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Results from 481 to 540 of 726

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Lot # 483 - Egypt. Alexandria. Philip II, 244-247. Tetradrachm (Billon, 25.1 mm, 11.94 g). Dated RY 6 of Philip I (= 248/9). Α Κ Μ ΙΟΥ ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟϹ ΕΥϹ Laureate and cuirassed bust right. Rev. Zeus seated left, holding patera and sceptre, eagle to left; L - S (date) across field. Geissen -. Dattari-Savio 5064. RPC VIII online, unassigned ID 3203. Emmerett 3613. Minor roughness. Good Very Fine. Rare. Ex Gorny & Mosch 126, lot 2111. Tetradrachm of special worth for its big size, gorgeous conservation, excellent quality of style and rarity. Imposing and majestic Capitoline Zeus pontificating in throne with sceptre and patera and the inevitable eagle at his feet. Coin issued, not randomly, in the millennium year of the foundation of Rome (248 AD).
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Lot # 484 - Egypt. Alexandria. Otacilia Severa, as Augusta, 244-249. Tetradrachm (Billon, 23.5 mm, 13.18 g). Dated RY 3 of Philip I (= 245/6). M ⲰΤ CЄΟΥHPA CЄ M CTPA Diademed and draped bust right. Rev. Nilus reclining left, holding reed in his right hand and cornucopiae in his left; below, crocodile to right; L Γ (date) to left. Dattari- Savio 10433. Emmett 3560. RPC VIII online, unassigned ID 2966. Emmerett 3560. Attractive patina, minor roughness on reverse, otherwise, Good Very Fine. Ex De Geus 10, 16-17.10.2000, lot 2286. Alexandrian coinage ratifies the custom of presenting on coins different members of the imperial family. Here is Octacilia Severa‘s turn, empress consort of Philip I and mother of Philip II, portrayed with draped and diademed bust. Specimen of great rarity (Emmett 5) showing on the reverse the peaceful image of Nilus with attributes, lying down on the back of a crocodile on a rock.
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Lot # 485 - Egypt. Alexandria. Trajan Decius, 249-251. Tetradrachm (Billon, 23.0 mm, 11.69 g). Dated RY 1 (= 249/50). Α Κ Γ Μ Κ ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟϹ ΔΕΚ[ΙΟϹ ΕΥ] Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev. Head of Ammon, right, with headdress of ram’s horns and disk and traces of drapery; L - Α (date) across field. RPC IX, 2235. Dattari-Savio pl. 267, 10496. Geissen-. Emmett 3649. Cf. SAVIO A., Tetradrammi alessandrini, pp. 145-147. Minor deposits and roughness, otherwise, Good Very Fine. Very Rare. Ex Jean Elsen & ses Fils SA V 113, 16.05.2012, lot 544. Traianus Decius continues the sequence of the emperors who are leader and warrior fighting for the defence of Empire’s unsteady borders. He is grim and threatening, in a word realistic, on the obverse of this tetradrachm, wearing a cuirass. Coin of gorgeous conservation and winning style on both sides, as well as remarkable rarity. On the reverse is a sculptural bust of Zeus Ammon.
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Lot # 486 - Egypt. Alexandria. Trajan Decius, 249-251. Tetradrachm (Billon, 24 mm, 14.43 g). Dated RY 1 (= 249/50). Α Κ Γ Μ Κ ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟϹ ΔΕΚΙΟϹ [ΕΥ] Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right. Rev. Serapis standing facing, head right, holding scepter; L-A (date) across field. Geissen –. Dattari-Savio 5087. RPC IX, 2254. Geissen 2814. Emmett 3644. Lovely dark brown patina. Portrait of Fine stye. Nearly Extremely Fine. Ex Künker 89, 08/09.03.2004, lot 1828. Another, exquisite in preservation and style, and rare tetradrachm of Trajan Decius with a grim and rugged appearance on the obverse portrait, while on the reverse is the upright and draped statuary image of Zeus Serapis with long sceptre and kalathos, protector of Alexandria and Egypt.
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Lot # 487 - Egypt. Alexandria. Gallienus, 253-268. Tetradrachm (Billon, 23.4 mm, 9.17 g). Dated RY 6 (= 258/9). Α Κ Π ΛΙ ΟΥ ΓΑΛΛΙΑΝΟϹ Ε[ΥϹ] Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right. Rev. Draped bust of Serapis left, wearing ornate calathus; L ς (date) across field, vertical scepter behind. Geissen –. Dattari-Savio 5210. Emmett 3740. Kellner p. 133, pl. 15, Abb. 3. Cf. SAVIO A., Tetradrammi alessandrini, pp. 153-157. Dark brown patina. Good Very Fine. Ex Busso Peus 294, 15.03.1978, lot 743. We enter the reign of Gallienus, here still in co-regency with his father Valerian, with a tetradrachm of superb preservation, with a mannered imperial portrait on the obverse, while on the reverse dominates a heroic bust of Zeus Serapis with a huge kalathos and a long sceptre terminating in a lotus-blossom shape.
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Lot # 488 - Egypt. Alexandria. Gallienus, 253-268. Tetradrachm (Billon, 21.5 mm, 11.06 g). Dated RY 1 (= 253/4). Α Κ Π ΛΙ ΟΥ ΓΑΛΛΙHΝΟC CЄB Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right. Rev. Elpis advancing left, holding flower and lifting hem of skirt; L A (date) across field. Geissen 2881-2. Dattari-Savio 5198. Emmett 3732. Kellner p. 130, pl. 14, Abb. 17 (this coin). Dark brown patina with traces of red, light porosity. Very Fine. Ex A. K. Collection purchased privately by A. K from Münzen und Medaillen AG, 1970 = Ex CNG 463, 11 March 2020, lot 276. Tetradrachm of splendid preservation, marking the accession to the throne of Gallienus (year 1 = 253-254 A.D.) together with his father Valerianus I. It shows a juvenile portrait of the sovereign on the obverse and on the reverse, Elpis, a smart personification of Hope, distinguished by the flower she is holding in her right hand: hope for a long reign of the new dynasty, which lasted 15 years but ended tragically.
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Lot # 489 - Egypt. Alexandria. Gallienus, 253-268. Tetradrachm (Billon, 20.7 mm, 9.35 g). Dated RY 12 (= 264/5). AYT Κ Π ΛΙΚ ΓΑΛΛΙΗΝΟC CEB Laureate and cuirassed bust right. Rev. Tyche seated left, holding rudder with her right hand and cornucopiae in her left; to right palm frond; L IB in upper left. Dattari-Savio 5268. Emmett 3837. Geissen 2925. Cf. SAVIO A., Tetradrammi alessandrini, pp. 162-166. Very nice portrait, well struck and with a pleasant patina. Extremely Fine. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 51, 21.07.2019, lot 281. Gorgeous coin, well centred and actually uncirculated, issued in the year 12 of Gallienus (264-265 AD), who reigned alone after the humiliating disappearance of his father put in prison by Persian Sassanids in 260 AD in the battle of Edessa. On the reverse is a dominating sculptural image of Tyche, the guardian deity of Alexandria with rudder and cornucopia and clearly visible details, especially of the face, hair and drapery.
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Lot # 490 - Egypt. Alexandria. Gallienus, 253-268. Tetradrachm (Billon, 22.2 mm, 11.39 g). Dated RY 15 (= 267/8). AVT K Π ΛIK ΓAΛΛIHNOC CЄB Laureate and cuirassed bust right. Rev. Omonoia standing facing, head left, raising her right hand, holding a double cornucopia with her left; IЄ L (date) to left, palm frond to right. Geissen 2950. Dattari-Savio 5247. Emmett 3816. Attractive patina, very well struck. Extremely Fine. Ex Spink, London, July 1978. Another tetradrachm of exceptional conservation and of minting quality. The imperial portrait on the obverse belongs to those of aulic style, to the so-called “Gallienus Renaissance” well known also through the contemporary statuary which has come down to us. Omonoia on the reverse urges to harmony but we are in the year 15 of the sovereign’s reign that will end with his assassination during the siege of Milan on the occasion of the revolt of the usurper Aureolus.
