Ptolemy III Euergetes, 246-222 BC, Tetrobol

Ptolemy III Euergetes, AE Tetrobol, Alexandria, 246–222 BC, 45.1 g, 37 mm. Obverse: Head of Zeus-Ammon right, with horn of Ammon. Reverse: Eagle standing left on thunderbolt; legend ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ. Struck at Alexandria on the heavy Ptolemaic bronze module with broad flan. Reference: Svoronos 974.

Ptolemy III expanded Lagid control during the Third Syrian War and presided over Egypt’s closed currency system, in which large fiduciary bronzes circulated domestically alongside restricted silver. The Zeus-Ammon portrait reflects the dynastic fusion of Greek and Egyptian cults central to Ptolemaic rule, while the eagle on thunderbolt functioned as the primary badge of the dynasty, signaling continuity from Alexander and earlier Ptolemaic issues produced at Alexandria.