Roman Imperial Coins

Lot # 423 - Egypt. Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius, 161-180. Drachm (Bronze, 33.00 mm, 25.61 g) dated RY 6 (= 165-166) [Μ ΑΥΡΗΛΙΟϹ] in semicircle to right, ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟϹ ϹЄ in semicircle to left. Laureate head of Marcus Aurelius left. Rev. Two Canopi face to face on cushion and base, with head of Osiris to left, crowned with horns, disk, serpents Uraei and plumes and head of Isis to right, wearing atef crown, crescent between them, L ζ (date) across fields. RPC IV.4, 2853 (this coin no. 4). Dattari-Savio 3438. Geissen 2041. Milne 2550. Emmett 2100. Vogt II, 99. BMC 3066. Minor flan die splits. Dark-brown tone and slightly rough surfaces, otherwise, About Very Fine. Ex CNG 91, 19 September 2012, lot 787. On the obverse of this drachm too, the head of Marcus Aurelius looks to the left, while on reverse, facing each other, there are canopic jars of Osiris (on the left with the hemhem crown) and Isis (on the right with the 'atef' crown), sacred ritual relics intended to be carried in processions on boats equipped with wheels, as shown on the reverse of drachm No. 168 in the collection. A coin of absolute rarity of which RPC IV.4 2853 has only four specimens, including the present one, mentioned and illustrated at no. 4.

Lot # 422 - Egypt. Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius, 161-180. Drachm (Bronze, 34.20 mm, 30.93 g) dated RY 5 (= 164-165) Laureate bust of Marcus Aurelius left. Rev. Personified Nilus bare chest seated left on rocks, wearing lotus wreath, holding cornucopia in the right hand, from which emerges genius crowning Nilus, and reed leaning to left on the left arm, crocodile resting on rocks to right; all around, a multitude of little genii playing, L Є (date) in exergue, under the ground line. RPC IV.4, 2756 (this coin illustrated). Dattari-Savio pl. 188, 12305 (this coin). Emmett 2154. Nice brown tone. About Extremely Fine. Rare, only this specimen listed in RPC. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 12305. Ex Naville Numismtics Ltd. 42, 22.07.2018, lot 356. This is probably the only known specimen of this drachm from Giovanni Dattari's collection, as noted by RPC IV.4 2756 who mentions and illustrates it. Note the laureate bust of Marcus Aurelius unusually facing left. On reverse a canonical, overwheight Nilus lying on top of a crocodile, being crowned by a genius protruding from the cornucopia.

Lot # 421 - Egypt. Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius, 161-180. Drachm (Bronze, 32.30 mm, 28.85 g) dated RY 4 (= 163-164) Μ ΑΥΡΗΛΙΟϹ ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟϹ CЄB Laureate and draped bust of Marcus Aurelius right. Rev. Eos draped facing, advancing left, head turned to right, holding torch in the right hand, the left hand raised holding reins of an horse galloping to right behind her, its head raised upwards and turned left, L Δ (date) across fields. RPC IV.4, 2642. Dattari - . Geissen - . Milne - . Emmett 2128. Nice brown patina. About Extremely Fine. Extremely rare type, only one specimen recorded, in the Berlin Collection. Ex CNG 41, 19.03.1997, lot 1193. Ex Triton VI, 14-15 January 2003, lot 598. Excellent drachm with a splendid, plastic bust of Marcus Aurelius in his fourth year in power (163-164 AD) on the obverse. The reverse depicts Eos, the Greek goddess of dawn, corresponding to the Roman deity of Aurora, running brandishing a torch, beside a galloping horse held by her with the reins. It is here a glorious demonstration of Roman sovereignty in the East (Vogt p. 138). One of the very few known specimens that RPC IV.4 2756 cites and illustrates in no. 7.

Lot # 419 - Egypt. Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius, 161-180. Tetradrachm (Bronze, 23.80 mm, 10.42 g) dated RY 5 (= 164-165) Μ ΑΥΡΗΛΙΟϹ ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟϹ ϹЄ Bare bust of Marcus Aurelius right, slightly draped on the left shoulder. Rev. Euthenia draped standing right, raising wreath in the right hand and crowning personified Nilus seated left bare chest on rocks in front of her, the right leg forward, holding cornucopia in the right hand, drapery and reed leaning left on the left arm, crocodile on rocks to right, Є L (date) in two lines to left. RPC IV.4, 2705 (this coin no. 4). Dattari-Savio 3367. Geissen - (no. 2033) . Emmett 2075. Cf. Savio A., Tetradrammi alessandrini, pp. 87-92. Nice brass highlights on light-brown tone. About Extremely Fine. Rare. Ex Peus Nachf. 409, 25-26.04.2013, lot 925. Very interesting tetradrachm in more bronze than billion. In this fifth year of reign of Marcus Aurelius (164-165 AD), perhaps due to the particular abundance of crops, are quite common on coin reverses the combination of Eutheria with the Nile. The goddess of prosperity here crowns the Nile while lying on top of a crocodile and bearing his canonical symbols. A coin considered very rare by RPC, which notices only four specimens including ours at no. 4.

Lot # 418 - Egypt. Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius, 161-180. Tetradrachm (Billon, 24.8 mm, 12.33 g). Dated RY 4 (= 163/4). Μ ΑΥΡΗ ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟC Laureate head of Marcus Aurelius to left, with slight drapery on his right shoulder. Rev. Laureate and draped bust of Zeus to right; L - Δ (date) across field. RPC IV.4, 2580. Emmett 2088. Milne 2473. Cf. Savio A., Tetradrammi alessandrini, pp. 87-92. Nicely toned, minor porosity. Good Very Fine. Rare. Ex Leu Numismatik AG 11, 22-23 February 2020, lot 1549. Tetradrachm of wide size and well centred on both sides, showing a slightly draped adult bust of Marcus Aurelius left with high relief and good style. On reverse is a big bust of Capitoline Zeus of Roman and not Egyptian tradition. A coin of great rarity, known by RPC IV. 4 in only three specimens.

Lot # 417 - Egypt. Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius, 161-180. Tetradrachm (Billon, 26.3 mm, 12.99 g). Dated RY 3 (= 162/3). Μ ΑΥΡΗΛΙΟϹ ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟϹ ϹΕ Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust left. Rev. MONH-TA Moneta standing facing, head left, holding scales and pertica (measuring rod); below the scales, two coin purses; Γ/L (date) to right. Geissen -. Dattari-Savio 3351 & 9164. RPC IV. 4, 2395.5 (this coin cited). Emmett 2066. Cf. Savio A. , Tetradrammi alessandrini, pp. 87-92. Toned, light flan crack, otherwise, Good Very Fine. Very Rare. Ex Dr. Hans Steger Collection. Ex Münzhandlung Basel 6, 18.03.1936, lot 943. Marcus Aurelius Augustus (161-180 AD), with his own dating, the third year of reign (162-163 AD), after the accession to the throne, is here introduced by a tetradrachm absolutely rare, with imperial bust exceptionally turned left and seen from behind. On reverse the figure of Dikaiosyne-Moneta assimilated. A specimen of excellent quality and of large form, mentioned by RPC IV.4 2395 at number 5, dating back to the famous swiss collection of Dr. Hans Steger and put on auction sale on 18th March 1936 by Münzhandlung Basel belonging to brothers Herbert and Erich Cahn, successively founders and executives of the historical Münzen und Medaillen AG, in Basel, now extinguished. The catalogue of that auction was the first to be personally and masterfully edited by Herbert Cahn.

