Cleopatra III & Ptolemy X Alexander, 107-101 BC, Tetradrachm

Cleopatra III & Ptolemy X Alexander Tetradrachm, AR, minted in Alexandria, 107-101 BC. This coin weighs 12.97g. The obverse features the bust of Ptolemy with a diadem and traditional royal attire, depicted in fine style, demonstrating the Hellenistic influence on portraiture. The reverse displays the inscription "LIΓ - I - ΠA," accompanied by symbols typical of the era, possibly indicating specific dating or minting marks. The strike is well-centered, with clear definitions on both the obverse and reverse, exhibiting typical signs of die wear. It is referenced under Svoronos 1729. This tetradrachm was issued during the reign of Cleopatra III and her son Ptolemy X, a time marked by internal strife and civil wars in the Ptolemaic dynasty. As rulers of Egypt, they navigated complex political alliances and shifting power dynamics typical of the late Hellenistic period. Coinage from this era reflects the importance of currency as a tool for propaganda, aiming to solidify legitimacy and authority in the face of familial and external challenges.