Happy New Year!!

The more reasons to celebrate the better. Happy 1st of Thoth!

My favorite two-toned Imperial made for Alexandria.

 

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Kinda... I see @maridvnvm and @dougsmit often discussing the nuances of eastern mint Septimius Severus denarii, that I felt I needed to get one.

 

LordM, if I only had a drachm or denarius for every coin I blame on @Alegandron , @TIF , @zumbly, @Bing or @Roman Collector ... oh, wait. I do!
Me earlier today getting some laps in, thanks to all my CT pals;


Now here's a REAL Alexandrian...

Ptolemy III Euergetes
AE Obol. Alexandria Mint 246-222 BCE. Obverse: Deified head of Alexander the Great right, wearing elephant skin. Reverse: Eagle standing left on thunderbolt, head right, cornucopia over shoulder; E between legs. References: Svoronos 976; SNG Copenhagen 232. Size: 24mm, 10.36g. Numismatic Notes: Good VF grade and done in choice style!

 

A really nice clean coin!

And it is a circam too.

Great pickup.

John

 

Happy Alexandrian New Year!!

HADRIAN
Billon Tetradrachm. 12.55g, 26.2mm. EGYPT, Alexandria, RY 15 (AD 130/131). Dattari 1268; RPC III 5768; Emmett 845.15. O: ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ - ΤΡΑΙ ΑΔΡΙΑ ϹƐΒ, Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from rear. R: Alexandria standing on left holding vexillum and presenting grain ears to Hadrian, wearing toga and holding sceptre, standing on right; L-IE in fields.
Ex CoinTalk Saturnalia 2019

ANTINOUS
AE Drachm. 20.94g, 32.5mm. ALEXANDRIA, Egypt, RY 19 of Hadrian (AD 134/5). RPC III 6062; Dattari (Savio) 8003-4; Emmett 1346. O: ANTINOOV HPѠOC, draped bust right, wearing hem-hem crown. R: Antinous, cloaked and holding caduceus, on horseback right; L IΘ (date) across fields.

ANTONINUS PIUS
AE Drachm. 28.01g, 36.4mm. EGYPT, Alexandria, RY 8 (AD 144/5). Menelaites Nome. Emmett 1819; Dattari 6318; RPC Online Temp #13971. O: AVT K T AIΛ AΔP ANTωNЄINOC CЄB ЄVC, laureate head right. R: MЄNЄΛAЄITHC, Harpokrates of Canopus (part human, part crocodile) left, holding finger on right hand before mouth, cornucopia on left arm; altar before, L H (date) in exergue.
Ex Phil Peck (“Morris”) Collection

ANTONINUS PIUS
AE Drachm. 26.83g, 33.5mm. EGYPT, Alexandria, RY 5 (AD 141/2). Emmett 1628 (R3); Dattari 2776; RPC Online 14830 (8 spec). O: Laureate head right. R: Nilus seated right on rocks upon which a crocodile climbs, Alexandria-Euthenia wearing elephant-skin headdress standing left, holding corn ears and sistrum; [L E] in exergue.
Ex Robert L. Grover Collection of Roman-Egyptian Coinage, previously held by the Art Institute of Chicago (1981.413)

ANTONINUS PIUS
AE Drachm. 21.28g, 32.3mm. EGYPT, Alexandria, RY 17 (AD 153-154). RPC 14929 (this coin cited). Dattari-Savio Pl. 141, 2763 (this coin). O: Laureate head right. R: Nilus, with crocodile beside him, reclining left, holding reed and cornucopia from which issues Genius holding wreath; to left, dome (Nilometer) inscribed Iς (for 16 cubits), in front of which stands a Genius; L-IZ (date) in field.
Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection


MARCUS AURELIUS
Billon Tetradrachm. 12.86g, 24.5mm. EGYPT, Alexandria, RY 13 of Antoninus Pius (AD 149/150). Emmett 1868.13 (R4); RPC Online temp #14367/7 = Dattari (Savio) 3185 = Staffieri, Alexandria In Nummis 169 (this coin). O: M AVPHΛIC • KAICAP, bareheaded and draped bust right. R: Zeus (‘Jupiter Capitolinus’) enthroned left, holding phiale in his extended right hand and scepter with his left; at his feet, eagle standing left, head right, wings closed; L IΓ (date) across upper field.
Ex Giovanni Maria Staffieri Collection (purchased from Dr. Piero Beretta, Milan, April 1972); ex Dr. Piero Beretta Collection; ex Giovanni Dattari Collection

SALONINUS
Potin Tetradrachm. 13.0g, 24mm. EGYPT, Alexandria, RY 7 of Valerian I and Gallienus (AD 259/60). Emmett 3777; Dattari (Savio) 5377. O: ΠO ΛI KOP CA VAΛЄPIANOC K CЄB, bareheaded, draped and cuirassed bust right. R: Eagle standing left, head right, holding wreath in beak; L Z (date) across field.
Ex Stevex6 Collection (CNG E-311, 25 Sep 2013, lot 948); ex Robert M. Harlick Collection (CNG E-281, 20 June 2012, lot 253)

 

...everydays a holiday anyway....

