CNG 97, Lot: 559. Estimate $200. Sold for $1500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

JUDAEA, Sepphoris (Diocaesarea). Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ (22mm, 9.88 g, 12h). [TP]AIANOΣ AVTO-KPATΩP EΔΩKEN, laureate head right / Palm tree. Meshorer, City Coins 88; Rosenberger 4; Sofaer 2; SNG ANS 1088–91 . Near EF, sandy dark green patina.

From the Patrick H. C. Tan Collection.

Trajan’s issues from Sepphoris all feature this remarkable obverse legend, which indicates that the emperor “gave” or “permitted” the coinage.