Lot # 416 - Egypt. Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar, 139-161. Diobol (Bronze, 23.9 mm, 10.98 g). Dated RY 12 of Antoninus Pius (= 148/9). Μ ΑΥΡΗΛΙϹ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ Bareheaded and draped bust right. Rev. L ΔωΔƐΚΑΤΟV (date) Elpis advancing left, holding flower and lifting hem of skirt. Dattari 3200. RPC IV.4, 1143.6 (this coin cited). Geissen 1911. Mionnet 1995. Emmett 1909. Vogt II/76. Brown patina, minor roughness. Very Fine. Ex Italo Vecchi, London, 1982. The small well-minted bronze obol of Marcus Aurelius, always as Caesar, makes us admire its vivid "desert" brick-coloured original patina. The nude head, in high relief, of the heir to the throne stands out on obverse while on reverse is Elpis, the bearer of peace and harmony. Coin cited by RPC IV.4, 1143.

Lot # 415 - Egypt. Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius as Caesar, 139-161 AD. Drachm. (Bronze, 32.60 mm, 24.67 g). Dated year 15 = 150/151 AD. AURHLI KAISAR M Draped bust right. Rev. Triptolemos with elephant scalp riding in a biga drawn by winged serpents. Upwards, in the field, the date, LI D. Dattari 3211 (this coin). Geissen - . RPC IV.4, 1298.19 (this coin cited). Emmett 1900 (not this year). Dark brown patina, good Very Fine. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 3211. Ex Karl Kress 154 (1972), lot 380. Ex Gorny & Mosch 130, 08.03.2004, lot 1931. Another excellent and renowned drachm of the ever-present Caesar Marcus Aurelius with his proud and determined face. On reverse is the scene from the second of the three seasons linked to Egyptian agriculture, that of the sowing operated from the sky by the young Triptolemus on board a chariot drawn by two winged Agathodaemones serpents on behalf of the goddess Demeter, as we have already observed, under number 122 of the collection. Specimen cited by RPC IV.4.1298 under number 19.

Lot # 414 - Egypt. Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar, 139-161. Drachm (Bronze, 33.2 mm, 17.79 g). Dated RY 12 of Antoninus Pius (= 148/9). [Μ ΑΥ]ΡΗΛΙΟϹ ΚΑΙ[ϹΑΡ] Bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right. Rev. Isis seated right, nursing Harpocrates; oinochoe atop short coulmn to right, all within distyle temple façade with uraeus in pediment; L in exergue, ΔωΔЄ-KATOV (date) around. Emmett 1888. Dattari-Savio 3217 (this coin). RPC IV.4, 1123.21 (this coin cited). Geissen 1914. Nice dark patina. Very Fine.Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection, 3217. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 41, 24.06.2018, lot 355. Still one drachm of Caesar Marcus Aurelius with high relief portrait and lovely style. It is a coin of notable and wide pedigree dating back to the collection of Giovanni Dattari (1901) that deserved to be mentioned by RPC IV.4 to no. 21 of the specimens catalogued sub 1123.

Lot # 413 - Egypt. Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar, 139-161. Drachm (Bronze, 33.00 mm, 21.79 g). Year 12 = 148/149. Μ ΑΥΡΗΛΙΟC ΚΑΙCΑΡ Bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust of Marcus Aurelius to right, seen from behind. Rev. L / ΔωΔЄΚΑΤΟ-Υ Isis Pharia, holding billowing sail and sistrum, standing to right before the Pharos of Alexandria, which is surmounted by a statue and two Tritons. Dattari-Savio 3204 var. BMC 1241/2 var. Geissen 1913 var. Emmett 1889. RPC IV.4, 1122. Very fine. From the Rhakotis Collection, formed in the 1960s and 1970s (with collector's ticket). Ex Leu Numismatik AG 13, 15-16 August 2020, lot 1062. Drachm greatly well centred and dark original patina with complete images in every detail, especially the scene with Isis Pharia, patroness of navigation, gallantly parading driven by the square sails towards the mythical but real Lighthouse of Alexandria with all its constituent elements: the base with the access staircase, the entrance, the central windowed body, the lantern with the tritons of the winds on its sides, surmounted by the statue of Helios Serapis, the deity of light and sacred to Alexandria. The same representation is on reverse of no. 115 of the collection. Coins with Isis Pharia are among the most sought-after and appreciated by collectors.

Lot # 412 - Egypt. Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar, 139-161. Drachm (Bronze, 33.45 mm, 25.27 g). Dated RY 11 of Antoninus Pius (= 147/8). Μ ΑΥΡΗΛΙϹ ΚΑΙϹΑ[Ρ] Bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right. Rev. L ЄNΔЄ-KATOV (date) Elpis advancing left, holding flower and lifting hem of skirt. Geissen -. Dattari-Savio 9045-6 & 3200. RPC IV.4, 1065.22 (this coin cited). Emmett 1883. Milne 1964. Very Fine. Rare. Ex Harlan J. Berk 1996. From this drachm, the vigorous bust of Marcus Aurelius Caesar stands out even better on the obverse, with effective dynastic propaganda of his father-in-law Antoninus Pius, in his eleventh year of principality (147-148 AD). On reverse, Elpis standing as peacemaker for the harmony of the empire and the imperial house.

Lot # 411 - Egypt. Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius as Caesar, 139-161. Tetradrachm (Billon, 21.85 mm, 14.08 g) dated RY 20 (= 156-157) Μ ΑΥΡΗΛΙϹ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ Draped and cuirassed bare head bust of Marcus Aurelius right, wearing short beard. Rev. Athena draped standing facing, head turned to right, wearing long crested Attic helmet and aegis, holding long spear in the right hand and oval shield at ground against it, owl with closed wings standing facing left on her left extended hand, L K (date) across fields. RPC IV.4, 1850.5 (this coin cited). Dattari-Savio Suppl. Pl. 21, 1. Milne - . BMC - . Emmett 1836. Cf. Savio A., Tetradrammi alessandrini, pp. 84-86. Nice old cabinet tone. Extremely Fine. Ex Kurpfälzische Münzhandlung 69, 13-14. 12. 2005, lot 206. Tetradrachm of great rarity showing, on obverse, the portrait of the young Caesar Marcus Aurelius. RPC IV.4 knows of five specimens in total, including ours cited in no. 5. The coin celebrates also the vicennalia of Antoninus Pius showing the date of his 20th year of reign (156-157 AD).

