Hi. I have an opportunity to bid on this coin Ptolemy VI, 180-145 B.C, the reverse showing eagles, the obverse Zeus. It measures approximately 29mm in diameter and weighs 24.8 grams. I do not know alot about ptolemy kingdom coins. Does anyone know much about its rarity or value? Cheers
Well... it depends . Ebay might bring one price or type of bidder, dedicated ancient coin auction houses another. Given the photos, it's safe to say this auction isn't with a regular auction house. Anyway, it's a nice example of the type. It's not a rare type. Here's the attribution: PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy VIII Euergetes II (Physcon) 145-116 BCE, Alexandreia mint Obverse: Diademed head of Zeus-Ammon right Reverse: Two eagles with their wings closed standing left on thunderbolt; cornucopia to left References: Svoronos 1424B (Joint reign of Ptolemy VI and VIII); Faucher & Lorber Series 7C; SNG Copenhagen 308–10 (Joint reign of Ptolemy VI and Ptolemy VIII). Ancient coin prices have been soaring since the pandemic. I'd say if you can get it for less than $50, it would be a bargain. $50-100 would still be reasonable. It could fetch even more, maybe even up to $200 depending on who wants it. Just my opinion; worth the price paid .
There are bunches of these for sale on eBay and elsewhere any day of the week. In case you're checking eBay, do not be misled regarding value by the seller "highrating_lowprice". His pricing strategy is notorious and hilarious... unless you're on the sucker end of the deal (see note at the end of this post). Here's an example of the type currently offered by Ilya Zlobin (highrating_lowprice) His price? $1158.80 ("marked down" from $2897) Note: This eBay seller has been discussed on CT many times. His selling tactics are very distasteful, at best, but he does accept offers and on occasion you can get a coin from him for not too inflated a price.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge TIF. It's very helpful to know its true, elegant attribution. It's an antique shop in new zealand selling it online. Its sitting at $49 for now but may increase. I was thinking it looked genuine. I find the heavy weight of ptolemaic kingdom coins interesting in itself, Then there's the famous names tied to the kingdom. The combination is what's drawing me in. Thanks to you I now have a budget in mind. So glad I posted it. Cheers
I see no reason to doubt its authenticity and it's a wonderful example of the type. I hope you're able to acquire it a good price .
They range from about a gram to a hundred grams! Here's the best free online resource for Ptolemaic bronzes: http://ptolemybronze.com/ My own assortment (the same type as you're targeting is in the right hand column, third from bottom): In this virtual tray, sizes range from 48 mm (91.8 gm) to 14 mm (1.7 gm). Here's a closeup of the biggie, with a 5 mm silver fractional atop: A shot of one of my nicer mid-sized Ptolemy bronzes: EGYPT. Ptolemy III Euergetes 246-222 BCE AE35, 35.53 gm Obv: head of Zeus Ammon right with ram's horn, wearing taenia diadem Rev: ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ BΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ; eagle with closed wings standing left on thunderbolt, filleted cornucopia left; XP monogram between eagle's legs Ref: Svoronos 965 Formerly slabbed; NGC ChVF*, strike 5/5, surface 4/5
That is not a bad specimen but not the equal of the Ilyaflation example which is a bit over $1k high. Mine are both ordinary. Why I have two IDK. They differ in style. Are they from different mints? Mine were ~$30US 20+ years ago. Of the two, I prefer the more worn second one. It is easily well worth the current price and, under current circumstances, double assuming 68 cent NZ to US conversion. The two eagles are said to reflect the fact that the coin comes from the joint reign of Ptolemy VI and VIII. I have mine listed as VI but TIF (who is more often correct than I care to admit) lists it as VIII. Reason? For the record, these often sell for more based on size and quality of strike more than wear. IMO they are a coin that belongs in any collection.
..it lQQks legit... TIF or Doug wont misguide ya... i bought one similar this last year..i believe mine is of Ptolemy's VI & Vlll joint rule...its small at 28mm and 22.78gms..
I am seriously inspired by your collection TIF. What an incredible array of beautifull patinas as well. I had no idea that a coin of 91.8 grams was even possible. Thank you for sharing these and the link. Stunning
Thanks dougsmit, I really do appreciate the information and advice. I imagine these coins to have a presence about them and I think I know what you mean about them belonging in any collection.
Let us know if you get the coin. TIF's 91 gram Ptolemy bronze is amazing. There are a few cast bronze coins that are a bit larger. Cast AE Nummus (As), Apulia, Luceria, 225-217 BC; Obv - Head Apollo left, hair tied with ribbon; below chin – mark of value: I Rv. Rooster standing left. 214.5 grams 64.7 X 67.5 X 14.6 mm 2 H
That truly is a fitting "sun" sized coin for Apollo. Extremely impressive and surprising to see.Thank you rrdenarius, I will post the outcome of the auction in this thread whether I win or lose... Hopefully win!
Hi again.Just wanted to say that the advice given in here made all the difference. I felt great buying the coin at this price. Maybe even a little lucky. All the best to you all!
The financial value of an ancient coin mostly depends on its state of preservation, its patina, and a lot of other parameters... It is sometimes completely irrational. I remember a dealer who has had for years a large and very worn Roman sestertius in his trays. One day, it wasn't there any more! I asked : "You finally sold it?" He replied : "Yes, I was tired of seeing it, so I raised the price and sold it within a week."
I really enjoyed this story you shared GinoLR. It stayed with me for a while after reading it. I am noticing that the pricing of ancient coins is or can be ambiguous. The mystery around ancient coins is very interesting
As an aside, is there a store that specializes in Ptolemaic/lagide coins to some degree? I'm searching for a very particular coin, one of two references. I haven't found any copies for sale (even acsearch.info) but if there's a store that specializes in them, I'd like to ask to be notified if they happen across one.
I don't know the answer to that specific question but in case you were unaware, you can set up automatic notifications for particular coins in Numisbids (and probably Sixbids, although I stopped using that platform). If a coin matching your parameters comes up for auction through Numisbids, you'll receive an email.
