Ptolemy III Euergetes - 91.26 g AE 45 - Octobol

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 octobol was struck at Alexandria between 246 and 222 BC, under the reign of Ptolemy III Euergetes, who expanded Ptolemaic power to its territorial height through his victories in the Third Syrian War. The obverse depicts the diademed head of Zeus Ammon facing right, 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, head right, with wings spread and no accompanying field symbols, alongside the Greek legend proclaiming it the coinage of King Ptolemy. It is catalogued as Svoronos 412 and SNG Copenhagen 141.

Obverse: Diademed head of Zeus-Ammon right

Reverse: Eagle standing left on thunderbolt, head right, wings spread, no field symbols

Catalogues: Svoronos 412, SNG Copenhagen 141

Mint Info: Alexandria, 246-222 BC

Mass: 91.26 g

Diameter: 45 mm

This example shows minor porosity but excellent overall detail, presenting a pleasant XF condition.