PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy III Euergetes. 246-222 BC. AV Mnaïeion – “Oktadrachm” (26mm, 27.78 g, 12h). Posthumous issue under Ptolemy IV. Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 219-217 BC. NGC AU, 3/5, 2/5, die rust.

CNG Feature Auction 129
Lot: 348.
Closing Date: May 14 2025 11:00 ET

Greek, 12h, Gold

Estimate: $ 7 500

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PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy III Euergetes. 246-222 BC. AV Mnaïeion – “Oktadrachm” (26mm, 27.78 g, 12h). Posthumous issue under Ptolemy IV. Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 219-217 BC. Bust of the deified Ptolemy III right, wearing radiate diadem and aegis; trident over left shoulder, middle prong ends in a lotus finial / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΠTOΛEMAIOY, radiate and filleted cornucopia; ΔI below. CPE 888; Svoronos 1117; Olivier & Lorber 185 (dies 4/15 – this coin); SNG Copenhagen 196; Boston MFA 2283 (same obv. die); Consul Weber 4497 (same dies). In NGC encapsulation 2401248-001, graded AU, Strike: 3/5, Surface: 2/5, die rust.

From the Collection of a London Artist. Ex Heritage 3012 (2 January 2011), lot 24510.

Ptolemy IV struck an extensive series of oktadrachms for his father Ptolemy III, portraying him with the divine attributes of Helios (the radiate diadem), Zeus (the aegis), and Poseidon (the trident, the middle prong modified with the addition of the Egyptian lotus tip). The syncretization of this imagery has been discussed by numerous authors who offer diverse interpretations, suggesting that it may assimilate Ptolemy III with Serapis, or associate him with Aion Plutonions (a god of wealth, fertility, and rebirth) or Alexander the Great (as a conqueror of the Orient). The totality of the imagery, moreover, "alludes to Ptolemy's great victory over the Seleucids in the Third Syrian War, a theme that was especially resonant during the Fourth Syrian War" (CPE, p. 431) when these commemorative issues were struck.

The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 129 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 13-14 May 2025. This lot is in Session One, which will begin 13 May at 9 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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