Visit the PtolemAE Project Home Page
Ptolemaic Bronze Coin educational and informational center.
Welcome to the Ptolemaic Bronze Coin Denomination Series Page
All photos, content, design, and descriptions are (c)2006-15 by Daniel Wolf
All rights reserved worldwide. No copying, use, or distribution without written permission.
Countermarked examples shown separately at the end of this presentation
All rights reserved worldwide. No copying, use, or distribution without written permission.
Countermarked examples shown separately at the end of this presentation
There are six sizes in the earliest series shown in the top row here. And there are only two denominations in the subsequent slightly later series. Both share two denominations in common; the laureate Zeus 'diobol' (ca. 15.2gm) and an Alexander wearing elephantskin headdress 'obol' (ca. 7.6gm). The coins we normally assign to Ptolemy I are shown in the top row. They lack control letters in the eagle's legs, the control letters and monograms are to the left of the eagle. The recent publication on early Ptolemaic bronze metrology shows that the coins with aplustre on the reverse are a previously unrecognized pentachalkon (5 chalkoi) denomination. The aplustre distinguishes the pentachalkon from the hemiobols of quite similar design. Svoronos recognized some of those appeared to differ in diameter and set them apart in his catalog but the metrological study firmly established the aplustre as a marker for a specific denomination metrologically distinct from the hemiobols (4 chalkoi).
The second row here shows the diobols and obols of the same weight standard, but which introduced the control letters to the position in the eagle's legs. That second row is made of three 'sub-series' which have the SIGMA/Shield at left, or the same with additional XAP monogram or SI letters. There are numerous leg control letters in the types with SIGMA over shield and SIGMA over shield over XA(P) we assign to Ptolemy II. There are clearly related types of diobols and obols throughout this period with linked control marks and other symbols placed similarly and spanning both sizes. This coinage begins at an indeterminate time perhaps as early as about 290BC and dominated the bronze issues for perhaps 30 years or longer. We believe the earliest are the types with only letters or monograms to the left of the eagle (top row), likely begun under Ptolemy I and continued into the reign of Ptolemy II. These are followed by the series of Ptolemy II (second row) with SIGMA over a Galatian shield, and ending with the series with an additional complex monogram under the shield (XAP). One similar set that display SIGMA over shield over SIGMA IOTA. It consists of only two coin: Sv554 (ALPHA/PHI control) and Sv564 (DELTA control - shown here), both diobols. None have central depressions seen on the later 'post-reform' series. Nor is the familiar cornucopia in evidence. The post-reform series (see below) appear to adopt mintmarks (club, cornucopiae, and/or monogram) with central depressions indicating a new method of manufacture. It is likely that many shown here are issues of Alexandria, with some smaller sizes possibly from provincial mints (symbols such as club, helmet, aplustre, etc.). This is altogether a remarkable group in that there are over 80 catalogued combinations of control letters and monograms.
Pre-Reform ca. 290-265BC |
|||||||
  28mm - 15.2gm Diobol A - Sv184 IG - Sv193 L/M - Sv206 G - Sv213 PI/Y - Sv219 PHI - Sv230 A/various - Sv269-303 S - Sv550 OMEGA - known but not catalogued |
  22mm - 7.6gm Obol D - Sv186 DI - Sv188 A - Sv196 M/I - Sv202 S - Sv215 PI/Y - Sv220 PI/Y - Sv225 TI - Sv226 XA - Sv235 EP - Sv237 EY/KL - Sv356 EY/M - Sv360 EY/XAP - Sv363 EY/KI/XAP - Sv377 ST/KI/A - Sv379 |
  20mm - 4.7gm Aplustre/Aphlaston on reverse Pentachalkon Aplustre/Helmet - Sv172 |
  18mm - 3.8gm Hemiobol L/PI - Sv51 OT - Sv119 PI T - Sv130 TI - Sv135 TS - Sv136 DI - Sv189 HP - Sv238 KL/Helmet - Sv171 |
  18mm - 3.8gm Tyre Mint Club above Symbol Hemiobol Club/A - Sv627 Club/AG - Sv628 Club/PI-A - Sv630 Club/XA - Sv 633 |
  18mm - 3.8gm Tyre Mint Symbol above Club Hemiobol I/Club - Sv635 H/Club - Sv638 PI/Club - Sv641 S/Club - Sv642 |
  13mm - 1.9gm HP - Sv239 'B Not Catalogued Sv239, with HP monogram, is comparable, but has long-haired Alexander. |
  10mm - 0.95gm PI (ALE inscription) - Sv53 |
  28mm - 15.2gm Diobol A/T - Sv553 PI/A - Sv556 A - Sv560 D - Sv563 E - Sv568 Th - Sv571 I - Sv576 L - Sv580 O - Sv586 RHO - Sv593 Y - Sv598 none - Sv600 PHI - known but not in Svoronos PSI - known but not in Svoronos |
  20mm - 7.6gm Obol D - Sv565 none - Sv601 |
  28mm - 15.2gm Diobol PI/A - Sv557 A - Sv561 Th - Sv572 I - Sv577 L - Sv581 O - Sv587 G - Sv589 T - Sv594 K - known but not in Svoronos |
  20mm - 7.6gm Obol A - Sv562 D - Sv565 L - Sv582 none - Sv602 |
  28mm - 15.2gm Diobol PI/A - Sv554 DELTA - Sv564 |
|||
This denomination series consists a small series of enigmatic style and a single denomination. On most of these types the control, if present, is placed near the tail of the eagle. An additional type not shown here has the control (NK or Phi) above or below the shield. There is very convincing evidence that these coins were issued by Hieron II of Syracuse: the style of laureate Zeus is quite different from the preceding groups (see above), they are found only in Sicily, control placement is unusual, die axes are highly variable, most types have a reverse with a solid circle border, there is no obol denomination, the 'cupped' reverse manufacturing style resembles that of Hieron's portrait bronzes, and there are shared controls (N and PHI) between these coins and some Hieron portrait bronzes. The Zeus portrait style is also artistically similar to the Poseidon portraits of Hieron's smaller coinage with trident and dolphins on the reverse, distinctly Sicilian in style and quite easily distinguished from contemporary Egyptian Zeus portraiture. A paper on this very interesting group of coins is available via a link on the home page of The PtolemAE project. The dating and duration of issue for this series is problematic, beginning no earlier than 275BC but terminating at a time that is yet to be determined.
|
|||||||||
  28mm - 17.1gm none - Sv610 Type I - Dotted reverse border Egyptian Style |
  28mm - 17.1gm none - Sv610 Type II - Solid reverse border Egyptian Style |
  28mm - 17.1gm none - Sv610 Type III - Circle reverse border Sicilian Style |
  28mm - 17.1gm N Below Shield - Sv620 Sicilian Style |
  28mm - 17.1gm N Near Tail - Sv619 Style of Sv620 |
  28mm - 17.1gm N near tail - Sv619 Type I - Dotted reverse border Hieronian Style |
  28mm - 17.1gm N - Sv619 Type II - Circle reverse border Hieronian Style |
  28mm - 17.1gm A near tail - Sv615 Hieronian Style |
  28mm - 17.1gm PHI - Sv623 Hieronian Style |
|
This denomination series consists of at least 7 coin sizes. There are numerous leg monograms (Theta, Lamda, Iota, Rho, Delta, etc.) in this series so various nice examples are presented here from the PtolemAE collection (one size substituted by a comparable style issue of Tyre - see below). Svoronos catalog numbers are numerous and not all sizes are known in all monogram varieties. Sizes and weights shown here are the 'nominal ideal' for the types. Actual sizes and weights may vary somewhat due to the striking and manufacturing technology at the time. The idea here is to present the coins as a coherent series. You may also view these same coins with detailed information about each one elsewhere on the PtolemAE Project web site. Monograms are abbreviated in English below (nm=NONE, A=ALPHA, B=BETA, D=DELTA, E=EPSILON, I=IOTA, Th=THETA, L=LAMDA, P=RHO, T=TAU, Y=UPSILON, O=OMICRON, X=CHI, W=OMEGA). Some examples show a combination UPSILON/TAU (Y with a cross mark) monogram. When viewing the Tyre, Sidon, and Ptolemais series below note that the main design types largely match the Alexandria series which makes these all fit together into a picture of one coherent coinage. The provincial mint series do not have any leg monograms but all show the typical mintmark indications of their locations.