Lot # 410 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Diobol (Bronze, 23.83 mm, 8.12 g). Dated RY 14 (= 150/1). [ΑΥΤ Κ Τ Α]ΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤωΝΙΝ[ΟϹ] Laureate-headed bust of Antoninus Pius wearing cuirass and paludamentum right. Rev. Eagle standing right, head left; L / ΙΔ (date) across upper field. Dattari 3110 & 8962–3. RPC IV.4, 1311.2 (this coin cited and illustrated). Emmett 1743. Glossy brown patina, minor roughness on reverse, otherwise, Very Fine. Very Rare. Ex Empire Coins 8, 7 December 1987, lot 573. This small and valuable Antoninian diobol is known by RPC IV.4 in only two specimens, illustrating just this, being the best preserved of them. The eagle on reverse, with closed wings, is a talking symbol of imperial dignity.

Lot # 409 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Hemidrachm (Bronze, 27.42 mm, 9.12 g) dated RY 17 (= 153-154) ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤωΝΙΝΟϹ ϹЄΒ ЄΥϹ Laureate bust of Antoninus Pius three-quarters left, slightly draped on the left shoulder. Rev. Bust of Hermanubis bare chest three-quarters left, slightly draped on the left shoulder, wearing kalathos, caduceus to right combinated with palm branch, L IZ (date) to left. RPC IV.4, 1613 (this coin, no. 3). Dattari-Savio 2624-2625. Geissen 2, 1704. Emmett 1721. Kampmann-ganschow 35.599. BMC 3010. Nice light-brown tone. Several die flan splits. Slightly rough reverse. Very Fine. Rare. Ex Gorny & Mosch Online 247, lot 4624. 10.03.2017. Ex Künker 53, 22.02.2019, lot 8154. Although slightly porous, this well-centred hemidrachm has a very pleasant appearance on both sides. It is extremely rare since RPC IV.4 knows only three of them, mentioning ours under number 3. It is of good style both on obverse and on reverse, showing the youthful bust of Hermanubis wearing Kalathos on head, palm branch and caduceus before. (Cf. also no 135 and 143 of the collection)

Lot # 408 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Hemidrachm (Bronze, 29.30 mm, 13.90 g). Dated RY 15 (= 151/2). [ΑΥΤ Κ] Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤωΝΙΝΟϹ Laureate-headed bust wearing cuirass and paludamentum right. Rev. L Ι Ε; Pharos of Alexandria, surmounted by two Tritons, each blowing a trumpet; between them is a lantern surmounted by a statue, holding situla and scepter; entryway below on left; L Ι - Ε (date) across field. Dattari-Savio -. RPC IV.4, 1384. Emmett 1729 (but not this year). Brown patina. About Very Fine/Good Fine. Extremely rare, only two specimens listed in RPC. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 66, 27.06.2021, lot 171. A small and very rare Antoninian hemidrachm dated year 15 of reign (151-152 AD) showing on reverse, a full Alexandria's lighthouse image, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, built in 280 BC by architect Sostrato from Cnidus. This is the third specimen known (RPC IV. 4 knows only two specimens) and the best well preserved than that reproduced by RPC IV. 4.

Lot # 407 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Hemidrachm (Bronze, 29.30 mm, 13.90 g). Dated RY 5 (= 141/2). ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤωΝΙΝΟϹ [ΕΥ]ϹΕΒ Radiate-headed bust wearing cuirass and paludamentum right. Rev. Isis Pelagia standing right, holding sail and sistrum; L / Ε (date) in left field. Geissen -. Dattari-Savio 2662, pl. III (obv.) & 8548 (this coin). RPC IV.4, 585.2 (this coin cited and illustrated). Emmett 1724. Staffieri 41a. Near Very Fine. Very Rare. Apparently only two specimens known and listed in RPC. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection, 2662. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 42, 22. 07.2018, lot 335. According to RPC IV. 4 this coin is one of the only two hemidrachm known belonging to the year 5 of Antoninus Pius (141-142 AD), with radiate bust on obverse and Isis Pelagia on reverse (see no. 41a of Staffieri catalogue), coming from the Dattari collection as well as cited and illustrated by RPC IV. 4. A well-centred coin with dark brown satin original patina.

Lot # 406 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Hemidrachm (Bronze, 28.28 mm, 12.98 g). Dated RY 4 (= 140/1). [ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤ]ωΝΙΝΟϹ ΕΥϹΕΒ Radiate-headed bust wearing cuirass and paludamentum right. Rev. Dikaiosyne standing, left, holding scales and cornucopia; L - Δ (date) across field. Dattari 8379. RPC IV.4, 340. Geissen 1341 var. (date position). BMC 1060. Emmett 1717. Staffieri 38. Glossy brown patina. Near Very Fine. Rare. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 26, 24.10.2016, lot 166. Third rare hemidrachm with Antoninus Pius radiate bust of lovely style, no. 38 Staffieri catalogue. On reverse is Dikaiosyne, divine Equity or Justice with the relevant symbol of the scales. Excellent original chocolate brown satin patina regularly spread over the entire coin.

Lot # 405 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Hemidrachm (Bronze, 29.41 mm, 12.78 g). Dated RY 2 (= 138/9). [ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙ] ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤ[ωΝΙΝΟϹ ΕΥϹΕΒ] Radiate head wearing cuirass and paludamentum right. Rev. Nike advancing left, holding wreath and palm-branch; L Β (date) in left field. Geissen -. Dattari-Savio pl. 137, 8591 (this coin). RPC IV.4, 124. 2 (this coin cited and illustrated). SNG Cop 427 (rev.). Emmett 1725. Staffieri 26a. Good Fine. Very Rare. Apparently only two specimens known. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 8591, Il Cairo. Ex Naville Numismatics 34, 17.09.2017, lot 270. Another "Dattarian" hemidrachm showing on obverse radiate bust of Antoninus Pius, which RPC IV. 4 has cited and illustrated, is one of only two known specimens, what Staffieri ranks sub 26 a. It is not by chance that this coin, like the previous no. 147 in the collection, was minted in the symptomatic Sothic year 138-139 AD corresponding to the second Egyptian year of the reign of Antoninus Pius. (Cf. comment to no. 141 in the collection).

Lot # 404 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Hemidrachm (Bronze, 29.21 mm, 11.68 g). Dated RY 2 (= 138/9). [ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙ] ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤ[ωΝΙΝΟϹ ΕΥϹΕΒ] Radiate head wearing aegis right. Rev. Demeter, veiled, seated left, holding patera and torch, at feet left lighted altar; [L] B (date) in left field. Geissen -. Dattari-Savio 2509 (this coin) & 8377. RPC IV.4, 117.2 (this coin cited). Staffieri 32b. Emmett 1716. Good Fine. Rare. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection, 2509, Il Cairo. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 67, 01.08.2021, lot 211. This hemidrachm, as the next two (nos. 148 and 149 of the collection), all extremely rare, belong to the distinctive and exceptional, Alexandrian imperial bronze series illustrated by STAFFIERI G. M. in the homonymous essay with catalogue raisonné published in "Quaderni Ticinesi di Numismatica e Antichità Classiche" XLIII, 2013, pp. 121-144 and in abstract. Hence the reference of this coin to no. 32 b of the catalogue, deriving from the renowned Dattari collection, one of only three specimens surveyed by RPC IV.4.

