EGYPT, Alexandria. Augustus (Octavian). 27 BC-AD 14. Æ Diobol – 80 Drachmai (26mm, 17.76 g, 11h). First series, struck circa 30-28 BC. Near VF.

Electronic Auction 587
Lot: 537. Estimated: $ 200

Roman Provincial, Bronze

Sold For $ 225. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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EGYPT, Alexandria. Augustus (Octavian). 27 BC-AD 14. Æ Diobol – 80 Drachmai (26mm, 17.76 g, 11h). 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. Rough brown patina, some smoothing. Near VF. 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 never to be allowed 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 senators were forbidden to travel there without the emperor’s permission.

Closing Date and Time: 21 May 2025 at 12:58:40 ET.

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