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Results from 121 to 180 of 284

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Lot # 378 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 34.59 mm, 23.54 g). Dated RY 5 (= 141/2). [ΑΥ]Τ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤωΝΙΝ[ΟϹ ΕΥϹΕΒ] Laureate head right. Rev. Draped bust of Serapis right, wearing ornate calathus; L–Є (date) across field. Geissen 1411. Dattari-Savio 8671 & Dattari 2804 (this coin). Emmett 1647. RPC IV 4, 546. 1/3. Attractive brown patina. Very Fine. Rare. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 2804, Il Cairo. Ex Dr. Pietro Beretta Collection, Milano, April 1972. On the reverse is a monumental bust of Zeus Serapis of fine stylistic quality, clearly superior to that of the reference drachms illustrated by RPC IV. 4, which demonstrates the shrewd choice of Giovanni Dattari in allocating this drachm to his famous collection.
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Lot # 379 - Egypt, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 32.61 mm, 21.81 g). Dated RY 5 (= 141/2). [ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ] ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤωΝΙΝ[ΟϹ ϹΕΒ ΕΥϹ] Laureate head right. Rev. Plowman, wearing pileus, driving team of oxen left; L Є (date) in exergue. Geissen 1407. Dattari-Savio 2985 (same dies). BMC 1091 (rev. only illustrated; same die). RPC IV.4, 526.10 (this coin cited). Emmett 1639. Rough brown patina. Near Very Fine. Very Rare. Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd. 62, 17.10. 2019, lot 653. The reverse of this special Antoninian drachm from the fifth year of his reign (141-142 AD) shows us through the image of the farmer tilling the land after the flooding of the Nile with the plough pulled by a pair of oxen, the representation of the first of the three productive seasons considered in Egypt. The second concerns sowing and is depicted by Triptolemus, the young man whom the goddess Demeter sends to scatter the seeds from a winged chariot that parades over the fields. (Cf. nr. 158 of this collection). The third season is the subject of the next nr. 123 of this collection.
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Lot # 380 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 34.25 mm, 27.85 g). Dated RY 5 (= 141/2). [ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤⲰΝΙΝΟϹ ЄΥϹЄΒ] Laureate head of Antoninus Pius to right. Rev. Reaper standing right, cutting three stalks of grain with sickle held in his right hand while holding grain with his left; [L] - Є (date) across field. Dattari-Savio 2988, pl. 156 (this coin). RPC IV.4, 530.12 (this coin). Emmett 1643. Somewhat rough. Good Fine. Very rare. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 2988, Il Cairo. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 55, 09.02.2020, Lot 323. Another drachm, formerly in the Dattari collection, of particular rarity that concludes with its reverse, the series of Egyptian agricultural seasons, i.e. with the harvesting of crops done by the farmer who manually cuts the bundles of ripe ears of wheat with a special sickle. To be noted both in this specimen and in nr. 122 of this collection (the complementary one), the peasant wears the same curious attire.
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Lot # 381 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161 AD. Drachm (Bronze, 34.65 mm, 24.25 g). Dated L S = year 6 (143 /144 AD) ΑΥΤ K T AIΛ AΔP ANTⲰNINOC CEB EYC Laureate head of Antoninus Pius right. Rev. Anepigraph. Naked and hairless Heracles is holding, by the horns with his hands, the Cerynean doe, bent to the ground. He puts pressure on her rump with his left knee to immobilize her; behind him, leaning on the left, the club and the leontea; in front on the right is the concise image of trees in a forest. Upwards in the field, the date, L S = year 6. Vogt I, p.123. Vogt II -. Dattari-Savio 8492, this specimen. RPC IV. 4. 624 (this specimen illustrated). Emmett 1547. Cf. Staffieri, G.M., Alexandria in Nummis, pp. 301-302, Muzzano 2018. Very Fine with fascinating brown patina. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 8492, Il Cairo. Ex Dott. Piero Beretta Collection, Milan. Ex Renzo Canavesi Collection, Sagno (TI, CH). This drachm belong to the lucky and famous series of the legendary "The labours of Hercules" or Dodekatlon, all depicted on the reverses of Alexandria drachms by Antoninus Pius, issued between the fourth (140-141 AD) and the tenth (146-147 AD) year of his reign, during one of the artistically happiest periods of the mint of Alexandria. Our drachm is absolutedly rare (grade 5 according to Emmett) and also the best specimen of the five known (see RPC IV. 4) and depicts on the reverse the third labour of Hercules, let us say, the capture of the Cerinea doe, which had bronze legs, gold horns; it was sacred to Artemis (Diana) and roamed unreachable over the crags and woods of Mount Cerinea, but the hero managed to trap her. Heracles stands out magnificently and sculpturally in his plastic, dynamic nudity as he immobilises the graceful doe who reluctantly bends to his will.
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Lot # 382 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 35.16 mm, 26.40 g). Dated RY 5 (= 141/2). [ΑΥΤ Κ Τ] ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤωΝΙΝΟϹ [ΕΥϹΕΒ] Laureate-headed bust right, wearing cuirass and paludamentum. Rev. Heracles (youthful), wearing wreath, standing, left, holding Nike with palm, wreath and club, lion skin over arm; [L] - Є (date) across field. Geissen-. Dattari-Savio 2585-6 & Dattari 8478, suppl. Pl. 16, 57. RPC IV.4, 483.4 (this coin cited, + ill.). Emmett -. Brown patina, porosity. Near Very Fine. Very Rare. Ex Kerry K. Wetterstrom Collection. Ex CNA Ltd. XIII, 12. 04. 1990, Lot 93. On the reverse of this very scarce drachm there is an unusual image of the Greek hero Heracles, leading figure of the mythical "twelve labors" that begin to appear only on the reverses of the Antoninian drachms starting from the fifth year of the reign of Antoninus Pius (141-142 AD).
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Lot # 383 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 34.17 mm, 25.73 g). Dated RY 5 (= 141/2). [ΑVΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ] ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤѠΝ[ΙΝΟС] [СƐΒ ƐVС] Laureate bust right. Rev. The Judgement of Paris: on rocks from left to right, Aphrodite standing left; Hera seated left, holding long sceptre; Athena standing left, holding sceptre; in front of them, Hermes holding caduceus and explaining to Paris the task; at the foot of the rock, the herd of Paris; [L Ɛ] (date) in left field. Dattari-Savio 8848. RPC IV.4, 523.7 (this coin). Berlin 1030/1892 = ZfN 21 (1898), 234–5 (pl. VI, 10) = SAN 6, 3 (1975), 40. Emmett 1633 var. (Hera standing). Near Very Fine/Good Fine. Extremely Rare. Ex Roma Numismatics 43, 03 February 2018, lot 381. This extraordinary drachm is one of the rarest and most sought-after coins of the Alexandrian series, minted in the Antoninian golden age of the great master engravers of the mints of Alexandria in Egypt. Of the mythological "judgment of Paris" of typical classical Greek origin, there are two main versions of the transposition on the reverses of the Alexandrian drachms, with variations in the position of the characters: a very scarce one with the images of Hera standing together with Aphrodite and Athena (Cf. Staffieri G.M., Alexandria in Nummis, nr. 139, pp. 277-278, Muzzano , 2017) and the other, which is practically impossible to find, with Hera seated on a throne with a long scepter, between Aphrodite and Athena, is represented by this specimen. In fact, only the following documented six specimens of this version are known to date: - Vienna, Kunsthistorisches Museum (cf. Jahrbuch des Deutschen Archäologisches Institut 3, 1888, p. 203, n. 5. - Berlin Museum (cf. ZfN, XXI, 1898, pp. 234-235, Pl. XI, 10). - Auction Münzhandlung Basel 6, 18.03.1936, lot 661 + ill.). - Baldwin Auctions Ltd, London - Münzen und Medaillen Numismatics Ltd, Washington - Italo vecchi Ltd, London : The new York Sale Auction 1, 03.12.1998, lot 175 (Ex Jungfleisch Collection n. 108). - CNG 30, 11.06.1994, lot 487. -this specimen, ex Roma Numismatics 43, 03.02.2018, lot 381. Bibliography: Carlson W. A., Judgment of Paris Drachmae, Additions and Connections, in "Journal of the Society for Ancient Numismatics" (SAN), Vol. VI, Nr. 3, Spring 1975, pp. 40-42. "The story of the judgement of Paris begins at the wedding of Peleus and Thetis (the parents of Achilles) to which every god or goddess was invited except Eris, the goddess of discord. In her anger she threw an apple into the gathering upon which it was written 'To The Fairest'. Three goddesses laid claim to the apple, Athena, Hera and Aphrodite, and it was decided that Zeus would choose the winner. Rather than facing the anger of the two not chosen, Zeus instructed Hermes to lead the goddesses to Paris, a prince of Troy who was known for his fairness. Each goddess offered Paris a bribe: Aphrodite promised the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen, as a wife (despite her being married already to the Greek Menelaus); Athena offered strength in battle and wisdom; and Hera offered to make him king of Europe and Asia. Paris chose Aphrodite's gift and thus made himself and Troy enemies of the Greeks and several gods (especially Hera). This animosity culminated in the Trojan War, a ten-year besiegement of Troy by the Greeks which is the central topic of Homer's Iliad."
