Description: This is a Ptolemaic Egypt AR Tetradrachm minted under Ptolemy II Philadelphus (285/4-246 BC). This particular tetradrachm was minted in Tyre around 274 BC, an important mint city within the Ptolemaic empire.Obverse (front):Portrait of Ptolemy I Soter: The obverse of the coin features a diademed head of Ptolemy I Soter, the founder of the Ptolemaic dynasty and one of Alexander the Great’s generals. He is depicted wearing a diadem (a royal headband), which signifies his kingship. Reverse (back): Eagle on Thunderbolt: The reverse displays an eagle standing left on a thunderbolt, with its wings closed. The eagle, symbolizing Zeus, was a central motif in Ptolemaic coinage, representing both divine power and the strength of the ruling dynasty. The thunderbolt is another symbol of Zeus, further reinforcing the association with divinity. Greek Legend: The reverse legend reads ΠTOΛEMAIOY-BAΣIΛEΩΣ, meaning "Of King Ptolemy." This identifies the issuer of the coin, in this case, Ptolemy II Philadelphus, though the image on the coin commemorates his father, Ptolemy I Soter. Mint Marks and Symbols: The TYP monogram above the club in the left field indicates that the coin was minted in Tyre. Historical Context: Ptolemy II Philadelphus ruled during one of the most prosperous and culturally rich periods of Ptolemaic Egypt. He is remembered for promoting learning and the arts, including his expansion of the famous Library of Alexandria. During his reign, the Ptolemaic Empire maintained control over important territories like Tyre, a strategic port city that contributed to their trade dominance in the eastern Mediterranean. This coin, while minted under Ptolemy II, honors his father, Ptolemy I Soter, whose portrait was frequently featured on coinage long after his death to solidify the legitimacy and continuity of the dynasty.Condition and Grading: This tetradrachm has been graded VF (Very Fine) by NGC, indicating that despite some wear from circulation, the key details remain clear and discernible. The note of "brushed" suggests that the coin may have undergone cleaning at some point, affecting the surface texture but not the overall design or historical value.Reference Numbers:CPE 561: This refers to its listing in the Coins of the Ptolemaic Empire catalog, a standard reference for Ptolemaic coinage.Svoronos 644: This catalog number comes from Svoronos, a widely respected reference on the coinage of Ptolemaic Egypt.Value and Collectability: Ptolemaic tetradrachms, especially those featuring the portrait of Ptolemy I Soter, are highly collectible due to their connection to the early Hellenistic world and the powerful Ptolemaic dynasty. The fact that this example is from the Tyre mint adds to its appeal, as Tyre was an important economic and cultural center under Ptolemaic rule. This coin is a fascinating relic of ancient Egyptian and Hellenistic history, representing not just monetary value, but the grandeur of one of history’s most influential dynasties.
Price: 299.99 USD
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
End Time: 2024-10-26T13:51:32.000Z
Shipping Cost: 4.99 USD
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Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Denomination: Tetradrachm
Historical Period: Greek (450 BC-100 AD)
Composition: Silver
Year: 246 BC
Era: Ancient
Country/Region of Manufacture: Egypt
Certification: NGC