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Lot # 491 - Egypt. Alexandria. Gallienus, 253-268. Tetradrachm (Billon, 23.1 mm, 8.15 g). Dated RY 15 (= 267/8). AΥT K Π ΛIK ΓAΛΛIHNOC CЄB Laureate and cuirassed bust of Gallienus to right. Rev. Radiate and draped bust of Helios to right, seen from behind; L - ΙE (date) across field; palm frond to right. Geissen 2949. Dattari-Savio 5240. Milne 4156. Emmett 3813. Rough surface. Very Fine. Ex Busso Peus 369, 31.10.2001, lot 1367. This tetradrachm of the end of Gallienus’ reign is a small masterpiece of the engraving art: gorgeous style in the “Renaissance” Emperor’s portrait and on the reverse a wonderful image of the radiate and draped bust of a young and lively Helios. A coin of great sculptural relief, actually uncirculated.
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Lot # 492 - Egypt. Alexandria. Gallienus, 253-268. Tetradrachm (Billon, 21.9 mm, 9.52 g). Dated RY 15 (= 267/8). AVT K Π ΛIK ΓAΛΛIHNOC CЄB Laureate and cuirassed bust right. Rev. Poseidon standing left, right foot on dolphin, holding palm frond and trident; ЄI/L (date) to lower left, palm frond to right. Geissen 2953. Dattari-Savio 5259. Emmett 3827. Cf. Astarte V, 28.10.1999, lot 1177. Good Very Fine. Very rare. Ex Empire Coins 8, 7 December 1987, lot 750. Rare tetradrachm of excellent preservation dating back to the last year of Gallienus’ ruling. On the reverse the naked figure, athletic and quick of Poseidon, god of the sea, with palm branch and trident resting his right leg on the tail of a dolphin, headlong.
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Lot # 493 - Egypt. Alexandria. Salonina, 254-268. Tetradrachm (Billon, 23.0 mm, 12.16 g). Dated RY 6 of Gallienus (= 258/9). KOPNHΛIA CAΛONЄINA CЄB Diademed and draped bust right. Rev. Alexandria with chiton and peplos standing frontally, head with wall crown to the left, holding a scepter in the left, bearded bust of Serapis with Kalathos on the outstretched right; L - S (date) across field. Ex Dattari-Savio 10551 (this coin). Milne 4003. Emmett 3745. Very Fine. Rare. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 10551. Ex Jen-Pierre Righetti Collection. Ex Münzen & Medaillen 12, 11. 04. 2003, lot 660. This tetradrachm was issued to celebrate the August Salonina, empress consort of Gallienus, with her draped and diademed bust whereas on the reverse is the towered deified Alexandria, in its solemn function of the reign’s capital guardian, with long sceptre, holding with its right hand the bust of Zeus Serapis, with which it was consecrated the Serapeum, the principal temple of the town. Rare coin and of prestigious origin.
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Lot # 494 - Egypt. Alexandria. Salonina Augusta, wife of Gallienus, 254-268. Tetradrachm (Bronze, 23.60 mm, 10.43 g) dated RY 12 (= 264-265) ΚΟΡΝΗΛΙΑ ϹΑΛωΝЄΙΝΑ ϹЄΒ Diademed and draped bust of Solonina right. Rev. Eirene draped standing left, holding olive branch in the right extended hand, scepter and drapery on the left arm, palm branch to left, IB L (date) to right. Dattari-Savio 5331. Milne 4102. Emmett 3855,5. Geissen 2969. Good Very Fine. Ex Italo Vecchi, Bern, July 1988. This particularly well-preserved tetradrachm is dedicated to Salonina, too. It shows a high relief, reliable portrait of the Augusta, while on the reverse, the divine Eirene emerges, pontifical and statuary with long sceptre, wishing peace, symbolized by the olive branch that offers with the right. Very well centred coin and provided with an excellent original dark brown patina.
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Lot # 495 - Egypt. Alexandria. Salonina Augusta, wife of Gallienus, 254-268. Drachm (Bronze, 32.00 mm, 16.38 g) Dated RY 12 (= 264-265) of Gallienus reign. KOPNHΛΙΑ CAΛωΝЄΙΝΑ CЄB Draped bust of Salonina right, wearing diadem. Rev. Tyche draped standing facing, head turned to left, holding rudder with the right hand and cornucopia on the left arm, LIB (date) above to left, palm branch below to right. Dattari-Savio 10562. Geissen 2972. Emmett 3864. Vogt II 156. Very rare. Ex L. S. Ruder Collection, Coin Galleries, 19.08.1987, lot 427. Ex Kerry K. Wetterstrom Collection, lot 363. Ex CNA Ltd. XIII, 12.04.1990. With Gallienus and Salonina here we are to the last organic and different issueing of dracm belonging to the glorious bronze Alexandrian coinage which produced real masterpieces of style and engraving especially during the time between Trajan and Marcus Aurelius as can be seen in many specimens of this collection. This coin regards exclusively the year 12 of Gallienus’ reign (264-265 AD). Despite the different representations on the reverse (our drachm shows Tyche of Alexandria with her symbols) these are very rare coins and of good artistic value. (Cf. also STAFFIERI G.M., Alexandria in nummis, nr. 232-233, pp. 463-468).
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Lot # 496 - Egypt. Alexandria. Valerian II as Caesar, 253-255. Tetradrachm (Billon, 22.50 mm, 10.80 g) dated RY 5 (= 257-258) [Π ΛΙΚ ΚΟΡ ΟΥΑΛЄΡΙΑΝ]ΟϹ ΚΑΙϹ ϹЄΒ Draped and cuirassed bare bust of Valerian right. Rev. Personified Alexandria draped standing facing, head turned to left, holding bust of Serapis and drapery on the right hand and arm, scepter in the left hand, L Є (date) across fields. Geissen 2998. Dattari-Savio pl. 275, 5351 (this coin). BMC 2290. Milne 3981. Emmett 3763. Vogt II, 152. About Very Fine. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 5351. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 37, 28.01.2018, lot 410. The dynastic propaganda of the imperial family has always been a feature of the Alexandrian coinage and this comes true in this tetradrachm, ex Dattari Collection, dedicated to the very young Caesar Publius Licinius Cornelius Valerianus, in the fifth year of his father Gallienus’reign (257-258 AD) with on the obverse a bare-headed bust. On the reverse is the deification of Alexandria with her attributes, destined to protect the “princeps juventutis”, yet doomed to die in the Illyrian, quite at the beginning of 258 AD.
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Lot # 497 - Egypt. Alexandria. Claudius II Gothicus, 268-270. Tetradrachm (Billon, 22.20 mm, 10.42 g) dated RY 1 (= 268-269) ΑΥΤ Κ ΚΛΑΥΔΙΟϹ ϹЄΒ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Claudius II right. Rev. Draped bust of Selene right, wearing taenia, A L (date) to left. Dattari-Savio 5408. Geissen 3025. BMC 2309. Milne 4195. Emmett 3855. Vogt II, 159. Cf. SAVIO A., Tetradrammi alessandrini, pp. 167-170. Nice brown patina. Good Very Fine. Ex Künker 89, 08/09. 03.2004, lot 1850. Very nice tetradrachm issued in the year 1 of Claudius II the Gothic (268-269 AD), emperor and victorious commander against German and Goths, one of the few who died of disease (plague) at Sirmio in September 270 AD. The coin shows a clear laureate and cuirassed bust on the obverse and sculptural head of Selene in great style on the reverse with a monumental lunar crescent in front.