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Lot # 384 - Egypt, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 31.73 mm, 24.14 g). Dated RY 18 (= 154/5). ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤω[ΝΙΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ ΕΥϹ] Laureate and draped bust right. Rev. Radiate and draped bust of Helios right; L I-H (date) across field. Geissen–. Dattari-Savio 2581 & 8469-70. RPC IV.4, 1695. 9 (this coin cited). Emmett 1529. Near Very Fine. Rare. Ex Empire Coins 8, 7 December 1987, Lot 581. Very pleasant and rare drachm from the last years of Antoninus Pius' reign, with a brilliant original emerald green patina. The powerful radiated bust of Helios on the reverse recalls the importance of this Greek divinity of light combined with the Egyptian one of Serapis to make it complementary to it in Helios-Serapis which is the founding deity of Alexandrian Serapeum.
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Lot # 385 - Egypt, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 33.92 mm, 23.61 g). Zodiac Series. Dated RY 8 (= 144/5). AVT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωN[ЄINOC CЄB ЄYC] Laureate head right. Rev. Venus in Taurus (night house), diademed and draped bust of Aphrodite left; thunderbolt (?) before her, bull butting left below; L - H (date) across field. Geissen 1492 var. (date position). Dattari-Savio 8823 var. (symbol in field). RPC IV.4, 863.33 (this coin cited). Emmett 1450 var. (same). Good Fine. Very Rare. Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH 326, 07-08.10. 2019, lot 1431. Here we have the first example of the rare, fortunate, and highly prized series of the zodiac entirely performed on the reverses of Alexandrian drachms in the eighth year of Antoninus Pius' reign (144-145 AD) with results of excellent stylistic quality, as in this combination of Aphrodite-Venus with the elegant bull pawing to the left, repeated with different minting in nr. 131 of this collection.
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Lot # 386 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 33.37 mm, 24.15 g). Zodiac series. Dated RY 8 (= 144/5). [ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ] ΑΝ[ΤωΝΕΙΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ ΕΥϹ] Laureate head right. Rev. Helios in Leo; Lion leaping right above, radiate and draped bust of Helios and eight-pointed star; L H (date) below. Geissen 1495-6. Dattari-Savio 2968. RPC IV.4, 858. Emmett 1530. BMC 1084 var. Smooth brown patina. Good Fine/Near Very Fine. Very Rare. Ex Rakotis Collection (1960-70). Ex Leu numismatik AG 13, 15-16 August 2020, lot 1052. Another relevant example of the zodiac series issued in the eighth year of Antoninus Pius with Helios bust combined with the sign of the right rampant lion, as well as the imperial portrait on obverse, immersed in an original homogeneous chocolate brown color patina. It should be noted that the juxtaposition of the twelve signs of the zodiac was carried out astrologically and theologically with each of the divinities that accompanied the five planets known at the time in antiquity: Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, plus Helios and Selene.
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Lot # 387 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 32.46 mm, 17.58 g). Zodiac series. Dated RY 8 (= 144/5). [ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ] ΑΔΡ ΑΝ ΤωΝΕΙΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ ΕΥϹ] Laureate head right. Rev. Selene (Moon) in Cancer (night house); draped bust of Selene right, star of eight rays before, crescent moon below, crab beneath all; L - H (date) across upper field. Geissen 1494. Dattari -Savio 2964. RPC IV.4, 850. 13 (this coin cited). Emmett 1681. BMC 1082, pl. XII (rev.). Rough surface. Good Fine. Rare. Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH 312, 08.10. 2018, lot 2882. On the reverse of this drachm appears the sign of Cancer on which Selene's bust rests. Some authors maintain with conviction that the zodiac series of the year 8 of the reign of Antoninus Pius (144-145 AD) was issued as an auspicious celebration of the wedding in that year, of Caesar Marcus Aurelius, with Faustina II, daughter of the emperor.
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Lot # 388 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 33.91 mm, 22.27 g). Zodiac Series. Dated RY 8 (= 144/5). [AVT K T AIΛ] A∆P ANTωNЄINOC CЄB ЄVC Laureate head right. Rev. Venus in Taurus (night house); diademed and draped bust of Aphrodite left, star before her, bull butting left below; L H (date) in exergue. Geissen 1492. Dattari-Savio 2960. Emmett 1450. RPC IV. 4, 864. BMC 1080. Brown-reddish patina, a few pits and some roughness, otherwise, nearly Very Fine. Rare. Ex Leu Numismatik AG 13, 15-16 August 2020, lot 1051. The obverse of this drachm shows a highly expressive portrait of Antoninus Pius, while the reverse repeats with different minting the matching of the zodiac sign of Taurus with the bust of Aphrodite, nr. 128 of this collection. Exquisite style on both sides of the coin and fascinating, original homogeneous dark brown patina smeared over the entire coin surface.
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Lot # 389 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 34.21 mm, 19.95 g). Dated RY 8 (= 144/5). AYT K T AIΛ AΔP ANTѠNINOC CƐB ƐYC Laureate head right. Rev. Apis bull standing right, with crescent on side; L H (date) above, altar before. Dattari-Savio 8946. RPC IV.4, 734. 10 (this coin cited). Emmett 1453. Geissen 1468. BMC 1175, pl. XXV (rev.). Very Fine. Rare. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 39, 29. 04. 2018, lot 284. Well centered drachm of the fateful eighth year of the reign of Antoninus Pius (144-145 AD), with on the reverse the snappy and imposing image of the sacred Egyptian ox Apis which, deified, connected to Osiris, leads to the main Egyptian divinity: Serapis. The cult of Apis was introduced in the pharaonic era from Memphis and bears the crescent moon imprinted on the body, while in front of it there is a sacrificial altar in Egyptian form.
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Lot # 390 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 33.75 mm, 28.17 g). Labors of Herakles series. Dated RY 10 (= 146/147). ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤ[ωΝΕΙΝΟϹ] ϹΕΒ ΕΥϹ Laureate head right. Rev. Herakles and the Nemean Lion; Herakles standing right, holding the Nemean lion by its neck and jaws with both hands and raising it up into the air, off of the ground, with the lion's body vertical; [L] ∆Є KATOYV (date) around. Dattari-Savio 2593. Emmett 1555. Geissen 1535. BMC 1044. RPC IV.4, 993.20 (this coin cited). Near Very Fine. Ex Kerry K. Wetterstrom Collection. Ex CNA Ltd. XIII, 12.04.1990, lot 190. The scene on the reverse of this drachm truthfully illustrates Heracles' first labor, that of hand-to-hand combat with the Nemean Lion, who could not be killed with weapons because his skin was invulnerable. Heracles succeeded in doing so because he suffocated him with the grip of his steel arms as depicted on the coin.
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Lot # 391 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 33.53 mm, 24.59 g). Labors of Herakles series. Dated RY 10 (AD 146/7). AYT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωN[ЄINO C] CЄB ЄYC Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right. Rev. Herakles and the Lernaean Hydra; Hercules standing right, lion skin over his left shoulder, holding club overhead with his right hand before him; the anthropomorphized Lernaean Hydra holding her right arm-tentacle upward; [L ∆ЄKA] TOV (date) around. Voegtli Type 2 (pl. 12d – same rev. die as illustrated specimen). Dattari-Savio 2600 & 8488. RPC IV.4, 989.7 (this coin cited). Geissen 1537. Emmett 1546. Cornell 127 (this coin). Dark brown patina with some roughness. Good Fine. Rare. Ex David Simpson Collection. Ex Münzen u. Medaillen Price List 527, 1989, lot 132. Ex Curtis Collection. Ex Triton V, 15-16 Jannuary 2002, lot 1781. The reverse of the drachm leads us to Heracles' second labor, that of fighting the Lernaean hydra and killing it. The hydra presented itself as a monstrous being with nine heads, one of which was immortal, while the others sprouted as soon as they were cut off; her body was half that of a beautiful nymph and half that of a snake. Heracles confronted it by burning off the eight heads to prevent them from reproducing, then crushed the immortal head with a boulder and dipped the tip of his arrows in the blood that gushed from them by causing the monster mortal wounds.
