Ira and Larry Goldberg Auctioneers
Auction 91 7-8 June 2016
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Cyrenaica, Cyrene. Magas. Silver Didrachm (7.65 g), as Ptolemaic governor, first reign, ca. 300-282/75 BC. Head of Karneios right. Reverse: KY-PA, silphion plant; in left field, serpent coiled left; in right field, I and ΠO monogram. Cf. SNG Copenhagen 1239 (head left); cf. SNG Delepierre 767 (no serpent); cf. BMC 243-5 (head left). Very Rare. Some light porosity. Well struck and well centered. Fine style and lightly toned. Very Fine.
A rare issue of the Ptolemaic governor of Cyrenaica who later crowned himself an independent king in 277 BC. As a son of Berenike I born prior to her marriage to Ptolemy I, Magas was connected to the Ptolemaic royal house but was not part of the line of succession. He solved this problem by open rebellion and attempting to ally himself with the Seleukid dynasty, which was always hostile to the Ptolemies. In 274 BC, Magas and Antiochos I launched a coordinated attack on the possessions of Ptolemy II, but the war ended in failure. Antiochos was defeated in battle and Magas was forced to withdraw thanks to a native rebellion in Libya. Upon the death of Magas, Cyrenaica was almost immediately restored to the Ptolemaic kingdom. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000
Private purchase from Tom Cederlind.
A rare issue of the Ptolemaic governor of Cyrenaica who later crowned himself an independent king in 277 BC. As a son of Berenike I born prior to her marriage to Ptolemy I, Magas was connected to the Ptolemaic royal house but was not part of the line of succession. He solved this problem by open rebellion and attempting to ally himself with the Seleukid dynasty, which was always hostile to the Ptolemies. In 274 BC, Magas and Antiochos I launched a coordinated attack on the possessions of Ptolemy II, but the war ended in failure. Antiochos was defeated in battle and Magas was forced to withdraw thanks to a native rebellion in Libya. Upon the death of Magas, Cyrenaica was almost immediately restored to the Ptolemaic kingdom. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000
Private purchase from Tom Cederlind.