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Lot # 498 - Egypt. Alexandria. Claudius II Gothicus, 268-270. Tetradrachm (Billon, 20.70 mm, 9.87 g) Dated RY 1 (= 268-269) AYT K KΛΑYΔΙΟC CЄB Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Claudius II right, wearing short beard. Rev. Nike draped standing facing, bust turned to right, inscribing L A (date) on round shield set on palm tree. BMC 2324. Dattari-Savio 5404. Geissen 3024. Kop 836. Milne 4199. Vogt 9-86. Emmett 3891. Very Fine. Ex Leu Numismatik 16, 22-24 May, lot 2513. Here is another nice tetradrachm of Claudius II with a non-generic portrait on the obverse. On the reverse it is a graceful winged Nike at right inscribing the issuing date of the coin (LA = year 1 = 268-269 AD) upon a round shield, leant against a palm tree: very uncommon image.
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Lot # 499 - Egypt. Alexandria. Claudius II Gothicus, 268-270. Tetradrachm (Billon, 22.00 mm, 10.43 g) dated RY 2 (= 269-270) ΑΥΤ Κ ΚΛΑ ΥΔΙΟϹ ϹЄΒ Laureate and cuirassed bust of Claudius II right. Rev. Jugate busts of Nilus on the foreground, wearing lotus crown and holding cornucopia to left and Euthenia, draped and wearing grain wreath, LB (date) to right. Geissen 3044. Dattari-Savio 5405. BMC 2328. Milne 4244. Vogt II, 159. Emmett 3892. Extremely Fine. Ex Vecchi, London, April 1978. The coins of the second year of Claudius II’ reign (269-270 AD) display very often the divinities typical of Egyptian theology and worship, as on the reverse of this interesting tetradrachm where we see paired with their respective symbols, the bust of the Nile in the foreground and that of his complementary colleague consort Euthenia, or Prosperity with crown of spikes, both of remarkable style.
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Lot # 500 - Egypt. Alexandria. Claudius II Gothicus, 268-270. Tetradrachm (Billon, 21.30 mm, 8.52 g) Dated RY 2 (= 269-270) AVT K KΛΑYΔΙΟC CЄB Laureate and cuirassed bust of Claudius II right, wearing short beard. Rev. Draped bust of personified Alexandria right, wearing turreted cap and hair braids on neck and right shoulder, L B (date) across fields. Dattari-Savio 5383. Emmett 3869. Geissen 3030. Milne 4246. Curtis X-1660. Very rare. Ex CNA Ltd X 21.03.1990, lot 409. Another tetradrachm of superb preservation of Claudius II in his second year of principality, so fresh from minting, that it seems not to have circulated. The images reproduced have "sharp" profiles, especially the turreted, diademed and draped bust of the deified Alexandria on the reverse, emerging from a "mirror background": a rare and fascinating coin.
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Lot # 501 - Egypt. Alexandria. Quintillus, 270. Tetradrachm. (Billon, 21.72 mm, 11.24 g) dated RY 1 (= 270) [Α Κ Μ Α ΚΛ ΚΥΙΝ] ΤΙΛΛΟϹ ϹЄΒ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Quintillus right. Rev. Eagle standing right with closed wings, the left leg forward, holding wreath in its beak, palm branch behind, L A (date) across fields. Dattari 5419. Milne 4298. Geissen 3050. Emmett 3907. Cf. SAVIO A., Tetradrammi alessandrini, pp. 170-171. About Extremely Fine. Ex Empire Coins 7, 02.05.1987, lot 240. History assigns Emperor Quintillus, Claudius II’ brother, a reign of few weeks that ended in Aquileia with the violent death at the hands of his soldiers. Nevertheless, some rare tetradrachms have been minted in his name in Alexandria with a generic portrait of the sovereign on the obverse and a proud imperial eagle with a laurel wreath in its beak on the reverse. Historically important coin.
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Lot # 502 - Egypt. Alexandria. Aurelianus, 270-275. Tetradrachm (Billon, 19.2 mm, 8.63 g). Dated RY 4 (= 272/3). AYT K Λ Δ AYΡΗΛΙΑΝΟC CЄB Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev. Alexandria standing front, head to left, wearing mural crown, holding bust of Serapis in her right hand and scepter in her left; L - Δ across field. Dattari-Savio 5436 (this coin). Geissen -. Emmett 3918 (not this year). Cf. SAVIO A., Tetradrammi alessandrini, pp. 172-179. Good Very Fine. Rare. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 5436. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 28, 22.01.2017, lot 389. Very rare tetradrachm, already belonging to the Dattari Collection. The Emperor in his fourth year of reign (272-273 AD) had already solved the Palmira “Eastern schism” of Zenobia and Vaballathus and exercised again control over Egypt and Alexandrian mint, appearing personified with her attributes. A very good conservation and original patina.
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Lot # 503 - Egypt. Alexandria. Vabalathus (usurper), 268-272. Tetradrachm (Bronze, 22.00 mm, 8.17 g) dated RY 5 (= 271-272) ΑΥΤ Κ ΟΥΑΒΑΛΛΑΘΟϹ ΑΘΗΝΟ ϹЄΒ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Vabalathus right. Rev. Omonoia standing facing, head turned to left, holding double cornucopia and drapery on the left arm and raising the right hand, L Є (date) to left. RPC X, - . Dattari-Savio pl. 279, 10610. Geissen 3064 var. (date across field). Emmett 3910. Milne 4350. Good Fine. Rare. Ex De Geus 10, 17-18.10.2000, lot 754. Beginning with this tetradrachm, of great rarity, of the presumed year 5 of the Zenobia’s very young son Vaballathus, an Alexandrian numismatic representation of the period of Aurelian's ‘connivance’ with the exponents of the kingdom of Palmyra, later self-proclaimed as sole Augustus, as attested by this coin and by no. 250 in the collection, both in conflict with Aurelian who ended up exorcising them in 272 by expelling them from Alexandria and conquering Palmyra. The invoked Omonoia (= concord) depicted on the reverse was therefore a pathetic and ephemeral illusion.
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Lot # 504 - Egypt. Alexandria. Vabalathus (usurper), 268-272. Tetradrachm (Bronze, 24.00 mm, 7.97 g) dated RY 5 (= 271-272) ΑΥΤ Κ ΟΥΑΒΑΛΛΑΘΟϹ ΑΘΗΝΟ ϹЄΒ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Vabalathus right. Rev. Radiate and draped bust of Helios right, L Є (date) across fields. Dattari-Savio pl. 279, 10609 (this coin). Geissen - . Emmett 3909. Slightly rough surfaces and brown toning. Oval flan shape. About Very Fine. Very rare. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 10609. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 45, 09.12.2018, lot 348. Another tetradrachm, also extremely rare, of the boasted fifth year of reign of sole Vaballathus (271-272 AD), manipulated by his mother Zenobia, here portrayed with a pompous laureate and cuirassed bust in order to exalt the decaying majesty while radiate Helios, on the reverse, refers to the vision of a brilliant future which will not be favourable to the usurpers from Palmira. A coin of valuable engraving, big size, excellent conservation and influential origin.
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Lot # 505 - Egypt. Alexandria. Aurelianus and Vabalathus, 271-272. Tetradrachm (Bronze, 22.20 mm, 9.53 g) dated RY 2 of Aurelian (= 270-271) and RY 5 of Vabalathus (271-272 AD). Α Κ Λ ΔΟΜ ΑΥΡΗΛΙΑΝΟϹ ϹЄΒ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Aurelianus right, LB (date) right below chin. Rev. Ι Α Ϲ ΟΥΑΒΑΛΛΑΘΟϹ ΑΘΗΝ Υ ΑΥΤ Ϲ Ρ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Vabalathus right, L Є (date) across fields. Dattari 5424 var. Emmett 3914. Geissen 3058ff. BMC 2387. Milne 4336-4338. Vogt II, 160. Good Very Fine. Ex Jacquier 44, 13.09.2018, lot 340. This tetradrachm belongs to the very vast and different series of Alexandrian issues of 271 – beginning of Aurelianus with Vaballathus, when the emperor was still on the same wavelength as Zenobia, cunning and ambitious, quivering with desire to legitimate herself at the management top of the roman state, through the super ennobled and overexcited son Vaballathus. A coin well minted, and fine patina with precise and careful portraits.