Lot # 403 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 31.10 mm, 21.78 g). Dated RY 24 (= 160/1). [AYT K TI AI AΔPI] - ANTωN[INOC CEB EYC] Laureate and draped bust of Antoninus Pius to right. Rev. Ram standing right, wearing the hemhem crown, above bust of Serapis to right, wearing taenia and kalathos; before ram Egyptian altar; L K-Δ across field. Dattari-Savio 2835. RPC IV.4, 2210. Geissen 1857. Milne 2418. Emmett 1654. Rough surface but a bold reverse. Near Very Fine. Very Rare, only three examples cited by the RPC. Ex Italo Vecchi, Zürich, October 1993. Very rare drachm issued in the last reign's months of Antoninus Pius, portrayed on obverse already decrepit. The reverse splendidly preserved, shows a slightly different version of the Serapis bust-Aries combination from the one described to drachm no. 138 of the collection, whose reference we suggest. In fact, the ram that moves to the right wears the pharaonic crown hemhem over its head, a symbol as royal as it is of divinity.

Lot # 402 - Egypt, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 31.49 mm, 15.44 g). Dated RY 24 (= 160/61). [TI AI A∆PIA ANTωNINOC C ЄB EV] Laureate and draped bust right. Rev. Perseus and Andromeda: Perseus advancing right, wearing Phrygian cap and chlamys, holding a harpa with his left hand over his left shoulder, extending his right hand to Andromeda; Andromeda is stepping down from a rock base, wearing chiton, and extending her right hand to Perseus, her left hand is held to her breast; between them, L / K / ∆ (date) across upper field. Geissen 1856. Dattari-Savio 2994 & 8840 (this coin). RPC IV.4, 2189.20 (this coin cited). Emmett 1637. Staffieri, Alexandria In Nummis, 134. Brown patina. Fine. Very rare. Emmett lists the type for the years of reign 20 and 24 of Pius, but his reference for RY 20 is Dattari 2990, but in the Dattari-Savio plates the ∆ (K∆ = 24) is visible, hence this is a one-year type only. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection, 2994. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 45, 09.12. 2018, lot 315. On the reverse of this drachm we admire a fitting numismatic interpretation of another famous myth of Greco-Roman theology: that of the freeing of Andromeda by the hero Perseus, son of Zeus and Danae, in an eminent specimen already in the Dattari collection. According to legend, the young Andromeda was chained to a cliff above the sea at the mercy of a sea monster that was supposed to devour her. Perseus decided to free her. He killed the monster and helped her to leave the place of her agony, which is the scene engraved on the coin, at last making her his bride. Cf. also Staffieri G. M., Alexandria in Nummis, nr. 134, pp. 267-268.

Lot # 401 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 32.32 mm, 20.41 g). Dated RY 23 (= 159/60). ΤI ΑΙ ΑΔΡI [ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟC CЄΒ ЄΥ] Laureate head right. Rev. Agathodaemon serpent with head of Serapis riding horse to right; L [K]Γ across field. Dattari-Savio 2831. RPC IV.4, 2174. Emmett 1444. Geissen 1852. Rough surface, light deposits. Good Fine. Rare. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 41, 24.06.2018, lot 264. On the drachm obverse one can see all the incipient senility in the portrait of Antoninus Pius in his last year of life and reign. On the reverse is the unusual composition of the serpent Agathodaemon with the head of Zeus Serapis, to whom it is sacred, standing on the back of a horse marching to the right. It is in any case a greeting image of the sovereign in the twilight of his princedom. All bathed in a brilliant original black patina.

Lot # 400 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 32.0 mm, 13.76 g). Dated RY 22 (= 158/9). ΤΙ ΑΙ[Λ ΑΔΡΙΑ] ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ ΕΥ Laureate bust right, slight drapery. Rev. Hermanubis standing right, holding caduceus and long palm frond; jackal to left, L / K / B (date) around. Dattari-Savio 2630. RPC IV.4, 2093. Geissen 1829. Milne 2389. Emmett 1568. Brown patina, light roughness. Near Very Fine. Ex Stein A. Evensen Collection. Ex Hussam Zurgieh Collection. Ex CNG 477, 23 September 2020, lot 351. In this drachm we find Hermanubis, previously seen in simple bust in the specimen no. 135 of the collection, while here has been portrayed in his full-length, half-naked and with all his attributes: lotus flower on head, caduceus and palm branch. The jackal at his feet, which usually accompanies him, is here out of sight at lower left.

Lot # 399 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 31.63 mm, 18.78 g). Dated RY 22 (= 158/9). [ΤΙ ΑΙ ΑΔΡΙΑ] ΑΝΤ [ΩΝΙΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ ΕΥ] Laureate head left. Rev. Bust of Nile right, crowned with lotus, slight drapery on far shoulder, holding reed and cornucopia; L / B-K (date) across upper field. Geissen -. Dattari-Savio 2724 & 8609, Suppl. Pl. 17, 82 (this coin). RPC IV.4, 2101.10 (this coin cited). Milne 2392. Emmett 1614. Roughness. Good Fine/Near Very Fine. Rare. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection, Suppl., Plate 17, 82. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 41, 24.06.2018, lot 354. Here we are in the last phase of the reign of Antoninus Pius, well expressed by the drooping but always proud portrait of the sovereign facing as rarely to left. The solemn bust of the Nile on the reverse with its canonical symbols: lotus flower, papyrus branch and cornucopia is gigantic, compared to the small size of the coin.

Lot # 398 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 33.90 mm, 26.59 g). Dated RY 21 (= 157/8). ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤ[ΩΝΙΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ] ΕΥϹ Laureate head right. Rev. Isis-Sothis, seated facing and holding a cornucopia and scepter, riding a dog (Sirius?) right, wearing a radiate crown and is looking back at Isis; below L / KA (date) across field. Geissen 1804 var. (obv. bust type and date position). Dattari-Savio 2681 & 8581 var. (same). Emmett 1593 var. (same). RPC IV.4, 1982.12 (this coin). Rough dark patina. Good Fine. Rare. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection, 2681. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 45, 09.12.2018, lot 310. On the myth of Isis-Demeter-Sothis that appears on the reverse of this rare drachm of the year 21 of Antoninus Pius (157-158 AD), compare the specific article by Staffieri G. M. in the journal "Annotazioni Numismatiche 30, Anno 8, giugno 1998, pp. 693-697, where an Antonine drachm of the same date and reverse scene of ours is reproduced, both from the Dattari collection. Isis in Greek-Egyptian theological syncretism is assimilated to the star Sothis, i.e. the Roman Sirius, the brightest star in the constellation of the Greater Dog: hence the visual meaning of the drachm's reverse.

