Lot 4736

Description

Syria, Coele Syria, Chalkis, Cleopatra VII, (51-30 B.C.), 19mm, (4.83 g), Chalkis mint, issued and dated RY 21 and 6 = 32-31 B.C., obv. diademed bust of Cleopatra VII to right, traces of BACI **L*ICCHC K**LEOPATRA*C around, rev. bare head of Mark Antony to right, around traces of ETOYC KA TOY KAI S **Q*EAC NEWTEPAC, (S.-, Sear Imperators 926, BMC 15 (Berytus), Sv.1887, RPC 4771, SNG Cop. 382, Pitchfork 172). Fine, brown patination, weak on legend, rare.

Ex Dr. Adrian Carr Collection and purchased from Senatus Consulto coins in 2003.
The portrait of Mark Antony is very un-Antony like and this is not uncommon on these coins as the engravers, it appears, had very little knowledge of his appearance. This may be an early die for this issue.