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Lot # 392 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 35.46 mm, 24.12 g). Dated RY 10 (= 146/7). ΑYΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ - ΑΝΤωΝEΙΝΟC CEB EYC Laureate head of Antoninus Pius to right. Rev. L ΔEΚΑΤOY Bust of Hermanubis to right, wearing a laurel wreath with a lotus above his forehead, and with slight drapery on his far shoulder; in field to right, winged caduceus combined with palm-branch. Dattari-Savio 2626, pl. XVI. RPC IV.4, 997.4 ( this coin cited). Geissen 3476. Emmett 1565. Very bold details, attractive dark green patina. Very Fine. Extremely Rare. Only three specimens known. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 1, 29–30. 3.1989, lot 869. Ex CNA XVI, 16. 08. 1991, lot 330. In pharaonic theology, Anubis was the jackal-headed anthropomorphic deity who presided over the embalming of bodies. In the Egyptian-Alexandrian world, the figure of Hermanubis was created by combining the Greek Hermes with the Egyptian Anubis in a divine synthesis, with human features, without a jackal's head and with psychopompa activity, i.e. accompanying the dead to the afterlife.
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Lot # 393 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 31.53 mm, 22.31 g). Dated RY 11 (= 147/8). [ΑYΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ] ΑΝΤωΝΙ[ΝΟC CEB EYC] Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev. Apollo Didymaios standing facing, holding a tiny stag in his right hand and a bow with his left; to left and right, the two Nemeses, both turned to face him, both raising a hand to point at her mouth, and the one on the left receiving the stag from Apollo; [L E]NΔEKΑΤΟY (date) in exergue. Dattari-Savio 8313. RPC IV.4, 1046.15 (this coin cited). Geissen 1573. BMC 1029-30. Emmett 1358. Very Fine. Rare. Ex CNG XXVII, 29. 09. 1993, lot 1365. The bust of Antoninus Pius on the obverse of the drachm is remarkably stylish. The reverse reproduces the image of the Milesian Apollon that we have already encountered in no. 108 of the collection, here portrayed standing facing between two Nemesis turned to him. Let us reformulate the hypothesis of an implicit symbolic alliance (Omonoia) between Alexandria and Miletus.
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Lot # 394 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 33.59 mm, 20.27 g). Dated RY 12 (= 148/9). ΑYT Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤωΝΙΝ[ΟϹ ϹЄΒ] ЄYϹ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Antoninus Pius to right, seen from behind. Rev. L ΔωΔЄKATOY (date) Serapis seated left on throne, holding scepter in his left hand and resting his right on head of Kerberos; all within distyle temple with disk in pediment. Dattari-Savio 3058-60 & Suppl pl 20, 164. RPC IV.4, 1117. Geissen 1617. Milne 2012. BMC 1193. Emmett 1668. Smooth brown patina. Near Very Fine/Very Fine. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 58, 14. 06. 2020, lot 318. It is a coin with a lovely regular brown, uniform and brilliant, original patina. Very clear and recognizable in every detail, the coin shows on reverse the solemn figure of Zeus Serapis enthroned, turned to left, holding the scepter with his left hand and caressing, with his right, the head of Cerberus, at his feet.
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Lot # 395 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 35.48 mm, 26.79 g). Dated RY 15 (= 151/2). ΑΥΤ [Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ] ΑΝΤωΝΙΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ ΕΥϹ Laureate bust left, slight drapery on right shoulder. Rev. Ram standing right, crowned with solar disk and horns; before altar; above, draped bust of Zeus-Ammon right, crowned with solar disk; L IЄ (date) above. Dattari-Savio 2946. RPC IV.4, 1345. 13 (this coin cited and illustrated). Emmett 1701. Geissen 1674. Very Fine. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 39, 29.04.2018, lot 289. Laureate head of Antoninus Pius at left looks unusual, showing the first signs of senility. On the reverse, we see the head of Zeus Ammon with ram's horns and a sun disk, correctly combined with the full figure of a ram in front of a sacrificial altar. The ram was in fact the animal sacred to Zeus Ammon with which it is always associated to the point that in Alexandrian coinage, we encounter a tetradrachm of Trajan with Zeus Ammon driving a chariot drawn by two rams on the reverse. (Cf. BMC 405 and see also nr. 146 of the collection)
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Lot # 396 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 32.00 mm, 19.86 g) dated RY 10 (= 146-147) [ΑΝΤωΝЄΙΝΟϹ] ϹЄΒ ЄΥϹ ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Antoninus Pius right. Rev. L Δ Є ΚΑΤΟΥ (date) in semicircle. Isis draped seated right on backed throne, wearing disk crown with horns and plumes, holding the infant Harpokrates crowned with pschent and holding lotus flower in his left hand on her knee. RPC IV.4, 1001. Dattari 2649 var. Geissen 1548. Milne 1918. Emmett 1585. Some die flan splits. Light-brown tone. Slightly rough reverse. About Very Fine. Ex Pars Coins 11, 21 December 2020, lot 130. The pharaonic Isis lactans on the reverse ,enthroned with Harpokrates in her arms, the result of her mystical marriage with Osiris, directly recalls the Christian Maria lactans similarly represented.
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Lot # 397 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 32.78 mm, 24.19 g). Dated RY 18 (= 154/5). ΑΥΤ Κ [Τ ΑΙ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤ]ωΝΙΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ ΕΥ Laureate bust left, drapery on left shoulder. Rev. Tyche-Euthenia standing left, holding ears of grain and cornucopia; before, forepart of sailing ship; below, Thalassa (the Sea) reclines, holding dolphin; behind, stern of ship, below, Nilus reclines, holding rudder; L / IH (date) across field. Geissen 1751 var. (bust type). Dattari-Savio 2901-2 & 8776. RPC IV.4, 1732. 7 (this coin cited). Cf. Milne 2291. Emmett 1589. Rough brown patina. Near Very Fine. Extremely rare. Ex Numismatica Aretusa SA, Lugano (Franco Chiesa), April 1978. The complex scene on the reverse of this drachm issued in year 18 of the reign of Antoninus Pius (154-155 AD) probably refers to the regular recovery of the production and sea traffic of cereals produced in Egypt, with the reopening of trade relations between Rome (with the Tiber) and Egypt (with the Nile) in concord after the settlement of an uprising of the Egyptian agricultural class attested by the edict of the prefect Sempronius Liberalis of 29 August 154 AD. (Cf. Vogt I, p. 129).
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Lot # 398 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 33.90 mm, 26.59 g). Dated RY 21 (= 157/8). ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤ[ΩΝΙΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ] ΕΥϹ Laureate head right. Rev. Isis-Sothis, seated facing and holding a cornucopia and scepter, riding a dog (Sirius?) right, wearing a radiate crown and is looking back at Isis; below L / KA (date) across field. Geissen 1804 var. (obv. bust type and date position). Dattari-Savio 2681 & 8581 var. (same). Emmett 1593 var. (same). RPC IV.4, 1982.12 (this coin). Rough dark patina. Good Fine. Rare. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection, 2681. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 45, 09.12.2018, lot 310. On the myth of Isis-Demeter-Sothis that appears on the reverse of this rare drachm of the year 21 of Antoninus Pius (157-158 AD), compare the specific article by Staffieri G. M. in the journal "Annotazioni Numismatiche 30, Anno 8, giugno 1998, pp. 693-697, where an Antonine drachm of the same date and reverse scene of ours is reproduced, both from the Dattari collection. Isis in Greek-Egyptian theological syncretism is assimilated to the star Sothis, i.e. the Roman Sirius, the brightest star in the constellation of the Greater Dog: hence the visual meaning of the drachm's reverse.
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Lot # 399 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 31.63 mm, 18.78 g). Dated RY 22 (= 158/9). [ΤΙ ΑΙ ΑΔΡΙΑ] ΑΝΤ [ΩΝΙΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ ΕΥ] Laureate head left. Rev. Bust of Nile right, crowned with lotus, slight drapery on far shoulder, holding reed and cornucopia; L / B-K (date) across upper field. Geissen -. Dattari-Savio 2724 & 8609, Suppl. Pl. 17, 82 (this coin). RPC IV.4, 2101.10 (this coin cited). Milne 2392. Emmett 1614. Roughness. Good Fine/Near Very Fine. Rare. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection, Suppl., Plate 17, 82. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 41, 24.06.2018, lot 354. Here we are in the last phase of the reign of Antoninus Pius, well expressed by the drooping but always proud portrait of the sovereign facing as rarely to left. The solemn bust of the Nile on the reverse with its canonical symbols: lotus flower, papyrus branch and cornucopia is gigantic, compared to the small size of the coin.
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Lot # 400 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 32.0 mm, 13.76 g). Dated RY 22 (= 158/9). ΤΙ ΑΙ[Λ ΑΔΡΙΑ] ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ ΕΥ Laureate bust right, slight drapery. Rev. Hermanubis standing right, holding caduceus and long palm frond; jackal to left, L / K / B (date) around. Dattari-Savio 2630. RPC IV.4, 2093. Geissen 1829. Milne 2389. Emmett 1568. Brown patina, light roughness. Near Very Fine. Ex Stein A. Evensen Collection. Ex Hussam Zurgieh Collection. Ex CNG 477, 23 September 2020, lot 351. In this drachm we find Hermanubis, previously seen in simple bust in the specimen no. 135 of the collection, while here has been portrayed in his full-length, half-naked and with all his attributes: lotus flower on head, caduceus and palm branch. The jackal at his feet, which usually accompanies him, is here out of sight at lower left.