Alexandria Post-Reform ca. 260BC Series 3 |
||||||
  42mm - 68.4gm Sv413 - nm Sv422 - A Sv431 - B Sv437 - D Sv447 - E Sv457 - I Sv463 - Th Sv464 - Th/ME Sv479 - L Sv497 - P Sv504 - T Sv504 - Y/T Sv514 - X |
  38mm - 45.6gm Sv414 - nm Sv448 - E Sv480 - L Sv505 - T or Y/T Sv515 - X |
  30mm - 22.8gm Sv415 - nm Sv423 - A Sv438 - D Sv449 - E Sv465 - Th(O) Sv466 - ME/Th Sv481 - L Sv498 - P Sv506 - T or Y/T |
  24mm - 11.4gm Sv424 - A Sv439 - D Sv450 - E Sv467 - Th Sv482 - L Sv493 - O Sv499 - P Sv507 - T Sv511 - Y Sv519 - W |
  20mm - 8gm Sv416 - nm Sv425 - A Sv440 - D Sv451 - E Sv468 - T Sv473 - I Sv483 - L Sv493 - O Sv500 - P |
  18mm - 5.7gm Sv417 - nm Sv441 - D Sv452 - E Sv469 - Th Sv473 - I Sv484 - L Sv501 - P |
  15mm - 2.9gm Sv418 - nm Sv431 - B Sv442 - D Sv453 - E Sv470 - Th(O) Sv474 - I Sv485 - L Sv493 - O |
This denomination series consists of at least 5 coins with double cornucopiae as the prominent feature of the reverse that distinguishes these from the parallel Alexandria series. Sizes and weights shown here are the 'nominal ideal' for the types. Actual sizes and weights may vary somewhat due to the striking and manufacturing technology at the time. The idea here is to present the coins as a coherent series. You may also view these same coins with detailed information about each one elsewhere on the PtolemAE Project web site.
Sidon Double Cornucopia - Series 3 |
||||||
  42mm - 68.4gm Sv758 - Double Cornucopia on eagle shoulder |
  38mm - 45.6gm Sv759 - Double Cornucopia in left field |
  30mm - 22.8gm Sv760 - Double Cornucopia on eagle shoulder |
  24mm - 11.4gm Sv763 - Double Cornucopia in left field. This type may actually be Ptolemy I or belong to an issue without center depressions prior to about 265BC. |
  24mm - 11.4gm Sv761 - Double Cornucopia in left field |
  20mm - 5.7gm Sv762 - Double Cornucopia on eagle shoulder |
  17mm - 3.8gm Sv??? - Double Cornucopia on eagle shoulder. Uncatalogued type - uncertain if it belongs to this series or a later issue of Ptolemy IV or V. Appears to be a member of this series. |
This denomination series consists of at least 5 coins with double cornucopiae as the prominent feature of the reverse that distinguishes these from the parallel Alexandria series. In addition this series features a club in the left field to distinguish them from the Sidon series coins. Svoronos attributed these to Gaza but the typical club feature of other Ptolemaic Tyre coins and find locations in and around Lebanon seems to indicate they are from the major Ptolemaic mint in Tyre. Sizes and weights shown here are the 'nominal ideal' for the types. Actual sizes and weights may vary somewhat due to the striking and manufacturing technology at the time. The idea here is to present the coins as a coherent series. You may also view these same coins with detailed information about each one elsewhere on the PtolemAE Project web site.
Tyre Double Cornucopia/Club Series 3 |
|||||
  42mm - 68.4gm Sv834 - Double Cornucopia on eagle shoulder, club in left field |
  38mm - 45.6gm Sv835 - Double Cornucopia and club in left field |
  30mm - 22.8gm SvXXX - Double cornucopia on eagle shoulder and club in left field - not catalogued in Svoronos or any other reference. Three known specimens. |
  24mm - 11.4gm Sv836 - Double cornucopia and club in left field |
 20mm - 5.7gm Sv837 - Double cornucopia on eagle shoulder with club in left field. It is likely this type does not really exist. |
  16mm - 5.7gm Sv838 - Cornucopia on eagle shoulder and club in left field |
This denomination series consists of only 3 coin types with double cornucopiae as the prominent feature of the reverse that distinguishes these from the parallel Alexandria series and unifies them with Tyre and Sidon (see above). In addition this series features a CIRCLE-PI-TAU monogram in the left field identifying them as originating from Ake Ptolemais. In contrast to the related denomination series from Sidon and Tyre, only these 3 sizes and weight denominations are known. Sizes and weights shown here are the 'nominal ideal' for the types. Actual sizes and weights may vary somewhat due to the striking and manufacturing technology at the time. The idea here is to present the coins as a coherent series. The last coin shown has a somewhat different style and might reflect an issue of a later reign, possibly Ptolemy V.
Ake Ptolemais Double Cornucopia/Circled-PI-TAU Series 3 |
|||
  42mm - 68.4gm Sv788 - Double Cornucopia on eagle shoulder with CIRCLE-PI-TAU in left field |
  38mm - 45.6gm Sv789 - Double Cornucopia and CIRCLE-PI-TAU in left field |
  30mm - 22.8gm Sv790 - Double cornucopia on eagle shoulder and CIRCLE-PI-TAU in left field. |
  30mm - 18gm? Sv790v - Double cornucopia on eagle shoulder and CIRCLE-PI-TAU in left field. |
This denomination series consists of several types which may reflect issues over more than one reign. The coins are enigmatic singly and when considered together, with the DELTA IOTA in common but some also showing a 'palm branch' or a star in combination with the letter pair. Their origin is uncertain but likely a Phoenician mint. The two largest coins depicting laureate Zeus are consistent with early Ptolemy II diobols, though a bit light, but the smallest types may have central depressions indicating a later mintage (after ca. 260BC). Stylistically all are compatible with Ptolemy II but the smaller pieces could be issues as late as Ptolemy IV. The smallest denomination appears to be a depiction of Arsinoe, veiled, but which Arsinoe (I, II, or III) is unclear. Whether the DELTA IOTA letter pair on these coins is related to the same pair found as control letters in the eagle legs on coins of Ptolemy IV is also not known. The two smallest specimens here appear to show LAMDA IOTA, though it could well be these are simply slightly unclear versions of the DELTA IOTA. The two coins with DELTA IOTA over palm branch are clearly related and in the same sense as we see on other early Ptolemy I-II diobol/obol relationships. All are rare.
