Marathos, Phoenicia. (2nd century BC) Bronze coin.

Obverse: Veiled and draped bust of Berenice II facing right.

Reverso: Marathos, standing on the left, leaning against a column, holding an aphlaston,

22 mm, 11.14 g.

Thick coin, good detail. Green patina.

Berenice II She was a queen of Ptolemaic Egypt, born around 269 BC as the daughter of King Magas of Cyrene and Apama, daughter of Antiochus I Soter. She married Ptolemy III Evergetes, the third ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty, a marriage that allowed the reincorporation of Cyrene into Egypt.

She was a queen with real power, not just a consort, and the first Ptolemaic woman to have coins minted with her effigy, reflecting her political status and authority. She had several children with Ptolemy III, including Ptolemy IV. After the death of her husband in 221 BC, she was poisoned, probably on the orders of her son due to dynastic fears.

Berenice II is also famous for the legend of the constellation. "Berenice's Hair" linked to her offering of her hair on an altar as a sacrifice for the safe return of her husband from a military campaign.