Lot 2739

Description

Coele Syria, Heliopolis, Septimius Severus, (A.D. 193-211), AE 27, (11.46 grams), obv. laureate bust right, traces of legend, DIVO SEVERO, rev. perspective view of Temple of Jupiter Heliopolitanus viewed from above and side, 8 x 16 columns, standing on podium and approached by flight of stairs, IOMH above, COL H[EL] below, (S. 2265, SNG Cop. 429, BMC 4 p.290). Fine and rare.

The extensive ruins of this great temple are still visible at Baalbek, about 40 miles from Beirut. The coin is a remarkable example of architecture appearing on ancient coinage.