PTOLEMAIC KINGS OF EGYPT. Ptolemy II Philadelphos, with Arsinöe II, Ptolemy I, and Berenike I, 285-246 BC. Quarter Mnaieion or Didrachm (Gold, 17 mm, 6.90 g, 12 h), Alexandria, circa 272-261/0. AΔEΛΦΩN Conjoined busts of Ptolemy II, diademed and draped, and Arsinöe II, diademed and veiled, to right; behind, Galatian shield. Rev. ΘEΩN Conjoined busts of Ptolemy I, diademed and draped, and Berenike, diademed and veiled, to right. CPE 315. Olivier & Lorber - (A1/R4, unlisted die combination). SNG Copenhagen -. Svoronos 605. Extremely rare in this unsual denomination. Minor marks and light scratches, otherwise, good very fine.


In the later 270s BC, Ptolemy II introduced a new gold standard centred on the mnaieion, a coin worth 100 silver drachms, with fractions of one-half (50 drachms), one-quarter (25 drachms), and one-eighth (12½ drachms). While the mnaieion and especially its half, the pentekontadrachmon, were struck in considerable numbers, the two smaller denominations were issued on a remarkably limited scale. The present quarter mnaieion, weighing 6.90 g and conventionally termed a gold didrachm, is one of the great rarities of the series: CPE records the entire denomination from only two obverse dies. Its exceptional rarity stands in striking contrast to the abundant larger gold pieces and suggests that the quarter mnaieion fulfilled only a very restricted role within the Ptolemaic monetary system.