|
|||||
  30mm - 11.4gm Sv341 - DELTA IOTA at left |
  30mm - 15gm Sv381 - DELTA IOTA over a palm branch at left |
  21mm - 8gm Sv382 - DELTA IOTA over a palm branch at left |
  23mm - 8gm Sv384 - DELTA IOTA (LAMDA IOTA?) over star over PI-Y at left |
  18mm - 3.8gm Sv351 - AI over X (or XA monogram) at left |
  17mm - 4.8gm Not in Svoronos - AI over ZETA at left |
This group is not, strictly speaking, a particular denomination series of one ruler. They demonstrate that early Nabataean coinage seems to have relied on existing circulating Ptolemaic coins, particularly those of Ptolemy II and III, to serve as flans. These coins are fairly scarce and the overstriking (of a type sometimes attributed to Aretas II, Athena obverse over standing Nike reverse) almost always obliterates the undertype to a degree that makes the undertype not specifically identifiable. In very rare cases we can be absolutely certain about the undertype and can see that they are (usually small) coins of Ptolemy II and III. It appears there are also coins of Ptolemy IV that have been used but are not shown here. These very interesting types tell us that Nabataean coinage appears to have started no earlier than about 200BC but perhaps earlier than is clear from the (presumably later) types that are not overstruck. The types of Ptolemy II shown here (at left) are most likely either Svoronos 417 (Zeus / open-wing eagle) and possibly others with control letters no longer visible. The coins at right are likely (and some clearly identifiable) types of Ptolemy III. Two coins show the typical cornucopia at the left of the eagle and with one coin displaying the CHI-RHO. The coins shown here are oriented to show the Ptolemaic coin undertype. Interestingly, some of the coins are struck in a 'reverse sense' (obverse Nabataean type on reverse of Ptolemaic type) and others are 'normal sense' overstrikes.
|
|||||
  22mm - 7.6gm Likely Sv 416 - Open wing eagle reverse, Ptolemy II |
  19mm - 3.8gm Likely Sv 417 - Open wing eagle reverse, Ptolemy II |
  16mm - 3.8gm Sv??? - Closed wing eagle reverse, possibly Ptolemy III |
  18mm - 2.9gm Sv??? - Closed-wing eagle reverse, possibly Ptolemy III |
  18mm - 3.8gm Sv969 - CHI-RHO monogram |
  15mm - 2.9gm Sv970 - CHI-RHO monogram |
These coins are not all from one 'denomination series', but they are sensibly grouped here to show the 3rd C. BC depictions of Ptolemaic Queen portraits on smaller bronze coins. Two coins (left) are fairly early Asia Minor issues depicting Arsinoe, one during the occupation of Northern Thrace and another during the brief period that Ephesos was renamed 'Arsinoeia'. Another group of four types follows with portraits of Berenike, likely issued at Ras Ibn Hani (Syria) during its occupation by either Ptolemy II or III. These coins are all not all that well-understood and they are unusual for Ptolemaic bronzes in that they have an obverse inscription naming the Queen. Note that some have the PTOLEMAIOY written in the opposite direction usually seen on Ptolemaic bronzes. They all lack the central depressions which might imply they all precede 260BC, however the Berenike portrait coins could be from the time of the 3rd Syrian war, from 246-241BC. The coin furthest to the right is a common coin of Ptolemy IV, likely depicting Arsinoe III as Aphrodite.
|
||||||
  12mm - 1.6gm Sv387 |
  17mm - 2.8gm Sv883 |
  21mm - 8.2gm Sv1055 NOTE - Normal PTOLEMAIOY orientation |
  21mm - 7.6gm Sv1055 NOTE - Reversed PTOLEMAIOY orientation |
  18mm - 3.9gm Sv1056v - no EY NOTE - Reversed PTOLEMAIOY orientation |
  16mm - 4.6gm Sv1056 - with EY NOTE - Reversed PTOLEMAIOY orientation |
  16mm - 2.7gm Sv1160-1161 |
This denomination series consists of at least 7 coins that comprise a denomination series for which most sizes exist as both EPSILON and LAMDA monogram types. The two largest sizes are also known in 'no monogram' types. The E monogram types are also well known to exist in some variations with closed loops at the top of the E and similar morphologies. The 2nd size E monogram (Sv974 and variants of the E morphology) coins are very plentiful, among the most common types of Ptolemaic bronzes. The third size is a denomination only recently discovered through metrological analysis - a 20-chalkous (2.5 obol) coin. The data are quite conclusive on this; the coins average about 28.5 grams, far less than the 'expected' weight of 34.2 grams were they actually hemidrachms, as they have been previously catalogued in all reference works. Here are shown a mix of both of the most prevalent monograms (E and LAMDA) to illustrate the full denomination series. Lorber has attributed these coins to the early part of the reign of Ptolemy III while some other references differ. Sizes and weights shown here are the 'nominal ideal' for the types. Actual sizes and weights may vary somewhat due to the striking and manufacturing technology at the time. The idea here is to present the coins as a coherent series. You may also view these same coins with detailed information about each one elsewhere on the PtolemAE Project web site. In the following tabular presentation, the following indicate monogram types: E = EPSILON, L = LAMDA, nm = NONE.
Alexandria EPSILON or LAMDA or 'Plain' Series 4 |
||||||
  48mm - 91.2gm Octobol Sv412 - nm Sv446 - E(and var) Sv478 - L Sv482 - THETA Sv502 - S (existence doubtful) A - known but not in Svoronos |
  40mm - 45.6gm Tetrobol Sv1172 - nm Sv1166 - L Sv974 - E(var) A - known but not in Svoronos C - known but not in Svoronos |
  34mm - 28.5gm Eikosachalkon (20) Sv1167 - L SV974a - E A - SNG Cop 222 nm - known but not in Svoronos |
  30mm - 22.8gm Diobol Sv1168 - L |
  28mm - 16gm Trihemiobol Sv1169 - L Sv975 - E(var) C - known but not in Svoronos |
  24mm - 11.4gm Obol Sv1170 - L Sv976 - E(var) C - known but not in Svoronos |
 20mm - 5.7gm Hemiobol Sv1171 - L |
This denomination series consists of 5 coins all with very similar design, differing only in size/weight. The familiar Zeus Ammon obverse is accompanied by closed-wing eagle on the reverse with the lotus blossom in the same position where we see a cornucopia or club on some other series. The very close similarity of the style and fabric led to including these together, though the Svoronos cataloging and other references may differ in reignal attribution. The style and fabric compare with other types attributed to Ptolemy III and the design elements are rendered so similarly that they are best interpreted as a denomination series. Catharine Lorber's 'Lotus of Aphrodite' paper was the first to recognize these are a coherent group of 3rd C. BC issues. The largest coins of this group are sometimes easily confused with ones of equal size, but quite different style, associated with the reign of Ptolemy VI (Svoronos 1403, 1404, ...). The largest is actually unattributed by Svoronosis attributed by Svoronos (though sometimes interpreted as Svoronos 1403), the second is sometimes included with Svoronos 1404 (Ptolemy VI), and the smaller ones as Ptolemy II (841-843). Seen as the coherent group, we recognize the largest coin as an octobol that is similar in size/weight to others of Ptolemy III (e.g. Svoronos 412, 446, above), the second a tetrobol, etc., in a size/weight progression associated with Series 4 as seen above.
|
||||
  45mm - 91.2gm Octobol Sv - uncatalogued |
  38mm - 45.6gm Tetrobol Sv1404 |
  28mm - 16gm Trihemiobol Sv841 |
  22mm - 6gm Hemiobol Sv842 |
  17mm - 4gm Fraction Sv843 |
This denomination series consists of 8 coins all with the well-known CHI/RHO leg monogram and corresponding coins with no monogram (rare, not all sizes known). Most references agree that the attribution of all of these coins are to the mid or later part of the reign of Ptolemy III. Sizes and weights shown here are the 'nominal ideal' for the types. Actual sizes and weights may vary somewhat due to the striking and manufacturing technology at the time. The idea here is to present the coins as a coherent series. You may also view these same coins with detailed information about each one elsewhere on the PtolemAE Project web site. We show here the Chi/Rho monogram abbreviated as XP and the plain or no-monogram type as: nm.
