It seems my New Years pledge to restrain myself from buying more ancient coins was an exercise in futility . I would have had more success giving up pasta & pizza . I usually don't seek coins from Roman Egypt but I actively search for rare or interesting tetradrachms of Philip II, therefor justifying the purchase of this coin . Egypt, Alexandria. Philip II as Augustus, AD 247-249 (dated Regnal year 6 of Philip I). Billon tetradrachm: 23 mm, 11 h. Reverse: Homonoia holding a cornucopia & raising her hand. Emmett 3593.
That isn't just gorgeous "for the issue," @Al Kowsky , it's just plain GORGEOUS! This is my only ex-Morris collection coin: Faustina II, AD 147-175/6. Roman orichalcum sestertius, 23.49 g, 29.0 mm, 11 h. Rome, AD ca. 174-176. Obv: FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, bare-headed and draped bust, right. Rev: MATRI MAGNAE S C, Cybele seated right, holding drum in left hand on left knee; to left and right of throne, lions, seated right. Refs: RIC 1663, BMCRE 932-935; Cohen 169; Sear 5281; MIR 25; ERIC II 205. Notes: One of the last lifetime issues of Faustina II. Ex-Morris collection.
Very nice!! I'm still waiting on my HA wins. There was a delay in shipment and now they are lost in the postal system, hopefully just temporarily! They've been out for delivery for three days now . Here's Philip II as Caesar: EGYPT, Alexandria. Philip II as Caesar Regnal year 4 of Philip I, CE 246/7 billion tetradrachm, 22 mm, 12.8 gm Obv: MIOVΦIΛIΠΠOCKCEB; cuirassed bust right, bare head Rev: Hermanubis standing facing, head right, winged caduceus in right arm and palm branch in left hand; jackal (looking more like Disney's Pluto) left at feet; L-Δ Ref: Emmett 3592.4(Caesar); Milne 3676; Dattari-Savio pl. 264, 5079
R.C. It looks like you made fine score from the Morris collection ! I like the blissful expression the celator has given Faustina. The reverse composition is fascinating & not often seen & the coin is blessed with a wonderful patina.
TIF, Your Tet of Philip II is a handsome example with traces of silvering still visible. Tets of Philip II as Caesar are much scarcer than coins struck as Augustus . The reverse is a fascinating assimilation of Greek & Egyptian mythology, being a combination of the Greek god Hermes & the Egyptian god Anubis. The Roman celator left no doubt what you are looking at . Heritage often moves in slow motion shipping out coins; combine that with turtle speed of the USPS & you get frustration .
Congrats on your "Philip Morris"! I also like that tet. It was the only coin in that auction I tracked. In the end I decided it didn't fit with my collection. I'm glad you got it.
Ed, That's a good one . I remember as a kid walking to the corner store & buying packs of Philip Morris cigarettes for my father for 25 cents a pack.
