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A Facing Quadriga

A Facing Quadriga

This coin has a particularly novel depiction of a facing quadriga, with the wheels visible between the horses' legs. This poses a unique artistic execution challenge but one which the artists were very capable of executing in addition to the more commonly seen side-view.

Cyrene was under Ptolemaic rule at the end of the 4th century, led by a governor and administrator, trierarch of Alexander the Great by the name of Ophelas. After 321, the latter established himself as a more or less independent sovereign. He allied himself with Agathocles of Syracuse in the hope of obtaining Punic Sicily, but the latter had him killed in 309 BC. Cyrene then returned under the control of Ptolemy, who installed his son-in-law Magas there.

KYRENAICA, Kyrene. Circa 331-322 BC. AV Stater (18mm, 8.56 g, 9h). Jason, magistrate. Nike standing in facing quadriga; KYPANAI-ΩN in exergue and lower right / Zeus Lykeios seated half-left on throne, holding scepter in right hand, left arm resting on throne back; IAΣONOΣ to left; to right, eagle standing right on branch. Naville 24; SNG Copenhagen –; BMC 108a = Hunterian 4; Boston MFA 1320 = Warren 1350; Hermitage Sale II 1602

Ex. Dr. Lawrence A. Adams. Ex de Guermantes Collection (Leu 86, 5 May 2003), lot 464.