Enticing Isis

Oh, And here's one with the Pharos as well.



- Broucheion

 

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Many thanks, @Broucheion. ...Yeah, the modern versions look just that little bit more, er, Hellenistic than the coin. Unless I'm making it up1

 

Ah, now that one looks more straightforwardly post-Hellenistic. ...I wonder if the angle of Isis' right leg is the difference. On your other one, it's more nearly vertical. That might have been enough to evoke the earlier precedent. ...Along with an over-active imagination?

 

HI @+VGO.DVCKS,

Agreed.

 

LYDIA. Saitta. Pseudo-autonomous issue. Æ (18mm, 2.96 gm, 6h). Time of Septimius Seveus to Gallienus. Obv: Draped bust of Serapis right, modius on head. Rev: CAITTHNΩN, Isis standing left, holding sistrum and situla. SNG Cop 394.

 

I just got this one from Forum in the mail today! It is Ex Errett Bishop Collection.

It is the same Hadrian year 17 type as the one @Broucheion posted.


The photos do not do justice to the details of Isis's hair and the folds of her chiton.

Of course I'm excited about my new purchase, but I think this is a case where centering, eye appeal, and historical romance matter much more than grade.

 

Wonderful coin! Am I correct to interpret the reverse as depicting Isis standing on the prow of a ship, holding the sail(?), with the wind blowing her clothing?

 

Yes, you're totally correct. She's holding the sail with both hands and her left foot. She's also holding a sistrum in her right hand but that isn't very clear on mine.

 

Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm. Dated RY 10 (AD 146/7). Obv: ΑVT K T AIΛ AΔP ANTωNЄINOC CЄB ЄVCB; Laureate head right. Rev: Isis Pharia sailing right, holding a sistrum and billowing sail; L ΔЄK-ATOV (date) around. Ref: Köln 1550; Dattari (Savio) 2668; K&G 35.359; Emmett 1590.