Portrait of Cleopatra VII as Artemis

Sale: CNG 75, Lot: 449. Estimate $300.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 23 May 2007.  Sold For $1400. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

KINGS of GALATIA. Amyntas. 37-25 BC. Æ 19mm (3.77 g, 12h). Draped bust of Artemis right; bow and quiver to left / Stag standing right. SNG France 2369 (same obv. die); RPC I 3503. Good VF, dark green patina.

In 37/6 BC, Antony awarded Galatia, and the title of king, to Amyntas, who continued to rule until hid death in 25 BC. Artemis is portrayed here with the features of Cleopatra VII of Egypt, apparently as a sign of deference to Antony and the Egyptian queen.