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Lot # 506 - Egypt. Alexandria. Aurelianus and Vabalathus, 271-272. Reduced drachm (Bronze, 24.00 mm, 8.29 g) dated RY 1 of Aurelian (= 270-271) and RY 4 of Vabalathus (270-271). ΑΥΡΗΛΙΑΝΟϹ ΑΘΗΝΟΔΩΡΟϹ Confronted busts of Aurelianus to left, laureate and cuirassed and of Vabalathus to right, laureate, diademed and cuirassed. Rev. L A (date) above and L Δ (date) below, within laurel wreath, tied above with medallion. Dattari-Savio 5429. Geissen 3057. BMC 2395-96. Vogt II, 160. Emmett 3916. Fine. Extremely rare. Ex Münzen u. Medaillen 49, 20.11.2020, lot 271. This rare issuing of Aurelian and Vaballathus combined, by hasty strikes and always irregular size, is the final bronze Alexandrian coinage, of which exist two different numerals that we will fix as reduced drachm (of the weight of circa 8,5 g.) and reduced emidrachm (just over 4 g.). Our specimen should be considered a reduced drachm and belongs to the short-lived period of imposed Omonoia of 271-beginning of 272 A.D., of Aurelianus together with the son of the notorious Zenobia. For further information as to this subject, see, STAFFIERI G M Alexandria in nummis, n.245 and pp. 487-488.
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Lot # 507 - Egypt. Alexandria. Zenobia, 270-272. Tetradrachm (Bronze, 21.30 mm, 10.00 g) dated RY 5 (= 272) struck under Vabalathus. ϹЄΠΤΙΜΙΑ ΖΗ ΝΟΒΙΑ ϹЄΒ Draped and diademed bust of Zenobia right. Rev. Draped bust of Selene right, wearing taenia, large crescent before, L Є (date) to left. Dattari-Savio 5513. BMC 2398. Geissen - . Emmett 3913.5. Very Fine. Very rare. Ex Künker 304, 19.03.2018, lot 1329. Septimia Zenobia (circa 240 – 275 A.D.), queen of Palmira in Syria from 268 to 272 A.D. and lastly self-proclaimed Augusta, was one of the "femmes fatales" of classical antiquity. Zenobia, second wife of Odaenathus, lord of Palmira (circa 260-268 A.D.) and defender of the eastern borders of the roman empire against Sassanids, got rid of her consort and her stepson Herodian, turning the state into a reign independent from the roman empire. She self-proclaimed Augusta and descendant of the great Cleopatra, conquered wide regions in the East pushing as far as Antioch of Syria and Alexandria of Egypt, controlling the mint in these areas but only for a short time. Aurelian, the legitimate reigning ruler, temporarily adapted to a tolerated co-regency with her between 270 and the beginning of 272 A.D. This was until, in her delirium of omnipotence, Zenobia openly challenged Aurelian by dissociating himself from Omonoia and pursued his own independent path together with his young son Vaballathus, usurping the imperial dignity. To this very short period of 272 A.D. belong the few tetradrachms named to her or her son Vaballathus: her army was soon defeated by Aurelian indeed who regained possession of all Syrian and Egyptian regions occupied by Palmira troops and brought with him in triumph Zenobia with Vaballathus to Rome. This is one of the rarest and most sought-after coin of the Alexandrian autonomous series, also for its high historical importance. Our specimen is particularly well-centred and preserved; on the reverse the godlike Selene is indicated as the guardian of the Augusta Zenobia, but she was certainly not prophetic.
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Lot # 508 - Egypt. Alexandria. Tacitus, 275-276. Tetradrachm (Billon, 21.10 mm, 7.53 g) dated RY 1 (= 275-276) Α Κ ΚΛ ΤΑΚΙΤΟϹ ϹЄΒ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Tacitus right, wearing beard. Rev. Nike draped advancing right, the right leg forward, holding wreath in the right hand and palm branch tied with ribbons on the left shoulder with the left hand, ЄTOYC in semicircle to left, A (date) to right. Dattari-Savio 5518. BMC 2405. Milne 4497. Emmett 3976. Vogt II, 163. Cf. SAVIO A., tetradrammi alessandrini, pp. 180-181. Nice brown patina. Extremely Fine. Ex numismatica Arethusa SA, Lugano (Franco Chiesa), March 1976. The accession of the imperial throne of the old Marcus Claudius Tacitus follows a momentary transition from soldier-emperors to a designation by the Roman Senate, to which the new ruler belonged, who disappeared, however, as early as June 276 A.D. The reverse of the tetradrachm praises the victorious Nike, which did not bring Tacitus luck.
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Lot # 509 - Egypt. Alexandria. Probus, 276-282. Tetradrachm (Bronze, 18.40 mm, 6.82 g) dated RY 8 (= 282) A K M AYP ΠΡΟΒΟC ϹЄΒ Laureate and cuirassed bust of Probus right. Rev. Eagle standing left with closed wings, head turned to right, holding wreath tied with ribbons in beak, L H (date) across fields. Dattari-Savio 5559. Geissen 3158. BMC 2438. Milne 4659. Emmett 3984. Cf. SAVIO A., Tetradrammi alessandrini, pp. 182-184. Very Fine. Ex Spink, London, July 1978. With Marcus Aurelius Probus comes back an Illyrian soldier up to the top of the roman empire and was constantly engaged fighting both against barbarian populations and several usurpers. This tetradrachm portrays him during his last months of his reign together with the imperial eagle of the reverse.
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Lot # 510 - Egypt. Alexandria. Carus, 282-283. Tetradrachm (Billon, 19.70 mm, 7.74 g) dated RY 1 (= 282-283) Α Κ Μ Α ΚΑΡΟϹ ϹЄΒ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Carus right. Rev. Eagle standing right with closed wings, the left leg forward, holding wreath in beak and palm branch behind, L A (date) across fields. Dattari-Savio pl. 280, 5569. Geissen 3159. BMC 2442. Milne 4672. Emmerett 3999. Vogt II, 166. Cf. SAVIO A., Tetradrammi alessandrini, pp. 185-189. Nice dark-brown patina. Extremely Fine. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 46, 27.01.2019, lot 321. The general, also Illyrian, Marcus Aurelius Caro arrives at the empire in September 282 A.D. and fights against the Franks, the Sarmatians and the Persians. He dies between July and August in 283 A.D. probably of disease near Ctesifonte. This tetradrachm refers to his first and sole year of reign (282-283 A.D.) and shows on the reverse the imperial eagle advancing right on the exergue holding a palm branch and a wreath in its beak.
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Lot # 511 - Egypt. Alexandria. Divus Carus (died 283) Tetradrachm (Billon, 19.00 mm, 6.44 g) struck 283 under Carinus. ΘЄω ΚΑΡω ϹЄΒ Laureate head of Carus right. Rev. ΑΦΙЄΡωϹΙϹ in semicircle to left and star at end. Flaming cylindrical altar decorated with garland. Dattari-Savio 5571. Geissen 3167. BMC 2446. Milne 4733. Emmett 3995. Vogt II, 166. Nice brown patina. Good Very Fine. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd 41, 24.06.2018, lot 300. Emperor Caro at his death was at once deified as it is borne out by our tetradrachm, unusually undated but dating back to 283 A.D., death year, dedicated – the only case in the Alexandrian coinage – to his consecration, referred to by the altar with burning fire on the reverse and the legend AΦIЄPωCIC.
