Triton XXI, Lot: 141. Estimate $500. Sold for $650. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. BI Tetradrachm (23mm, 11.27 g, 12h). Dated RY 20 (AD 156/157). ANTωNIN OC CЄB ЄVCЄ B, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust left / Antoninus Pius, laureate and togate, seated left on raised platform, holding a scepter with his left hand and extending his right hand toward a male figure standing right, who is handing Pius a crown (or wreath) with his extended right hand, and holding a transverse scepter with his left; L K (date) to upper left. Köln 1770 var. (obv. bust right, second figure to right of platform); Dattari (Savio) 8056 (this coin); K&G 35.696 var. (same); Emmett 1384.20 (R3); Staffieri, Alexandria In Nummis 106 (this coin). Good VF, toned. Very rare, especially with only one male figure on the reverse.

From the Giovanni Maria Staffieri Collection. Ex Auctiones AG 26 (16 September 1996), lot 432; Giovanni Dattari Collection no. 8056.

While this is a very rare type overall, this particular variety with Pius’ bust left on the obverse and no second figure on the reverse may be unique. The type is connected to the celebration of the emperor’s vicennalia.