Gold Oktodrachm, struck at Alexandria, bust of Ptolemy III right, wearing radiate crown and with trident over shoulder, reverse, radiate cornucopia, diameter approximately 27 mm, weight 27.79g.  A few light marks, otherwise in a superb state of preservation, lustrous, extremely fine. 

Kingdom of Egypt, Ptolemy IV (225-205 B.C.)

The last of the Egyptian Pharaohs, Nectenebo II, had lost his kingdom to Persian control in 343 B.C., and Alexander the Great annexed Egypt as part of his conquests in 332 B.C. 

Following Alexander's death, one of his generals, Ptolemy, established his own dynasty in Egypt that would last until the death of Cleopatra in 30 B.C. 

Ptolemy IV, the great great great grandfather of Cleopatra, was infamous for his self-indulgence and a debauched lifestyle. 

In the tradition of the Ptolemaic dynasty, he married his sister, Arsinoe III.  He appears to have achieved little of any lasting importance, but was noted for having overseen the construction of a huge ship some 420 feet in length.

(PT1)

For Sale: SOLD, TO GET FIRST REFUSAL ON NEWS STOCK ITEMS PLEASE SIGN UP TO YOUR FREE NEWSLETTER AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE

For further information please email info@paulfrasercollectibles.com or telephone +44 (0) 117 933 9500