KINGS of MAURETANIA. Ptolemy. AD circa 20/1-40. AR Denarius (16mm, 1.89 g, 11h). Caesarea mint. Dated RY 1 (circa AD 20/1 or 21/2). VF.

CNG Feature Auction 124
Lot: 359. Estimated: $ 500

Greek, Coin-in-Hand Video, Silver

Sold For $ 300. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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KINGS of MAURETANIA. Ptolemy. AD circa 20/1-40. AR Denarius (16mm, 1.89 g, 11h). Caesarea mint. Dated RY 1 (circa AD 20/1 or 21/2). Diademed head right, drapery around neck / Winged kerykeion within wreath. Mazard 487; MAA 250; SNG Copenhagen 634. Find patina, light roughness, numerous cleaning scratches on obverse. VF. Very rare, three in CoinArchives.

From the D.M.K. Collection.

Ptolemy of Mauretania was the last independent king of North Africa and the final ruler who could plausibly claim descent from Ptolemy I Soter of Egypt. He was the son of Juba II and Kleopatra Selene, the daughter of the famous Egyptian queen Kleopatra VII, whose hand was given to Juba by Augustus. Ptolemy seems not to have been as strong a leader as his revered father or grandmother. After his father's death in AD 24, increasing restiveness among the native tribes led to the outbreak of several revolts, which he could not quell. He eventually ran afoul of the emperor Caligula, and was called to Rome in AD 39 or 40, whereupon he was put to death. Mauretania was formally annexed to the Empire in AD 44, and the revolts were brutally crushed by Roman legions.

The exact date of the beginning of Ptolemy's reign is not currently known, though he certainly ruled alongside his father during the final years of Juba's reign. The only firm date in the historical record for Ptolemy's reign is his final year, AD 40, but there is disagreement among scholars as to when Ptolemy was called to Rome, and when he actually departed Mauretania. This could have been as early as late AD 39, or as late as early AD 40. Assuming his year 20 coins are his latest, would place the beginning of his first year as early as AD 20 or as late as AD 21. It must be pointed out, though, that without knowing the date of his elevation by Juba, there is a possibility that the year 20 coins are not his latest.

The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 124 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 19-20 September 2023. This lot is in Session Two, which will begin 19 September at 2 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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