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Lot # 401 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 32.32 mm, 20.41 g). Dated RY 23 (= 159/60). ΤI ΑΙ ΑΔΡI [ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟC CЄΒ ЄΥ] Laureate head right. Rev. Agathodaemon serpent with head of Serapis riding horse to right; L [K]Γ across field. Dattari-Savio 2831. RPC IV.4, 2174. Emmett 1444. Geissen 1852. Rough surface, light deposits. Good Fine. Rare. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 41, 24.06.2018, lot 264. On the drachm obverse one can see all the incipient senility in the portrait of Antoninus Pius in his last year of life and reign. On the reverse is the unusual composition of the serpent Agathodaemon with the head of Zeus Serapis, to whom it is sacred, standing on the back of a horse marching to the right. It is in any case a greeting image of the sovereign in the twilight of his princedom. All bathed in a brilliant original black patina.
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Lot # 402 - Egypt, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 31.49 mm, 15.44 g). Dated RY 24 (= 160/61). [TI AI A∆PIA ANTωNINOC C ЄB EV] Laureate and draped bust right. Rev. Perseus and Andromeda: Perseus advancing right, wearing Phrygian cap and chlamys, holding a harpa with his left hand over his left shoulder, extending his right hand to Andromeda; Andromeda is stepping down from a rock base, wearing chiton, and extending her right hand to Perseus, her left hand is held to her breast; between them, L / K / ∆ (date) across upper field. Geissen 1856. Dattari-Savio 2994 & 8840 (this coin). RPC IV.4, 2189.20 (this coin cited). Emmett 1637. Staffieri, Alexandria In Nummis, 134. Brown patina. Fine. Very rare. Emmett lists the type for the years of reign 20 and 24 of Pius, but his reference for RY 20 is Dattari 2990, but in the Dattari-Savio plates the ∆ (K∆ = 24) is visible, hence this is a one-year type only. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection, 2994. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 45, 09.12. 2018, lot 315. On the reverse of this drachm we admire a fitting numismatic interpretation of another famous myth of Greco-Roman theology: that of the freeing of Andromeda by the hero Perseus, son of Zeus and Danae, in an eminent specimen already in the Dattari collection. According to legend, the young Andromeda was chained to a cliff above the sea at the mercy of a sea monster that was supposed to devour her. Perseus decided to free her. He killed the monster and helped her to leave the place of her agony, which is the scene engraved on the coin, at last making her his bride. Cf. also Staffieri G. M., Alexandria in Nummis, nr. 134, pp. 267-268.
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Lot # 403 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 31.10 mm, 21.78 g). Dated RY 24 (= 160/1). [AYT K TI AI AΔPI] - ANTωN[INOC CEB EYC] Laureate and draped bust of Antoninus Pius to right. Rev. Ram standing right, wearing the hemhem crown, above bust of Serapis to right, wearing taenia and kalathos; before ram Egyptian altar; L K-Δ across field. Dattari-Savio 2835. RPC IV.4, 2210. Geissen 1857. Milne 2418. Emmett 1654. Rough surface but a bold reverse. Near Very Fine. Very Rare, only three examples cited by the RPC. Ex Italo Vecchi, Zürich, October 1993. Very rare drachm issued in the last reign's months of Antoninus Pius, portrayed on obverse already decrepit. The reverse splendidly preserved, shows a slightly different version of the Serapis bust-Aries combination from the one described to drachm no. 138 of the collection, whose reference we suggest. In fact, the ram that moves to the right wears the pharaonic crown hemhem over its head, a symbol as royal as it is of divinity.
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Lot # 404 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Hemidrachm (Bronze, 29.21 mm, 11.68 g). Dated RY 2 (= 138/9). [ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙ] ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤ[ωΝΙΝΟϹ ΕΥϹΕΒ] Radiate head wearing aegis right. Rev. Demeter, veiled, seated left, holding patera and torch, at feet left lighted altar; [L] B (date) in left field. Geissen -. Dattari-Savio 2509 (this coin) & 8377. RPC IV.4, 117.2 (this coin cited). Staffieri 32b. Emmett 1716. Good Fine. Rare. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection, 2509, Il Cairo. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 67, 01.08.2021, lot 211. This hemidrachm, as the next two (nos. 148 and 149 of the collection), all extremely rare, belong to the distinctive and exceptional, Alexandrian imperial bronze series illustrated by STAFFIERI G. M. in the homonymous essay with catalogue raisonné published in "Quaderni Ticinesi di Numismatica e Antichità Classiche" XLIII, 2013, pp. 121-144 and in abstract. Hence the reference of this coin to no. 32 b of the catalogue, deriving from the renowned Dattari collection, one of only three specimens surveyed by RPC IV.4.
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Lot # 405 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Hemidrachm (Bronze, 29.41 mm, 12.78 g). Dated RY 2 (= 138/9). [ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙ] ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤ[ωΝΙΝΟϹ ΕΥϹΕΒ] Radiate head wearing cuirass and paludamentum right. Rev. Nike advancing left, holding wreath and palm-branch; L Β (date) in left field. Geissen -. Dattari-Savio pl. 137, 8591 (this coin). RPC IV.4, 124. 2 (this coin cited and illustrated). SNG Cop 427 (rev.). Emmett 1725. Staffieri 26a. Good Fine. Very Rare. Apparently only two specimens known. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 8591, Il Cairo. Ex Naville Numismatics 34, 17.09.2017, lot 270. Another "Dattarian" hemidrachm showing on obverse radiate bust of Antoninus Pius, which RPC IV. 4 has cited and illustrated, is one of only two known specimens, what Staffieri ranks sub 26 a. It is not by chance that this coin, like the previous no. 147 in the collection, was minted in the symptomatic Sothic year 138-139 AD corresponding to the second Egyptian year of the reign of Antoninus Pius. (Cf. comment to no. 141 in the collection).
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Lot # 406 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Hemidrachm (Bronze, 28.28 mm, 12.98 g). Dated RY 4 (= 140/1). [ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤ]ωΝΙΝΟϹ ΕΥϹΕΒ Radiate-headed bust wearing cuirass and paludamentum right. Rev. Dikaiosyne standing, left, holding scales and cornucopia; L - Δ (date) across field. Dattari 8379. RPC IV.4, 340. Geissen 1341 var. (date position). BMC 1060. Emmett 1717. Staffieri 38. Glossy brown patina. Near Very Fine. Rare. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 26, 24.10.2016, lot 166. Third rare hemidrachm with Antoninus Pius radiate bust of lovely style, no. 38 Staffieri catalogue. On reverse is Dikaiosyne, divine Equity or Justice with the relevant symbol of the scales. Excellent original chocolate brown satin patina regularly spread over the entire coin.
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Lot # 407 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Hemidrachm (Bronze, 29.30 mm, 13.90 g). Dated RY 5 (= 141/2). ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤωΝΙΝΟϹ [ΕΥ]ϹΕΒ Radiate-headed bust wearing cuirass and paludamentum right. Rev. Isis Pelagia standing right, holding sail and sistrum; L / Ε (date) in left field. Geissen -. Dattari-Savio 2662, pl. III (obv.) & 8548 (this coin). RPC IV.4, 585.2 (this coin cited and illustrated). Emmett 1724. Staffieri 41a. Near Very Fine. Very Rare. Apparently only two specimens known and listed in RPC. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection, 2662. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 42, 22. 07.2018, lot 335. According to RPC IV. 4 this coin is one of the only two hemidrachm known belonging to the year 5 of Antoninus Pius (141-142 AD), with radiate bust on obverse and Isis Pelagia on reverse (see no. 41a of Staffieri catalogue), coming from the Dattari collection as well as cited and illustrated by RPC IV. 4. A well-centred coin with dark brown satin original patina.
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Lot # 408 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Hemidrachm (Bronze, 29.30 mm, 13.90 g). Dated RY 15 (= 151/2). [ΑΥΤ Κ] Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤωΝΙΝΟϹ Laureate-headed bust wearing cuirass and paludamentum right. Rev. L Ι Ε; Pharos of Alexandria, surmounted by two Tritons, each blowing a trumpet; between them is a lantern surmounted by a statue, holding situla and scepter; entryway below on left; L Ι - Ε (date) across field. Dattari-Savio -. RPC IV.4, 1384. Emmett 1729 (but not this year). Brown patina. About Very Fine/Good Fine. Extremely rare, only two specimens listed in RPC. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 66, 27.06.2021, lot 171. A small and very rare Antoninian hemidrachm dated year 15 of reign (151-152 AD) showing on reverse, a full Alexandria's lighthouse image, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, built in 280 BC by architect Sostrato from Cnidus. This is the third specimen known (RPC IV. 4 knows only two specimens) and the best well preserved than that reproduced by RPC IV. 4.