 

Happy New Year from the Sphinx:

 

One of my favorites...

 

Best Wishes for a Happy Alexandrian New Year! There are already many excellent coins posted that I would like to claim as my favorites. That said, here are two favorites starting with one from Hadrian where the Alexandrians were a bit too exuberant about his new title:

Egypt, Alexandria, Hadrian, BI Tetradrachm, dated RY 12 = AD 127/8
Obv: AYT KAI TPAI AΔPIA CEB, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right
Rev: ΠATHP ΠATPIΔ[OC] (== Pater Patridos), clasped hands; L IB (date) above and below hands
Ref: Dattari (Savio) 1524

and one from Gallienus from his 10th anniversary of rule ex. Dattari.

Egypt, Alexandria, Gallienus, 253-268 Tetradrachm circa 262-263 (year 10)
Size: 23mm, 10.63g
Obv: Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right
Rev: ΔЄKA/ЄTHPI/CKV/PIOV in four lines within laurel wreath; below, L I
Ref: Geissen 2915 (this coin cited) Dattari-Savio Pl. 272, 5273 (this coin)

 

I own only two Roman Provincial coins of Alexandria, both issued under Hadrian. One of them arrived in the mail yesterday, and I didn't realize how popular the type is among the members here: it's the exact same type and year as one of the coins that @TIF posted (hers is nicer!), and a couple of others have posted the same type from different years. I knew I had to buy it when I saw it offered recently, because it combines my interest in ancient coins with my long-time interest in antiquities, Egyptian antiquities in particular.

Hadrian, Billon Tetradrachm, Year 11 (126/127 AD), Alexandria, Egypt Mint. Obv. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from rear, ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ - ΤΡΑΙ ΑΔΡΙΑ ϹƐΒ / Rev. Canopic Jar of Osiris (a/k/a Osiris-Canopus Jar and Osiris-Hydreios)* right, L ΕΝΔ - EKATΟΥ [= spelled-out Year 11]. RPC [Roman Provincial Coinage] Vol. III 5640 (2015); RPC III Online, https://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coins/3/5640; Köln 939 [Geissen, A., Katalog alexandrinischer Kaisermünzen, Köln, Band II (Hadrian-Antoninus Pius) (Cologne, 1978, corrected reprint 1987)]; Milne 1205 [Milne, J., A Catalogue of the Alexandrian Coins in the Ashmolean Museum (Oxford, 1933, reprints with supplement); Emmet 827.11 [Emmett, Keith, Alexandrian Coins (Lodi, WI, 2001)]; Dattari (Savio) 1327 [Savio, A. ed., Catalogo completo della collezione Dattari Numi Augg. Alexandrini (Trieste, 2007)]. 25 mm., 13.41 g. (Purchased from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd., 212th Buy or Bid Sale, August 2020, Lot 497.)




*See https://egypt-museum.com/post/189683370661/osiris-canopus-jar#gsc.tab=0, with photos of the Osiris-Canopus Jar from Hadrian’s Villa, now at the Vatican Museum, describing it as “A Canopic jar with the head of Osiris emerging from it. In the cult of Isis and Serapis, during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, Osiris-Canopus jars (also known as Osiris-Hydreios) were carried by priests during processions. As they are solid, each symbolically carried water from the Nile, fertility that originated from the god Osiris, one of Egypt’s earliest fertility gods. Osiris-Canopus was named after the ancient Egyptian town of Canopus, on the western bank at the mouth of the westernmost branch of the Delta known as the Canopic or Heracleotic branch – not far from Alexandria. Roman Period, ca. 131-138 AD. Grey basalt, from Hadrian’s Villa. Now in the Vatican Museums (Gregoriano Egizio). 22852.”

Here are a couple of photos of my other Osiris, made of bronze, from the 26th Dynasty (purchased from Harmer Rooke Numismatists, Ltd. on Jan. 27, 1986), one by itself and the other with a couple of ushabtis:







This is my only other Roman Provincial coin from Alexandria (I'm expecting a third one, but it hasn't arrived yet and I don't want to push my luck)!

