Lot 1859

Description

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 comes 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.