LOT 3454
Caracalla AE 31mm of the Koinon of Cyprus. AD 198-217.
Radiate, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / Temple of Paphian Aphrodite within which cone, crescent and star on top of temple, roofed wing on each side within which candelabrum stands, dove on roof of each wing, paved semicircular court before temple. Cf. RPC V.3, Unassigned ID 69942; cf. Lindgren & Kovacs 1664. Good Fine.(21.99gr, 31mm, 6h.).
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK market.
Property of a London antiquarian.
Palea Paphos was one of the most important pilgrimage centres in the Greek world due to its famous Sanctuary of Aphrodite; the goddess herself was born of the sea near Paphos, and floated in on a scallop shell. When she arose, she was hailed as 'Cyprian'.
The Sanctuary of Aphrodite continued to flourish well into the Roman era. Several Roman emperors honoured the shrine, and it was visited by Titus in AD 69 when the future emperor was on his way to Egypt; he consulted the oracle of Aphrodite, and was told that he had a great future. The sanctuary was rebuilt by the Romans after the earthquake of AD 76/77, in a design that preserved the layout of the original. The cult of Aphrodite survived at Palea Paphos until the 4th century AD, when emperor Theodosius I outlawed paganism. Today, virtually nothing remains of the Sanctuary save the holy ground itself.
TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Aurelian BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Dated RY 4 (AD 272/3).
Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
ΑΥΤ Κ Λ Δ ΑΥΡΗΛΙΑΝΟϹ ϹЄΒ, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right, seen from rear / Dikaiosyne standing to left, holding scales and cornucopia; L Δ (date) to left. RPC X Unassigned ID 75674; Dattari 5442; Emmett 3921.4. 10.21gr, 21mm, 12h.
Very Fine. Beautiful sandy patina.
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. -
Diocletian BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Dated RY 9 (AD 292/3). 1st officina.
Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
ΔΙΟΚΛΗΤΙΑΝΟC CЄΒ, laureate and cuirassed bust to right, seen from front / Elpis advancing to left, holding lotus flower and lifting hem of dress; L ЄNATOY (date) around, A (officina) in exergue. RPC X Unassigned ID 76463; Dattari (Savio) 5674. 7.95gr, 21mm, 12h.
Very Fine. Dark brown patina with green highlights.
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. -
Hadrian AE 20mm of Samosata, Commagene. AD 117-138.
Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
AΔPIANOC CEBACTOC, laureate, draped and cuirassed(?) bust to right / ΦΛA CAMO MHTPO K(M erased)O, written in four lines within wreath. Cf. RPC III 3419. 6.93gr, 20mm, 6h.
Very Fine.
From a Cambridgeshire, UK, private collection.
