KYRENAICA. Kyrene. Ophellas (Ptolemaic Governor, first reign, circa 322-313 BC). GOLD Hemistater - Drachm. Chairios, magistrate.

Obv: XAIPIOΣ.
Horseman riding right, with petasos hanging from neck.
Rev: K - Y / P - A.
Silphion plant; cicada to lower left.

BMC 131; Boston MFA 1328; McClean 9943; Pozzi 3275; Weber 8438.

Rare. Founded in 631 B.C. by settlers from the island of Thera, Cyrene was soon one of the richest and most important Greek cities. The period from the end of the Battiadian dynasty to the rise of Alexander the Great was the city's golden age. It earned the nickname 'Athens of Africa', hosting important philosophers such as Aristippos, the poet Callimachos and the astronomer Eratosthenes.

Condition: Good very fine.

Weight: 4.30 g.
Diameter: 15 mm.