Exceptional Cleopatra Selene

436346.

Sold For $19500

KINGS of MAURETANIA. Kleopatra Selene. Queen, wife of Juba II, 25 BC-AD 24. Æ Unit (31mm, 20.49 g, 1h). ˚¬Єo∏ÅtrÅ ∫Å15¬511Å, diademed and draped bust left / ˚¬Єo∏ÅtrÅ ∫Å15¬511Å, crocodile standing left. MAA 214; Mazard 395; Müller, Afrique 104; SNG Copenhagen 612. Good VF, deep red-brown surfaces. Possibly the finest known portrait of Cleopatra Selene.

Cleopatra Selene, along with her brothers Alexander Helios and Ptolemy Philadelphos, were brought to Rome following Octavian’s victory at Actium. Cleopatra’s hand was given to Juba II, Augustus’ loyal client king, sometime between 26 and 20 BC. The date of her death is a matter of debate, possibly occurring sometime around AD 4 or as late as AD 17. Her brothers presumably died in childhood, either naturally or by assassination.