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This coin is very rare, It was so valuable that it was used as a form of currency and was depicted on Cyrene's coins. The plant was also given as a tribute to the Persian Empire and was traded widely across the Mediterranean. / The Legendary Extinct Medicinal Silphion / Kyrenaica, Kyrene. Circa 308-277 BC. AR Didrachm (20mm, 7.74 g, 12h). Obverse: Head of Karneios left. Reverse: Silphion plant with "I" and a monogram in the upper right. References: Muller, Afrique 174; SNG Copenhagen 1239 variant (coiled serpent to left); BMC 246-8. Near VF, toned. The coin features an especially beautiful style and excellent metal. Provenance: Private Collection. This beautiful and very collectible coin is valued at over $1,400, and we will verify its availability upon your price inquiry. At BusaccaGallery.com, we vet all customers for transactions over $5,000 to ensure a secure and satisfactory experience for both parties. Please read the innovative story and watch the informative video we provide for each piece of these highly collectible works of art. The silphion, or silphium, plant depicted on the reverse of this coin was one of the most famous medicinal plants of the ancient world and the primary export of Kyrene, located on the coast of North Africa in what is now modern Libya. A large plant from the fennel family, it was highly effective as a contraceptive and abortifacient. In addition to its contraceptive properties, silphion had various medicinal uses and was also employed in cooking. The demand for the plant was so great that it was apparently harvested to extinction in ancient times, with the last known plant reportedly presented as a gift to the emperor Nero. Although thought to have been extinct since then, some recent reports claim to have found small patches still growing in the wild in the Maghreb. The seed of the silphion plant was heart-shaped, a design that appeared on some of the smaller coins of Kyrene. It is believed that this may be the origin of the heart symbol now universally recognized as a symbol of love, due to silphion's strong sexual connotations in antiquity.

Silphion, or Silphium, was a plant of great significance in the ancient Mediterranean world, particularly in the region of Cyrenaica (modern-day Libya). It was highly prized for its medicinal properties, culinary uses, and even as a form of currency. Here’s a brief overview of its history: Botanical and Geographic Background Botanical Identity: The exact botanical identity of Silphion is uncertain because the plant became extinct by the 1st century AD. It is often associated with the genus Ferula, particularly Ferula tingitana, a type of giant fennel. However, no living plant has been definitively identified as Silphion. Geographical Range: Silphion was primarily found in the region around Cyrene, an ancient Greek city in North Africa. The plant thrived in the arid and semi-arid conditions of the region. Cultural and Economic Importance Medicinal Use: Silphion was renowned for its medicinal properties. It was used as a treatment for a wide range of ailments, including coughs, sore throats, fevers, indigestion, and more. The sap or resin of the plant, called “laser,” was particularly valued. Culinary Use: In addition to its medicinal properties, Silphion was also used as a spice in cooking. It was said to have a distinctive, slightly bitter taste and was often added to dishes to enhance flavor. Economic Value: Due to its rarity and high demand, Silphion became extremely valuable. It was so valuable that it was used as a form of currency and was depicted on Cyrene's coins. The plant was also given as a tribute to the Persian Empire and was traded widely across the Mediterranean. Myth and Symbolism Mythological Connections: Silphion was associated with various myths and legends. The plant was believed to have been a gift from the god Apollo, who was said to have revealed it to the people of Cyrene. Its heart-shaped seeds became symbols of love and fertility. Symbolism: The heart-shaped seeds of Silphion are believed by some to be the origin of the modern heart symbol, often used to represent love. Decline and Extinction Overharvesting: The primary reason for Silphion's extinction was overharvesting. As demand for the plant grew, particularly in Rome, where it was highly prized, the supply dwindled. Farmers may have also overexploited the plant without sufficient knowledge of how to cultivate it, leading to its eventual disappearance. Failed Cultivation: Attempts to cultivate Silphion outside of its native habitat were largely unsuccessful. The plant was highly sensitive to changes in soil and climate, which further contributed to its decline. Legacy Cultural Impact: Despite its extinction, Silphion left a lasting impact on ancient culture. It was mentioned in numerous ancient texts by writers such as Herodotus, Pliny the Elder, and Theophrastus. Its legendary status as a panacea and its role in ancient trade and economy made it a symbol of lost knowledge and the fragility of natural resources. Silphion's story is a powerful reminder of the consequences of overexploitation and the loss of biodiversity. Its extinction highlights the delicate balance between human use and the sustainability of natural resources.