★ Æ of 70 Grams ★
Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt – Ptolemy III Euergetes (246–221 BC)
Massive Bronze Drachm – Alexandria Mint
An extraordinary and imposing bronze drachm struck in Alexandria during the reign of Ptolemy III Euergetes, one of the greatest rulers of the Ptolemaic Kingdom.
Weighing an impressive 70.31 grams and measuring 42 mm, this monumental coin belongs to the famous large-module Ptolemaic bronzes often referred to as the “Æ of 70 gr.” — among the most massive and visually striking bronze coins of the ancient world.
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🪙 Coin Details
* Kingdom: Ptolemaic Egypt
* Ruler: Ptolemy III Euergetes
* Date: 246–221 BC
* Mint: Alexandria
* Denomination: Æ Drachm
* Material: Bronze
* Weight: 70.31 g
* Diameter: 42 mm
* Condition: Very Fine
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Obverse
Magnificent portrait of Zeus-Ammon facing right, adorned with flowing hair and divine features.
The fusion of the Greek god Zeus with the Egyptian deity Amun symbolizes the union of Greek and Egyptian traditions under the Ptolemies and reinforces the divine legitimacy of the ruling dynasty.
The portrait on this specimen is especially attractive, displaying exceptional artistic depth and impressive sculptural relief.
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Reverse
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ
Eagle standing left on thunderbolt.
The eagle, sacred to Zeus, became the enduring emblem of the Ptolemaic dynasty and one of the most recognizable symbols of Hellenistic coinage. The thunderbolt beneath emphasizes royal authority, divine power, and military supremacy.
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🏛 Historical Importance
Ptolemy III Euergetes presided over the height of Ptolemaic power and prosperity. Under his rule, Egypt expanded its influence across the eastern Mediterranean and became one of the richest and most sophisticated kingdoms of the Hellenistic world.
Alexandria flourished as a global center of:
* trade,
* science,
* philosophy,
* and art,
housing the legendary Library of Alexandria and attracting scholars from across the ancient world.
Large bronze issues such as this were not merely currency — they were statements of royal prestige and economic strength.
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⭐ Why This Coin Matters
* Exceptional 70+ gram bronze module
* Iconic Ptolemaic eagle reverse
* Striking portrait of Zeus-Ammon
* Beautiful ancient surfaces and attractive patina
* Highly collectible large-format Hellenistic bronze
* A true centerpiece for any ancient coin collection
This remarkable coin is more than a monetary artifact — it is a monumental relic from one of antiquity’s greatest dynasties.