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Lot # 409 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Hemidrachm (Bronze, 27.42 mm, 9.12 g) dated RY 17 (= 153-154) ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤωΝΙΝΟϹ ϹЄΒ ЄΥϹ Laureate bust of Antoninus Pius three-quarters left, slightly draped on the left shoulder. Rev. Bust of Hermanubis bare chest three-quarters left, slightly draped on the left shoulder, wearing kalathos, caduceus to right combinated with palm branch, L IZ (date) to left. RPC IV.4, 1613 (this coin, no. 3). Dattari-Savio 2624-2625. Geissen 2, 1704. Emmett 1721. Kampmann-ganschow 35.599. BMC 3010. Nice light-brown tone. Several die flan splits. Slightly rough reverse. Very Fine. Rare. Ex Gorny & Mosch Online 247, lot 4624. 10.03.2017. Ex Künker 53, 22.02.2019, lot 8154. Although slightly porous, this well-centred hemidrachm has a very pleasant appearance on both sides. It is extremely rare since RPC IV.4 knows only three of them, mentioning ours under number 3. It is of good style both on obverse and on reverse, showing the youthful bust of Hermanubis wearing Kalathos on head, palm branch and caduceus before. (Cf. also no 135 and 143 of the collection)
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Lot # 410 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Diobol (Bronze, 23.83 mm, 8.12 g). Dated RY 14 (= 150/1). [ΑΥΤ Κ Τ Α]ΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤωΝΙΝ[ΟϹ] Laureate-headed bust of Antoninus Pius wearing cuirass and paludamentum right. Rev. Eagle standing right, head left; L / ΙΔ (date) across upper field. Dattari 3110 & 8962–3. RPC IV.4, 1311.2 (this coin cited and illustrated). Emmett 1743. Glossy brown patina, minor roughness on reverse, otherwise, Very Fine. Very Rare. Ex Empire Coins 8, 7 December 1987, lot 573. This small and valuable Antoninian diobol is known by RPC IV.4 in only two specimens, illustrating just this, being the best preserved of them. The eagle on reverse, with closed wings, is a talking symbol of imperial dignity.
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Lot # 411 - Egypt. Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius as Caesar, 139-161. Tetradrachm (Billon, 21.85 mm, 14.08 g) dated RY 20 (= 156-157) Μ ΑΥΡΗΛΙϹ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ Draped and cuirassed bare head bust of Marcus Aurelius right, wearing short beard. Rev. Athena draped standing facing, head turned to right, wearing long crested Attic helmet and aegis, holding long spear in the right hand and oval shield at ground against it, owl with closed wings standing facing left on her left extended hand, L K (date) across fields. RPC IV.4, 1850.5 (this coin cited). Dattari-Savio Suppl. Pl. 21, 1. Milne - . BMC - . Emmett 1836. Cf. Savio A., Tetradrammi alessandrini, pp. 84-86. Nice old cabinet tone. Extremely Fine. Ex Kurpfälzische Münzhandlung 69, 13-14. 12. 2005, lot 206. Tetradrachm of great rarity showing, on obverse, the portrait of the young Caesar Marcus Aurelius. RPC IV.4 knows of five specimens in total, including ours cited in no. 5. The coin celebrates also the vicennalia of Antoninus Pius showing the date of his 20th year of reign (156-157 AD).
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Lot # 412 - Egypt. Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar, 139-161. Drachm (Bronze, 33.45 mm, 25.27 g). Dated RY 11 of Antoninus Pius (= 147/8). Μ ΑΥΡΗΛΙϹ ΚΑΙϹΑ[Ρ] Bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right. Rev. L ЄNΔЄ-KATOV (date) Elpis advancing left, holding flower and lifting hem of skirt. Geissen -. Dattari-Savio 9045-6 & 3200. RPC IV.4, 1065.22 (this coin cited). Emmett 1883. Milne 1964. Very Fine. Rare. Ex Harlan J. Berk 1996. From this drachm, the vigorous bust of Marcus Aurelius Caesar stands out even better on the obverse, with effective dynastic propaganda of his father-in-law Antoninus Pius, in his eleventh year of principality (147-148 AD). On reverse, Elpis standing as peacemaker for the harmony of the empire and the imperial house.
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Lot # 413 - Egypt. Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar, 139-161. Drachm (Bronze, 33.00 mm, 21.79 g). Year 12 = 148/149. Μ ΑΥΡΗΛΙΟC ΚΑΙCΑΡ Bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust of Marcus Aurelius to right, seen from behind. Rev. L / ΔωΔЄΚΑΤΟ-Υ Isis Pharia, holding billowing sail and sistrum, standing to right before the Pharos of Alexandria, which is surmounted by a statue and two Tritons. Dattari-Savio 3204 var. BMC 1241/2 var. Geissen 1913 var. Emmett 1889. RPC IV.4, 1122. Very fine. From the Rhakotis Collection, formed in the 1960s and 1970s (with collector's ticket). Ex Leu Numismatik AG 13, 15-16 August 2020, lot 1062. Drachm greatly well centred and dark original patina with complete images in every detail, especially the scene with Isis Pharia, patroness of navigation, gallantly parading driven by the square sails towards the mythical but real Lighthouse of Alexandria with all its constituent elements: the base with the access staircase, the entrance, the central windowed body, the lantern with the tritons of the winds on its sides, surmounted by the statue of Helios Serapis, the deity of light and sacred to Alexandria. The same representation is on reverse of no. 115 of the collection. Coins with Isis Pharia are among the most sought-after and appreciated by collectors.
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Lot # 414 - Egypt. Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar, 139-161. Drachm (Bronze, 33.2 mm, 17.79 g). Dated RY 12 of Antoninus Pius (= 148/9). [Μ ΑΥ]ΡΗΛΙΟϹ ΚΑΙ[ϹΑΡ] Bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right. Rev. Isis seated right, nursing Harpocrates; oinochoe atop short coulmn to right, all within distyle temple façade with uraeus in pediment; L in exergue, ΔωΔЄ-KATOV (date) around. Emmett 1888. Dattari-Savio 3217 (this coin). RPC IV.4, 1123.21 (this coin cited). Geissen 1914. Nice dark patina. Very Fine.Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection, 3217. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 41, 24.06.2018, lot 355. Still one drachm of Caesar Marcus Aurelius with high relief portrait and lovely style. It is a coin of notable and wide pedigree dating back to the collection of Giovanni Dattari (1901) that deserved to be mentioned by RPC IV.4 to no. 21 of the specimens catalogued sub 1123.
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Lot # 415 - Egypt. Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius as Caesar, 139-161 AD. Drachm. (Bronze, 32.60 mm, 24.67 g). Dated year 15 = 150/151 AD. AURHLI KAISAR M Draped bust right. Rev. Triptolemos with elephant scalp riding in a biga drawn by winged serpents. Upwards, in the field, the date, LI D. Dattari 3211 (this coin). Geissen - . RPC IV.4, 1298.19 (this coin cited). Emmett 1900 (not this year). Dark brown patina, good Very Fine. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 3211. Ex Karl Kress 154 (1972), lot 380. Ex Gorny & Mosch 130, 08.03.2004, lot 1931. Another excellent and renowned drachm of the ever-present Caesar Marcus Aurelius with his proud and determined face. On reverse is the scene from the second of the three seasons linked to Egyptian agriculture, that of the sowing operated from the sky by the young Triptolemus on board a chariot drawn by two winged Agathodaemones serpents on behalf of the goddess Demeter, as we have already observed, under number 122 of the collection. Specimen cited by RPC IV.4.1298 under number 19.
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Lot # 416 - Egypt. Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar, 139-161. Diobol (Bronze, 23.9 mm, 10.98 g). Dated RY 12 of Antoninus Pius (= 148/9). Μ ΑΥΡΗΛΙϹ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ Bareheaded and draped bust right. Rev. L ΔωΔƐΚΑΤΟV (date) Elpis advancing left, holding flower and lifting hem of skirt. Dattari 3200. RPC IV.4, 1143.6 (this coin cited). Geissen 1911. Mionnet 1995. Emmett 1909. Vogt II/76. Brown patina, minor roughness. Very Fine. Ex Italo Vecchi, London, 1982. The small well-minted bronze obol of Marcus Aurelius, always as Caesar, makes us admire its vivid "desert" brick-coloured original patina. The nude head, in high relief, of the heir to the throne stands out on obverse while on reverse is Elpis, the bearer of peace and harmony. Coin cited by RPC IV.4, 1143.
