Nomos 33

KYRENAIKA. Kyrene. Circa mid-5th century BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 26 mm, 15.85 g, 11 h). Silphium plant with four leaves (two on each side), and five flowers (one at the top and one above each pair of leaves). Rev. Κ - V/Ρ - Α Bearded head of Zeus Ammon to right, his hair carefully arranged and with a ram's horn around his ear; border of dots. BMC p. xxxvi, 41a and pl. 5, 13 = Jameson 1349 = Schefold, MW, 464 = Traité II, 3, 1805 and pl. CCLXIII, 4 (this coin). Extremely rare. A coin of fine early Classical style, with a noble head of Zeus Ammon that stands as a true north African parallel to the great head of Dionysos from Naxos. Sharply-struck and well-centered. Ancient test cut o the reverse with a corresponding cut on the obverse, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.

From the Collection of Jonathan H. Kagan, ex M & M Numismatics I, 7 December 1997, 151, and from the collections of R. Käppeli and R. Jameson.