Nomos 24

EGYPT. Alexandria. Domitian, 81-96. Drachm (Bronze, 34.70 mm, 25.65 g, 11 h), year ΙΔ = 14 = 94-95. [ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙΣ ΘEΟΥ ΥΙ]ΟΣ ΔΟΜ[ΙΤ ΣEΒ ΓEΡΜ] Laureate bust of Domitian to right, wearing aegis. Rev. L ΙΔ Pylon-like triumphal arch with three arches, of which the central is higher, and two 'windows', each containing a statue; the entablature is decorated with broad eye of Horus and, on top, flanked by two military trophies, a sculptural group consisting of the Emperor standing, facing, in a chariot drawn by six horses. Dattari (Savio) 542. Geissen 410. K&G 24.224. RPC II 2708. With an intriguing Graeco-Roman-Egyptian version of a standard Roman triumphal arch! Reddish-brown patina. Very considerable roughness, otherwise, good fine.

From the collection of Jean-Pierre Righetti and the estate of Tom Cederlind, Clasical Numismatic Group E388, 14 December 2016, 336.

While the eminent scholar F. S. Kleiner has argued, in NC 1989, that the arch on this coin was, in fact, not erected in Alexandria, the extraordinary decoration of the architrave makes his theory somewhat less likely. Unless, of course, we are to assume that the local die cutter actually 'Egyptianized' the usual Roman type!