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Lot # 417 - Egypt. Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius, 161-180. Tetradrachm (Billon, 26.3 mm, 12.99 g). Dated RY 3 (= 162/3). Μ ΑΥΡΗΛΙΟϹ ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟϹ ϹΕ Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust left. Rev. MONH-TA Moneta standing facing, head left, holding scales and pertica (measuring rod); below the scales, two coin purses; Γ/L (date) to right. Geissen -. Dattari-Savio 3351 & 9164. RPC IV. 4, 2395.5 (this coin cited). Emmett 2066. Cf. Savio A. , Tetradrammi alessandrini, pp. 87-92. Toned, light flan crack, otherwise, Good Very Fine. Very Rare. Ex Dr. Hans Steger Collection. Ex Münzhandlung Basel 6, 18.03.1936, lot 943. Marcus Aurelius Augustus (161-180 AD), with his own dating, the third year of reign (162-163 AD), after the accession to the throne, is here introduced by a tetradrachm absolutely rare, with imperial bust exceptionally turned left and seen from behind. On reverse the figure of Dikaiosyne-Moneta assimilated. A specimen of excellent quality and of large form, mentioned by RPC IV.4 2395 at number 5, dating back to the famous swiss collection of Dr. Hans Steger and put on auction sale on 18th March 1936 by Münzhandlung Basel belonging to brothers Herbert and Erich Cahn, successively founders and executives of the historical Münzen und Medaillen AG, in Basel, now extinguished. The catalogue of that auction was the first to be personally and masterfully edited by Herbert Cahn.
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Lot # 418 - Egypt. Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius, 161-180. Tetradrachm (Billon, 24.8 mm, 12.33 g). Dated RY 4 (= 163/4). Μ ΑΥΡΗ ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟC Laureate head of Marcus Aurelius to left, with slight drapery on his right shoulder. Rev. Laureate and draped bust of Zeus to right; L - Δ (date) across field. RPC IV.4, 2580. Emmett 2088. Milne 2473. Cf. Savio A., Tetradrammi alessandrini, pp. 87-92. Nicely toned, minor porosity. Good Very Fine. Rare. Ex Leu Numismatik AG 11, 22-23 February 2020, lot 1549. Tetradrachm of wide size and well centred on both sides, showing a slightly draped adult bust of Marcus Aurelius left with high relief and good style. On reverse is a big bust of Capitoline Zeus of Roman and not Egyptian tradition. A coin of great rarity, known by RPC IV. 4 in only three specimens.
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Lot # 419 - Egypt. Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius, 161-180. Tetradrachm (Bronze, 23.80 mm, 10.42 g) dated RY 5 (= 164-165) Μ ΑΥΡΗΛΙΟϹ ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟϹ ϹЄ Bare bust of Marcus Aurelius right, slightly draped on the left shoulder. Rev. Euthenia draped standing right, raising wreath in the right hand and crowning personified Nilus seated left bare chest on rocks in front of her, the right leg forward, holding cornucopia in the right hand, drapery and reed leaning left on the left arm, crocodile on rocks to right, Є L (date) in two lines to left. RPC IV.4, 2705 (this coin no. 4). Dattari-Savio 3367. Geissen - (no. 2033) . Emmett 2075. Cf. Savio A., Tetradrammi alessandrini, pp. 87-92. Nice brass highlights on light-brown tone. About Extremely Fine. Rare. Ex Peus Nachf. 409, 25-26.04.2013, lot 925. Very interesting tetradrachm in more bronze than billion. In this fifth year of reign of Marcus Aurelius (164-165 AD), perhaps due to the particular abundance of crops, are quite common on coin reverses the combination of Eutheria with the Nile. The goddess of prosperity here crowns the Nile while lying on top of a crocodile and bearing his canonical symbols. A coin considered very rare by RPC, which notices only four specimens including ours at no. 4.
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Lot # 421 - Egypt. Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius, 161-180. Drachm (Bronze, 32.30 mm, 28.85 g) dated RY 4 (= 163-164) Μ ΑΥΡΗΛΙΟϹ ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟϹ CЄB Laureate and draped bust of Marcus Aurelius right. Rev. Eos draped facing, advancing left, head turned to right, holding torch in the right hand, the left hand raised holding reins of an horse galloping to right behind her, its head raised upwards and turned left, L Δ (date) across fields. RPC IV.4, 2642. Dattari - . Geissen - . Milne - . Emmett 2128. Nice brown patina. About Extremely Fine. Extremely rare type, only one specimen recorded, in the Berlin Collection. Ex CNG 41, 19.03.1997, lot 1193. Ex Triton VI, 14-15 January 2003, lot 598. Excellent drachm with a splendid, plastic bust of Marcus Aurelius in his fourth year in power (163-164 AD) on the obverse. The reverse depicts Eos, the Greek goddess of dawn, corresponding to the Roman deity of Aurora, running brandishing a torch, beside a galloping horse held by her with the reins. It is here a glorious demonstration of Roman sovereignty in the East (Vogt p. 138). One of the very few known specimens that RPC IV.4 2756 cites and illustrates in no. 7.
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Lot # 422 - Egypt. Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius, 161-180. Drachm (Bronze, 34.20 mm, 30.93 g) dated RY 5 (= 164-165) Laureate bust of Marcus Aurelius left. Rev. Personified Nilus bare chest seated left on rocks, wearing lotus wreath, holding cornucopia in the right hand, from which emerges genius crowning Nilus, and reed leaning to left on the left arm, crocodile resting on rocks to right; all around, a multitude of little genii playing, L Є (date) in exergue, under the ground line. RPC IV.4, 2756 (this coin illustrated). Dattari-Savio pl. 188, 12305 (this coin). Emmett 2154. Nice brown tone. About Extremely Fine. Rare, only this specimen listed in RPC. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 12305. Ex Naville Numismtics Ltd. 42, 22.07.2018, lot 356. This is probably the only known specimen of this drachm from Giovanni Dattari's collection, as noted by RPC IV.4 2756 who mentions and illustrates it. Note the laureate bust of Marcus Aurelius unusually facing left. On reverse a canonical, overwheight Nilus lying on top of a crocodile, being crowned by a genius protruding from the cornucopia.
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Lot # 423 - Egypt. Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius, 161-180. Drachm (Bronze, 33.00 mm, 25.61 g) dated RY 6 (= 165-166) [Μ ΑΥΡΗΛΙΟϹ] in semicircle to right, ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟϹ ϹЄ in semicircle to left. Laureate head of Marcus Aurelius left. Rev. Two Canopi face to face on cushion and base, with head of Osiris to left, crowned with horns, disk, serpents Uraei and plumes and head of Isis to right, wearing atef crown, crescent between them, L ζ (date) across fields. RPC IV.4, 2853 (this coin no. 4). Dattari-Savio 3438. Geissen 2041. Milne 2550. Emmett 2100. Vogt II, 99. BMC 3066. Minor flan die splits. Dark-brown tone and slightly rough surfaces, otherwise, About Very Fine. Ex CNG 91, 19 September 2012, lot 787. On the obverse of this drachm too, the head of Marcus Aurelius looks to the left, while on reverse, facing each other, there are canopic jars of Osiris (on the left with the hemhem crown) and Isis (on the right with the 'atef' crown), sacred ritual relics intended to be carried in processions on boats equipped with wheels, as shown on the reverse of drachm No. 168 in the collection. A coin of absolute rarity of which RPC IV.4 2853 has only four specimens, including the present one, mentioned and illustrated at no. 4.
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Lot # 424 - Egypt. Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius, 161-180. Drachm (Bronze, 32.80 mm, 31.06 g) dated RY 16 (= 175-176) Μ ΑΥΡΗΛΙΟϹ ΑΝΤωΝΙ[ΝΟϹ ϹЄ] Laureate bust of Marcus Aurelius right, slightly draped on the left shoulder. Rev. Boat of Osiris on wheels, surmounted by five hawks to left crowned with skhents, containing statue of Osiris (?) facing inside cell, hawks on columns to either sides of cell, hawks on torches inside each outer side of boat, L Iζ (date) across fields. RPC IV.4, 3259.4 (this coin cited). Dattari-Savio 3557 corr., pl. XXVII (rev.), 3557. Emmett 2161 (5). Milne - . Dark-brown tone and rough/porous surfaces. Good Fine. Ex Kölner Münzkabinett 66, 21-22.04.1997, lot 583. Drachm of special charm and absolute rarity, particularly sought after for the image of the reverse, where we admire the "sacred boat of Osiris", a typical processional element of the most ancient pharaonic cult, taken up in the Greco-Roman era. To this special representation on Alexandrian coins, Staffieri G. M. and Tosi M. have dedicated an essay published in the volume "Aegyptiaca serta in Soheir Bakhorum Memoriam", Parigi-Milano, 2008, pp. 229-233 to which reference should be made for a detailed examination of the religious and numismatic context of this subject. RPC IV.4, 3259 considers three specimens, included this one to the no. 3.