Lot # 397 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 32.78 mm, 24.19 g). Dated RY 18 (= 154/5). ΑΥΤ Κ [Τ ΑΙ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤ]ωΝΙΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ ΕΥ Laureate bust left, drapery on left shoulder. Rev. Tyche-Euthenia standing left, holding ears of grain and cornucopia; before, forepart of sailing ship; below, Thalassa (the Sea) reclines, holding dolphin; behind, stern of ship, below, Nilus reclines, holding rudder; L / IH (date) across field. Geissen 1751 var. (bust type). Dattari-Savio 2901-2 & 8776. RPC IV.4, 1732. 7 (this coin cited). Cf. Milne 2291. Emmett 1589. Rough brown patina. Near Very Fine. Extremely rare. Ex Numismatica Aretusa SA, Lugano (Franco Chiesa), April 1978. The complex scene on the reverse of this drachm issued in year 18 of the reign of Antoninus Pius (154-155 AD) probably refers to the regular recovery of the production and sea traffic of cereals produced in Egypt, with the reopening of trade relations between Rome (with the Tiber) and Egypt (with the Nile) in concord after the settlement of an uprising of the Egyptian agricultural class attested by the edict of the prefect Sempronius Liberalis of 29 August 154 AD. (Cf. Vogt I, p. 129).

Lot # 396 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 32.00 mm, 19.86 g) dated RY 10 (= 146-147) [ΑΝΤωΝЄΙΝΟϹ] ϹЄΒ ЄΥϹ ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Antoninus Pius right. Rev. L Δ Є ΚΑΤΟΥ (date) in semicircle. Isis draped seated right on backed throne, wearing disk crown with horns and plumes, holding the infant Harpokrates crowned with pschent and holding lotus flower in his left hand on her knee. RPC IV.4, 1001. Dattari 2649 var. Geissen 1548. Milne 1918. Emmett 1585. Some die flan splits. Light-brown tone. Slightly rough reverse. About Very Fine. Ex Pars Coins 11, 21 December 2020, lot 130. The pharaonic Isis lactans on the reverse ,enthroned with Harpokrates in her arms, the result of her mystical marriage with Osiris, directly recalls the Christian Maria lactans similarly represented.

Lot # 395 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 35.48 mm, 26.79 g). Dated RY 15 (= 151/2). ΑΥΤ [Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ] ΑΝΤωΝΙΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ ΕΥϹ Laureate bust left, slight drapery on right shoulder. Rev. Ram standing right, crowned with solar disk and horns; before altar; above, draped bust of Zeus-Ammon right, crowned with solar disk; L IЄ (date) above. Dattari-Savio 2946. RPC IV.4, 1345. 13 (this coin cited and illustrated). Emmett 1701. Geissen 1674. Very Fine. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 39, 29.04.2018, lot 289. Laureate head of Antoninus Pius at left looks unusual, showing the first signs of senility. On the reverse, we see the head of Zeus Ammon with ram's horns and a sun disk, correctly combined with the full figure of a ram in front of a sacrificial altar. The ram was in fact the animal sacred to Zeus Ammon with which it is always associated to the point that in Alexandrian coinage, we encounter a tetradrachm of Trajan with Zeus Ammon driving a chariot drawn by two rams on the reverse. (Cf. BMC 405 and see also nr. 146 of the collection)

Lot # 394 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 33.59 mm, 20.27 g). Dated RY 12 (= 148/9). ΑYT Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤωΝΙΝ[ΟϹ ϹЄΒ] ЄYϹ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Antoninus Pius to right, seen from behind. Rev. L ΔωΔЄKATOY (date) Serapis seated left on throne, holding scepter in his left hand and resting his right on head of Kerberos; all within distyle temple with disk in pediment. Dattari-Savio 3058-60 & Suppl pl 20, 164. RPC IV.4, 1117. Geissen 1617. Milne 2012. BMC 1193. Emmett 1668. Smooth brown patina. Near Very Fine/Very Fine. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 58, 14. 06. 2020, lot 318. It is a coin with a lovely regular brown, uniform and brilliant, original patina. Very clear and recognizable in every detail, the coin shows on reverse the solemn figure of Zeus Serapis enthroned, turned to left, holding the scepter with his left hand and caressing, with his right, the head of Cerberus, at his feet.

Lot # 393 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 31.53 mm, 22.31 g). Dated RY 11 (= 147/8). [ΑYΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ] ΑΝΤωΝΙ[ΝΟC CEB EYC] Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev. Apollo Didymaios standing facing, holding a tiny stag in his right hand and a bow with his left; to left and right, the two Nemeses, both turned to face him, both raising a hand to point at her mouth, and the one on the left receiving the stag from Apollo; [L E]NΔEKΑΤΟY (date) in exergue. Dattari-Savio 8313. RPC IV.4, 1046.15 (this coin cited). Geissen 1573. BMC 1029-30. Emmett 1358. Very Fine. Rare. Ex CNG XXVII, 29. 09. 1993, lot 1365. The bust of Antoninus Pius on the obverse of the drachm is remarkably stylish. The reverse reproduces the image of the Milesian Apollon that we have already encountered in no. 108 of the collection, here portrayed standing facing between two Nemesis turned to him. Let us reformulate the hypothesis of an implicit symbolic alliance (Omonoia) between Alexandria and Miletus.

Lot # 392 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 35.46 mm, 24.12 g). Dated RY 10 (= 146/7). ΑYΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ - ΑΝΤωΝEΙΝΟC CEB EYC Laureate head of Antoninus Pius to right. Rev. L ΔEΚΑΤOY Bust of Hermanubis to right, wearing a laurel wreath with a lotus above his forehead, and with slight drapery on his far shoulder; in field to right, winged caduceus combined with palm-branch. Dattari-Savio 2626, pl. XVI. RPC IV.4, 997.4 ( this coin cited). Geissen 3476. Emmett 1565. Very bold details, attractive dark green patina. Very Fine. Extremely Rare. Only three specimens known. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 1, 29–30. 3.1989, lot 869. Ex CNA XVI, 16. 08. 1991, lot 330. In pharaonic theology, Anubis was the jackal-headed anthropomorphic deity who presided over the embalming of bodies. In the Egyptian-Alexandrian world, the figure of Hermanubis was created by combining the Greek Hermes with the Egyptian Anubis in a divine synthesis, with human features, without a jackal's head and with psychopompa activity, i.e. accompanying the dead to the afterlife.

Lot # 391 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 33.53 mm, 24.59 g). Labors of Herakles series. Dated RY 10 (AD 146/7). AYT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωN[ЄINO C] CЄB ЄYC Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right. Rev. Herakles and the Lernaean Hydra; Hercules standing right, lion skin over his left shoulder, holding club overhead with his right hand before him; the anthropomorphized Lernaean Hydra holding her right arm-tentacle upward; [L ∆ЄKA] TOV (date) around. Voegtli Type 2 (pl. 12d – same rev. die as illustrated specimen). Dattari-Savio 2600 & 8488. RPC IV.4, 989.7 (this coin cited). Geissen 1537. Emmett 1546. Cornell 127 (this coin). Dark brown patina with some roughness. Good Fine. Rare. Ex David Simpson Collection. Ex Münzen u. Medaillen Price List 527, 1989, lot 132. Ex Curtis Collection. Ex Triton V, 15-16 Jannuary 2002, lot 1781. The reverse of the drachm leads us to Heracles' second labor, that of fighting the Lernaean hydra and killing it. The hydra presented itself as a monstrous being with nine heads, one of which was immortal, while the others sprouted as soon as they were cut off; her body was half that of a beautiful nymph and half that of a snake. Heracles confronted it by burning off the eight heads to prevent them from reproducing, then crushed the immortal head with a boulder and dipped the tip of his arrows in the blood that gushed from them by causing the monster mortal wounds.

