227, Lot: 221. Estimate $200. Sold for $2500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Cleopatra VII Thea Neotera. 51-30 BC. Æ 20mm (5.66 g, 12h). Orthoseia mint. Dated RY 2 (36/5 BC). Diademed and draped bust right / Baal of Orthoseia right in biga drawn by griffins; LB (date) to left. RPC I 4501; Svoronos -; Baldus pl. 3, 4 (same obv. die). Near VF, rough dark brown surfaces. Good portrait.

Mark Antony illegitimately “bestowed” a number of territories in the east on Cleopatra, which were added to her royal dominions, including portions of Phoenicia in 37/6 BC. Accordingly, her regnal years in Phoenicia were reckoned from this date, and are reflected on her coins that were struck there.