Hadrian, Billon Tetradrachm, Year 18 (133/134 AD), Alexandria, Egypt Mint. Obv. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from rear, ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙϹ ΤΡΑΙΑΝ - ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟϹ ϹƐΒ / Rev. Serapis enthroned left, wearing modius on head, holding scepter in left hand, and extending right hand toward Cerberus seated to left at his feet; L IH [Year 18] in left field. RPC [Roman Provincial Coinage] Vol. III 5871 (2015); RPC III Online at https://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coins/3/5871; BMC 16 Alexandria 620-621 at p. 74 & PL. XIII [Pool, Reginald Stuart, A Catalog of the Greek Coins in the British Museum, Vol. 16, Alexandria (London, 1892)]; Köln 1095 [Geissen, A., Katalog alexandrinischer Kaisermünzen, Köln, Band II (Hadrian-Antoninus Pius) (Cologne, 1978, corrected reprint 1987)]; Dattari (Savio) 1480 [Savio, A. ed., Catalogo completo della collezione Dattari Numi Augg. Alexandrini (Trieste, 2007)]; Emmett 892 [Emmett, Keith, Alexandrian Coins (Lodi, WI, 2001)]; K&G 32.571 [Kampmann, Ursula & Granschow, Thomas, Die Münzen der römischen Münzstätte Alexandria (2008)]. 25 mm., 12.42 g., 12 h.



Here's my only Ptolemaic coin, also from Alexandria:

Egypt, Ptolemaic Kingdom, Ptolemy VI Philometor [“Mother-loving”] (First reign, 180-164 BCE), ca.180-170 BCE, Alexandria Mint. Obv. Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, wearing aegis / Rev. Eagle with closed wings standing left on thunderbolt, ΠTOΛEMAIOY on left, BAΣIΛEΩΣ on right. Seaby 7895 [Sear, David, Greek Coins & their Values, Vol. II: Asia & Africa (Seaby 1979)]; Svoronos 1489 (ill. Pl. 51a, Nos. 1-5) [Svoronos, J.N., Ta Nomismata tou Kratous ton Ptolemaion (Athens, 1904-08)] (see https://www.coin.com/images/dr/svoronos/svc001p209t.html [incorrectly attributed to Ptolemy VIII]); SNG Copenhagen 262-268 [Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum, Copenhagen, The Royal Collection of Coins and Medals, Danish National Museum, Part 40: Egypt: The Ptolemies (Copenhagen 1977)]; BMC 6 Ptolemaic Egypt 3 (p. 100) (ill. Pl. XXIV No. 5) [Poole, R.S., A Catalog of the Greek Coins in the British Museum, Vol. 6, Ptolemaic Kings of Egypt (London, 1883)]. 26 mm., 12.14 g.



Finally, here are my three Roman Imperial coins issued in Alexandria, for Fausta, Constans, and Theodosius I:

Fausta (wife of Constantine I and daughter of Maximian), Billon reduced Centenionalis, Alexandria Mint (First Officina) 326 AD. Obv. Draped bust right, FLAV MAX FAVSTA AVG / Rev. Veiled Fausta standing facing, head left, holding two small children [representing Constantine II Caesar and Constantius II Caesar?]* in her arms, SPES REIP-VBLICAE; in exergue, SMALA [Alexandria, First Officina]. RIC VII Alexandria 40 (p. 709), Sear RCV IV 16582. 19 mm., 2.92 g. Ex. Dr. Frank Sternberg Collection, Sternberg I, Zurich, Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 1973, part of Lot 524 (catalogue p. 61).



* Sear argues (see Sear RCV V at p. 77) that the two children depicted were Constantius II and Constans, asserting that Constantine II was not Fausta’s son. This is a minority view.

Constans (son of Constantine I), AE Centenionalis, Alexandria Mint (1st Officina) 348-350 AD. Obv. Draped and cuirassed bust left, wearing pearl diadem and holding globe in right hand, D N CONSTA - NS P F AVG / Rev. Emperor in military dress, standing left and holding labarum in right hand and shield in left, placing right foot on leg of one of two captives before him with hands bound behind their backs, wearing Phrygian caps and kneeling facing with their heads turned towards one another, FEL TEMP REPARATIO. ALEA [Alexandria Mint, 1st Officina] in exergue. RIC VIII 56(A) (p. 542), Sear RCV V 18706. 20 mm., 3.45 g. (Purchased from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd., 211th Buy or Bid Sale, 2020, Lot 302.)