Lot # 390 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 33.75 mm, 28.17 g). Labors of Herakles series. Dated RY 10 (= 146/147). ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤ[ωΝΕΙΝΟϹ] ϹΕΒ ΕΥϹ Laureate head right. Rev. Herakles and the Nemean Lion; Herakles standing right, holding the Nemean lion by its neck and jaws with both hands and raising it up into the air, off of the ground, with the lion's body vertical; [L] ∆Є KATOYV (date) around. Dattari-Savio 2593. Emmett 1555. Geissen 1535. BMC 1044. RPC IV.4, 993.20 (this coin cited). Near Very Fine. Ex Kerry K. Wetterstrom Collection. Ex CNA Ltd. XIII, 12.04.1990, lot 190. The scene on the reverse of this drachm truthfully illustrates Heracles' first labor, that of hand-to-hand combat with the Nemean Lion, who could not be killed with weapons because his skin was invulnerable. Heracles succeeded in doing so because he suffocated him with the grip of his steel arms as depicted on the coin.

Lot # 389 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 34.21 mm, 19.95 g). Dated RY 8 (= 144/5). AYT K T AIΛ AΔP ANTѠNINOC CƐB ƐYC Laureate head right. Rev. Apis bull standing right, with crescent on side; L H (date) above, altar before. Dattari-Savio 8946. RPC IV.4, 734. 10 (this coin cited). Emmett 1453. Geissen 1468. BMC 1175, pl. XXV (rev.). Very Fine. Rare. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 39, 29. 04. 2018, lot 284. Well centered drachm of the fateful eighth year of the reign of Antoninus Pius (144-145 AD), with on the reverse the snappy and imposing image of the sacred Egyptian ox Apis which, deified, connected to Osiris, leads to the main Egyptian divinity: Serapis. The cult of Apis was introduced in the pharaonic era from Memphis and bears the crescent moon imprinted on the body, while in front of it there is a sacrificial altar in Egyptian form.

Lot # 388 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 33.91 mm, 22.27 g). Zodiac Series. Dated RY 8 (= 144/5). [AVT K T AIΛ] A∆P ANTωNЄINOC CЄB ЄVC Laureate head right. Rev. Venus in Taurus (night house); diademed and draped bust of Aphrodite left, star before her, bull butting left below; L H (date) in exergue. Geissen 1492. Dattari-Savio 2960. Emmett 1450. RPC IV. 4, 864. BMC 1080. Brown-reddish patina, a few pits and some roughness, otherwise, nearly Very Fine. Rare. Ex Leu Numismatik AG 13, 15-16 August 2020, lot 1051. The obverse of this drachm shows a highly expressive portrait of Antoninus Pius, while the reverse repeats with different minting the matching of the zodiac sign of Taurus with the bust of Aphrodite, nr. 128 of this collection. Exquisite style on both sides of the coin and fascinating, original homogeneous dark brown patina smeared over the entire coin surface.

Lot # 387 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 32.46 mm, 17.58 g). Zodiac series. Dated RY 8 (= 144/5). [ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ] ΑΔΡ ΑΝ ΤωΝΕΙΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ ΕΥϹ] Laureate head right. Rev. Selene (Moon) in Cancer (night house); draped bust of Selene right, star of eight rays before, crescent moon below, crab beneath all; L - H (date) across upper field. Geissen 1494. Dattari -Savio 2964. RPC IV.4, 850. 13 (this coin cited). Emmett 1681. BMC 1082, pl. XII (rev.). Rough surface. Good Fine. Rare. Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH 312, 08.10. 2018, lot 2882. On the reverse of this drachm appears the sign of Cancer on which Selene's bust rests. Some authors maintain with conviction that the zodiac series of the year 8 of the reign of Antoninus Pius (144-145 AD) was issued as an auspicious celebration of the wedding in that year, of Caesar Marcus Aurelius, with Faustina II, daughter of the emperor.

Lot # 386 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 33.37 mm, 24.15 g). Zodiac series. Dated RY 8 (= 144/5). [ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ] ΑΝ[ΤωΝΕΙΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ ΕΥϹ] Laureate head right. Rev. Helios in Leo; Lion leaping right above, radiate and draped bust of Helios and eight-pointed star; L H (date) below. Geissen 1495-6. Dattari-Savio 2968. RPC IV.4, 858. Emmett 1530. BMC 1084 var. Smooth brown patina. Good Fine/Near Very Fine. Very Rare. Ex Rakotis Collection (1960-70). Ex Leu numismatik AG 13, 15-16 August 2020, lot 1052. Another relevant example of the zodiac series issued in the eighth year of Antoninus Pius with Helios bust combined with the sign of the right rampant lion, as well as the imperial portrait on obverse, immersed in an original homogeneous chocolate brown color patina. It should be noted that the juxtaposition of the twelve signs of the zodiac was carried out astrologically and theologically with each of the divinities that accompanied the five planets known at the time in antiquity: Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, plus Helios and Selene.

Lot # 385 - Egypt, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 33.92 mm, 23.61 g). Zodiac Series. Dated RY 8 (= 144/5). AVT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωN[ЄINOC CЄB ЄYC] Laureate head right. Rev. Venus in Taurus (night house), diademed and draped bust of Aphrodite left; thunderbolt (?) before her, bull butting left below; L - H (date) across field. Geissen 1492 var. (date position). Dattari-Savio 8823 var. (symbol in field). RPC IV.4, 863.33 (this coin cited). Emmett 1450 var. (same). Good Fine. Very Rare. Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH 326, 07-08.10. 2019, lot 1431. Here we have the first example of the rare, fortunate, and highly prized series of the zodiac entirely performed on the reverses of Alexandrian drachms in the eighth year of Antoninus Pius' reign (144-145 AD) with results of excellent stylistic quality, as in this combination of Aphrodite-Venus with the elegant bull pawing to the left, repeated with different minting in nr. 131 of this collection.

Lot # 384 - Egypt, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 31.73 mm, 24.14 g). Dated RY 18 (= 154/5). ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤω[ΝΙΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ ΕΥϹ] Laureate and draped bust right. Rev. Radiate and draped bust of Helios right; L I-H (date) across field. Geissen–. Dattari-Savio 2581 & 8469-70. RPC IV.4, 1695. 9 (this coin cited). Emmett 1529. Near Very Fine. Rare. Ex Empire Coins 8, 7 December 1987, Lot 581. Very pleasant and rare drachm from the last years of Antoninus Pius' reign, with a brilliant original emerald green patina. The powerful radiated bust of Helios on the reverse recalls the importance of this Greek divinity of light combined with the Egyptian one of Serapis to make it complementary to it in Helios-Serapis which is the founding deity of Alexandrian Serapeum.

