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Banner Astarte 24
Lot # 284
Egypt, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Obol (Bronze, 16.37 mm, 3.81 g). Dated RY 2 = AD 138/9. Serpent Uraeus coiled and erect left, wearing crown of solar disk. Rev. Agathodaemon erect right, crowned with pshent; in field, L-B. Geissen -. Emmett 4249. Cf. Giovanni Dattari, Numi Augg. Alessandrini, Il Cairo, 1901, p. 425, nr. 6410 var. (date: LIZ instead of LB). Dark green patina. Very Fine. Ex Kölner Münzkabinett, Auction 66, 21-22 04.1997, lot 577. Here is an interesting and enigmatic anonymous Alexandrian obol of no easy classification since the only reference is on the reverse the date LB = year 2, but of which sovereign, since on the obverse only the female cobra Uraeus stands erect to the left with its symbols (Isiac crown and caduceus)? On the obverse, on the other hand, we find the male beneficent serpent Agathodaemon with the royal crown erect towards the right. Both reptiles have augural and propitiatory functions, the Uraeus being sacred to Isis and Agathodaemon sacred to Zeus- Serapis. Regarding the chronological position of the coin I propose the reference to Emmett directions.