Greek Silver & Bronze

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Lot 1988    Session 6 (9.30am Thursday)    Greek Silver & Bronze

Estimate $250
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $360

EGYPT, Alexandria, Antoninus Pius (A.D. 138-161), AE drachm, year 8 = A.D. 144-145, (24.9 grams), obv. Antoninus Pius with laureate head to right, around traces of legend as usual, rev. draped bust of Selene to right, before her a star, below crescent moon, beneath all a crab, across [L H], (S.-, SNG Cop. -, Datt. 2964, Koln 1494). Fine and very rare.

This is one of a series of rare Zodiacal types issued by Antoninus Pius and represents the Moon in Cancer. The subject on the reverse is the enormous crab which came to the aid of the Lernaean Hydra in its battle with Herakles. It nipped Herakles' foot with a claw. In reward for the crab's service, Hera sets its image among the twelve signs of the Zodiac.

Estimate / sale price does not include buyer's premium (currently 22% including GST) which is added to hammer price. All bids are executed on the understanding that the Terms & Conditions of sale have been read and accepted. For information on grading and estimates please refer to the Buying at Auction advice.

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Adjacent lots

  • Lot 1986  

    EGYPT, Alexandria, Galba (A.D. 68- 69), billon tetradrachm, year 2 = A.D. 68-69, (10.692 grams), ...

    Estimate $150

  • Lot 1987  

    EGYPT, Alexandria, Hadrian and Sabina (A.D. 117-138), billon tetradrachm, year 13 = A.D. 128-9, (13.114 ...

    Estimate $140

  • Lot 1988   This lot

    EGYPT, Alexandria, Antoninus Pius (A.D. 138-161), AE drachm, year 8 = A.D. 144-145, (24.9 grams), ...

    Estimate $250

  • Lot 1989  

    EGYPT, Alexandria, Commodus, (A.D. 177- 192), billon tetradrachm (11.920 grams), issued year 28 = A.D. ...

    Estimate $80

  • Lot 1990  

    ZEUGITANA, Carthage, (c.late 3rd century B.C.), AE 19, (4.650 grams), obv. head of Tanit to ...

    Estimate $70