

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.