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Lot # 512 - Egypt. Alexandria. Numerianus, 283-284. Tetradrachm (Bronze, 17.30 mm, 7.28 g) dated RY 3 of Carinus (= 284-285) A K M A N (retrograde) OYM ЄPIANOC ϹЄΒ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Numerianus right. Rev. ЄTOYC in semicircle to left. Eirene draped standing facing, head turned to left, holding branch in the right extended hand and long transversal scepter and drapery on the left arm, Γ (date) to right. Dattari-Savio 5609. Emmett 4020. Geissen 3198. BMC 2466. Milne 4735. Vogt II, 167. Nice dark-brown patina. Good Very Fine. Rare. Ex Frank Sternberg, Zürich, October 1977. Marcus Aurelius Numerianus succeeded his father Caro as colleague of his brother Carinus, but he pre-died at Nicomedia in 284 A D in unclear circumstances. Our small but very nice and rare tetradrachm shows us a pleasant military portrait on the obverse, during his last months of life, while on the reverse is a pretty and auspicious Eirene (=Peace) but it was him little propitious.
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Lot # 513 - Egypt. Alexandria. Diocletian, 284-305. Tetradrachm (Billon, 20.80 mm, 7.61 g) dated RY 9 (= 292-293) ΔΙΟΚΛΗΤΙΑΝΟϹ ϹЄΒ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Diocletian right. Rev. ENA TOY L (date) within wreath tied at top with medallion. Dattari-Savio pl. 285, 5788 (this coin). Geissen 3265 (this coin cited). Emmett 4084. Cf. SAVIO A., Tetradrammi alessandrini, pp. 190-196. About Extremely Fine. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 5788. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 41, 24.06.2018, lot 379. With the advent of Diocletian, a great general and brilliant politician, the institutional and administrative composition of the Roman Empire was structurally modified through the creation of the Tetrarchy, with the territory divided into East and West, respectively governed by an Augustus and a Caesar, an organization inaugurated in March 293 AD and coinciding with the minting year of our superb and rare tetradrachm, already belonging to the famous Giovanni Dattari Collection. A coin of large size, excellent original chocolate-brown patina, in practice uncirculated.
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Lot # 514 - Egypt. Alexandria. Diocletian, 284-305. Tetradrachm (Billon, 19.7 mm, 8.56 g). Dated RY 11 (= 294/5). ΔΙΟΚΛΗΤΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ Laureate and cuirassed bust right. Rev. Draped bust of Serapis right, wearing kalathos, in front palm branch; L-IA across upper field. Dattari-Savio 5741 (this coin). Geissen -. Emmett 4074. Almost fully silvered. Extremely Fine. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 5741. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 42, 22.07.2018, lot 377. Here is another Diocletian’s excellent tetradrachm with first class references and wholly silver-plated showing an aulic portrait on the obverse and an austere and well engraved Zeus Sarapis on the reverse. It was may be issued, as it would indicate the presence of the palm, in 294-295, for the celebration of his double “decennalia” of reign, which began with the conflict and death of Numerian at Nicomedia in November 284 A.D. After the defeat and death of Carinus during the battle of Margus in August 285 A.D. Diocletian’s second “decennalia” were celebrated.
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Lot # 515 - Egypt. Alexandria. Diocletian, 284-305. Tetradrachm (Billon, 18.6 mm, 6.46 g). Dated RY 12 (= 295/6). ΔΙΟΚΛΗΤΙ-ΑΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ Laureate and cuirassed bust right. Rev. Draped bust of Sarapis right, wearing kalathos, in front palm branch; L-IB across field. Geissen 3275 var. (placement of date). Dattari-Savio 5743 var. (same). Milne 5229. Emmett 4074. Dark brown patina, minor roughness. Good Very Fine. Ex CNA IV 21 September 1988, lot 400346. One tetradrachm again of exquisite workmanship of the year 12 of Diocletian (295-296 A.D.) with a big laureate bust on the obverse while on the reverse it stands out the bust of Zeus Serapis with a big kalathos on head. Specimen with uniform patina and very little circulated.
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Lot # 516 - Egypt. Alexandria. Diocletian, 284-305. Tetradrachm (Bronze, 18.50 mm, 6.95 g) dated RY 12 (= 295-296) ΔΙΟΚΛΗΤΙΑΝΟϹ ϹЄΒ Laureate and cuirassed bust of Diocletian right, wearing beard. Rev. Laureate bust of Zeus facing, slightly draped on the right shoulder, head turned to right, L I B (date) across fields. Dattari-Savio pl. 284, 5773. Geissen - . Emmett 4086. Nice light brown patina. Extremely Fine. Ex Künker 89, 08/09. 03. 2000, lot 1863. Gorgeous tetradrachm issued, as the following numbers 260 and 261 of the collection, during the last year of the Alexandrian autonomous coinage, the twelfth of the reign of Diocletian with Maximian (295-296 AD). The “senior Augustus” had passed the monetary and taxation reforms which gave rise to the well-know rebellion, in Egypt from Domitius Domitianus, put down in 298 AD. Coin of great quality showing on the reverse the laureate bust of Roman Zeus, representing the clear attribute of the primacy, among the Augusti, of Diocletian, self-defined as “Jovius”.
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Lot # 517 - Egypt. Alexandria. Diocletian, 284-305. Tetradrachm (Billon, 19.10 mm, 8.22 g) dated RY 12 (= 295-296) ΔΙΟΚΛΗΤΙΑΝΟϹ ϹЄΒ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Diocletian right, wearing beard. Rev. Dikaiosyne draped seated left on backed throne, holding scales in the right hand, cornucopia and drapery on the left arm, L IB (date) above to left. Dattari-Savio pl. 282, 10636 (this coin). Geissen - . Emmett 4034. Nice light patina. Extremely Fine. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 10636. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 40, 27.05.2018, lot 435. A Diocletian tetradrachm, belonging to Dattari collection, of peculiar preservation and images’ clearness. The imperial portrait on the obverse is grave and glowering while on the reverse, a tiny and dominating Dikaiosyne with her symbols (scales and cornucopia) completes the coin flan. It doesn’t seem to have circulated.
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Lot # 518 - Egypt. Alexandria. Diocletian, 284-305. Tetradrachm (Billon, 20.10 mm, 7.18 g) dated RY 12 (= 295-296) Laureate and cuirassed bust of Diocletian right, wearing short beard. Rev. Eagle standing left with closed wings, the right leg forward, holding wreath in beak, palm branch behind, LI B (date) across fields. Dattari-Savio pl. 285, 5818 (this coin). Emmett 4035. Nice light toning patina with highlights. Extremely Fine. Extremely rare. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 5869. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 44, 04.11.2018, lot 350. This tetradrachm of the last Alexandrian coinage comes from the Dattari collection, too. The qualifications of the two previous specimens are repeated here, with the addition of the absolute rarity. The emperor’s portrait is almost realistic and sharp and larger than the average of the recurring profiles of his tetradrachms.
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Lot # 519 - Egypt. Alexandria. Maximianus Herculius, 286-310, first reign, 286-305. Tetradrachm, (Billon, 18.00 mm, 6.30 g) dated RY 9 (= 293-294) MAΞΙΜΙΑΝΟC CЄB Laureate bust of Maximianus right. Rev. ЄNATOY in semicircle to left. Eirene draped standing left, holding olive branch in the right hand and scepter with drapery on the left arm, L (date) right. B. Geissen 3333 var. Dattari-Savio pl. 286, 5869 (this coin). Emmett 4113. Extremely Fine. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 5869. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 48, 07.04.2019, lot 310. One tetradrachm more from Dattari collection but of Maximian, Diocletian’s collegue, in his ninth year of reign (293-294 AD). Perfect conservation despite the generic imperial portrait counterbalanced on the reverse by a pretty Eirene, supporter of peace.
