© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
Hemidrachm - Berenike II Alexandria 246 BC - 222 BC
| Gold | 2.13 g | 14 mm |
| Issuer | Ptolemaic Kingdom (Ptolemaic Kingdom (305 BC - 30 BC)) |
|---|---|
| Queen | Berenice II (246 BC - 221 BC) |
| King | Ptolemy III Euergetes (246 BC - 222 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 246 BC - 222 BC |
| Value | Hemidrachm (½) |
| Currency | Attic drachm (reform of Berenice II, circa 246 – 221 BC) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 2.13 g |
| Diameter | 14 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#379632 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Cornucopia bound with diadem; star to either side (symbols of the Dioscuri), dotted border.
Script: Greek
Lettering: ΒΕΡΕΝΙΚΗΣ-ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣΗΣ
Translation: Queen Berenice
Interesting fact
The Hemidrachm coin featuring Berenike II (Alexandria) was the first gold coin to feature a queen or a woman as its central figure. This was a significant departure from the traditional Greek coinage that typically featured male deities or rulers. This coin marked a turning point in the representation of women in currency and paved the way for future coins to feature powerful female figures.
