Ptolemy III Euergetes - 14.76 g AE 25.2 - Trihemiobol

Ptolemaic Egypt is best known for its massive bronze issues, some of the largest coins struck anywhere in antiquity, but the same system also produced a full range of smaller fractional denominations for everyday circulation. This trihemiobol represents that practical end of the spectrum: a compact, easily handled piece meant for smaller transactions within Egypt's closed monetary economy, standing in contrast to the palm-sized showpieces the dynasty is most famous for.

This trihemiobol 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 laureate head of Zeus facing right, shown here with a plain laurel wreath rather than the ram's horn of Zeus Ammon seen on the dynasty's larger bronzes. The reverse shows an eagle standing left on a thunderbolt, its head turned left with wings open, accompanied by a filleted cornucopia in the left field and an Epsilon between its legs, alongside the Greek inscription ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ("of King Ptolemy"). It is catalogued as Svoronos 975 type 2 and SNG Copenhagen 234.

Obverse: Laureate head of Zeus right (no ram's horn — plain laurel wreath only)

Reverse: Eagle standing left on thunderbolt, head left, wings open, filleted cornucopia in left field, Epsilon between legs

Catalogues: Svoronos 975 type 2, SNG Copenhagen 234

Mint Info: Alexandria, 246-222 BC

Mass: 14.76 g

Diameter: 25.2 mm