Pre-Long Beach Auction #91

Ptolemaic Kingdom. Ptolemy III Euergetes. Gold Mnaieion (27.80 g), 246-222 BC Su. Alexandria, under Ptolemy IV, 221-205 BC. Bust of the deified Ptolemy III right, wearing radiate diadem and aegis; trident over left shoulder, middle prong ends in a lotus finial. Reverse: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΠTOΛEMAIOY, radiate cornucopiae bound with fillet; below, ΔI. Svoronos 1117; SNG Copenhagen 196. Underlying luster. Superb Extremely Fine.
A popular king who conquered the Seleukids shortly after ascending the throne, this commemorative octadrachm, or mnaieon, was struck posthumously for Ptolemy III by his son, Ptolemy IV who succeeded him in 221 BC. The obverse is a syncretic representation of the monarch as lord of the heavens, the seas, and the earth: his radiate crown is an attribute of the son-god Helios, while the aegis he wears for protection is an attribute of Zeus and the trident carried over his shoulder represents Poseidon. The cornucopiae depicted on the reverse recalls the fertility and wealth of Egypt. Estimated Value $18,000 - 20,000