Finding Flavian tetradrachms from Alexandria in good condition can be very frustrating. Often they are seen heavily worn or corroded, which makes my latest acquisition something special indeed. A CNG win from a couple of weeks ago I'm just now getting around to. Titus AR Tetradrachm, 12.83g Alexandria mint, 80-81 AD RPC 2467 (5 spec.). Obv: AYTOK TITOY KAIΣ OYEΣΠAΣIANOY ΣEB; Head of Titus, laureate, r. Rev: OMONOIA; Homonoia seated, l.; date LΓ to l., star in r. field Ex CNG E409, 8 November 2017, lot 463. Alexandria struck tetradrachms for Titus dated either regnal year 2 (79-80 AD) or regnal year 3 (80-81 AD). No bronze coins were issued during his reign at Alexandria. The year 3 tetradrachms are separated into two different issues, those with a star in the reverse field, as seen on this example, and those without a star. They have an average fineness of around 19.5%. One wonders if Homonoia (Roman Concordia) was a chosen reverse type because of continued intra-city tensions between the Greek and Jewish citizens of Alexandria. Post your Alexandrian tets that have survived the ravishes of time. Homonoia coins are welcome too!
That's truly a wonderful example!! Terrific details for the type and there's no mistaking that portrait of Titus. I have a few 'Imperials'----none of the Flavians----struck in Alexandria and this is my best.... Claudius II (Gothicus) Potin Tet:
ALEXANDRIAN POTIN TET: RI Carinus 282-285 CE Potin Tet Alexandria Egypt 19mm Athena Seated holding Nike
Nice one David! I've always loved the early Alexandrian tet's. Here's a few of mine: Claudius with Messalina: Claudius with Antonia: Nero with Actian Apollo: Nero with Neptune:
This is my best preserved Alexandrian tet (I don't have many, would love a nice Titus like that one!!) Severus Alexander, year 2 (222-23). I like how the engraver didn't leave enough room for the whole obverse legend (A KAI MAP AVP CEVHP AΛEΞANΔPOC EVCEB), and so squeezed the tail end underneath the bust.
I agree and was quite surprised I won the piece under the estimate. That doesn't happen very often with CNG auctions!
I was in Alexandria a couple of years back right after the church bombings. No matter what, I couldn't find any souqs or shops selling tets. It's surprising that there is so little left of the ancient city, other than one city block containing the orpheum (about 17 feet below the modern city streets) and the remains of the hippodrome along the Canopic way - it's problematic. The city is pretty much built right on top of the ancient city. But who knows, maybe future generations of archaeologists with advanced techniques will find Alexander's tomb.
Real nice Titus Tet!!! Great portrait! Here is a Titus I picked up at the NYINC show a few years ago. Titus Denarius. 79 AD. IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, laureate head right / TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII, captive kneeling right in front of a trophy. RIC 12
