Sale: CNG 69, Lot: 1265. Estimate $200.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 8 June 2005.  Sold For $200. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

JUDAEA, Gaza. Hadrian. 117-138 CE. Æ 24mm (12.87 gm, 12h). Dated CY 192; Epidemia 3 (132 CE). Laureate and draped bust right / Dated CY 192; Epidemia 3 (132 CE). Laureate and draped bust right / Tyche standing left, holding sceptre and cornucopiae; lowing heifer standing at feet left; CY date in upper left field; Marnas symbol in right; Epidemia date in legend. Rosenberger II 60; Hendin 865 corr. (CY date); SNG ANS 916. VF, smooth black patina. ($200)

Ex Classical Numismatic Group 61 (25 September 2002), lot 1068.

Hadrian visited Gaza more than once, and it was upon such a visit in 130 AD that an additional reckoning date, that of the epidhmia, or imperial visit. During one such visit, the great temple of Zeus-Marnas may have been founded, as it is first represented on the coins of Hadrian himself. The presence of the heifer, associated in classical mythology with Io, one of Zeus' many lovers and the distant ancestress of Hercules, may refer to an incarnation of the Egyptian goddess Hathor, whom the ancient Philistines, founders of the city, worshipped.