EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. BI Tetradrachm (23mm, 13.85 g, 1h). Dated RY 7 (AD 143/4). VF.

Electronic Auction 558
Lot: 487. Estimated: $ 200

The Beniak Collection of Alexandrian Coinage, Billon

Sold For $ 425. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. BI Tetradrachm (23mm, 13.85 g, 1h). Dated RY 7 (AD 143/4). Laureate head right / Apollo Didymeus standing facing, head left, holding stag and bow; to right, tripod; L Z (date) to lower left. Köln 1430 var. (bust); Dattari (Savio) 8076; K&G 35.197 var. (same); RPC IV.4 Online 644; Emmett 1359.7 (R4). Lightly toned, patches of roughness. VF. Extremely rare.

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection..

The cult center of Apollo Didymeus near Miletos achieved a high level of fame throughout the ancient world, including Egypt. The 26th Dynasty pharaoh Necho II (610-595 BC) won two great battles in Syria, and dedicated his armor to the shrine of Apollo (Herodotus ii, 159). Its oracle was second in popularity only to that of Delphi. His influence played a significant role in initiating Diocletian’s persecution of the Christians in the fourth century. His popularity continued until 314 when Constantine I declares Christianity the only official religion of the Roman empire who then sacks the Oracle at Dydima and tortures the pagan priests, many to their deaths. Soon after, a Christian church was built on its foundation.

Closing Date and Time: 20 March 2024 at 12:42:00 ET.

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