Egypt. Alexandria. Vabalathus (usurper), 268-272. Tetradrachm (Bronze, 24.00 mm, 7.97 g) dated RY 5 (= 271-272) ΑΥΤ Κ ΟΥΑΒΑΛΛΑΘΟϹ ΑΘΗΝΟ ϹЄΒ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Vabalathus right. Rev. Radiate and draped bust of Helios right, L Є (date) across fields. Dattari-Savio pl. 279, 10609 (this coin). Geissen - . Emmett 3909. Slightly rough surfaces and brown toning. Oval flan shape. About Very Fine. Very rare.

Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection 10609. Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd. 45, 09.12.2018, lot 348.

Another tetradrachm, also extremely rare, of the boasted fifth year of reign of sole Vaballathus (271-272 AD), manipulated by his mother Zenobia, here portrayed with a pompous laureate and cuirassed bust in order to exalt the decaying majesty while radiate Helios, on the reverse, refers to the vision of a brilliant future which will not be favourable to the usurpers from Palmira. A coin of valuable engraving, big size, excellent conservation and influential origin.