© Nomos AG
© Nomos AG
Pentekaidekadrachm - Berenike II Alexandria 245 BC
245 BC year| Silver | 52.5 g | 42 mm |
| Issuer | Ptolemaic Kingdom (Ptolemaic Kingdom (305 BC - 30 BC)) |
|---|---|
| Queen | Berenice II (246 BC - 221 BC) |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Year | 245 BC |
| Value | Pentekaidekadrachm (15) |
| Currency | Ptolemaic drachm (bronze reform of Ptolemy II Philadelphus, circa 265/260 – 204 BC) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 52.5 g |
| Diameter | 42 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#180801 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Cornucopia containing grain ear, pyramidal cake, and pomegranate, a grape cluster hanging from the left side of the rim, the horn bound with royal diadem, its ends floating sinuously. Two laureate pilei of the Dioscuri in left and right fields.
Script: Greek
Lettering:
ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣΗΣ ΒΕΡΕΝΙΚΗΣ
Ε
Translation: Queen Berenice.
Edge
Plain
Comment
Gold and silver coins were minted in the name of Berenice II on both the Ptolemaic and Attic standards. Svoronos, written in 1904, lists this coin as a dodecadrachm on the Attic standard, citing a single damaged specimen in Athens, weighing 46.68 gm, and its stylistic similarity to the known Attic weight series. More recently, with the discovery of a number of well-preserved examples, this issue was likely minted as 15-drachms on the Ptolemaic standard of 3.55-3.60 gm and is the companion issue to the gold double mnaieion of Arsinöe II (CPE 733). Catherine Lorber (CPE, p. 394) proposes both of these impressive silver and gold issues "clearly were presentation pieces, distributed at the court on a special occasion, presumably a celebration of the king's return (of Ptolemy III during the Third Syrian War in 245 BC)."Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Pentekaidekadrachm - Berenike II (Alexandria) (245 BC) coin is that it features a unique blend of Egyptian and Greek elements on its design. The obverse side of the coin depicts a portrait of Queen Berenike II, while the reverse side features a representation of the Egyptian goddess Isis, highlighting the cultural exchange and synthesis that occurred during the Ptolemaic period.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ND (-245) | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for Pentekaidekadrachm - Berenike II (Alexandria) (245 BC) coin.
