Aphrodite as Cleopatra

Sale: CNG 81, Lot: 2194. Estimate $300.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 20 May 2009.  Sold For $1100. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ACHAIA, Patrai. Circa 35 BC. AR Hemidrachm (2.32 g, 4h). Damasias, son of Agesilaus, magistrate. Head of Aphrodite right, wearing stephanos / ΔA/MACIAC above Patrai monogram; all within wreath. BCD Peloponnesos 525-8. Good VF, toned, small scratch under tone on obverse, slight die shift on reverse.

Ex BCD Collection (not in LHS sale); purchased from Spink, December 1977.

This coin is from a massive issue that was struck in an apparent hasty manner, a fact suggested by the relatively crude dies that were often overused. Many of the known examples are poorly struck, another indication of haste. The date of the issue, in the mid-30s BC, suggests that the issue was made in conjunction with Mark Antony’s preparations for his incipient war with Octavian. The head of Aphrodite may also have the features of Cleopatra VII, as many issues in the region at this time used her likeness in an attempt to flatter the wealthy queen (in fact, another issue of Patrai, BCD Peloponnesos 531-531, were overt issues in the name of Cleopatra).