CNG 97, Lot: 558. Estimate $200. Sold for $340. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

JUDAEA, Sepphoris (Diocaesarea). Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ (26mm, 16.61 g, 12h). TPAIANOΣ AVTO-KPATΩP EΔΩKEN, laureate head right / ΣEΠΦΩ/PHNΩN in two lines within wreath. Meshorer, City Coins 87; Rosenberger 3; Sofaer 1; SNG ANS 1086–7. Near VF, sandy green patina.

From the Patrick H. C. Tan Collection.

Trajan’s issues from Sepphoris all feature this remarkable obverse legend, which translates as granted, and indicates that the emperor allowed the city to mint this coinage.