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Message:: [QUOTE="David Atherton, post: 8459587, member: 82616"]I was attracted to this Alexandrian diobol because of the fine style of both the obverse and reverse. The reverse bust is especially pleasing. [ATTACH=full]1499027[/ATTACH]VespasianÆ Diobol, 10.57gAlexandria mint, 72-73 ADObv: 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![/QUOTE]