Rare “Marriage” Scarab

CNG 93, Lot: 1967. Estimate $500. Sold for $1700. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

New Kingdom. 18th Dynasty. Amenophis III, with Queen Tiye (circa 1386-1349 BC). Blue paste scarab (20x15mm). Base engraved with the names of cartouches of Amenophis III (on the right) and Queen Tiye (on the left); above, the title of “the Good God” and “the Royal Wife”. Cf. Matouk I, 553; cf. NFA 137. Small chip at base, pierced for mounting. A rare and beautiful “marriage” scarab.

From the David Hendin Collection.

Tiye married Amenophis in his second year of reign. The marriage brought at least seven children, including the future pharaoh Amenophis IV, later called Akenhaton. A wise and intelligent woman, she wielded high political influence and power at court.

Tiye’s mummy was discovered in 1905 in the Valley of the Kings and is one of the best preserved in the Cairo Museum.