CNG 93, Lot: 1971. Estimate $750. Sold for $1525. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

New Kingdom. 19th Dynasty. Ramesses II (circa 1279-1213 BC). Steatite scarab (25x18mm). Back carved as a human head, base shows a falcon-headed figure (Horus) standing in front of a cartouche of Ramesses II. A few chips around the edge, once glazed, pierced for mounting. A large, beautiful piece, richly and neatly engraved. Rare.

From the David Hendin Collection.

It would be impossible to summarize what Ramesses II “the Great” has been to Egypt. The most celebrated Pharaoh of all, he ruled for sixty-seven years during which he set his mark indelibly on Egyptian history.