Superb Berenike Pentadrachm

CNG 97, Lot: 422. Estimate $50000. Sold for $48000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Berenike II, wife of Ptolemy III. Circa 244/3-221 BC. AV Pentadrachm (25mm, 21.40 g, 12h). Attic standard. Alexandreia mint. Struck under Ptolemy III, circa 242/1-222. Veiled and draped bust right / BAΣIΛΣΣHΣ BEPENIKHΣ, filleted cornucopia; stars flanking. Svoronos 978; van Driessche 978, dies D2/R3; SNG Copenhagen –; Noeske –; Jameson 1819 (same dies); de Luynes 3572; SNG Lockett 3417. Superb EF, fully lustrous with prooflike fields, small owner’s mark in field behind head, a couple insignificant flan flaws on reverse. Very rare, only nine examples noted by van Driessche.

From the Lexington Collection.

The remarkable coinage in the name of Berenike, including a set of Attic weight gold denominations from the dekadrachm down to the tiny trihemiobol, is unique in the Ptolemaic series. Scholars continue to debate the historical circumstances and intended use for this coinage.