Choice Kyrene Didrachm

Sale: CNG 75, Lot: 572. Estimate $2000.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 23 May 2007.  Sold For $2000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

KYRENAICA, Euhesperides. Circa 290-280 BC. AR Didrachm (6.88 g, 12h). Horned head of Karneios right, with the features of Ptolemy I of Egypt / Silphium plant; BA-SI flanking; to left. apple branch of Euhesperides. Mørkholm, Cyrene pl. 2, 14; SNG Copenhagen Supp. 1331; BMC 260 (all from the same dies). Near EF, attractive gray toning with light golden hues, minor surface roughness, hairline flan crack. Rare.

From the Richard Winokur Collection.

This coin was struck during the period of Ptolemaic control over Kyrenaica, just prior to the revolt of Magas. Magas was Ptolemy I Soter’s son-in-law, and had been appointed governor around 300 BC. After Soter’s death, Magas had a falling-out with his half-brother, Ptolemy II Philadelphos, and eventually revolted against him, circa 280.