Ptolemic Kings of Egypt, Ptolemy III Euergetes, AE Hemibol, Circa 246-222 BC, Paphos Mint, Zeus / Statue of Aphrodite - RR

Greek, Ptolemic Kings of Egypt, Ptolemy III Euergetes, AE Hemibol (bronze, 6.53g, 20.3mm), Circa 246-222 BC, Paphos Mint

Obv: Diademed head of Zeus Ammon to right, with ram's horn in his hair and over the diadem

Rev: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΠTOΛEMAIOY; cult-statue of Aphrodite Cypria standing facing on low base

Ref: Svoronos 1007; SNG Copenhagen 646

Rarity/Choice: Scarce, Good VF

Note: Ptolemy III Euergetes, a king of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt from around 246 to 222 BC, was famed for his military campaigns and efforts to expand Ptolemaic influence. The coin minted during his reign reflects the close ties between Egypt and Cyprus in the Hellenistic era.

The coin portrays Zeus Ammon, the supreme god of Greek mythology, with a diadem and a ram's horn, symbolizing his connection to the ram, a sign of divine authority. On the other side, we see Aphrodite Cypria, the goddess of love and beauty, standing on a low base. This depiction represents the cult-statue of Aphrodite worshipped in Cyprus.

Crafted in Paphos, Cyprus, this coin likely circulated widely within the Ptolemaic Kingdom and beyond, facilitating trade and underscoring the political and religious connections between Egypt and Cyprus.