EGYPT, Alexandria. Augustus (Octavian). 27 BC-AD 14. Æ Diobol – 80 Drachmai (26mm, 16.63 g, 11h). First series, struck circa 30-28 BC. Fine.

Electronic Auction 565
Lot: 497.
Closing Date: Jul 3 2024 10:00 ET

Roman Provincial, Bronze

Estimate: $ 100

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EGYPT, Alexandria. Augustus (Octavian). 27 BC-AD 14. Æ Diobol – 80 Drachmai (26mm, 16.63 g, 11h). First series, struck circa 30-28 BC. Bare head right / Eagle standing left on thunderbolt; cornucopia to left, Π (mark of value) to right. Köln 1; Dattari (Savio) 2; K&G 2.5; RPC I 5001; Emmett 1. Dark brown patina with earthen highlights, pit on reverse. Fine. The first Roman Alexandrian coin.

The first coinage of the new province of Egypt was a direct copy of the bronze coinage of Cleopatra, the last Ptolemaic ruler, with the portrait of Augustus replacing the Queen’s. Egypt, wealthy and a vital source of grain for the empire, was never to be allowed as a potential leaping-off point for a rival emperor. The new province was held under tight control by the emperor. Its governor was to be an equestrian prefect answerable to Augustus, with a legion under his direct command. The Senate would have no say in the administration of the province, and senators were forbidden to travel there without the emperor’s permission.

Closing Date and Time: 3 July 2024 at 12:45:20 ET.

All winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer’s fee.