Triton XXI, Lot: 168. Estimate $300. Sold for $500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius. As Caesar, AD 139-161. BI Tetradrachm (23mm, 12.27 g, 11h). Dated RY 12 of Antoninus Pius (AD 148/149). • M • AVPHΛIC • KAICAP, bare head right / Nilus reclining left on crocodile right, holding a reed with his left hand and a cornucopia from which emerges a Genius with his right hand; the Genius is crowning Nilus with a wreath; Iς above; [L] ΔωΔЄ (date) to left, KATOV below. Köln 1909 var. (position of L on reverse); Dattari (Savio) 3167 var. (same); K&G 37.16; Emmett 1856.12; Staffieri, Alexandria In Nummis 168 (this coin). Near EF, toned with touches of green. A fine style portrait.

From the Giovanni Maria Staffieri Collection, purchased from Spink & Son, London, October 1990.

The Greek numerals “Iς” to the right and slightly above the Genius indicate 16 cubits, the optimal flood level height of the Nile during inundation season.