Magas, King of Cyrene, 282-250 BC, 1/10 Stater

Magas, King of Cyrene, 1/10 Stater, 282-250 BC, Cyrene. Gold. Weight: 0.93 g, Diameter: 10 mm. The obverse features a bearded head of Zeus Ammon facing right, adorned with a ram's horn above the ear, a distinguishing attribute of this syncretic deity worshiped in the region. The reverse presents the head of the nymph Kyrene, possibly identified, facing right, with a single pendant earring and her hair elegantly rolled up. This coin displays a well-centered strike, typical for the period, allowing clear visibility of the intricate details of the compositions. Referenced in Naville 249.

Historically, the reign of Magas, King of Cyrene, marks a period of political transition and relative independence from Ptolemaic control in Egypt. Magas, originally the stepson of Ptolemy I, asserted his autonomy by naming himself king and marrying Apama II, the daughter of Seleucus I, thereby aligning Cyrene with the Seleucid Empire. This era is noteworthy for fostering a blending of Greek and local deities, as evidenced by the depiction of Zeus Ammon—a synthesis of Greek and Egyptian religious iconography. The coin richly encapsulates the cultural and political dichotomy of the Hellenistic states in the Mediterranean.