Lot 4109
Egypt, Ptolemaic Kingdom. In the name of Arsinoê II. Ptolemy II, Philadelphos, 285-246 BC. Silver Dekadrachm (35.5g). Minted at Alexandria, ca. 253-242 BC. Veiled head of Arsinoê II right, wearing stephane and ram's horn; lotos-tipped scepter over left shoulder; to left, two letters. Reverse: APΣINOHΣ ΦIΛAΔEΛΦOY. Double cornucopiae bound with fringed fillet. Troxell, ANS MN 28, pl. 8, 6 (this coin); Svoronos 958. Faint graffiti noted on reverse. Lovely metal with attractive antique cabinet toning. Extremely Fine.
The undated series of commemorative coins for Arsinoê II, wife of Ptolemy II, commenced under her husband and continued into the reign of his son, Ptolemy III. The series of letters which appear behind Arsinoê's head, long thought to be dates, are almost certainly issue marks. This attractive piece is from a particularily rare issue equivalent to the number 47.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 20,000.
The Hunter Collection; Ex Superior Stamp & Coin NYINC Auction, December 6-7, 1996, lot 1636; Bank Leu 7, 9 May 1973, lot 303.
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| Realized $31,050 |
