Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 399 14 Jun 2017
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EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Drachm (32mm, 22.81 g, 12h). Dated RY 17 (AD 132/133). Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Draped bust of Serapis right, wearing calathus, supported on wings of eagle standing facing, head left; L IZ (date) across upper field, branch or palm frond to right. Köln 1083; Dattari (Savio) 1822; K&G 32.550; Emmett 1026.17. Fine, dark green patina with earthen highlights/deposits on the reverse, two spots of bare metal on the edge, a number of intentional countermarks/cuts on the obverse beneath the patina.
While this is an interesting reverse type, the obverse is of even more interest. This cataloguer can never recall seeing a countermarked Alexandrian bronze in almost 40 years of collecting, studying, and cataloging the series. These marks appear to be more than just a series of random cuts, but rather may have conveyed some message or meaning to their intended audience.
While this is an interesting reverse type, the obverse is of even more interest. This cataloguer can never recall seeing a countermarked Alexandrian bronze in almost 40 years of collecting, studying, and cataloging the series. These marks appear to be more than just a series of random cuts, but rather may have conveyed some message or meaning to their intended audience.