202, Lot: 120. Estimate $300. Sold for $950. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

PHOENICIA, Berytus. Elagabalus. AD 218-222. Æ 29mm (16.05 g, 6h). Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Poseidon advancing right, holding trident and grasping the arm of the nymph Beröe kneeling left, head right, holding small amphora(?). BMC 183; Lindgren I 2268. VF, dark brown patina.

The nymph Beroe was pursued by the gods Dionyus and Poseidon. Zeus intervened and gave Beröe to Poseidon, who granted Berytus (previously called Beroia) victory in naval battles. The reverse design shows Poseidon forcibly taking the nymph, who much preferred the god of wine, and reflects a sculptural group from Berytus’ main temple.