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Lot # 520 - Egypt. Alexandria. Maximianus Herculius, 286-310, first reign, 286-305. Tetradrachm (Billon, 19.90 mm, 7.85 g) dated RY 6 (= 290-291) MAΞΙΜΙΑΝΟC CЄB Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Maximianus right. Rev. Herakles nude standing facing, head turned to left, holding club in the right hand, lion skin and apple in the left hand, star above to left, L S (date) across fields. Geissen 3309 var. Emmett 4131. Dattari-Savio pl. 287, 5916 (this coin). Good Very Fine. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 5916. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 50, 23.06.2019, lot 327. Here is again Maximian on this dazzling tetradrachm of the Dattari collection, of his sixth year of reign together with Diocletian (290-291 AD). On the obverse his martial and strong-willed bust, is determined to introduce himself as co-emperor but “secundus inter pares” and on the reverse, as “Herculeus” in his unequivocal muscular depicted figure of Eracles.
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Lot # 521 - Egypt. Alexandria. Maximianus Herculius, 286-310, first reign, 286-305. Tetradrachm (Billon, 18.50 mm, 8.59 g) dated RY 8 (= 292-293) MAΞΙΜΙΑΝΟC CЄB Laureate and draped bust of Maximianus right. Rev. Draped bust of Isis left, wearing disc headdress, diadem and hair braids, L H (date) across fields. Geissen - . Milne - . BMC - . Dattari-Savio 5944. Emmett 4144. About Very Fine. Extremely rare. Ex CNA IV, 21 September 1988, lot 350. Very rare tetradrachm of the eighth year of “Herculeus” Maximian (292-293 AD) with on the reverse the unusual image of Isis showing an elaborate hairstyle topped with “basileion” and bust wrapped by thick drapery. Engraved with youfthful face of nice style and conservation and all details are enhanced by the splendid dark brown original patina spread on the whole coin’s surface.
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Lot # 522 - Egypt. Alexandria. Maximianus Herculius, 286-310, first reign, 286-305. Tetradrachm (Billon, 17.20 mm, 7.31 g) dated RY 8 (= 292-293) MAΞΙΜΙΑΝΟC CЄB Laureate and cuirassed bust of Maximianus right. Rev. Maximianus on horseback to right, hurling spear at captive fallen under horse and praying for mercy with the raised right arm, L H (date) across fields. Geissen - . Dattari-Savio pl. 285, 5827 (this coin). Emmett 4117. Slightly rough surfaces, otherwise, About Very Fine. Extremely rare. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 5827. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 43, 23.09.2018, lot 336. In this tetradrachm of his eighth year of reign (292-293 AD), Maximian appears on the reverse as a fighting triumphant knight trampling a fallen foe to the ground: may be in memory of the recent expedition against the Germans. A well-structured coin, very rare and of impressive provenance.
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Lot # 523 - Egypt. Alexandria. Maximianus Herculius, first reign, 286-305. Potin Tetradrachm (Billon, 19.33 mm, 7.22 g). Dated RY 8 (= 292/3). ΜΑΞΙΜΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind. Rev. ΕΤΟΥϹ Η within laurel wreath; B (date) below. Dattari-Savio 5999. Emmett 4161. Geissen 3330. Dark brown patina. Good Very Fine. Very Rare. Ex Gilles Blancon price list 31, August 1999. As the previous one, this excellent and very rare tetradrachm of large size and excellent preservation belongs to the same year of Maximian's reign. As in other numerals of the last years of the Alexandrian coinage, our specimen shows on the reverse, besides the date, also the issuing workshop through a progressive letter of the Greek alphabet, engraved at the lower end of the flan: in our case the letter B tells us that is the second workshop.
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Lot # 524 - Egypt. Alexandria. Maximianus Herculius, 286-310, first reign, 286-305. Tetradrachm (Billon, 20.90 mm, 6.99 g) dated RY 10 (= 294-295) MAΞΙΜΙΑΝΟC CЄB Laureate and draped bust of Maximianus right. Rev. Maximianus in military dress on horseback to right, holding spear in the left hand and raising the right arm, L I (date) across fields. Dattari-Savio 5826. Emmett 4117. Very Fine. Ex Karel De Geus 10, 17-18.10.2000, lot 2339. Another interesting tetradrachm of Maximian depicting on the reverse the emperor on horse in military uniform in the act of a celebration parade for the "decennalia" of his advent to the imperial throne (294-295 AD) alongside Diocletian. A coin of large size with a clear and complete engraving on both sides.
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Lot # 525 - Egypt. Alexandria. Maximianus Herculius, 286-310, first reign, 286-305. Tetradrachm (Billon, 18.86 mm, 8.74 g). Dated RY 10 (= 294-295) MAΞΙΜΙ ΑΝΟC CЄB Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Maximianus right. Rev. Bust of young Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress, L I (date) across fields. Geissen 3337. Dattari 5899 var. Vogt II, 176. Emmett 4129. Very Fine. Ex Auctiones AG 26 - Münzen und Medaillen, Basel, 16/19.09.1996, lot 558. This uncommon tetradrachm, too, belongs to the “decennalia” of Maximian (294-295 AD) showing on the reverse an iconic representation, unusual in the Alexandrian context, of the youthful bust of Heracles beardless and clad in the lion skin. The engraving is of appreciated quality considering the period of artistic decay. A wonderful coin and rare in this conservation.
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Lot # 526 - Egypt. Alexandria. Diocletian, 284-305. Tetradrachm (Billon, 19.90 mm, 8.60 g) dated RY 11 (= 294-295) ΔΙΟΚΛΗΤΙΑΝΟϹ ϹЄΒ Laureate and cuirassed bust of Diocletian right. Rev. Laureate bust of Asklepios right slightly draped, serpent-entwined staff before to right, LIA (date) to left. BMC - . BMC Suppl. - . Curtis 1957. Dattari 5625. Dattari-Savio pl. 282, 5625 and 10629. Geissen - . Milne - . Emmett 4027. Very Fine. Extremely rare. Ex Künker 89, 08/09.03.2004, lot 1862. Here we are again with a tetradrachm of Diocletian of absolute rarity, excellent preservation and precise minting. The limpid bust of the sovereign on the obverse makes a pendant on the reverse to the peculiar laureate bust of Asclepius with the usual staff and the twined snake round it.
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Lot # 527 - Egypt. Alexandria. Maximianus, first reign, 286-305. Tetradrachm (Billon, 18.90 mm, 8.16 g). Dated RY 11 (= 295/296). MAΞIMIANOC CЄB Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind. Rev. Draped and cuirassed bust of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet, holding spear forwards; LI A (date) across field. Geissen -. Dattari-Savio 10699. Emmett 4097. Brown patina. Good Very Fine. Extremely rare, the third example known. Ex Auctiones AG 26 -- Münzen u. Medaillen, 16/19.09.1996, lot 560. Very rare, centred and perfectly engraved is this tetradrachm of year 11 of Maximian (295-296 AD), showing on the reverse a vibrant and imposing cuirassed bust of victorious Athens wearing Corinthian helm, spear and shield: perhaps a hint at the successes in the Britannic war in progress that year. A coin known in only three specimens.
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Lot # 528 - Egypt. Alexandria. Diocletian, 284-305. Tetradrachm (Billon, 20.60 mm, 7.06 g) dated RY 12 (= 295-296) ΔΙΟΚΛΗΤΙ ΑΝΟϹ ϹЄΒ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Diocletian right, wearing short beard. Rev. Draped bust of Isis right, L IB (date) across fields. Dattari 5710/11. Curtis X-2006. Geissen - . Milne - . Emmett 4145. Very Fine. Ex CNG XXXI, 9-10 september 1994, lot 1444. The autonomous monetary production of the mint of Alexandria of Egypt stops during the year 12 of Diocletian (295-296 AD). The emperor’s disputed centralist monetary reform came into full force only 2 years later, in 298 AD, following the repression of Domitian’s revolt. Magnificent physiognomic portrait of Diocletian on the obverse of this rare tetradrachm and a pretty image of Isis on the reverse.
