Gold Octodrachm of Ptolemy III found in Egypt...

Ptolelmy I was a general of Alexander the Great (sadly, Alexander was said to have been drinking himself to death !). The famed Cleopatra VII was also a Ptolemy, and her story, as well as Mark Anthony, also ended in tragedy - should I add "allegedly" ?

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

No extras here, but I do have one I significantly prefer it over the Ptolemy IV I posted above for its style and scarcity even though it isn't as high grade.



PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Berenike II, wife of Ptolemy III. Circa 244/3-221 BC. AV Oktadrachm (29mm, 27.69 g, 12h). Attic standard. Alexandreia mint. Struck under Ptolemy III, circa 242/1-222. Veiled and draped bust right, wearing necklace / BAΣIΛΣΣHΣ BEPENIKHΣ, filleted cornucopia. Svoronos 1113; van Driessche dies unlisted; SNG Copenhagen 169; Boston MFA Supp. 322; Hirsch 1814; de Luynes 3580.

 

Here's an extra coin of Berenike II with aphlaston. It was also struck in Marathos- Phoenicia. Hope it fits. BTW.. Your reply was very informative and interesting.
BMC 3ff.

 

View attachment 782290

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Berenike II, wife of Ptolemy III. Circa 244/3-221 BC. AV Oktadrachm (29mm, 27.69 g, 12h). Attic standard. [/QUOTE]

Anyone got thoughts on the weight standard here?

I assume an Oktadrachm to Attic standard would be 34g or so?

The Phoenician stater at Carthage seems to be c. 7.4g [and apparently a quarter ounce to a very old Syrian/Phoenician mina (5 deben in Egypt) of about 470g.]

I suppose this to be an Oktadrachm at a kind of Ptolemaic reduced version of this Phoenician weight – thus with a 2 drachm stater of 27.69g/ 4 thus 6.92g.

That is nearly a quarter oz to the Attic mina – but about 0.1g high……..

Rob T

 

Probably at work/ just saw thread now!

 

Yeah/ I was looking up info on Ptolemy III AV Oktodrachms and came upon thread by accident. I think I was working full bore at that time and missed the action on "cointalk" God/ I wish I could be so lucky and find a MS Oktodrachm! It would go straight into my ancient gold album! I only have one

 

Never say never! Good things happen to nice people like you! These are same price as most aurei in high quality.

 

You know that is the magic of this hobby. Even guys like me who cut grass and weed gardens for a living, can dabble in the "hobby of Kings" .

 

Amazing and wonderful coins in this thread, my only chance would be the lottery, I don't play because I like my money. Or, a by chance never known relative that leaves me a fortune.