Ptolemy IV Philopator - 72.3 g AE 40.5 - Drachm

Ptolemaic Egypt produced some of the largest bronze coins ever struck in antiquity. Under the Ptolemies, bronze denominations reached sizes far beyond anything typical of the Greek or later Roman world, some issues approaching the dimensions of a modern silver dollar or larger. These massive bronzes served as a practical, high-value currency within Egypt's closed monetary system, and their sheer scale remains one of the most distinctive features of Ptolemaic coinage to collectors today.

This bronze was struck at Alexandria between 221 and 205 BC, under the reign of Ptolemy IV Philopator. The obverse depicts the diademed head of Zeus Ammon, the syncretic ram-horned form of Zeus closely associated with Egyptian Amun and central to Ptolemaic royal ideology. The reverse shows an eagle standing left on a thunderbolt, its head turned left with wings closed, accompanied by a small cornucopia in the left field and a Sigma Epsilon monogram between its legs, with the Greek inscription proclaiming it the coinage of King Ptolemy. The type is catalogued as Svoronos 992, SNG Copenhagen 205–206, and B502.

This example is in amazing condition, with extra fine details throughout, a glossy black patina, and a light Renaissance wax buff. A true gem for the type.

Obverse: Diademed head of Zeus Ammon

Reverse: Eagle standing left on thunderbolt, head left, wings closed, small cornucopia in left field, Sigma Epsilon Monogram between legs

Catalogues: Svoronos 992, SNG Copenhagen 205-206, B502

Mint Info: Alexandria, 221-205 BC

Mass: 72.3 g

Diameter: 40.5 mm