Alexandria Cornucopia with CHI/RHO and PLAIN (No Control) Series 5 |
|||||||
  42mm - 68.4gm Drachm Sv964 - XP Sv1002 - nm |
  36mm - 34.2gm Hemidrachm Sv965 - XP Sv1003 - nm |
  30mm - 22.8gm Diobol Sv966 - XP Sv1004 - nm |
  24mm - 11.4gm Obol Sv967 - XP nm type not known. |
  20mm - 5.7gm Hemiobol Sv968 - XP nm type known but not catalogued in Svoronos. |
  16mm - 3.8gm Tritartemorion Sv969 - XP nm type known but not catalogued in Svoronos. |
  15mm - 2.9gm Dichalkon Sv970 - XP nm type ? |
  12mm - 1.45gm Chalkous Sv971 - XP nm type ? |
This denomination series consists of 6 coins all with the well-known club mintmark in the left field on the reverse. These coins parallel the Alexandria series of CHI/RHO coins with cornucopia in the left field. Svoronos attributes these to Ptolemy II but the style and parallelism to the Ptolemy III CHI/RHO series seem to indicate Ptolemy III is more likely. Sizes and weights shown here are averages that are correct the types. Note that Svoronos 710 doesn't actually exist - it was erroneously 'created' by Svoronos as a type between 709 and 711 but there is no such thing. The few examples of Sv710 that have been recorded are Sv709 but at the lighter end of its weight range. Actual sizes and weights may vary somewhat due to the striking and manufacturing technology at the time. The idea here is to present the coins as a coherent series. You may also view these same coins with detailed information about each one elsewhere on the PtolemAE Project web site. As with the coinage from provincial mints by Ptolemy II, this series lacks leg monograms. These might be contemporaneous with either the scarce no-monogram cornucopia types of Alexandria or the CHI/RHO series or both. The CHI/RHO cornucopia coinage of Alexandria is a dominant and prodigious coinage as are most of these.
Tyre Club Series 5 |
||||||
  42mm - 68.4gm Sv705 |
  36mm - 34.3gm Sv706 |
  30mm - 22.8gm Sv707 |
  24mm - 11.4gm Sv708 |
  20mm - 5.7gm Sv709 |
  Svoronos mistakenly identified a coin type between 709 and 711. It doesn't actually exist. 18mm - 3.8gm (Sv710) |
  16mm - 2.9gm Sv711 |
This denomination series consists of 3 small coins one with Alexander in elephantskin obverse and two smaller pieces with an identical appearance, differing only in size/weight. The largest coin with Alexander in elephantskin headdress on the obverse is enigmatic and catalogued as a later issue in Svoronos (Svoronos 1063). Nevertheless its cornucopia at shoulder reverse is analogous to some small issues of Ptolemy III. It is extremely rare and its reignal attribution is subject to further analysis. Ashton's report on Ptolemaic bronzes at Fethiye (Turkey) reported a large number of trident coins of the two smaller types. The two smaller coins, likely from Turkey, show the familiar Zeus Ammon obverse, accompanied by a closed wing eagle and a trident on the reverse. These coins are attributed by Svoronos to Berytos (Beirut) but modern finds indicate they are most likely from the area near (modern) Bodrum in Turkey. Ptolemaic possessions during the 3rd C. BC were scattered around the Mediterranean and these are likely coins from one of the Ptolemaic settlements of that time. See the book by Roger Bagnall on Ptolemaic possessions outside Egypt. All are relatively scarce.
Trident Series 5 |
||
  20mm - 5.7gm Sv1063 |
  15mm - 2.9gm Sv839 |
  12mm - 1.5gm Sv840 |
This denomination series consists of 4 small coins all with an identical appearance, differing only in size/weight. The familiar Zeus Ammon obverse is accompanied by a closed wing eagle and a 'harpa' mintmark of Joppa (Jaffa) on the reverse. The largest size, ca. 11.4gm, is not shown here and is known from a single example, not catalogued in major references, ex. Don Doswell's collection sold at the Gemini Sale 2009. All are relatively scarce. Three sizes catalogued by Svoronos are 818 (ca. 5.5gm), 819 (ca. 2.8gm), and 820 (ca. 1.4gm).
Joppa Mint Harpa Series 5 |
|
  16mm - 2.9gm Sv819 |
  15mm - 1.5gm Sv820 |
This denomination series consists of only 4 coins, all with very similar appearance but differing in size/weight. The familiar Zeus Ammon obverse is replaced with a portrait of Ptolemy III wearing the aegis and the reverse is the usual style of Ptolemy III wearing a closed-wing eagle and the cornucopia reignal symbol. These are found in the area of Corinth and likely minted locally for use by Ptolemaic settlements there at that time. The largest size (Svoronos 997) is about 17gm and not shown here. The middle size has two variants (Svoronos 998 and 999) which have the cornucopia on opposing sides of the eagle. Svoronos 998 and 999 (the two middle sized types with cornucopiaea on opposites sides) are shown here. The smallest size is about 6gm and also not shown here. The appearance of a contemporary Ptolemaic ruler's portrait on a bronze coin is unusual and may be unique to this series. These two are likely denominated as tritartemorion (six chalkoi) on the post-260BC weight standard. The largest size would seem to be a tri-hemiobol (ca. 17.2gm) and the smallest a hemiobol (ca 5.7gm).
|
|||||
|
28mm - 17.2gm Sv997 (cornucopia at left) |
  23mm - 8.6gm Sv998 (cornucopia at right) |
  23mm - 8.6gm Sv999 (cornucopia at left) |
  20mm - 5.7gm Sv1000 (cornucopia at right) |
||
This denomination series consists of 5 coins all with an identical appearance, differing only in size/weight. The familiar Zeus Ammon obverse is accompanied by a 'cult statue of Aphrodite' on the reverse.
