Ptolemy IV Philopator, 222-205 BC, Triobol/Hemidrachm

Ptolemy IV Philopator, Triobol/Hemidrachm, AE, 222–205 BC, 32.43 g, 34 mm. Alexandria mint. Obverse: Head of Zeus-Ammon right, with the ram’s horn. Reverse: ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ; eagle standing left on thunderbolt. Struck on a broad, heavy flan characteristic of the large Ptolemaic bronze series, with high-relief devices. Reference: Svoronos 1128.

Issued under Ptolemy IV, whose reign included the Battle of Raphia in 217 BC against Antiochus III, this type links the dynasty to the oracle of Amun at Siwa through the Zeus-Ammon portrait and employs the eagle on thunderbolt as the established Ptolemaic emblem of Zeus. Struck at Alexandria, such large bronzes formed the essential small-change currency of Ptolemaic Egypt and reflect the kingdom’s organized bronze monetary system during the later third century BC.