Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt | Zeus-Ammon & Double Eagle Bronze Coin (116–51 BC)
Origin:
•Kingdom: Ptolemaic Egypt
•Rulers: From Cleopatra III & Ptolemy IX to Ptolemy XII
•Mint: Alexandria
•Date: circa 116–51 BC
•Material: Bronze (Æ)
•Diameter: 18 mm
•Weight: 7.33 g
•Condition: Good Very Fine (GVF)
⸻
Obverse:
Diademed head of Zeus-Ammon facing right — a fusion of Greek Zeus and Egyptian Amun, representing divine kingship and the fusion of Hellenistic and Egyptian cultures.
Reverse:
[ΠΤΟΛ]ΕΜΑΙΟY ΒΑΣΙΛ[ΕΩΣ] – “Of King Ptolemy.”
Two eagles with wings closed, standing to the left atop a thunderbolt, symbolizing royal power and divine sanction. A cornucopia (horn of plenty) appears in the left field, representing prosperity and abundance.
⸻
Historical Context
This coin comes from the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, one of the most fascinating Hellenistic states that followed the empire of Alexander the Great. The dynasty, of Macedonian Greek origin, ruled Egypt for nearly 300 years, blending Greek and Egyptian traditions.
This piece was struck sometime between the reigns of Ptolemy IX Soter II (116–107 BC) and Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysos (80–51 BC). The eagles—traditional Ptolemaic symbols—stand atop Zeus’s thunderbolt, emphasizing the rulers’ divine right to govern.
⸻
Why This Coin Matters
•A beautiful example of Greek-Egyptian syncretism in art and religion
•Symbolic imagery of Zeus-Ammon, eagles, and cornucopia reflect themes of divine rule, military power, and fertility
•Struck in Alexandria, a major center of learning and culture in the ancient world
Includes:
✔️ Authentic bronze coin pendant of Ptolemaic Egypt (Æ18, 116–51 BC)
✔️ Certificate of authenticity & provenance
✔️ leather cord random colour