Ptolemy III Euergetes, 246-222 BC, Triobol/Hemidrachm

Ptolemy III Euergetes, triobol/hemidrachm, AE, 246–222 BC, 39.2 g, 35 mm. Alexandria mint. Obverse: head of Zeus-Ammon right, with ram’s horn. Reverse: ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ; devices largely effaced. Struck on a broad, cast flan and hammered; heavy circulation wear precludes assignment to a specific issue. References: Svoronos –; Lorber, Coins of the Ptolemaic Empire (CPE) –; SNG Copenhagen – (unattributed due to wear).

Issued under Ptolemy III during Egypt’s expansion in the Third Syrian War, this large bronze belongs to the heavy Ptolemaic fiduciary system that dominated everyday transactions in Egypt. The Zeus-Ammon portrait reflects the dynastic association with Alexander’s patron deity, while the legend “of King Ptolemy” asserted royal authority on an empire-wide coinage. Alexandria was the principal mint for these bronzes, which supplied pay for the army and administration in a largely closed monetary economy where bronze circulated preferentially to silver.