SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria. Laodicea ad Mare. Septimius Severus, 193-211. Tetradrachm (Silver, 27 mm, 13.57 g, 12 h), circa 208-209. •AYT•KAI• •CЄOYHPOC •C-Є• Laureate and draped bust of Septimius Severus to right. Rev. ΔHMAPX•ЄΞ•YΠATOC•ΤϕÕ Eagle with spread wings standing facing, head to left and holding wreath in beak; between eagle's legs, a star. McAlee, Severan, Group 3, 25. Prieur 1149. Lustrous and incredibly sharply struck from fresh dies, with a crisp portrait of particularly fine style. Virtually as struck.



Due to their prevalence, Syro-Phoenician tetradrachms from the Severan period are often found in excellent condition. However, this particular piece is truly exceptional: struck with remarkable sharpness from fresh dies, the term 'virtually as struck' applies here as rarely seen in ancient numismatics.