|
|||||
  30mm - 17.1gm Sv1005 |
  25mm - 11.4gm Sv1006 |
  20mm - 5.7gm Sv1007 |
  17mm - 2.9gm Sv1008 |
  15mm - 2gm Sv1009 |
|
This denomination series consists of coins all with similar appearance, differing only in size/weight. The largest coin is uncatalogued and somwhat (stylistically speaking) enigmatic. It is somewhat heavier and larger than Svoronos 791, and its reignal attribution is subject to further analysis, tentatively attributed here to Ptolemy IV on the basis of its reverse lettering style and rather different style, somewhat more crude, of the tripod. The two smaller coin types show the familiar Zeus Ammon obverse, accompanied by a closed wing eagle and a trident on the reverse, with clean sharp lettering and carefully executed tripod. These coins are attributed by Svoronos to Ake Ptolemais (Acre) but modern finds indicate they are most likely from the area near (modern) Bodrum in Turkey. See the Trident series, above. Ptolemaic possessions during the 3rd C. BC were scattered around the Mediterranean and these are likely coins from one of the Ptolemaic settlements of that time. See the book by Roger Bagnall on Ptolemaic possessions outside Egypt. All are relatively scarce. Examples of Svoronos 791 are sometimes found with a single letter (A or B) countermark in a circular punch on the reverse, an 'A' example shown in the countermark section at the end of this presentation. Svoronos also catalogued as 792 a coin showing a Ptolemais mint mark (PI-T-O) to the right of the eagle, previously known from one example in the British Museum (not listed in any other reference book and not seen by Ashton at the Fethiye Museum). The PI-T-O may be the reason this series was ascribed to Ptolemais, but it appears only Svoronos 792 may really be from that area, perhaps an issue of Ptolemy V (note the unusual eagle style). Note also (see countermarked types, below) that some coins of other series are known with tripod countermarks which may indicate their validation for circulation in this region during a time when coins were either in short supply, not being minted at the time, or needed in larger sizes than minted locally.
|
|||
  26mm - 12-14gm Sv 791 'a' Crude style. Ptolemy IV-V? |
  24mm - 10-11.4gm Sv791 |
  20mm - 4.5gm Sv792 PI-T-O mark at right |
  18mm - 4.0gm Sv793 |
This denomination series differs from the previous series because of the limited coin size ranges. We have only the 'drachm' and 'hemidrachm', with two similar leg monogram types, from Alexandria (cornucopia to left of the eagle). LI = LAMDA IOTA. DI = DELTA IOTA.
|
|||||
  42mm - 68.4gm Sv1125 - DI |
  36mm - 34.3gm Sv1127 - DI |
  42mm - 68.4gm Sv1126 - LI |
  36mm - 34.3gm Sv1128 - LI |
||
This series has leg control/monogram variations of SIGMA, SIGMA EPSILON, or SIGMA IOTA EPSILON, in 5 sizes, from Alexandria. As in the earlier series (with DELTA IOTA and LAMDA IOTA) we find drachm and hemidrachm sizes, In addition there are tetrobols, diobols, and one known hemiobol with SIGMA (shown here). One very unusual large coin, shown here, has the SIGMA EPSILON monogram in retrograde, known in only two examples (the other in Weiser, Koeln). The later series (see below) has the tetraobols and diobols of similar types showing countermarks and some with different control symbols or none at all.
|
|||||||
  42mm - 68.4gm Sv992 - S/SE |
  42mm - 68.4gm Sv992 - S/SE Two examples known with SE retrograde shown here (see Weiser). |
  38mm - 45.6gm Sv1148 - S/SE no countermark See countermark type below (Sv1149) |
  36mm - 34.3gm Sv993 - S/SE/SIE Example known with SE retrograde (Weiser). |
  30mm - 22.8gm Sv994 = Sv1151 - S/SE See countermark types below. |
  18mm - 3.8gm Not catalogued in Svoronos - S/SE |
  15mm - 2.9gm Not catalogued in Svoronos - S/SE |
|
This series has countermarked tetrobols and diobols with different controls thought to be from Kyrene. By the time of this later series the issue of drachm and hemidrachm coins was no longer practised, making the tetrobol the largest circulating coin and perhaps the only type produced during this period late in the reign of Ptolemy IV. The unmarked type shown here might be an Alexandria issue, but its crude style and lack of corresponding other denominations sets it aside from the issues shown above with S and SE controls (Alexandria Series II).
|
  38mm - 45.6gm Sv1140 - PI-Y-E control without countermark |
  38mm - 45.6gm Sv1142 - PI-Y-A w/cornucopia countermark inverted at right |
  38mm - 45.6gm Svxxxx - Unmarked type not cataloged. See countermarked type below. |
Only the drachm and hemidrachm, with two leg control symbol combinations, from Tyre (club to left of the eagle) are catalogued in Svoronos. One rare hemidrachm (uncatalogued) is also shown here with DELTA IOTA controls that also has an ivy leaf countermark on the club (one other specimen known). A hemidrachm with retrograde SIGMA EPSILON monogram is catalogued in Weiser (Koeln) - see the Alexandria drachm with retrograde SIGMA EPSILON above. Additional uncatalogued types have come to light in the three smaller denominations with SIGMA shown here and a few others listed here. The Ptolemy IV coinage of Tyre appears to encompass more control symbol types and sizes than were known until recently. LI = LAMDA IOTA. DI = DELTA IOTA. S=SIGMA. SE=SIGMA EPSILON.
|
|||||
  42mm - 68.4gm Sv1129 - LI or DI The two control combinations are not distinguished in Svoronos. |
  36mm - 34.3gm Sv1130 - LI or DI The two control combinations are not distinguished in Svoronos. |
  24mm - 11.4gm Sv??? - DI Sv??? - S Sv??? - SE Types not catalogued in Svoronos. Double-size of Svoronos 1153. |
  18mm - 5.7gm Svoronos 1153 - SE |
  15mm - 2.9gm Sv??? - S Type not catalogued in Svoronos. One-half of Svoronos 1153 |
|
These denomination series also have limited coin size ranges. There are actually three different series with different controls. We have only the 'hemidrachm' and smaller sizes, with two main leg monogram types for this unusual 'decorated' series. Tyre issues of these unusual 'decorated' reverse designs have PI, PI-T, PI-T-O, and AP (ALPHA RHO) monograms. This is an enigmatic series for which the basis of the highly decorated reverses is not known, though the combination of filetted cornucopiaea on the eagle's shoulders with a club (of Tyre) or other mintmark is seen on some coins of Ptolemy II. The PI control letter, exergal letters, and unusual decorations (caps of the dioscuri, stars, etc.) are echoed in some silver and gold issues that tie these most likely to Ptolemy V. A precise attribution for the others remains a topic of scholarly investigation. Those with PI-T and PI-T-O are attributed by some to Ptolemais but the use of mint designations in the usual position of control letters as well as the clear presence of the (presumably) Tyre club mark is good reason to question that, as is the existence of related precious metal coins bearing related control marks that are likely attributable to other Phoenician mints. We show these series together here because they unusual 'decorations' on the reverse and Tyre club seem to make them related to one another but the reignal attribution may indeed span Ptolemy IV and V. The production quality of some AP types (such as the hemidrachm shown here) is high enough, with carefully made very round flan with clean rounded edges as well as high artistic quality of its reverse, to suggest even production under Ptolemy III. Two coins shown here merit additional attention. The coin with caduceus countermark is apparently unique and the caduceus as a countermark is not on any other Ptolemaic coins we have seen nor mentioned in Noeske's paper on countermarks of Ptolemaic coins. The city location or other meaning of the caduceus countermark is unknown but that symbol is associated with certain Greek cities such as Tarsos, as is the club seen on some Tarsos coins. It is possible these are Asia Minor issues yet to be better understood. Parts of Cilicia were under Ptolemaic control for much of the 3rd C. BC and only taken by Antiochos III near its end. The coin with PI-T-O control with a size in between Svoronos 1058 and 1060, a 'half size' of Sv 1058, appeared to be a unique specimen as well (a second one only recently appeared in 2014). The AP control types are the most frequently seen, sometimes nicely made (as the example shown here) and other times somewhat crude and of poor metal. The other types are all moderately to extremely scarce. The larger coins of these types sometimes show striations under the Zeus figure which appear to be part of the die itself, possibly indicating a re-working of an earlier die after removing its original somewhat design. These are altogether enigmatic, scarce, and among the more interesting Ptolemaic bronzes of the 3rd C. BC. It is possible these represent the last Ptolemaic bronze coinage of Tyre before it fell to Antiochos III during the reign of Ptolemy V, or perhaps some of them are from an Asia Minor location that fell to Seleukid control a bit earlier. One type recently added here is the uncatalogued type with the Kausia (hat) underneath the club, previously known from only a single specimen in a private collection and not catalogued or illustrated in any reference books or museum collections. A worn specimen, it nevertheless is clearly the same coin type as its brother which displays the kausia hat more clearly. The type is related to both the Svoronos 1059 and 1320 which share the same mintmark and PI control letter. A newly discovered type has appeared that bears no controls at all, adding to the mystery of this enigmatic series.
