PTOLEMAIC EGYPT. Ptolemy III Euergetes, 246-221 B.C. AR Pentakaidekadrachm (51.81 gms), Alexandria Mint(?), ca. 244-221 B.C.Svoronos-988 (pl.35#2); BMC-6.60,7. Veiled and draped bust of Berenike facing right; Reverse: Cornucopiae bound fillet, Laureate Pileus of Dioscuri at either side. <strong>VERY RARE</strong>. Some surface graininess, with a hairline die crack from 11 oclock to just about Berenikes ear, though this is to be expected with the size of the planchet and the force required to apply adequate striking pressure.<p>Berenike II became Queen of Cyrene after her fathers death. One of her first moves as Queen was to marry a Macedonian prince named Demetrius the Fair, though after arriving in Cyrene he took an interest in Berenikes mother, Apama. Berenike did not tolerate this affront, and stood at the bedroom door while her assassins killed Demetrius in front of Apama. She needed a new husband so she married her cousin Ptolemy III Euergetes to become queen and co-regent of Ptolemaic Egypt.NGC EF, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 2/5.
