Triton XIX, Lot: 330. Estimate $50000. Sold for $45000. 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 (25.5mm, 21.41 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, small E below. Svoronos 973; van Driessche dies D1/R– (unlisted rev. die); SNG Copenhagen –; Noeske –; Bement 1844 (same obv. die); Boston MFA 2279 (same obv. die); Hunt III 60. EF, a few minor marks.

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.