Exceptional Isis Pharia and the Pharos

Triton XXI, Lot: 76. Estimate $5000. Sold for $6000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Drachm (35mm, 28.85 g, 12h). Dated RY 18 (AD 133/134). AVT KAIC TPAIAN • [A∆PIA]NOC CЄB, bareheaded bust left, slight drapery / Isis Pharia, holding billowing sail, sailing right before the Pharos of Alexandria, which is surmounted by a statue and two Tritons; L IH (date) above. Köln 1123; Dattari (Savio) 7719 (this coin); K&G 32.587; RPC III 5896/11 (this coin, illustrated on pl. 292); Emmett 1002.18 (R3); Staffieri, Alexandria In Nummis 72 (this coin). EF, dark brown surfaces with touches of green. Wonderful artistic bust of Hadrian, and very rare compared to the typical laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust to the right.

From the Giovanni Maria Staffieri Collection, purchased from Renzo Canavesi, Sagno, 1996. Ex Renzo Canavesi Collection (Sagno); Dr. Piero Beretta Collection (Milan); Giovanni Dattari Collection, no. 7719.