|
  36mm - 34.3gm Sv1251 - AP |
  18mm - 3.8gm Sv1252 - AP |
  16mm - 2gm Sv1253 - AP |
  36mm - 34.3gm Sv1058 - PI-T-O |
  28mm - 18gm Svxxxx - PI-T-O Uncatalogued type similar to 1/2 denomination of Sv1058. |
  20mm - 5.7gm Sv1060 - PI-T |
  36mm - 34.3gm Sv1059 - PI Unusual EP in exergue. |
  36mm - 34.3gm Kausia (hat) under club Uncatalogued - PI ? E in exergue. |
  28mm - 18gm Sv1320 - PI Unusual IE in exergue. |
  32mm - 22gm Uncatalogued No Controls |
A New Configuration of Coin Series of the 2nd C. BC. The nomenclature and arrangement here follows the work of Faucher and Lorber's AJN 2010 paper: "Bronze Coinage of Ptolemaic Egypt in the Second Century BC", AJN, 2010, pp 35-84. |
  36mm - 39.7gm Sv1423v1 - unmarked - Zeus with Ammon horn at top of head, two eagles, crude style |
  36mm - 39.7gm Sv1423v2 - unmarked - Zeus with Ammon horn at forehead, two eagles |
  32mm - 28.7gm Sv1491 |
  30mm - 19.8gm Sv1492 |
  28mm - 15.2gm Sv1493 |
  24mm - 7.57gm Sv1154 |
  17mm - 3.7gm Sv1496 |
This denomination series consists of 4 coins, the largest being the ordinary style of Zeus Ammon with double-eagle reverse, and again (as in Series 6A) alternating with Isis and other designs for smaller denominations. The nomenclature and arrangement here follows the work of Faucher and Lorber's AJN 2010 paper: "Bronze Coinage of Ptolemaic Egypt in the Second Century BC", AJN, 2010, pp 35-84.
|
||||||
  36mm - 39gm Sv1423v3 - Normal Ammon Horn |
  32mm - 30gm Sv1233 |
  22mm - 6.2gm Sv1173 |
  17mm - 4.3gm Sv1155 |
|||
This denomination series consists of 5 coins, the largest being once again an ordinary style of Zeus Ammon with double-eagle reverse, and again (as in Series 6A and 6B, above) alternating with Isis and other designs for smaller denominations. The nomenclature and arrangement here follows the work of Faucher and Lorber's AJN 2010 paper: "Bronze Coinage of Ptolemaic Egypt in the Second Century BC", AJN, 2010, pp 35-84. With this series we begin to see the weight reduction of the largest denomination from ca. 39gm to 30gm.
|
||||||
  32mm - 28.5gm Sv1424a - Normal Ammon Horn |
  24mm - 11.7gm Sv1494 |
  21mm - 9.1gm Sv1495 |
  18mm - 5.7gm Sv?? |
16mm - 2.2gm Sv1195 |
||
This denomination series consists of five coins with leg monogram KAPPA and introduces the design with Alexander wearing Elephantskin to the Ptolemaic bronzes. The largest size is unusual in that the symbol to the left of the eagle is a star, and occasionally this type is found with a cornucopia countermark as well, sometimes obscuring the star. The example shown here does have the countermark and part of the star is still visible, showing the type variation very clearly. This series shares the K control mark in the eagle's legs but, unlike most other series, the reverse on each denomination differs from all the others - eagles facing different directions, kerykeion through the eagle, two eagles (Sv 1377), open wings, closed wings, etc. While the control links these coins it is possible they comprise issues at slightly different times. The bare-legged eagles on all the types almost certainly place these prior to the reign of Ptolemy VI, though some references put the large coin (Sv 1375) under Ptolemy VI. This distinction has some implication for the dating of the countermarking (see the Coinex Hoard paper by C. Lorber and S. Huston, the conclusion of which is that the countermarking with cornucopiae preceded the reign of Ptolemy VI). |
  30mm - 20gm Weiser 136 - OMICRON w/inscribed LAMDA (star at left) See countermark type below |
  30mm - 21.5gm Sv1375 - K (star at left) See countermark type below. Sv ? - nm w/cmk (star at left) See below. |
  25mm - 10.6gm Sv1376 - K |
  22mm - 7.1gm Sv1377 - K |
  18mm - 4.8gm Sv1378 - K |
  16mm - 2.9gm Sv1379 - K |
This series, with largest coin being Zeus Ammon, once again reprises the alternation of designs on successive denominations. |
|||||||
  28mm - 21.9gm Sv1424b |
  28mm - 17.1gm Sv1234 |
22mm - 8.8gm Sv1236 |
  18mm - 4.2gm Sv1238 |
  14mm - 2.2gm Sv1156 |
|||
This denomination series consists of three coins with the unusual obverse inscription of Kleopatra I (wife of Ptolemy V and mother of Ptolemy VI) ca. 180-176 BC or Kleopatra II, co-ruler with her brother Ptolemy VI, from 160-145BC. We have only three sizes with leg monogram or left-field monogram of PI ALPHA. Having the obverse KLEOPATRAS incription may well indicate that she was the regent or co-ruler with the very young Ptolemy VI during the earliest part of his reign (ca. 180 - 176BC). The newer chronology by Lorber and Faucher leans toward the 160-145BC period. The next series (see just below) appears to be largely congruent to these coins but with two more denominations and lacking the KLEOPATRAS inscription. The largest denomination here also has a cornucopia at the left of the two eagles, typical of Alexandria issues, telling us that the PI-A monogram is not interpreted as a mintmark though it does appear to the left of the eagle on the two smallest issues. Compare these coins with the series shown immediately below.
