I was attracted to this Alexandrian diobol because of the fine style of both the obverse and reverse. The reverse bust is especially pleasing. Vespasian Æ Diobol, 10.57g Alexandria mint, 72-73 AD Obv: ΑΥΤΟΚ ΚΑΙΣ ΣΕΒΑ ΟΥΕΣΠΑΣΙΑΝΟΥ; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r. Rev: Date LE; Bust of Sarapis, r. RPC 2437 (17 spec.). Emmett 218.5. Dattari-Savio 400. Acquired from London Ancient Coins, July 2022. The cult of Sarapis gained importance during the Flavian dynasty because of Vespasian's vital connection to Egypt during the Civil War. Alexandria was the first city to declare for him in July 69 and in November he arrived there to await the outcome of the war and to secure the grain supply to Rome. According to both Tacitus and Suetonius during Vespasian's sojourn in Alexandria he paid a visit to the temple of Sarapis alone to consult the god about the chances of success in his bid for the empire. After receiving a positive sign he was able to administer healing miracles to the local Alexandrians. Of course, all this was later Flavian propaganda intended to bolster Vespasian's claim to the purple. It then should come as no surprise that Sarapis figured prominently on the local coinage under Vespasian, being commonly struck on the bronze diobol. This regnal year 5 specimen is fairly common, but uncommon in such fine style and condition. Thank you for looking!
Very true! Most circulated for centuries...perhaps this one was lost before the second century dawned? lol
Interesting history about Vespasian and Sarapis. I'm always curious about how the particular reverses were chosen and why some were favored under certain rulers (and in certain years) but not others. Often we get very little in the way of answers. As @Mat said, that is nicely preserved one... Here's a more typically heavily circulated Sarapis (Tetradrachm, that is). In recent generations it's also been well circulated, from Dattari, to Grover, to Art Institute of Chicago, to Zumbly, to me:
Here is one struck under Titus. I sold it to @David Atherton but wish I still had it. TITUS Billon Tetradrachm OBVERSE: AVTOK TITOY - laureate head right REVERSE: Bust of Serapis right, LB before Struck at Alexandria, Egypt, Year 2 = 79-80 AD 12.7g, 25mm Dattari 426, BMC 2741, RPC 2464
Very nice addition! While I do not own an Alexandrian coin featuring Serapis, below is my favorite depiction from my collection.. Maximinus II A.D. 312 21mm 4.9g IMP C GAL VAL MAXIMINVS P F AVG; laureate head right. SOLI INVICTO; Sol standing left in long robe, right hand raised, left hand holding head of Serapis; BI in left and ✶ in right field. In ex. ANT
