Sale: CNG 63, Lot: 1043. Estimate $300.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 21 May 2003.  Sold For $345. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria. Antioch. Aulus Gabinius, Proconsul. 57-55 BC. AR Tetradrachm (15.34 gm). Imitation of Philip Philadelphos of Syria. Diademed head of Philip right; bead and reel border / Zeus enthroned left, holding Nike and sceptre; before his legs, AUGB monogram (for Aulus Gabinius). Prieur 1; RPC I 4124; SNG Copenhagen 431 (as Philip). EF. ($300)

The Romans revived the coinage of King Philip Philadelphos in the 50's BC under the proconsul Aulus Gabinius. Issues were minted with the monograms of Gabinius, Crassus, and Cassius, and then circa 49/48 BC the proconsul's monogram was replaced by one standing for either Antioch or 'Autonomous'. Aulus Gabinius gained fame as one of Pompey the Great's generals, and in his position as governor of Syria he played an important role in the inter-family battles of the Jewish priest-kings, the Hasmoneans.