Illustrated history of the United States mint / with a complete description of American coinage, from the earliest period to the present time

by Unknown

Egypt.

Egypt’s antique coins were of Greek or Roman workmanship, of which the very finest is in the case marked “Selections,” and has not its superior for interest or beauty in the world. It was the work of some Greek artist, and presents the head of Arsinoe, wife of Ptolemy. It was found in 1868, and bought by the United States Government at a high price; but as only three had been found, its market value may be named by thousands, though its metal value is not more than twenty dollars.

This notice of Oriental coins may conclude with suggestive reference to the “Cufic coins,” of which there are some valuable specimens. The first is the silver dirhem of Walid, the eccentric caliph of Damascus, A.D. 713. There is also in case XV. a coin of the reign of Haroun Alraschid.