Ptolemy IV Philopator, 221-205 BC. AV Octodrachm

Ptolemaic Kings of Egypt. Ptolemy IV Philopator, 221-205 BC. AV Octodrachm, in the name of Ptolemy III. Alexandria, circa 219-217 BC. Obv. Radiate and diademed bust of deified Ptolemy III right, wearing aegis; trident over left shoulder. Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΠTOΛEMAIOY, radiate cornucopia bound with royal diadem; below, ΔI. 27 mm, 27.85 g. Svoronos 1117; SNG Copenhagen 196; CPE 888.

A magnificent royal multiple, struck under Ptolemy IV Philopator in honour of his father Ptolemy III Euergetes, and exemplifying the fully developed Ptolemaic dynastic cult. The obverse shows the late king radiate and diademed, draped in the aegis and backed by a trident, a striking fusion of pharaonic, Zeus-like, and maritime attributes that proclaims him as a divine protector of land and sea. The powerful, almost sculptural bust is among the most impressive portraits of the Hellenistic world and sets the iconographic standard for later Ptolemaic gold. On the reverse, the radiate cornucopia, bound with the royal diadem, serves as the dynastic emblem of Ptolemaic abundance, signalling prosperity grounded in the agricultural wealth of Egypt and the dynastic good fortune of the house of Lagos. The control mark ΔI belongs to the complex system of mint symbols used at Alexandria during the later third century BC, probably corresponding to a particular issue or officina within the great royal workshop. Struck on the heavy octodrachm standard and intended for high-level payments and donatives, pieces of this series represent the most prestigious gold issues of the Lagid court and stand among the classic masterpieces of Hellenistic royal coinage.