Ptolemy II Philadelphos, tetradrachm, silver, reign 285–246 BC, minted

Ptolemy II Philadelphos, tetradrachm, silver, reign 285–246 BC, minted 285–246 BC, weight 14.20 g, diameter 27 mm. Obverse: Diademed bust of Ptolemy I Soter right, wearing an aegis; legend ΠTOΛEMAIOY ΣΩTHPOΣ around. Reverse: Eagle standing left on a thunderbolt, wings closed; city abbreviation above monogram in the left field, regnal year above monogram. Strike: Centered with complete legends; high relief on obverse; reverse devices clearly defined. Toning: Even grey to light golden surface toning noted. References: Lorber, CPE 545; Svoronos 755; SNG Cop. —; Ptolemaic Kingdom issue from Sidon mint. This coin type was issued under Ptolemy II Philadelphos in the early Hellenistic period, continuing the dynastic practice of depicting Ptolemy I Soter as a deified founder. The silver tetradrachm was a principal denomination used in large-scale commerce across the eastern Mediterranean. The Sidon mint struck coinage for regional circulation, with the eagle-on-thunderbolt reverse serving as the consistent emblem of Ptolemaic authority. The inclusion of regnal years allowed for precise dating of issues within the reign, a feature common in the Ptolemaic series. This coin reflects the administrative and propagandistic use of currency in consolidating Ptolemaic control over Phoenician coastal cities.