EGYPT. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 32 mm, 17.48 g, 12 h), RY 24 = 160/1. ΤI ΑΙ ΑΔ ΑΝΤⲰΝΙΝΟC C[ЄΒ] ЄΥ Laureate and draped bust of Antoninus Pius to right. Rev. L KΔ Serapis seated left on throne surmounted by Nike on galley, extending his right hand over Cerberus at his feet to left and holding scepter in his left; to left, Demeter standing front, head to right, holding grain ears in her right hand and torch in her left; to right, Tyche standing front, head to left, holding rudder with her right hand and cornucopiae in her left and Tyche (or Hermanubis?) reclining left. Dattari (Savio) -. Emmett -. K&G -. RPC IV.4 online 15919. Extremely rare. Light flan cracks, otherwise, good fine.


According to Emmett, the reverse scene of this coin is likely connected to the Eleusinian Mysteries, symbolizing the cyclical descent of grain (personified by Demeter) into the underworld (personified by Serapis), only to sprout and grow anew under the guiding hand of Tyche.