KYRENAICA. Kyrene. Circa 470s-450s BC. Drachm (Silver, 14 mm, 3.29 g, 3 h), 'Asiatic' standard. Silphion plant with two pairs of leaves and fruits. Rev. K-Y-R-A Head of the nymph Kyrene to right, her hair tied up in a krobylos that is bound up; all within incuse square. BMC p. xxxvii, 46a and pl. VI, 4 = Hirsch 1839 (same dies). BMFA 1311. SNG Copenhagen 1176 (same dies). Very rare. Somewhat rough, otherwise, very fine.


The rendering of the nymph Kyrene on this coin is strongly influenced by representations of Arethousa from Syracuse during the late Deinomenid Tyranny and the early Second Democracy.