|
||
  30mm - 23.5gm Sv1380 - PI-A |
  22mm - 7.1gm Sv1381 - PI-A |
  18mm - 3.7gm Sv1382 - PI-A |
This denomination series has some types similar to those of the previous series, but without the obverse inscription seen above. We have now an expanded series of five sizes with leg monogram or left-field monogram of PI ALPHA, as above, but without the obverse inscription. Perhaps issued just shortly after the KLEOPATRAS obverse inscription series seen above. The largest has Zeus Ammon, then Isis, Alexander in Lionskin, Alexander in Elephantskin, and a small Isis. Only the largest, as before, has two eagles on the reverse. Like the KLEOPATRAS inscription series above, these coins have the PI-A monogram in the left reverse field except for the largest Zeus portrait coin which has the monogram in the eagle's legs. PI-A is a control symbol for these coins of Alexandria, not a mintmark. This series appears to be a continuation, with an expanded set of denominations, of the previous series (with KLEOPATRAS obverse inscription). The largest size and two smallest sizes in this series are congruent in design, monogram placement, and size/weight to the three coins of the KLEOPATRAS series above. The absence of the KLEOPATRAS inscription on these may indicate that the coins are to be considered the first issue of Ptolemy VI as 'sole ruler'.
|
||||
  30mm - 22.6gm Sv1383 - PI-A |
  28mm - 15.2gm Sv1384 - PI-A |
  24mm - 9.3gm Sv1385 - PI-A |
  22mm - 7.5gm Sv1386 - PI-A |
17mm - 3.8gm Sv1387 - PI-A |
This denomination series consists of 4 coins, again with a Zeus Ammon/two-eagle coin as the largest denomination, now weight-reduced to an average 22.5 grams, and again alternating designs for successive smaller denominations.
|
  28mm - 21.9gm Sv1424b |
  26mm - 14.1gm Sv1235 |
  16mm - 3.1gm Sv1239 |
14mm - 1.9gm Sv1240 |
This denomination series consists of 2 large to medium coins with an identical appearance, differing only in size/weight. We see the familiar Zeus Ammon obverse with a closed-wing eagle reverse and a crested (corinthian?) helmet at left, the crest depicted in as an elaborate long hanging plume. The meaning of the helmet symbol, possibly a mint mark, is unknown. Similar helmets are seen on some much earlier and smaller coins of Ptolemy I, see above. Both sizes are relatively scarce. Attribution to Ptolemy VI or VIII is also subject to additional consideration especially with respect to the reverse style. An earlier attribution is entirely possible. The absence of fully-feathered eagle legs is highly suggestive of an attribution to Ptolemy IV or V.
|
||
  40mm - 45.6gm Sv1634 |
  30mm - 22.8gm Sv1635 |
|
This denomination series consists of eight coin sizes with single eagle reverse and lotus blossom to the left of the eagle. Specimens are marked with EYL or no control letters in the eagle's legs. Two medium size types have a sceptre or kerykeion through the eagle. We adopt the attribution of Svoronos 1403 (with no leg controls) as Ptolemy VI due to the style of the eagle rendering and its resemblance to the others here with long tufted feathers all the way down the eagle's legs. Weiser had placed this large coin at Ptolemy III but the style of both the Zeus facial rendering and eagle feathering argue against that. We also remove Svoronos 1404 (also with no leg controls) to an earlier series (see above) that includes Svoronos 841, 842, and 843 based on the same stylistic considerations. A couple of the smaller EYL types may display a Seleukid anchor countermark and the apparent defacement of the name Ptolemaioy from the reverse. Others show only the defacement of the inscription with no countermark, and yet others appear to be the original intact design. It is thought the defaced and/or countermarked examples are coins either captured by Antiochos IV during his invasion or made from captured dies and countermarked for circulation in the Seleukid empire. We show here some examples (e.g. Sv1401) with both the full inscription and obliterated PTOLEMAI version. That invasion occurred during the middle reign of Ptolemy VI, who was for a time a captive of Antiochos IV. Upon Antiochos IV departure it is thought he created his 'Egyptianized' series of bronzes that closely mirror these in sizes and style (see further below), but which were issued at Antioch as a celebration of his, at least temporary (until expelled by Roman allies of the Ptolemies) victory over Egypt. There is one additional enigmatic coin, Svoronos 1399, of comparable style but which lacks both the lotus blossom and control marks. We do not place it here because it has no lotus flower symbol.
|
|||||||
  45mm - 91.2gm Sv1395 - EYL Sv1403 - nm |
  36mm - 34.3gm Sv1405 - nm |
  30mm - 22.8gm Sv1396 - EYL Sv1406 - nm |
  24mm - 16gm Sv1397 - EYL Sv1398 - EYL + cmk Some with PTOLEMAI obliterated as shown here. |
  22mm - 11.4gm Sv1401 - EYL (some w/cmk) |
  22mm - 11.4gm Sv1401 - EYL (some w/cmk, PTOLEMAI obliterated) |
  20mm - 8gm Sv1402 - EYL Sv1407 - nm |
  14mm - 2.9gm Sv1408 - nm |
Attribution of these coins varies with different reference books. Buttrey's reports on excavations in Kyrene and recent finds indicate most or all are from Kyrene, however the reignal attributions are subject to additional research and analysis. The most usual design motif is a portrait of Ptolemy I on the obverse and the head of Libya on the reverse, often with a branch or cornucopia near the neck. It may be this is a single series, but it might include issues ranging over a lengthy period of time of different Ptolemaic kings. The upper row here shows five coins (leftmost) that appear to conform to the pre-reform metrological structure of Alexandrian issues in which one chalkous ~ 0.95 grams. The one at far left is an early Ptolemy I issue with unusual symbols (e.g. crab) on the reverse. There follow four which Svoronos attributed to Ptolemy III (Svoronos 871, etc.) and which have a single cornucopia near Libya's chin. The other two small size coins on that upper row are possibly related or later issues (e.g. Sv 1725). The lower row includes mostly a set of substantially larger, heavier coins, perhaps diobols, with a sylphium plant behind the obverse portrait of Ptolemy I and a double-cornucopia at the Libya's chin. Several of them have control letters or monograms below Libya's neck which we can associate with controls found on tetrobols of Series 5, some of which Svoronos even catalogued as originating at Kyrene. Those include PI/Y, PI/Y/E, EP, and SE, the latter known to be associated with a number of bronze issues of Ptolemy IV at several other mints (e.g. Alexandria, Tyre) and which ties these types most likely to Ptolemy IV. One smaller coin in this row (far right) shares controls with one of the larger coins. While that smaller coin is catalogued as Sv 1658, a later time period, its larger relative appears to be part of the 'sylphium behind head' group that may best be attributed to Ptolemy IV.
