trois métaux monétaire, l'or, l'argent et le bronze (nos. 158–206). Sans doute, en formant cette partie de sa collection, J. V. Kopp se faisait de nouveau guidé par son goût raffiné et par son envie d'illustrer avec des monnaies les plus importants événements, les symboles et les plus remarquables personnalités de l'histoire romaine. En regardant les silhouettes élancées des divinités de la guerre Virtus et Minerva au revers des monnaies de Domitian (nos. 184; 185) il m'est arrivé de penser que si J. V. Kopp était sculpteur, des images de pareille beauté expressive pouvait l'inspirer de modeler de nouvelles statues... Sa collection se termine avec des exemplaires de l'empereur Marc Aurèle et sa famille, de dernières années du règne de la dynastie des Antonins et de la fin de l’époque d’or de l'empire romaine.
La collection fut acquise pièce par pièce entre les années 1940 et 1960. La plupart des monnaies ont été achetées chez A. Hess à Lucerne, Münzen und Medaillen à Bâle, Maison Platt à Paris, chez J. Hirsch à Munich ou S. Rosenberg à Frankfurt am Main. Plusieurs exemplaires proviennent des certains parmi les plus importantes collections privées du XX siècle: A. J. Evans, O'Hagen, R. Jameson, Rhousopolos. Des numismates comme H. Cahn ou S. Rosenberg étaient des amis ainsi que des précieux conseillers de J. V. Kopp.
La présente étude à pour but de publier l'ensemble de la collection de l'Université de Fribourg (Ex-collection Kopp). Les descriptions de monnaies sont accompagnées par des brèves notes historiques et iconographiques. Les termes en Italique figurent dans le dictionnaire. Les monnaies grecques sont cataloguées d'après la séquence employée habituellement dans les publications numismatiques: selon Head et l'ancien géographe Strabo. Les photos sont de format 1:1; les agrandissements 2:1, à l'exception de nos. 60 et 61–1,5:1. Les ateliers monétaires, les personnages historiques et les types principales sont représentés dans les index du livre.
Das ehrgeizige Projekt eines solchen Corpus liess sich im Rahmen der Dissertation nicht verwirklichen, da die Miinzen Pautalias in Museen und Privatsanunlungen der ganzen Welt zerstreut sind und es in Bulgarien eine Kollektion gibt, die mehrere Tausend Exemplare pautaliotischer Mlinzen umfasst. Die vorzeitige Publikation eines Corpus, das auf einer vollig ungeniigenden Materialbasis beruhen würde, hiätte der Wissenschaft keinen Dienst erwiesen, zumal Leo Ruzicka im Jahre 1933 eine gute, wenn auch heute iiberholte Zusammenstellung der Miinzen von Pautalia vorgelegt hat. So ist der Entschluss der Universitat Fribourg, sich mit einem Teildruck der Dissertation von Valentina Grigorova zu begnügen, eine sehr glückliche Entscheidung.
Die hier vorgelegte Einführung in die stadtische Pragung von Pautalia skiziert die historische Entwicklung der Stadt und arbeitet die Voraussetzungen und Bedingungen der stadtischen Okonomie heraus. Bereits in dieser Einführung gelingt es der Verfasserin, deutlich zu machen, welche Moglichkeiten die Münzpragung der Stadt und die Münzfunde auf ihrem Territorium für die Erforschung der Wirtschaftsgeschichte Pautalias wie auch des weiteren Balkanraumes bieten. Valentina Grigorova zieht für ihre Untersuchungen ausserhalb Bulgariens kaum zugangliche und für den grössten Teil der Altertumswissenschaftler aus sprachlichen Grunden nicht rezipierbare Literatur heran und formiert aus den verschiedenen Informationen eine Synthese, die die wirtschaftliche Situation Pautalias in der Kaiserzeit vor uns in Umrissen erstehen lasst. Von grösser Wichtigkeit ist die Zusammenstellung der in Bulgarien gemachten Münzfunde, die Münzen Pautalias enthalten. Diese Inventare sind auch für Wissenschaftler, die sich mit den Pragungen anderer Stadte beschaftigen, eine Fundgrube; in diesen Horten finden sich nicht nur Pragungen von Stadten des Balkanraurns, sondem auch kleinasiatischer Poleis.
Ich bewundere der Mut und das Engagement von Valentina Grigorova, sich einem derartig ehrgeizigen Projekt zu widrnen. In einer Zeit, wo in ihrem Heimatland die Verhaltnisse sich in einem revolutionaren Prozess umgestalten und viele ihrer Landleute die neugewonnene Freiheit vor allem fur die Erreichung materieller Ziele nutzen, hat sie sich der Erforschung und damit auch der Sicherung des kulturellen Erbes ihres Heimatlandes verschrieben. Ich hoffe, dass sie die gesteckten Ziele ohne allzu grosse Schwierigkeiten erreichen kann, und wünsche, dass ihr Engagement die Unterstützung moglichst vieler an der historischen Forschung Interessierter findet, damit wir bald erlas vor ihr verfasste Corpus der Münzen von Pautalia benutzen konnen.
Johannes Nolle, Munich