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Lot # 425 - Egypt. Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius, 161-180. Diobolos (Bronze, 24.52 mm, 10.83 g) dated RY 20 (= 179-180) [Μ ΑΥΡΗΛΙΟϹ] ΑΝΤωΝΙΝΟϹ ϹЄ Laureate head of Marcus Aurelius right. Rev. Serpent Uraeus erect right, crowned with disk and horns, to ears of grain to left and right within the coils of the serpent, L K (date) across fields. RPC IV.4, 3365 (this coin). Dattari-Savio 3602. Emmett 2261. Light-brown tone, minor flan die splits, otherwise, About Very Fine. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection, 3602. Ex Frank Sternberg, Zürich, October 1982. Precious bronze diobol issued by Marcus Aurelius in his twentieth and last year of reign (179-180 AD), probably on the occasion of his vicennalia, as wished by the benign and beneficent Agathodaemon appearing on the reverse. In addition to coming from the celebrated Dattari collection, it is a unique specimen as attested by RPC IV.4.3365.
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Lot # 426 - Egypt. Alexandria. Faustina Augusta, daughter of Antoninus Pius, 147-175. Tetradrachm (Billon, 23.10 mm, 13.44 g) dated RY 15 (= 151-152) ΦΑΥϹΤΙΝ ϹЄΒ ϹЄΒ ЄΥϹЄΒ ΘΥΓ Draped bust of Faustina right. Rev. Tyche of Alexandria draped (?), standing facing, turreted head turned to right, holding rudder in the right extended hand, drapery and statuette of Hermes (?) standing left on her left extended hand, wearing hem-hem crown, holding purse and caduceus in the right hand, L IЄ (date) across fields. RPC IV.4, 1342 (coin no. 9). Dattari-Savio pl. 171, 3270 (this coin). Dattari 3270 and pl. XXIV, 3270 (this rev. illustrated). Geissen 1960. Emmett 1951. Milne 2143. Vogt II, 79. Very Fine/Good Very Fine. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 3270, Il Cairo. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 33, 16.07.2017, lot 253. Ex Künker 53, 22.02.2019, lot 8157. Prestigious tetradrachm of the young Faustina II elevated to imperial rank by her father Antoninus Pius in 147 AD at the birth of his first-born daughter while her spouse Marcus Aurelius remained Caesar until the death of his father-in-law in 161 AD. A coin of good wishes of the city of Alexandria towards the "Augusta" Faustina II and her dynasty.
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Lot # 427 - Egypt. Alexandria. Faustina Augusta, daughter of Antoninus Pius, 147-175. Drachm (Bronze, 32.00 mm, 18.63 g) dated RY 20 (= 156-157) [ΦΑΥϹΤΙΝΑ ϹЄΒΑCΤΗ] Draped bust of Faustina right. Rev. The emperor Antoninus Pius in military dress on horseback, raising the left leg, to right, cloak flowing left, holding scepter in the left hand on shoulder and raising the right arm, L K (date) to right. RPC IV.4, 1906 (this coin, no. 11). Dattari-Savio pl. 172, 3277. Geissen 1994. Milne 2340. Vogt II, 85. Emmett 1941. BMC - . Flan die splits and slightly rough/porous reverse, otherwise, About Very Fine. EX Naville Numismatics Ltd. 41, 24.06.2018, lot 267. We find Faustina II again on this drachm of the year 20 of her father Antoninus Pius (156-157 AD) with on reverse the emperor on horseback holding sceptre with an attitude of joyful greeting on occasion of his vicennalia, when he celebrates himself and at the same time his dynasty.
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Lot # 428 - Egypt. Alexandria. Faustina Augusta, wife of Marcus Aurelius, 147-175. Drachm (Bronze, 33.00 mm, 27.22 g) dated RY 4 of Marcus Aurelius (= 163-164) ΦΑΥϹΤΙΝΑ ϹЄΒΑϹΤΗ Draped bust of Faustina right. Rev. Cybele draped and veiled, seated left on backed throne decorated with globes, between two seated lions, holding patera in the right extended hand and resting the left arm on armrest, L Δ (date) across fields. RPC IV.4, 2652 (this coin, no. 14). Dattari-Savio 3629. Dattari-Savio pl. 195, 9383. K& G 38.9. Geissen 2112. Milne 2501. Emmett 2297. BMC 1350. Vogt II, 95. Brown tone. Slightly rough reverse, otherwise, About Very Fine. Ex Greenpoint Collection. Ex CNG 55, 13 September 2000, lot 987. Ex CNG 91, 19 September 2012, lot 791. After Antoninus Pius's death in 161 AD, the Alexandrian coins minted for Faustina II show the reign years of her consort Marcus Aurelius and in this specimen is the fourth (163-164 AD). On the reverse we find one of the few coin representations of Cybele, an ancient Anatolian deity worshipped as the 'great mother' of Mount Ida near Troy: goddess of nature, animals and wild places. in Greek mythology she was identified with Rhea, the mother of the gods.
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Lot # 429 - Egypt. Alexandria. Faustina Augusta, wife of Marcus Aurelius, 147-175. Drachm (Bronze, 33.50 mm, 28.92 g) dated RY 5 (= 164-165) ΦΑΥϹΤΙΝΑ ϹЄΒΑϹΤΗ Diademed and draped bust of Faustina right. Rev. Eirene draped seated left on backless throne, wearing stephane, holding cornucopia in the right hand, drapery and caduceus on the left arm, infant Plutos standing right before her to left with raised arms, to right girl standing facing, head turned to left, the left arm raised, holding wreath (?), L Є (date) across fields. RPC IV.4, 2775 (this coin, no. 9). Dattari 3624 (this coin, plate XII). Geissen 2114. Milne 2520. Emmett 2293. Vogt II, 97. Nice light-brown tone. Minor flan die splits. Good Very Fine. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 3624 (plate XII). Ex Dr Busso Peus Nachf. auction 369, 31.10.2001, lot 1181. Interesting drachm of Faustina II issued in the fifth year of Marcus Aurelius (164-165 AD). The reverse depicts a complex scene with the figure of Eirene, goddess of Peace, in the centre, holding a cornucopia in her right hand and a caduceus with her left, while she is acclamated on the front by the very young Pluto: all symbols of that richness and abundance, only peace can bring.
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Lot # 430 - Egypt. Alexandria. Faustina Augusta, daughter of Antoninus Pius, 147-175. Obol (Bronze, 18.60 mm, 4.46 g) dated RY 19 (= 155-156) ΦΑΥϹΤΙΝΑ ϹЄΒΑϹΤΗ Draped bust of Faustina right. Rev. Dolphin swimming right, L IΘ (date) across fields. RPC IV.4, 1810 (this coin, no. 2). Dattari-Savio - . Geissen - . Milne - . Emmett 2028. BMC 3079. Nice tone. Very Fine. Extremely rare, only three specimens known and noticed in RPC. Ex Jacquier 38, 09.2013, lot 249. Small and pleasant obol of Faustina II, with her very recognisable portrait of "Augusta". It is very rare because is known by RPC IV.4.1810 in only three specimens, one of them is ours at no. 2, with the honour of being illustrated. The original bright black patina that covers the entire coin and highlights the reproduced images is remarkable.
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Lot # 431 - Egypt. Alexandria. Lucius Verus, 161-169. Tetradrachm (Billon, 25.20 mm, 10.31 g) dated RY 5 (= 164-165) Λ ΑΥΡΗΛΙ[ΟϹ] ΟΥΗΡΟϹ ϹЄ[Β] Laureate bust of Lucius Verus right, slightly draped on the left shoulder. Rev. Aphrodite draped standing facing, head turned to left wearing stephane, holding helmet in the right extended hand, drapery on the left arm and holding oval shield inscribed with ΔΥ ΝΑ ΜΙC in three lines, on a short column with Corinthian capital, Є L (date) to left. RPC IV.4, 2721 (this coin, no. 7). Dattari-Savio pl. IX (rev.), 3646. Dattari-Savio pl. 197, 12311. Geissen 2159. BMC 3088. Emmett 2327. Cf. Savio A., Tetradrammi alessandrini, pp. 89-90. Nice tone. Good Very Fine. Ex Gordon Dickie Collection, Empire Auction 7, lot 180. Ex CNA XVIII, 12.03.1991, lot 417. Rare tetradrachm issued by Lucius Verus, co-regent of Marcus Aurelius, in their common fifth year of reign (164-165 AD). The reverse officially commemorates the end of the conflict in Armenia by Lucius Verus and the pacification of this vassal kingdom of the Roman Empire. Aphrodite, here as the goddess guarantor of Peace, writes on the shield the Victory proclamation: ΔYNAMIC.
