Isis Pharia

973945.

Sold For $595

EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Drachm (35mm, 26.80 g, 12h). Dated RY 2 (AD 138/9). AVT K T AIΛ AΔP ANTωNINOC CЄB, bare-headed and draped bust right / Isis Pharia standing right, holding sistrum and billowing sail; L B (date) to left. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 2657; K&G –; Milne 1608 var. (placement of date); Emmet 1590. Good VF, even brown surfaces, flan flaw in hair. Well struck with clear legends.

Ex Classical Numismatic Group Inventory 152766 (May 2004).

The protector of sailors, Pharia was just one of the various appellations given to Isis. This association with sailors emanated from the Pharos–or Lighthouse–of Alexandria, indicted on this issue by holding a billowing sail.