Lot # 383 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 34.17 mm, 25.73 g). Dated RY 5 (= 141/2). [ΑVΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ] ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤѠΝ[ΙΝΟС] [СƐΒ ƐVС] Laureate bust right. Rev. The Judgement of Paris: on rocks from left to right, Aphrodite standing left; Hera seated left, holding long sceptre; Athena standing left, holding sceptre; in front of them, Hermes holding caduceus and explaining to Paris the task; at the foot of the rock, the herd of Paris; [L Ɛ] (date) in left field. Dattari-Savio 8848. RPC IV.4, 523.7 (this coin). Berlin 1030/1892 = ZfN 21 (1898), 234–5 (pl. VI, 10) = SAN 6, 3 (1975), 40. Emmett 1633 var. (Hera standing). Near Very Fine/Good Fine. Extremely Rare. Ex Roma Numismatics 43, 03 February 2018, lot 381. This extraordinary drachm is one of the rarest and most sought-after coins of the Alexandrian series, minted in the Antoninian golden age of the great master engravers of the mints of Alexandria in Egypt. Of the mythological "judgment of Paris" of typical classical Greek origin, there are two main versions of the transposition on the reverses of the Alexandrian drachms, with variations in the position of the characters: a very scarce one with the images of Hera standing together with Aphrodite and Athena (Cf. Staffieri G.M., Alexandria in Nummis, nr. 139, pp. 277-278, Muzzano , 2017) and the other, which is practically impossible to find, with Hera seated on a throne with a long scepter, between Aphrodite and Athena, is represented by this specimen. In fact, only the following documented six specimens of this version are known to date: - Vienna, Kunsthistorisches Museum (cf. Jahrbuch des Deutschen Archäologisches Institut 3, 1888, p. 203, n. 5. - Berlin Museum (cf. ZfN, XXI, 1898, pp. 234-235, Pl. XI, 10). - Auction Münzhandlung Basel 6, 18.03.1936, lot 661 + ill.). - Baldwin Auctions Ltd, London - Münzen und Medaillen Numismatics Ltd, Washington - Italo vecchi Ltd, London : The new York Sale Auction 1, 03.12.1998, lot 175 (Ex Jungfleisch Collection n. 108). - CNG 30, 11.06.1994, lot 487. -this specimen, ex Roma Numismatics 43, 03.02.2018, lot 381. Bibliography: Carlson W. A., Judgment of Paris Drachmae, Additions and Connections, in "Journal of the Society for Ancient Numismatics" (SAN), Vol. VI, Nr. 3, Spring 1975, pp. 40-42. "The story of the judgement of Paris begins at the wedding of Peleus and Thetis (the parents of Achilles) to which every god or goddess was invited except Eris, the goddess of discord. In her anger she threw an apple into the gathering upon which it was written 'To The Fairest'. Three goddesses laid claim to the apple, Athena, Hera and Aphrodite, and it was decided that Zeus would choose the winner. Rather than facing the anger of the two not chosen, Zeus instructed Hermes to lead the goddesses to Paris, a prince of Troy who was known for his fairness. Each goddess offered Paris a bribe: Aphrodite promised the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen, as a wife (despite her being married already to the Greek Menelaus); Athena offered strength in battle and wisdom; and Hera offered to make him king of Europe and Asia. Paris chose Aphrodite's gift and thus made himself and Troy enemies of the Greeks and several gods (especially Hera). This animosity culminated in the Trojan War, a ten-year besiegement of Troy by the Greeks which is the central topic of Homer's Iliad."

Lot # 382 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 35.16 mm, 26.40 g). Dated RY 5 (= 141/2). [ΑΥΤ Κ Τ] ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤωΝΙΝΟϹ [ΕΥϹΕΒ] Laureate-headed bust right, wearing cuirass and paludamentum. Rev. Heracles (youthful), wearing wreath, standing, left, holding Nike with palm, wreath and club, lion skin over arm; [L] - Є (date) across field. Geissen-. Dattari-Savio 2585-6 & Dattari 8478, suppl. Pl. 16, 57. RPC IV.4, 483.4 (this coin cited, + ill.). Emmett -. Brown patina, porosity. Near Very Fine. Very Rare. Ex Kerry K. Wetterstrom Collection. Ex CNA Ltd. XIII, 12. 04. 1990, Lot 93. On the reverse of this very scarce drachm there is an unusual image of the Greek hero Heracles, leading figure of the mythical "twelve labors" that begin to appear only on the reverses of the Antoninian drachms starting from the fifth year of the reign of Antoninus Pius (141-142 AD).

Lot # 381 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161 AD. Drachm (Bronze, 34.65 mm, 24.25 g). Dated L S = year 6 (143 /144 AD) ΑΥΤ K T AIΛ AΔP ANTⲰNINOC CEB EYC Laureate head of Antoninus Pius right. Rev. Anepigraph. Naked and hairless Heracles is holding, by the horns with his hands, the Cerynean doe, bent to the ground. He puts pressure on her rump with his left knee to immobilize her; behind him, leaning on the left, the club and the leontea; in front on the right is the concise image of trees in a forest. Upwards in the field, the date, L S = year 6. Vogt I, p.123. Vogt II -. Dattari-Savio 8492, this specimen. RPC IV. 4. 624 (this specimen illustrated). Emmett 1547. Cf. Staffieri, G.M., Alexandria in Nummis, pp. 301-302, Muzzano 2018. Very Fine with fascinating brown patina. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 8492, Il Cairo. Ex Dott. Piero Beretta Collection, Milan. Ex Renzo Canavesi Collection, Sagno (TI, CH). This drachm belong to the lucky and famous series of the legendary "The labours of Hercules" or Dodekatlon, all depicted on the reverses of Alexandria drachms by Antoninus Pius, issued between the fourth (140-141 AD) and the tenth (146-147 AD) year of his reign, during one of the artistically happiest periods of the mint of Alexandria. Our drachm is absolutedly rare (grade 5 according to Emmett) and also the best specimen of the five known (see RPC IV. 4) and depicts on the reverse the third labour of Hercules, let us say, the capture of the Cerinea doe, which had bronze legs, gold horns; it was sacred to Artemis (Diana) and roamed unreachable over the crags and woods of Mount Cerinea, but the hero managed to trap her. Heracles stands out magnificently and sculpturally in his plastic, dynamic nudity as he immobilises the graceful doe who reluctantly bends to his will.

Lot # 380 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 34.25 mm, 27.85 g). Dated RY 5 (= 141/2). [ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤⲰΝΙΝΟϹ ЄΥϹЄΒ] Laureate head of Antoninus Pius to right. Rev. Reaper standing right, cutting three stalks of grain with sickle held in his right hand while holding grain with his left; [L] - Є (date) across field. Dattari-Savio 2988, pl. 156 (this coin). RPC IV.4, 530.12 (this coin). Emmett 1643. Somewhat rough. Good Fine. Very rare. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 2988, Il Cairo. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 55, 09.02.2020, Lot 323. Another drachm, formerly in the Dattari collection, of particular rarity that concludes with its reverse, the series of Egyptian agricultural seasons, i.e. with the harvesting of crops done by the farmer who manually cuts the bundles of ripe ears of wheat with a special sickle. To be noted both in this specimen and in nr. 122 of this collection (the complementary one), the peasant wears the same curious attire.