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Lot # 529 - Egypt. Alexandria. Constantius I, as Caesar, 293-305. Tetradrachm (Billon, 19.1 mm, 7.39 g). Dated RY 1 (292/293). ΦΛΑ ΚⲰCΤΑΝΤΙΟC K Laureate head right. Rev. Elpis standing left, holding lotus blossom and raising a fold of her skirt; L A (date) across field, palm frond to left. Geissen -. Dattari-Savio 6049. Emmett 4185. Dark brown patina, minor roughness. Very Fine. Ex numismatica Aretusa SA, Lugano (Franco Chiesa), January 1989. Constantius I Chlorus, general of Illyrian origin, in the tetrarchy was the Caesar vice-emperor of the Augustus Maximian and father of Costantine I, and responsible for the Gauls, Spain and Britain as well. On the reverse of this rare tetradrachm, the peaceful Elpis is offering her support to the new Caesar in his installation’s year. At the exergue, the mark with the letter A, suggests us the first mint’s workshop.
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Lot # 530 - Egypt. Alexandria. Galerius as Caesar, 293-305. Tetradrachm (Billon, 17.70 mm, 7.74 g) dated RY 3 (= 294-295) ΓΑΛ ΜΑΞΙΜΙΑΝΟϹ Κ Laureate and cuirassed bust of Galerius right. Rev. Bust of Zeus right, wearing taenia and drapery on left shoulder, L Γ (date) across fields. Geissen - . Milne - . BMC - . Dattari - . Emmett 4240. Apparently unpublished. Good Very Fine. Ex CNA IV 21 September 1988, lot 355. In the first tetrarchy (293-305 AD) Galerius, a brave general, was the Caesar of Diocletian, whose daughter Galeria Valeria he had married in second marriage. This exceptional tetradrachm of the third year (294-295 AD) is still to be considered the only known specimen and in excellent conditions of conservation, minting and well-centred with original patina. Lively the portrait of the leader Caesar on the obverse, and austere the laureate bust of Roman Zeus turned right on the reverse.
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Lot # 531 - Egypt. Alexandria. Constantius I as Caesar, 293-305. Tetradrachm (Billon, 18.60 mm, 7.30 g) dated RY 4 (= 295-296) ΦΛΑ ΚωΝϹΤΑΝΤΙΟϹ Κ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Constantius right, wearing short beard. Rev. Eagle standing facing with open wings, head turned to left, holding wreath behind and above wings, with LΔ (date) inscribed. Geissen - . Dattari-Savio pl. 290, 10779 (this coin). Emmett 4179. Good Very Fine. Very rare. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 10779. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 43, 23.09.2018, lot 338. A gorgeous and very rare tetradrachm of Constantius I Caesar minted during the fourth year of his institutional position (295-296 AD) corresponding to the last of the autonomous Alexandrian monetary production. Coin of impressive origin from the Giovanni Dattari collection with images engraved in high relief and the imperial portrait of realistic style.
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Lot # 532 - Egypt. Alexandria. Constantius I as Caesar, 293-305. Tetradrachm (Billon, 20.30 mm, 8.52 g) dated RY 4 (= 295-296) ΚωΝϹΤΑΝ ΤΙΟϹ Κ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Constantius right. Rev. Elpis advancing left, raising her skirt with the left hand in apotropaic gesture and holding flower in the right hand, L Δ (date) across fields. Geissen, 3354. Dattari-Savio pl. 289, 10758 (this coin). Milne 5208. Emmett 4185. Good Very Fine. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 10758. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 47, 03.03.2019, lot 342. This tetradrachm, once again dedicated to Constantius I Caesar, is of the fourth year (295-296 AD) and shows on the obverse one of his worthy physiognomic portraits of high relief, of mint state, in practice proof as well as the reverse, where the usual peacemaker Elpis stands out. Splendid specimen, as the previous one, coming from the titled Dattari collection.
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Lot # 533 - Egypt. Alexandria. Traianus, 98-117. Drachm (Bronze, 33.40 mm, 25.05 g) Dated RY 12 (= 108-109). [AYT T]PAIAN CEB [ΓΕΡΜ ΔΑΚΙΚ] Laureate bust of Traianus right, wearing aegis on the left shoulder. Rev. ΠΡΟCωΠΕΙΤΗC NOM[OC] Harpocrates, bare chest, standing facing, bust turned to left, holding the right hand to mouth, wearing crown of disk and horns, drapery on the left arm, LI B (date) across fields. Emmett 748. Geissen - Weber pp. 233-234, plate XIII, 125 b (this coin). Dattari -. BMC -. RPC III 6397.4 (this coin cited) and illustrated). Good very fine. Ex Kerry K. Wetterstrom Collection. Ex CNA XIII, 12.04.1990, lot 227. The first coin of the series of nomes is a very rare drachm of the year 12 of Trajan (108-109 AD) issued by nomo Prosopite from Lower Egypt. The obverse presents a laureate bust of the sovereign of excellent style and conservation, very realistic, while on the reverse is the Hellenistic-Egyptian personification of Hermanubis to left, dressed in chiton and himation, Nemes and Hem-hem crown on head, while putting a finger of the right hand in his mouth. In fact, it is the Greek rendering of the local Pharaonic deity Harsomtus, corresponding to the combination of Horus, son of Osiris, with Somtus, the “Unifier of the Upper and Lower Egypt”. This drachm is so important and so well preserved as to be cited and illustrated in RPC III 6797, referring of only four specimens extant, and also to have been described, chosen and illustrated by Geissen – Weber pp. 233-234, Plate XIII, n. 125 b.
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Lot # 534 - Egypt. Alexandria. Hadrian, 117-138. Obol (Bronze, 17.3 mm, 5.37 g). Gynaikopolites Nome, dated RY 11 (= 126/7). ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ ΤΡΑΙ ΑΔΡΙΑ CЄΒ Laureate head of Hadrian to right, with slight drapery on his left shoulder. Rev. ΓV-NAIK L IA Isis standing left, holding a ram on outstretched right hand. Dattari 6244, plate XXV, (this coin). Emmett 1245. Geissen - Weber p. 226, plate XIII, 123. RPC III 6394.8 (this coin cited). Very fine. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 6244. Ex Giuseppe Nascia, Milano. Ex Athos Moretti collection, Bellinzona, May 1987. Here is a small but precious obol of the nome Gynaicopolite (Lower Egypt) struck in the year 11 of the reign of Hadrian (126-127 AD) with on the obverse the laureate head of the emperor engraved in beautiful style, while on the reverse the pertinent deity Hathor–Aphrodite standing at left, dressed in chiton and peplum, holding in her right hand the ram horns of Ammon. Everything perfectly centred and plunged in a splendid brown original patina with emerald hues. Specimen coming from the famous collection of Giovanni Dattari.
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Lot # 535 - Egypt. Alexandria. Hadrian, 117-138. Obol (Bronze, 18.7 mm, 4.72 g). Saite Nome, dated RY 11 (= 126/7). ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ ΤΡΑΙ ΑΔΡΙΑ CЄΒ Laureate head of Hadrian to right, with slight drapery on his left shoulder. Rev. CA-IT L ΙΑ Athena-Neith standing front, head to left, holding owl in her right hand and spear in her left. Geissen-Weber p. 246, plate XV, 144. Dattari 6370 var. RPC III, 6417. Emmett 1219. Very fine. Ex Jean-Pierre Righetti 2003. To the nome Saite, always of the Lower Egypt, belongs also this pretty obol of the year 11 (126-127 AD) of Hadrian with on the obverse a stylish and realistic portrait of the sovereign, while on the reverse Athena – Neith shows up, dressed in chiton and peplum, standing at left with Corinthian helm and aegis and holding in her right hand the owl, symbol of Athens, and a spear in her left. The coin is wholly covered by a brilliant green-emerald original patina. The Greek Athena is related to Egyptian Isis and Neith; the latter had at Sais her own temple where the cult of Isis was also active with its own priestly college.
