© Holdyrs (CC BY-SA)
© Holdyrs (CC BY-SA)
Obol - Ptolemy II Philadelphus Cyrene 260 BC - 250 BC
| Bronze | 8.45 g | 22.5 mm |
| Issuer | Ptolemaic Kingdom (Ptolemaic Kingdom (305 BC - 30 BC)) |
|---|---|
| King | Ptolemy II Philadelphus (285 BC - 246 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 260 BC - 250 BC |
| Value | Obol (⅙) |
| Currency | Ptolemaic drachm (bronze reform of Ptolemy II Philadelphus, circa 265/260 – 204 BC) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 8.45 g |
| Diameter | 22.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#410033 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Head of Lybia right, wearing taenia, in exergue double cornucopiae. Dotted border.
Script: Greek
Lettering: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of a silphium plant on one side, which was a symbol of the Ptolemaic Kingdom and a valuable export commodity at the time. Silphium was a plant that grew in the region and was highly prized for its culinary and medicinal properties. It was used as a form of currency in some cases, and its image on the coin highlights the importance of trade and commerce in the Ptolemaic Kingdom.
