Ancient Coins

Greek coinage, Ptolemaic Kings of Egypt, Ptolemy I (305-285), Stater, Kyrene, c. 300-298, diademed bust right, wearing aegis, rev. ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ, deified Alexander in elephant quadriga left; monogram in exergue, 7.11g/12h (Svoronos 103, pl. 4, 7; Mionnet VI, 2; Naville –). Extremely fine with lustre, very rare, only three examples cited by Svoronos £10,000-15,000

This gold stater is part of a remarkable series struck at a new reduced weight standard (7.12 grams) which became known as the Ptolemaic. Ptolemy I was also the first king in history to place his own portrait on his coinage; the obverse shows him wearing the royal diadem and aegis, a symbol implying a special relationship with Zeus. The reverse type emphasises Ptolemy's claim to be the rightful successor of Alexander.