PTOLEMAIC KINGS OF EGYPT. Ptolemy II Philadelphos, 285-246 BC. Didrachm (Silver, 20 mm, 6.60 g, 12 h), Kyrene, struck by Magas during the reconciliation with Ptolemy II, circa 250 BC. Diademed head of Ptolemy I to right, wearing aegis around neck. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ - ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ Eagle, with closed wings, standing right on thunderbolt; in field to right, two monograms. BMC pl. XXIX, 1-3. Cf. Gemini V (2009), 695 (eagle to left). SNG Copenhagen -. Extremely rare and of great historical interest. Cleaning marks and soft surfaces, otherwise, good fine.

This extremely rare issue was struck by Magas, King of Kyrene, in the final year(s) of his reign, when he attempted to reconcile with Ptolemy II. Magas died in 250 BC before the plans were carried out, and tensions within his Kingdom delayed the reannexation of the Kyrenaica by the Ptolemies to shortly after the accession to power of Ptolemy III in early 246.