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Lot # 432 - Egypt. Alexandria. Lucius Verus, 161-169. Tetradrachm (Billon, 23 mm, 10.43 g) dated RY 5 (= 164-165) Λ ΑΥΡΗΛ[ΙΟϹ] ΟΥΗΡΟϹ ϹЄ[Β] Laureate bust of Lucius Verus right, slightly draped on the left shoulder. Rev. ΑΡΜЄ to left, ΝΙΑ to right. Throphy composed by helmet and cuirass and two crossed oval shields with spear for each side, Armenian captive with bound hands behind his back, lying below at ground, head wearing Phrygian cap turned to left, L Є (date) across fields. RPC IV.4, 2739 (this coin, no. 14). Dattari-Savio pl. 197, 3692 var. Milne - . Geissen 2163 var. Emmett 2362. Oxford 2519 var. Vogt II, 96. Cf. Savio A. Tetradrammi alessandrini, pp. 89-90. Nice dark tone with highlights. About Extremely Fine. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 42, 22. 07.2018, lot 274. Of the two 'Augusti' co-rulers from 161 to 169 AD, Lucius Verus, portrayed on the obverse, was the commander in charge of the security and defence of the imperial territory, and in 164 AD the first phase of the conflict in Armenia was victoriously concluded, celebrated on the reverse of the tetradrachm by means of a military trophy with an Armenian prisoner at his feet and the historical indication APMENIA.
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Lot # 433 - Egypt. Alexandria. Lucius Verus, 161-169. Drachm (Bronze, 30.80 mm, 18.24 g) dated RY 1 (= 161) Λ ΑΥΡΗΛΙΟϹ ΟΥΗΡΟϹ ϹЄΒ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Lucius Verus right. Rev. OMON to left, OIA to right. Omonoia draped standing facing, head turned to left, holding olive branch in the right hand, drapery and cornucopia on the left arm, L A (date) across fields. RPC IV.4, 2305 (this coin, no. 5 cited and illustrated). Dattari-Savio, pl. 200, 9474. Emmett 2394. Geissen 2130. BMC 1377. Vogt II, 92. Nice brown tone. Extremely Fine. From a private German collection. Ex Münz Zentrum sale 123, 2004, lot 247. Ex Künker sale 89, 2004, lot 1804. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 57, 25.04.2020, lot 322. We are at the beginning of the peaceful and cooperative alliance of Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus at the head of the Roman Empire as solemnly affirmed on the reverse with the presence of the divine OMONOIA, corresponding to the Roman CONCORDIA AUGUSTORUM which was a constant of that period that ended in 169 AD with the premature death of Lucius Verus whom we recognize in the magnificent laureate bust on the obverse of this dracm of great charm.
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Lot # 434 - Egypt. Alexandria. Lucius Verus, 161-169. Drachm (Bronze, 31.60 mm, 25.81 g) dated RY 5 (= 164-165) Λ ΑΥΡΗΛΙΟϹ ΟΥΗΡΟϹ ϹЄΒ Laureate bust of Lucius Verus right, slightly draped on the left shoulder. Rev. Serapis as fountain god, bare chest, standing facing, head wearing kalathos turned to left, holding taenia over round basin set on base and double drapery on the left shoulder, flanked by Dioscuri standing facing nude, each crowned with star, the one to left with head turned to right, holding whip under the left bent arm and bridle (?) in the right resting hand; the one to right crowning Serapis raising wreath in the right hand and holding whip in the left resting hand, L Є (date) above. RPC IV.4, 2789 (this coin, no. 5). Dattari-Savio pl. 203, 3779 (this coin). Dattari 3779 and pl. XXIV (this reverse illustrated). Milne 2526. Emmett 2430. A complex scene of great effect. Lovely green patina. Extremely Fine. Extremely rare, the only specimen in private hands. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 3779. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 42, 22.07.2018, lot 362. A very rare and curious drachm of Lucius Verus with on the reverse the unusual scene with Zeus Serapis facing, sacrificing, and on either side the Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux, his and Leda's twin sons, honouring him. They are considered the protectors of men from all dangers and here in particular they protect the reigning ruler. It could also be the reproduction of a statuary group found in an Alexandrian monument. It should be noted the exceptional dark green original patina and the splendid preservation of the coin, already belonging to the Giovanni Dattari collection 3779, who showed its reverse on plate XXIV of his catalogue of 1901 and the same made RPC IV.4.2789.5 reproducing it in full.
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Lot # 435 - Egypt. Alexandria. Lucius Verus, 161-169. Drachm (Bronze, 33.00 mm, 20.35 g). Dated RY 6 (= 165/6). [Λ ΑYΡ]ΗΛΙΟ C-ΟYΗΡΟC CEΒ Laureate head of Lucius Verus to right, slight drapery on far shoulder. Rev. Semasia wearing elephant's skin headdress, a hunting tunic, a long, billowing cloak, holding a palm branch in her upraised right hand, riding a horse galloping to left; L - Ϛ (date) across field; CHMΑCIA in exergue. Dattari-Savio 3780 & 9506, Suppl pl 25, 26. RPC IV.4, 2947. Geissen 2182. Emmett 2433. Rare. Attractive patina, minor roughness. Very Fine. Ex Kerry K. Wetterstrom Collection. Ex CNA Ltd. XII, 26.09.1990, lot 282. The female figure appearing on the reverse of the drachm, indicated by the appellation Semasia (meaning 'signal' or 'command') wears an elephant-skin headdress and holds a palm branch while riding a steed galloping to the left. She is probably the personification of Alexandria itself and her presence in this scene may allude to the triumphant victory of Lucius Verus against the Parthians in 166 A.D. Semasia appears only in Alexandrian coinage during the joint reign of Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus.
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Lot # 436 - Egypt. Alexandria. Lucius Verus, 161-169. Drachm (Bronze, 33.30 mm, 28.67 g). Dated RY 6 (= 165/6). [Λ ΑV]ΡΗΛΙ ΟVΗΡΟС СEΒ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev. Two Canopi standing on cushions and bases, facing each other, one on the left crowned with horns, disk, plumes, and uraei, one on the right wearing atef crown; L ς (date) across field. Geissen 2167. Dattari-Savio 3702 & 9451 (this coin). RPC IV.4, 2921. Emmett 2371. Rough surface. Near Very Fine. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 9451. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 40, 27.05.2018, lot 414. On this magnificent drachm of Lucius Verus, formerly in the Dattari Collection, is repeated, on the reverse, the image of the two canopic jars of Osiris (left) and Isis (right) facing each other, which we have already encountered on drachm No. 166 in the collection, of co-ruler Marcus Aurelius, issued in year 6 of their joint reign (165-166 AD). It is therefore a parallel and contemporary mintage as evidence of allegiance to a cult of pharaonic origin still deeply rooted in Egypt, in the Roman imperial period. The physiognomic portrait of Lucius Verus is majestic. The original dark brown patina is limpid. This very rare drachm is known to RPC IV.4.2921 in only 3 examples (this one No. 3).
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Lot # 437 - Egypt. Alexandria. Lucius Verus, 161-169. Diobol (Bronze, 23.80 mm, 7.45 g) dated RY 4 (= 163-164) Λ ΑΥΡΗΛ ΟΥΗΡΟϹ ϹЄ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Lucius Verus right. Rev. Tyche draped standing facing, head wearing kalathos turned to left, holding rudder in the right hand and cornucopia in the left hand, L Δ (date) across fields. RPC IV.4, 2696 (this coin). Emmett 2466. Flan die split. Nice tone. Slightly unclear head on reverse, otherwise Good Very Fine. Unique. Only this specimen recorded in RPC. Ex Kerry K. Wetterstrom Collection. Ex CNA Ltd. XIII, 12.04.1990, lot 135. Here we have the only known specimen of this diobol from the well-known Wetterstrom collection, regularly surveyed by RPC IV.4.2696, which mentions and illustrates it. The image on the reverse is the canonical Tyche of Alexandria, while on the obverse is a tiny but realistic and stylish portrait of Lucius Verus.
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Lot # 438 - Egypt. Alexandria. Commodus, 177-192. Tetradrachm (Billon, 23.8 mm, 11.79 g). Dated RY 21 of Marcus Aurelius (= 180/1). Μ ΑΥΡΗ ΚΟΜ ΑΝΤωΝΙΝΟC [CЄ] Laureate head of Commodus to right. Rev. Commodus on horseback to right, preparing to spear fallen foe; L Κ [Α] (date) around. Dattari-Savio 3851 & 9556-7. RPC IV.4, 3377. Geissen 2203. Emmett 2534. Cf. SAVIO A., Tetradrammi alessandrini, pp. 93-97. Dark brown patina. Flan crack, otherwise, Very fine. Rare. Ex Leu Numismatik AG 11, 22-23 Febuary 2020, lot 1550. Let us turn to Commodus, the last and unlamented member of the Antonine dynasty, who counts his reigning years from the beginning of those of his father Marcus Aurelius. Commodus minted tetradrachms almost in bronze, since silver had practically disappeared. On the reverse we see the emperor in military dress brandishing a spear on a galloping horse: his identification is uncertain. We are in his first year of reign (180 -181 AD) and Commodus presents himself in victorious and triumphant form.

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