Ptolemic Kings of Egypt, Ptolemy IV Philapotar, AE Hemiobol, Circa 222-205/4 BC, Alexandreia mint, Zeus-Ammon / Eagle – RRRR

$290.00

- + - +
SKU: G4.25 Categories: ,

Description

Ptolemic Kings of Egypt, Ptolemy IV Philapotar, AE Hemiobol (bronze, 5.57, 18.3mm), Circa 222-205/4 BC, Alexandreia mint
Obv: Diademed head of Zeus-Ammon right
Rev: ΠTOΛEMAIOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ; Eagle standing left on thunderbolt; cornucopia over shoulder ΣE monogram between legs
Ref: cf. Svoronos 1152 var (25mm); Unpublished denomination for this issue Rarity/Choice: Very Rare, aEF (exhibits some deposits and scratches otherwise, an exceptionally expressive specimen)
Note: Ptolemy IV Philopator ruled as a king of Egypt from 222 to 205/4 BC. He was known for his military campaigns, including the famous Battle of Raphia against the Seleucid Empire, and his lavish spending on public works and religious buildings. Zeus-Ammon, a syncretic deity combining the attributes of Zeus, the Greek king of the gods, and Amun, the Egyptian god of the sun and air. He is depicted wearing a diadem, a symbol of royal authority. The eagle, a symbol of divine authority and strength, is standing on a thunderbolt, symbolizing Zeus’s power. This imagery emphasizes the divine protection and favors bestowed upon the ruler.  The cornucopia, or horn of plenty, symbolizes abundance and prosperity. Its presence signifies the prosperity and wealth of the kingdom under the divine protection of Zeus-Ammon. This (rare denomination) coin, featuring the syncretic deity Zeus-Ammon on the obverse and symbolic imagery on the reverse, reflects the religious and political ideology of the Ptolemaic rulers of Egypt. It was part of the extensive coinage issued by the Ptolemaic kings, which circulated widely in Egypt and beyond, demonstrating the power and prestige of their kingdom.