★ An impressive mnaieion of Arsinoe II ★
PTOLEMAIC KINGS OF EGYPT. Arsinoe II, wife of Ptolemy II, died 270 BC. Mnaieion or Oktadrachm (Gold, 27 mm, 27.86 g, 11 h), Alexandria. Struck under Ptolemy II, circa 252/1-250/49. Veiled head of Arsinoe II to right, wearing stephane; lotos-tipped scepter in background; to left, K. Rev. ΑΡΣΙΝΟΗΣ ΦΙΛΑΔΕΛΦΟΥ Double cornucopiae bound with fillet and with two grape bunches hanging at sides. CPE 390. Svoronos 475. A beautiful example with a splendid portrait of Arsinoe II. Nearly extremely fine.
From the Birger Bentsen Collection of ancient gold coins and from the Clearwater Collection, Classical Numismatic Group E-Auction 312, 9 October 2013, 18 (with collector's ticket).
The impressive Ptolemaic Mnaieia took their name from the fact that they were valued at one Mina (or 100 drachms) in silver.
Price realized | 22'000 CHF |
Starting price | 3'000 CHF |