Lot # 379 - Egypt, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 32.61 mm, 21.81 g). Dated RY 5 (= 141/2). [ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ] ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤωΝΙΝ[ΟϹ ϹΕΒ ΕΥϹ] Laureate head right. Rev. Plowman, wearing pileus, driving team of oxen left; L Є (date) in exergue. Geissen 1407. Dattari-Savio 2985 (same dies). BMC 1091 (rev. only illustrated; same die). RPC IV.4, 526.10 (this coin cited). Emmett 1639. Rough brown patina. Near Very Fine. Very Rare. Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd. 62, 17.10. 2019, lot 653. The reverse of this special Antoninian drachm from the fifth year of his reign (141-142 AD) shows us through the image of the farmer tilling the land after the flooding of the Nile with the plough pulled by a pair of oxen, the representation of the first of the three productive seasons considered in Egypt. The second concerns sowing and is depicted by Triptolemus, the young man whom the goddess Demeter sends to scatter the seeds from a winged chariot that parades over the fields. (Cf. nr. 158 of this collection). The third season is the subject of the next nr. 123 of this collection.

Lot # 378 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 34.59 mm, 23.54 g). Dated RY 5 (= 141/2). [ΑΥ]Τ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤωΝΙΝ[ΟϹ ΕΥϹΕΒ] Laureate head right. Rev. Draped bust of Serapis right, wearing ornate calathus; L–Є (date) across field. Geissen 1411. Dattari-Savio 8671 & Dattari 2804 (this coin). Emmett 1647. RPC IV 4, 546. 1/3. Attractive brown patina. Very Fine. Rare. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 2804, Il Cairo. Ex Dr. Pietro Beretta Collection, Milano, April 1972. On the reverse is a monumental bust of Zeus Serapis of fine stylistic quality, clearly superior to that of the reference drachms illustrated by RPC IV. 4, which demonstrates the shrewd choice of Giovanni Dattari in allocating this drachm to his famous collection.

Lot # 377 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 34.20 mm, 22.99 g). Dated RY 5 (= 141/2). ΑΥΤ [Κ Τ ΑΙ]Λ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤωΝΙΝΟϹ ΕΥϹΕΒ Laureate head right. Rev. Bust of Heracles, wearing lion skin, club over shoulder, and draped bust of Hermes, crowned with lotus right, before winged caduceus; L–Є (date) below. Dattari-Savio 8508. RPC IV.4, 460. Geissen 1393. Milne 1678. Emmett 1538 (5). Small edge nicks, otherwise, Good Very Fine. Very Rare. Ex Numismatica Aretusa SA (Franco Chiesa) October 1975. Splendid and realistic portrait of Antoninus Pius on the obverse of this valuable drachm with, on reverse, the side-by-side busts of Herakles, who appears on coins almost solely during Antoninus Pius reign, and of Hermes as messenger of the Gods, but transformed in Hermanubis, according the Egyptian theology, deity who accompanied the dead to the afterlife. Specimen of singular rarity (Emmett 5).

Lot # 376 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 33.3 mm, 21.42 g). Dated RY 5 (= 141/2). [ΑYΤ Κ] Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤ[ωΝΙΝΟC CEB EYCEΒ] Laureate head of Antoninus Pius to right. Rev. Asklepios standing facing, head left, sacrificing out of patera held in right hand over altar at feet to left, and holding serpent-entwined staff in left; fold of toga over left arm; L–Є (date) across upper field. Dattari-Savio 2471 & Dattari 8334. RPC IV.4, 412.11 (this coin illustrated). Geissen 1384. Milne 1713. Emmett 1469. Dark patina. Small edge nicks, otherwise, Very Fine. Ex Auction Hall 1, lot 350. Ex Walter Niggeler Collection. Ex Bank Leu-Münzen und Medaillen AG, Zürich, 21-22.10.1966, lot 733. Ex Münzzentrum 27, 03.11.1975, lot 158. Ex Schulman B. V. price list 236, VI-VII, 1988, lot 142. On the reverse of this drachm, Askelepios, the patron deity and guarantor of health, appears to us in his human dimension as the guardian of the reference hospitals (think of the famous one on the island of Cos), sacrificing on an altar in Egyptian form. Here the importance of health care in Alexandrian philosophy is demonstrated.

Lot # 375 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 30.22 mm, 29.59 g) dated RY 4 (= 140-141) ΑΝΤωΝΙΝΟϹ ϹЄΒ ЄΥϹ ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ Laureate head of Antoninus Pius right. Rev. [L ΤΕ]ΤΑ[ΡΤΟΥ] date around. Draped bust of Selene right, crowned with crescent on taenia, torch to right. RPC IV.4, 304 (this coin, + ill.). Dattari-Savio - . Geissen - . Emmett 1680. Nice light-brown tone. Very Fine. Ex Gorny & Mosch 196, 07-09. 03. 2011, lot 2309. Another drachm, probably unique, from the same year as the previous one, with the imposing draped bust of Selene-Artemis on the reverse wearing the crescent moon on her head and a torch on the front. The engraver on the reverse could be the same as the drachm nr. 117 of this collection.

Lot # 374 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 34.76 mm, 26.72 g). Dated RY 4 (= 140/1). [AVT K T] AIΛ A∆P ANTωNINOC ΕΥϹϹ[ΕΒ] Laureate, draped bust right. Rev. L TETAP-TOV Bareheaded, draped and cuirassed bust of Hermes right, wearing lotus on head, caduceus over shoulder. Dattari-Savio 8523 (this coin, + ill.). RPC IV. 4/262 (this coin). Geissen -. Milne -. Emmett -. Some pitting and minor roughness. Very attractive brown-reddish patina. Very Fine. Unpublished and of the highest rarity. Apparently the only specimen known. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection, Il Cairo, 8523. Ex Sotheby’s 20.05.1982, lot 79. Probably a unique specimen of this Alexandrian drachm displaying a bust with a severe and solemn portrait of Antoninus Pius on the obverse, while on the reverse emerges the youthful bust of Hermes, of remarkable stylistic quality with the Greco-Egyptian attributes of the caduceus with terminal snakes and the lotus flower protruding in the center of the head. An excellent choice made at the time by Giovanni Dattari for his collection.

Lot # 373 - Egypt. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 34.54 mm, 24.98 g) dated RY 4 (= 140-141) ΑΝΤ[ωΝΙΝΟϹ] ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ Laureate head of Antoninus Pius right. Rev. [L ΤЄ] ΤΑ ΡΤΟΥ (date) around. Cronos bearded and draped standing facing, head veiled and crowned with disk turned to left, holding drapery and harpa on the left arm, crocodile on the right extended hand. RPC IV.4, 230 (this coin, no. 2, + ill.). Emmett 1599. Dattari 2686 (this coin). Nice light-brown tone. Very Fine. Ex Giovanni Dattari collection 2686, Il Cairo. Ex Auctiones AG 26, 16-19.09.1996, lot 415. Drachm of illustrious origin with the rare complete figure of Chronos on the reverse, a deity who presides over the timing of events, including the fertilizing floods of the Nile, here indicated by the crocodile held in the right hand and the harpoon held in the left. Already in the Dattari collection, it is bathed in a warm original brown patina regularly smeared on the coin.