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EGYPT, Alexandria. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Drachm (34mm, 19.87 g, 12h). Dated RY 17 (AD 113/4). AYT T PAIAN CЄB ΓЄPM ΔAKIK, radiate half-length bust right, wearing aegis on left shoulder / Helios, radiate, holding a scepter over his left shoulder and raising his right hand in salute, in galloping quadriga right; above horses, canopis (of Osiris?) right, on back of two eagles flying left; L IZ (date) in exergue. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) –; K&G –; RPC III 4800.4 var. (laureate, uncertain object above horses); Emmett –. Brown patina, obverse scrape, edge rub. Near VF. Extremely rare and unpublished.
An amazing reverse scene with an interesting depiction of a canopic jar supported by two eagles, indicating the funeral procession of a deceased Pharaoh or person of high importance. The procession scene could be in honor of Egypt’s long history of Pharaohnic rule but mummification was still practiced in Roman times, it did not cease until Christianity became the dominant religion in the fourth century. This upper portion of the reverse scene is described in RPC as “small object carried by two birds” and on most extant specimens, the small object is indistinct. Even on well preserved specimens none appear to be canopic jars. When identifiable, Nike and the bust of Serapis are known. One canopic jar type is known (presently unique) but of an entirely different scene (quadriga of elephants, also on a drachm of Trajan). One could also surmise that the two birds are actually the gods Horus (falcon) and Nekhbet (vulture) whose roles were to assist the pharaoh’s journey to the after life, although neither wear the Atef crown or other distinctive regal identifiers. In addition to the reverse scene, this type is not recorded in RPC with Trajan and a radiate bust.
Closing Date and Time: 5 June 2024 at 13:04:40 ET.
All winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer’s fee.
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