Ptolemy VIII Euergetes II (Physcon), 145-116 BC, AE29

Ptolemy VIII Euergetes II (Physcon), AE29 bronze, 145–116 BC; 20.74 g, 29 mm. Alexandria mint.

Obverse: Head of Zeus-Ammon right, with horn of Ammon. Reverse: ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ; eagle standing left on thunderbolt. Struck on a broad flan with an even, centered impression typical for the Alexandrian bronze module of this reign. Reference: Svoronos 1424B. This Alexandrian bronze belongs to the late Ptolemaic closed-currency system, which relied heavily on large bronze denominations for local circulation. The Zeus-Ammon type underscores the dynasty’s syncretic ideology linking Greek Zeus with Egyptian Amun, a tradition rooted in Alexander’s consultation of the Siwa oracle, while the eagle on thunderbolt serves as the long-standing Ptolemaic emblem of royal power. Issued during the turbulent co-regencies and civil conflicts involving Cleopatra II and Cleopatra III, the type reflects sustained central mint activity at Alexandria despite prolonged political instability.