BOEOTIA. Thespiai. Circa 210 BC. AE (Bronze, 15 mm, 3.76 g, 1 h). Head of Arsinoe III to right, wearing polos and veil. Rev. ΘΕΣΠΙ/ΕΩΝ Chelys; above, N; all within laurel wreath. BCD Boiotia 613 (this coin). HGC 4, 1408. Rare. Somewhat smoothed, otherwise, good very fine.


The appearance of Arsinoe III on a coin from Thespiai is explained by the fact that a renowned temple for the Muses stood near the city, and that Thespiai organised a great panhellenic festival (the so-called Mouseia) with competitions in playwrighting and music every four years. At one point, Ptolemy and his wife decided to sponsor the games, and in return, Arsinoe was honored by having her portrait struck on the city's coins.