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Lot # 536 - Egypt. Alexandria. Hadrian, 117-138. Obol (Bronze, 19.1 mm, 5.13 g). Oxyrhynchite Nome, dated RY 11 (= 126/7). ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ ΤΡΑΙ ΑΔΡΙΑ CЄΒ Laureate head of Hadrian to right, with slight drapery on his left shoulder. Rev. ΟΞ-ΥΡ L ΙΑ Athena standing left, wearing helmet, holding double axe in left hand and Nike with crown and palm in right hand. Geissen 3413. Dattari 6337. Emmett 1218. RPC III, 6357. Geissen-Weber p. 170, plate VIII, 74, A-B. Very Fine. Ex Jean-Pierre Righetti Collection 2003. Another obol of the year 11 of Hadrian (126-127) coming from the nome Ossirinchite (Upper Egypt) with on the reverse the deity Thoeris – Athena standing at left with her usual attributes (chiton, peplum, helm) plus the addition of the double axe in the left hand and in the right one, a victorious Nike with wreath and palm branch. Thoeris, female Egyptian deity looking like a hippopotamus, protectress of motherhood, was subject of cult at Oxyrhyncus.
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Lot # 537 - Egypt. Alexandria. Hadrian, 117-138. Obol (Bronze, 18.50 mm, 5.05 g) Dated RY 11 (= 126-127) ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ ΤΡΑΙ ΑΔΡΙΑ ϹΕΒ Laureate bust of Hadrian right, slightly draped on the left shoulder. Rev. APCI vertical to left (Arsinoite, name of Upper Egypt). Head of Premarres (Amenemhet III) right, wearing nemes with uraeus, L IA (date) vertical to right. RPC III, 6296. Dattari 6210. Geissen 3381/82. BMC 72/73. Emmett 122. Geissen-Weber p.194-5, n 2b, plate XI, 104. Extremely fine. Ex Numismatica Aretusa, lugano, (Franco Chiesa), September 1992. Obol of excellent conservation struck in the year 11 of Hadrian (126-127 AD) for the nome Arsinoite of the Upper Egypt. Fine laureate head of the emperor on the obverse. On the reverse at right is the worshipful head of Pharaoh Amenemhet III (1846-1801 BC) of the XII Egyptian dynasty with Nemet on head and Ureus snake peeping out. This Pharaonic subject, a real exception in the Alexandrian coinage, refers to the draining works of the vast Fajum oasis, belonging to the land of nome Arsinoite, carried out in the time of the 12th dynasty and in particular during the reign of Pharaoh Amenemhet III, whose memory is still honoured on the coin after almost two millennia.
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Lot # 538 - Egypt. Alexandria. Hadrian, 117-138. Obol (Bronze, 18.6 mm, 5.11 g). Leontopolite Nome, dated RY 11 ( = 126/7). Α[ΥΤ] ΚΑΙ [ΤΡΑΙ ΑΔΡΙΑ CЄΒ] Laureate head of Hadrian to right, with slight drapery on his left shoulder. Rev. [ΛЄΟ]ΝΤ L ΙΑ Ares-Mahes standing front, head to right, holding spear in his right hand and lion in his left. Emmett 1240. Dattari 6282. Geissen-Weber p. 304, plate XXIII, 218. RPC III, 6470. Ex Michel Dürr Roland Michel, 16 November 1998, lot 758. Let us move to the nome Leontopolite of the Lower Egypt with this obol of the year 11 of Hadrian (126-127 AD) showing on the reverse the personification of the greatest local divinity Mahes – Miysis meaning “lion” or “Osiris the lion”, son of the feline goddess Bastet or Sachmet. Here is portrayed as Ares – Mahes, bellicose, standing right with cuirass, jambes and spear but without helm. Such an iconography is very similar to that on the coins with Horus – Mahes, combative like Ares. The coin has two coeval holes restored.
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Lot # 539 - Egypt. Alexandria. Hadrian, 117-138. Dichalkon (Bronze, 12.0 mm, 2.11 g). Hermopolites Nome, dated RY 11 (= 126/7). Laureate bust right, slight drapery. Rev. EPMO L IA Cynocephalus standing right, wearing sun disk. Geissen-Weber p. 154, Plate VI, 60. Emmett 1294. RPC III, 6287. Geissen 3400. Very fine. Ex Italo Vecchi 15.06.1994. It is nome Hermopolite’s turn with a pretty dichalkon always of the year 11 of Hadrian (126-127 AD) showing a green-emerald original patina and a nice miniaturized bust of Hadrian on the obverse. The local Pharaonic deity of this nome was Thot, turned in the Greek pantheon in Hermes and put in the reverse of our dichalkon in the shape of a dog-headed ithyphallic canid, with the lunar-disk on head and front paw in sign of worship.
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Lot # 540 - Egypt. Alexandria. Hadrian, 117-138. Dichalkon (Bronze, 12.80 mm, 1.28 g) Dated RY 11 (= 126-127) Laureate bust of Hadrian right, slightly draped on left shoulder. Rev. CEBE K in semicircle to right (Sebennyte Inferior, name of Lower Egypt). Bunch of grapes, L IA (date) in semicircle to left. RPC III, 6486. Dattari-Savio - . BMC 61. Dem. 3571. Emmett 1301. Geissen-Weber p. 314, Plate XXV, 236. Very Fine. Ex Kerry K. Wetterstrom Collection, CNA Ltd. XIII, 12.04.1990, lot 275. Pleasant specimen of dichalkon belonging to nome Sebennyte Lower (Lower Egypt) minted in the eleventh year of Hadrian’s reign (126-127 AD). Small portrait easily recognizable of the emperor on the obverse and a bunch of grapes on the reverse, reminding the wide vineyard cultivations in the region of the nome, already from the Pharaonic era to the Roman period, so much so that Pliny the Elder praises the wine produced in Sehennytos as the synthesis of three noble vines.
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Lot # 541 - Egypt. Alexandria. Hadrian, 117-138. Dichalkon (Bronze, 13.4 mm, 1.77 g). Hermopolites Nome, dated RY 11 (= 126/7). Laureate bust right, slight drapery. Rev. EPMO L IA Cynocephalus seated right, without wearing moon disk. Geissen 3401. Dattari 6270 var. BMC 85. Emmett 1294. Geissen-Weber p. 154, Plate VI, 59. RPC III, 6288. Extremely fine. Ex Harmer Rooke Galleries, The Hoffer and the Brandenburg Sale, 12-13 december 1986, lot 1037. Ex Kerry K. Wetterstrom Collection, CNA Ltd. XIII, 04.12.1990, lot 254. Here is another dichalkon of super preservation issued in the nome Hermopolite (Upper Egypt) in the year 11 of Hadrian (126-127 AD). Excellent laureate bust of the emperor on the obverse, while on the reverse we notice the dog-headed sacred to Hermes -Thot sitting right on the exergue, in a version lacking in the moon disc on head.
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Lot # 542 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 33.2 mm, 21.63 g). Menelaites Nome, dated RY 8 (= 144/5). Laureate head right. Rev. MЄNЄ ΛAЄITHC Harpokrates of Canopus as a youth, nude from the waist up with the lower body of a crocodile, holding cornucopia with his left arm, right hand raised to his mouth, wearing skhent and standing left; lit altar to left; L H (date) in exergue. Emmett 1819 (1). Geissen-Weber p. 278, Plate XIX, 185. RPC IV.4, 787.81 (this coin cited). Extremely fine. Ex Bonhams IV, 04.12.1980, lot 440. Drachm issued for the nome Menelaite (Lower Egypt) by Antoninus Pius in his eighth year of reign (144-145 AD), the last of the series of the nomes Alexandrian coinage. On the obverse is a refined laureate bust of the emperor. On the reverse is depicted in fine style Harpokrates right half-naked, with half-human and half-crocodile body. He has the Upper and Lower Egypt double crown on head, the finger of the left hand in the mouth, while holding a cornucopia with his left arm. It is an image of the local Horus in the hybrid form of the godlike crocodile Sobek. Specimen mentioned in RPC IV. 4.

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