Ptolemaic Kings Ptolemy IV Philopater 201-204BC

       285-246 BC AE 34 mm.33.6 gm.Obv: Diademed head of Zeus-Ammon right.

Reverse: PTOLEMAIOY BASILEWS, eagle standing left on thunderbolt,wings closed, cornucopia on shoulder monogram DI between legs,club before.Svoronos 1130 . Tyre Mint
Obverse : Diademed head of Zeus Ammon right. 

Reverse  :  Eagle standing left on thunderbolt looking back, cornucopia above left wing,   'PTOLEMAIOY BASILEUS', Ptolemy king.   Zeus' head to right / Eagle stands left, wings closed, club (for Tyre mint) in left field

Egypt had been part of the Persian Empire from 525 BC but in 332 BC Alexander the Great was crowned Pharaoh at Memphis and a few years later in 323 BC one of his generals, Ptolemy, was appointed Satrap of Egypt.  In 305 BC he took the title of King and the dynasty lasted 275 years when the last in line, and most famous, Cleopatra took her life through the bite of an asp.

Ptolemy III's reign continued a period of security and peace and Alexandria became wealthy and important.  These large copper coins were made during this prosperous time and are some of the largest copper ancient coins to be found.

40mm.    4.5mm thick      40.99gm. About Very Fine,  good patination, nice example of a spectacular ancient greek coin