EGYPT. Alexandria. Anonymous, 1st century AD. Dichalkon (Bronze, 19 mm, 2.45 g, 11 h), RY 2 of an uncertain reign. Phoenix (bennu) standing left; to left, palm frond. Rev. L B Apis bull walking right. Dattari (Savio) 112. Emmett 4257.2. K&G A.3. RPC I 5112. Struck on a slightly short flan, otherwise, very fine.


Although the bird on the obverse of these anonymous pieces has often been described as an ibis, closer inspection of other examples clearly shows the bird lacks the characteristic curved beak. Rather, the straight beak and the two feathers sticking out at the back of its head allows it to be identified as a heron, worshipped as the bennu in Egypt, better known to us as the phoenix.