EGYPT, Alexandria. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. Æ Diobol – 80 Drachmai (27mm, 20.09 g, 12h). First series, struck circa 30-28 BC. Good Fine.

Electronic Auction 562
Lot: 439. Estimated: $ 150

Roman Provincial, Bronze

Sold For $ 160. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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EGYPT, Alexandria. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. Æ Diobol – 80 Drachmai (27mm, 20.09 g, 12h). 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, obverse flan flaws. Good Fine. The first Roman Alexandrian coin. Rare.

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 to be never allowed again 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 in fact, senators were forbidden to travel there without permission.

Closing Date and Time: 15 May 2024 at 12:26:00 ET.

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