Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 121 6-8 Oct 2022
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KYRENAICA, Kyrene. temp. Magas. Circa 294-275 BC. AR Didrachm (21mm, 7.60 g, 12h). Head of Zeus Karneios right / Silphion plant; monogram to upper left, [crab to upper right (erased from die)]. BMC 256; SNG Copenhagen –. Lightly toned, minor marks. Near VF.
The monograms and field marks are specific to the magistrates in charge of the mint at the time of these coins' striking. In rare circumstances, a new magistrate would erase the mark of the previous official. There were often long gaps between issues so there was no need for the new magistrate to add his new mark, which is why erasures are found, but not overstrikes of the new magistrate's symbol. Although quite rare, the phenomenon of erasures occurs primarily in the transitional period between Archaic and Alexandrine coinage.
The monograms and field marks are specific to the magistrates in charge of the mint at the time of these coins' striking. In rare circumstances, a new magistrate would erase the mark of the previous official. There were often long gaps between issues so there was no need for the new magistrate to add his new mark, which is why erasures are found, but not overstrikes of the new magistrate's symbol. Although quite rare, the phenomenon of erasures occurs primarily in the transitional period between Archaic and Alexandrine coinage.