EGYPT, Alexandria. Domitian. AD 81-96. Æ Hemidrachm (27.5mm, 16.54 g, 12h). Dated RY 12 (AD 92/3). VF.

CNG Feature Auction 132
Lot: 664. Estimated: $ 1 000

Roman Provincial, Bronze, Coin-in-Hand Video

Sold For $ 1 600. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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EGYPT, Alexandria. Domitian. AD 81-96. Æ Hemidrachm (27.5mm, 16.54 g, 12h). Dated RY 12 (AD 92/3). Laureate bust right, aegis at point of bust / Pharos surmounted by two Tritons, each blowing a trumpet; between them is a lantern surmounted by a statue, holding situla and scepter; L IB (date) across field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 550 var. (bust); K&G 24.190; RPC II 2676.2 (this coin); Emmett 273.12 (R3). Dark green surfaces with some light earthen deposits. VF. Extremely rare, the finest of two recorded in RPC.

Ex Classical Numismatic Group 120 (11 May 2022), lot 670; Goldberg 120 (2 February 2021), lot 1124.

The reverse of this bronze hemidrachm celebrates the lighthouse that guided sailors to the safety of Alexandria’s bustling harbor. This impressive building was erected on the island of Pharos at the western edge of the Nile Delta during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphos (280-247 BC) and was counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Consisting of four stories with a total height of over 350 feet, the lighthouse remained the tallest manmade structure for many centuries. A large mirror was used to create a beacon in the daytime by reflecting the Mediterranean sun while a great fire provided a guiding light at night. In addition, the lighthouse was adorned with decorative statues, including Tritons at its four corners, and a center statue placed at its pinnacle. The Pharos lighthouse stood until earthquake damage over the centuries led to structural collapse during a powerful earthquake in AD 956. What remained standing was destroyed later during earthquakes in the fourteenth century. Its submerged remains were rediscovered by underwater archaeologists in 1968 and additional exploration of the ruins was made in 1994 with plans to develop the site as an underwater museum.

The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 132 lots will be determined at the live online sale that will be held on 18-19 May 2026.

CNG Feature Auction 132 – Session Three – Lot 588-888 will be held Tuesday morning, 19 May 2026 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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