EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian Tetradrachm 127-28 AD Ptah-Sokar-Osiris standing. Reference. Emmett 883.12; Köln 982; Dattari (Savio) 1445; K&G 32.458. Obv. ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ - ΤΡΑΙAN ΑΔΡ CΕΒ Laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right, seen from back. Rev. LΔωΔΕ ΚΑΤΟV Osiris mummy standing right, holding sceptre tipped with jackal-head (Anubis scepter) 12.66 gr
I was the winning bidder on this coin before I went to bed. I lost out by 20 or 30 euros I think. Glad to see it went to you . Nice score! One day I'll get one of my own.... probably after TIF... and after Steve... well, eventually!
EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian Drachm 133-34 AD Sphinx Reference. Emmett 1053.18; Köln 1134; Dattari 1996; Milne 1427 Obv. AYT KAIC TPAIAN - ADPIANOC CEB Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind Rev. LI-H (Year 18) phinx seated left with Kalathos on head, right paw on wheel. 26.39 gr
I have a very poor example of the Hadrian/sphinx. In the hands of certain notorious dealers, this coin would have been given a coat "desert patina" wax to improve the look. It is tempting to rub some makeup on it (temporarily) to demonstrate the dramatic effect. Maybe I'll do that this weekend just for grins. I'll soak it off after taking pictures.
I've looked through the present 22 pages of Hadrian coins, but this piece isn't posted. Got it, my only piece, in 2001 but the seller was not too descriptive. What do you guys know about its mint years or province, etc. Are they common? TIA
It won't be in this thread because it is a Roman Imperial issue rather than Provincial and this is the Provincial thread . However, maybe there won't be one in the other Hadrian thread either; apparently this is a rather rare variety (with Victory standing left rather than standing right). Here is the full attribution: Hadrian, 125-128 AD AR denarius; Rome mint Obverse: HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head right, drapery on far shoulder Reverse: COS III, Victory standing left, right hand on head and holding long palm. Reference: RIC 182d, page 361; Cohen 358; Sear RCVII (2002) #3480, p. 145; RSC 359b; Strack 180. This attribution is from Wildwinds; the date of issue is AD 125-128. However, in description for the depicted coin, the year is narrowed down to AD 127. I don't know which is correct and can't confirm the attribution or scarcity other than per the Wildwinds listing. Someone else with reference books may be able to add something. Anyway, cool coin
TY for the quick reply, TIF Using your ref. I see a close resemblance to the RIC 182b RSC 359b. The COS III letters are spread apart more. But, no dead on copies of it would make me think it's more rare. Glad to know it's authentic, though! Any thoughts on present day value? Where would I find the Imperial Roman thread? Should I move it there?