302, Lot: 202. Estimate $150. Sold for $90. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy VI Philometor. Second sole reign, 163-145 BC. AR Didrachm (21mm, 6.98 g, 1h). Uncertain mint, possibly Cyprus or Pelousion. Dated year 109 (154/3 BC). Diademed head of Ptolemy I right / Eagle with closed wings standing left on thunderbolt; P Θ (date) across field. Mørkholm, Ptolemaic 265-70 (a22/p?); Svoronos 1216; SNG Copenhagen 556; DCA 76. Near VF, toned, light marks, graffito (“Δ”?) behind head.

The mint and era of this enigmatic coinage has been much debated. For the most recent discussion, see C. Lorber, “The Ptolemaic era coinage revisited,” NC (2007), pp. 105-117. Traditionally assigned to Arados, Lorber argues for a Cypriot mint, perhaps Arsinoe near Salamis.