KYRENAICA (?). Circa 3rd-2nd century BC. Tessera (Lead, 15 mm, 3.53 g, 12 h). Diademed head of Zeus Ammon to right, wearing ram's horn in his hair and over the diadem. Rev. Horseman galloping to right, holding long spear; below, uncertain legend (IO?). Apparently unpublished. Struck on a short flan, otherwise, good very fine.



The attribution of this intriguing tessera to Kyrenaica rests on the depiction of Zeus Ammon, whose style recalls that of Ptolemaic bronze coins from the region. Unfortunately, the reverse legend is illegible, leaving us in the dark as to who issued the tessera or for what purpose it was struck.