Theodosius I, AE3 (Sear: Centenionalis), 379-383 AD, Alexandria mint, 3rd Officina. Obv. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG - Diademed (Pearls), draped and cuirassed bust right / Rev. CONCORDIA AVGGG - Constantinopolis, helmeted, seated facing on throne, head right, holding spear and globe, right foot on prow. ALE(Γ) [gamma] in exergue. RIC IX 11 (p. 300), Sear RCV V 20535. 17.72 mm, 1.9 g.

 

Happy New year (or whatever they'd have say on such occasion at the time...)

Well, I guess I know what to do now @TIF

Domitius Domitianus :




But I can post some others I like too

Hadrian :



Julia Mamaea :



Diocletian :


Maximinus II Daia :

Ex @zumbly

Arcadius :


Q

 

@DonnaML, your Hadrian canopic tet is fabulous! I noticed it in HJB's recent BBS. Their photos do not do it justice. The in-hand video really sells the coin:

Such a fantastic coin, Q! I'll use this opportunity to post mine, and thanks again for bringing it to my attention!!


EGYPT, Alexandria. Domitius Domitianus
RY 2 (297-8 CE)
potin tetradrachm/hexagram/othergram; 9.56 gm, 23 mm
Obv: ΔOMITIANOCCEB; laureate head right
Rev: draped bust of Serapis to right, LB left and palm to right
Ref: Dattari 6186; Emmett 4242

 

I freely admit that I subscribe to the Pellinore definition of 'Real Thing' Alexandrian. I do not consider all coins struck in the city as 'Alexandrian' but reserve that term for the Roman Provincials from Actium to Diocletian when the city produced coins solely for use in Egypt when the city was the private property of the Emperor. I enjoy Ptolemaic and late Roman coins but they are 'from the mint of Alexandria' rather than 'Alexandrian'.

These Alexandrian coins are, indeed' popular here. If all our CT family were to post all of their Alexandrian coins in one place, that would be a worthwhile reference on the subject. All worthwhile references seem to use that TIF snake as a great item but there are others including enough R5 coins that guarantee no one will have a 'complete' set.

Harlan Berk is not only a coin dealer but he is good at what he does. He surrounded himself with a staff of people who complemented his own strengths. He published that book on the 100 greatest Ancients which belongs on the coffee table (anyone actually have a coffee table anymore???) of anyone interested in antiquity. He has made use of You Tube, video technology and marketing savvy to be a leader in his chosen field. I very rarely see a coin in his stock that tempts me to buy since 'sleepers' are harder to find when the seller is as well educated as his group.

To make this rant legitimate, here are a few more relatively common coins.
Hadrian tetradrachm / Serapis


Antoninus Pius Diobol / bull (ex stevex6) with hole but a better strike than common


Faustina II as first daughter under Pius / Dikaiosyne

 

I had this Hadrian AE diobol, but sold it to create budget for a new focus of collecting:

I believe it was relatively scarce.

 

.

 

Oooo, so you're the one that ended up getting that one! It's beautiful!! I just couldn't pull the trigger on it. I'm very jealous though.

 

Nero. Dated regnal year 10 = 63/64 CE. Billon tetradrachm. 25mm, 13.3g. Alexandria mint. Obverse: NEΡΩ KΛAY KAIΣ ΣEB ΓEΡ, radiate head of Nero right. Reverse: AYTOKΡA, draped bust of Serapis right, wearing taenia and calathus; LI (date) before. Milne 222; Sear 2001; RPC I 5274.

 

That makes me older thanks a lot TIF... Be safe

 

Thanks, @TIF. I completely agree with you that the Berk photos don't do the coin justice, and that it's the video that sells the coin. It certainly sold it to me, because my reaction to the still photos was that it's a nice coin, but I wasn't sure I wanted it until I watched the video. And now that I have it in hand, yes, it's pretty fabulous! May I ask how you were able to download the video? All I was able to do was save the link to the video at Vimeo. Maybe if I joined Vimeo I could download it?

By the way, my coin was Lot 497; there are four more Hadrian Alexandrian coins still available (Lots 498-501). I was very tempted by Lot 500, a diobol, which has a very nice Agathodaimon snake on the reverse (see https://www.hjbltd.com/#!/inventory/item-detail/ancient-coins/95213?fromBbs=212nd Buy Or Bid Sale); it also looks great in the video. But the $600 "buy" price is a bit steep for me, and I have no confidence that any bid at a lesser sum would be enough to win it. I hope it goes to another Coin Talk member, though!

The link to the Buy-or-Bid sale itself is https://www.hjbltd.com/#!/inventory/buy-or-bid/. The four available Alexandrian coins are at p. 17 of the online catalog.

 

Here's one way to do it:

• https://www.keepdownloading.com/
• plug in: https://vimeo.com/430470972
• pick your resolution
• file, save page as...mp4