Nomos AG
Auction 14 17 May 2017
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PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT, Ptolemy II Philadelphos, with Arsinöe II, Ptolemy I, and Berenike I, 285-246 BC. Didrachm, or Quarter Mnaieia (Gold, 16mm, 6.96 g 12), Alexandria. ΑΔΕΛΦΩΝ Jugate busts of Ptolemy II, diademed and draped, and Arsinoe II, diademed and veiled, to right; behind, Gallic shield. Rev. ΘΕΩΝ Jugate busts of Ptolemy I, diademed and wearing aegis, and Berenike I, diademed and veiled, to right. Olivier & Lorber 395/6 (same dies). Svoronos 605. A coin of the greatest rarity, one of only seven known examples. Very attractive and well struck. Light scratch on the reverse, otherwise, extremely fine.
From the Chrysos Collection, acquired in Geneva in 1980.
While the larger pieces of this series, the octadrachms and tetradrachms (more correctly termed Mnaieia and Pentekontadrachmai/Half Mnaieia), are common enough, the smaller pieces, as the Quarter Mnaieia here (Sv. 605) or the Eighth (Sv. 606), are astoundingly rare. While the larger pieces must have had a recognized commercial function, the smaller ones must have had a more ceremonial character, perhaps primarily for donatives.
From the Chrysos Collection, acquired in Geneva in 1980.
While the larger pieces of this series, the octadrachms and tetradrachms (more correctly termed Mnaieia and Pentekontadrachmai/Half Mnaieia), are common enough, the smaller pieces, as the Quarter Mnaieia here (Sv. 605) or the Eighth (Sv. 606), are astoundingly rare. While the larger pieces must have had a recognized commercial function, the smaller ones must have had a more ceremonial character, perhaps primarily for donatives.