★ A lustrous and sharp Mnaieion of Ptolemy II ★

PTOLEMAIC KINGS OF EGYPT. Ptolemy III Euergetes, 246-222 BC. Mnaieion or Oktadrachm (Gold, 25 mm, 27.85 g, 12 h), Alexandria, struck under Ptolemy IV, circa 219-217. Radiate and diademed bust of the deified Ptolemy III to right, wearing aegis and with trident over his left shoulder. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ Radiate cornucopiae bound with royal diadem; below, ΔΙ. CPE 888. SNG Copenhagen 196. Svoronos 1117. Lustrous and sharp, a beautiful piece. Some flan faults, otherwise, good extremely fine.

From a European collection, privately acquired from Dr. Michael Brandt before 2005.

The impressive Ptolemaic Mnaieia took their name from the fact that they were valued at one Mina (or 100 drachms) in silver.