Sale: CNG 72, Lot: 998. Estimate $500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 14 June 2006.  Sold For $2000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Cleopatra VII Thea Neotera. 51-30 BC. Æ 20mm (5.66 g, 12h). Orthoseia (Phoenicia) mint. Dated RY 2 (Phoenician; 35/5 BC). Diademed and draped bust right; small X behind / Baal of Orthoseia in chariot drawn by two griffins right; LB (date) to left. Svoronos -; Weiser -; SNG Copenhagen -; RPC I 4501 (X not noted, but present in illustration). VF, green patina. Rare.

Mark Antony illegitimately "bestowed" a number of territories in the east on Cleopatra, which were added to her royal dominions, including portions of Phoenicia in 37/6 BC. Accordingly, her regnal years in Phoenicia were reckoned from this date, and are reflected on her coins that were struck there.