Silver Tetradrachm, Alexandria, late 4th-early 3rd century BCE, Ptolemy I
Type/Object Name: Ob: Head of Ptolemy I, wearing a royal diadem. Inscription Δ = artist’s signature.
| Re: Eagle standing on thunderbolt. Inscription ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ (“PTOLEMAIOU BASILEOS” = “of King Ptolemy”).
Dates: late 4th-early 3rd century BCE
Medium: Silver, Tetradrachm
Dimensions: Diameter 26.5 mm, Weight 14.2542 g
Credit Line: Courtesy of John Nebel
Notes: After Alexander’s death in 323 BCE, his half-brother Ptolemy claimed Egypt as his own. He took Alexander’s body with him from Babylon to Alexandria to strengthen his hold over the territory. The obverse is remarkable because it does not show an idealized image. Instead, it seems to show a realistic portrait of Ptolemy: his jutting chin, pointed nose, bulging brow, and receding hairline are features that characterize all his portraits on coins. The reverse depicts an eagle clutching a thunderbolt as an emblem of Zeus and of imperial power. The Greek inscription, “of king Ptolemy,” indicates that Ptolemy claimed the title of king for himself, thus emphasizing his territorial claim and rule over Egypt.Â
Collection: Coin, John Nebel
Bibliography: Svoronos, J. N. 1904. Ta Nomismata tou Kratous ton Ptolemaion, Meros Deuteron. Page 43 #255 Athens: P. D. Sakellariou; 1977. Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum. The Royal Collection of Coins and Medals Danish National Museum. Egypt: The Ptolemies. Edited by Kromann, Anne and Otto Morkhølm. #70-71. Copenhagen: Munksgaard.