The Stephen Alexander Collection of Ancient Coins

Roman Provincial Coinage, Valerian (253-260), Phoenicia, Tyre, Æ 28, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, rev. Europa, wearing long chiton and himation, standing to front, holding vase; on left, forepart of bull; above it, olive-tree between two bætyls (ambrosial rocks); below, murex shell, 10.71g/6h (BMC 468, pl. 24, 13). Very fine, good brown tone, very rare £100-150

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Stephen Alexander Collection of Ancient Coins.

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According to legend the ambrosial rocks ‘floated in the sea, like the sacred olive-tree which is represented with them. After a sacrifice had been offered, they came to rest, and the city was founded on them’ (BMC p.cxli)