|
||||||
  18mm - 2.9gm Ptolemy I Portrait Open wing eagle r w/complex monograms Sv 70 Ptolemy I |
  21mm - 7.6gm Single cornucopia at chin Sv 871 Obol Ptolemy III |
  18mm - 3.8gm Single cornucopia at chin Sv 856 Hemiobol Ptolemy III |
  13mm - 1.9gm Single cornucopia at chin Sv 857 Dichalkon Ptolemy III |
  12mm - 0.95gm Single cornucopia at chin Sv 873 or 874 Chalkous Ptolemy III |
  18mm - 3.8gm Unknown symbol under neck truncation (~ I w/ dot on top) Sv 1725 Hemiobol? Ptolemy IX? |
  17mm - 2.9gm Double cornucopia at chin Uncatalogued |
  26mm - 19gm Sylphium plant behind head Double cornucopiae at chin No control letters below neck Sv 1143, variant? Ptolemy IV? |
  28mm - 16gm Sylphium plant behind head Double cornucopiae at chin PI/Y/E monogram below neck Sv 1141 Ptolemy IV |
  28mm - 18gm Sylphium plant behind head Double cornucopiae at chin PI/Y monogram below neck Sv 1143 Ptolemy IV |
  28mm - 11.4gm Sylphium plant behind head Double cornucopiae at chin SE Control Letters under neck Sv 1152 Ptolemy IV |
  28mm - 11.4gm Sylphium plant behind head Double cornucopiae at chin EP Control Letters under neck Sv 1141 or variant Ptolemy IV |
  18mm - 3.8gm ?Cornucopia at chin EP Control Letters under neck Sv 1658 Ptolemy VIII |
  23mm - 7.6gm Club behind shoulder Double Cornucopia at chin No controls under neck Sv 1268 Ptolemy IV |
These coins are unusual in that several types actually have the epithet name of Ptolemy VIII Euergeties II on the reverse as part of the usual Basileos Ptolemaioy inscription. They depart from the earlier series that look similar over a long period of time and have the Ptolemy I portrait with Libya on the reverse. These have Zeus Ammon and an eagle, usually open-winged. Some have the eagle facing to the right which is not seen on other Ptolemaic coin types. Shown here are just a few representative medium and smaller size examples. There are some other types in this series that include very large coins up to 90 grams; unusual types with one or two cornucopiae on the reverse with no eagle, reminiscent of some earlier types of large gold coins. We see a mix of control letters on the bronzes with PHI, KAPPA and 'none' in the fields but not in the eagle's legs. There are also some types with letters in the fields that appear to spell out THEOS. It's an unusual mix and Buttrey's excavation reports put these uniquivocally at Kyrene though some types are listed by Morkholm (SNG Copenhagen) from other locations. The open wing eagles of this series have a characteristic stereotyped 'high shoulder' on the opened wing.
|
  30mm - 19gm Zeus Ammon Open-wing eagle facing right K in right field. Sv 1649 |
  21mm - 7gm Zeus Ammon Two eagles facing left Sylphium plant in left field. Sv 1158 |
  27mm - 10gm Zeus Ammon Open-wing eagle facing left PHI in left field. Sv 1642 |
  27mm - 10gm Zeus Ammon Open-wing eagle facing right PHI in right field. Sv 1643 |
  24mm - 12gm Zeus Ammon Two eagles facing left PHI in left field. Sv 1644 |
  21mm - 6.3gm Zeus Ammon Open-wing eagle facing left THETA EPSILON at left. Sv 1651 |
  27mm - 10gm Zeus Ammon Open-wing eagle facing left No control in left or right field. Sv 1654 |
  15mm - 2.5gm Zeus Ammon Open-wing eagle facing left No control in left or right field. Sv 1655 |
  15mm - 2.5gm Zeus Ammon Open-wing eagle facing left No control in left or right field. Sv 1656 |
These coins go together on the basis of style and the unusual dates clearly shown next to the eagle. There are two groups each with a number of types, similar to those shown here but differeng by the actual date and sometimes the appearance of additional symbols. Two examples shown here from the first group (Ptolemy VIII) are catalogued from Svoronos 1622 - 1632 with dates that all start with K or L, spanning years 26-41 (144BC - 129BC) of his reign. Some have different combinations of additional symbols along with the date - lotus flower, petasos, etc. The first shown here (Svoronos 1624) has the petasos helmet symbol to the right of the eagle, lotus, and date. It isn't clear if this depiction of a petasos symbol is related to the same symbol seen on some later coin types (see next section, below, for three sizes that have a petasos to the left of the eagle). Interestingly these coins sometimes lack central depressions seen on almost all Ptolemaic bronze coins after 260BC. All roughly the same size about 22-25mm, 8-10gm. The second family belongs to Ptolemy IX and Cleopatra III, with OMEGA/SIGMA to the left of the eagle on the reverse and either L GAMMA (year 3) or L DELTA (year 4) date to the right of the eagle, for the years 114 and 113 BC. Some of these also have a K or KP monogram (of unknown meaning) on the obverse behind the main design figure's head. These constitute the range of Svoronos catalog numbers from 1191 - 1195. Svoronos catalogued them as Ptolemy IV (Cyprus) but a hoard found in Egypt and the contents of an Egyptian shipwreck have these coins mixed with tetradrachms that can be definitely attributed to Ptolemy IX and Cleopatra III. There are two smaller sizes in this second family of dated bronzes, both with helmeted Athena on the obverse (Svoronos 1194 and 1195), that are not shown here. The smallest Athena type, Svoronos 1195, has an unusual reverse with eagle facing right but lacks the markings (OMEGA/SIGMA and date) of the other coins in this family. Explicitly dated Ptolemaic bronze coins are unusual and may be uniquely represented by these families.
|
  23.3-23.9mm - 12.5gm - 12h LKH over lotus flower - Year 28, 142BC With Petasos symbol at right Sv 1624 Ptolemy VIII
|
  21.9-22.2mm - 8.9gm - 12h LKH over lotus flower - Year 28, 142BC Sv 1626 Ptolemy VIII Other Dates Include: LKC = Sv 1621 = Year 26 = 144BC LKZ = Sv 1622 = Year 27 = 143BC LKH = Sv 1623 - 1625 = Year 28 = 142BC LKTheta = Sv 1626 = Year 29 = 141BC LLamda = Sv 1627 = Year 30 = 140BC LLamdaGamma = Sv 1628 = Year 33 = 137BC LLamdaDelta = Sv 1629 = Year 34 = 136BC LLamdaEpsilon = Sv 1630 = Year 35 = 135BC LLamdaC = Sv 1631 = Year 36 = 134BC LMA = Sv 1632 = Year 41 = 129BC
|
  21.8-23.2mm - 9gm - 12h L LAMDA GAMMA over lotus flower - Year 33, 137BC Sv 1628 Ptolemy VIII
|
  27.1-28.4mm - 17.0gm - 11h Zeus Ammon obverse with no discernible symbol behind head Omega/Sigma at left, L/Delta at right - Year 4, 113BC Sv 1193 Ptolemy IX & Cleopatra III
|
  24.8-27.4mm - 15.5gm - 12h Zeus Ammon obverse with KP behind head Omega/Sigma at left, L/Delta at right - Year 4, 113BC Sv 1193 Ptolemy IX & Cleopatra III
|
  27.1-28.4mm - 8.8gm - 12h Bearded Heracles obverse with K behind head Omega/Sigma at left, L/Gamma at right - Year 3, 114BC Sv 1191 Ptolemy IX & Cleopatra III |
These coins seem to belong together on the basis of style and the profusion of symbols next to the eagles on the reverse. The exact meaning of the symbols is not known and, unlike many other Ptolemaic coin issues, they do not appear to indicate mintmarks because they are quite varied (thunderbolt, aphlaston, caduceus, petasos, etc.). Some are not catalogued in Svoronos or other reference books and reignal attributions are most likely of Ptolemy IX, X, XI, XII.
|
  36mm - 30gm Thunderbolt at left Sv1694 |
  30mm - 18gm Caduceus at left Uncatalogued |
  30mm - 15gm Petasos at left Sv1696 |
  24mm - 8gm Petasos at left Cox 119 |
  14mm - 2gm Petasos at left Uncatalogued |
  30mm - 15gm Palm branch at left Sv |
  30mm - 15gm No control at left Sv1712 |
  24mm - 8gm No control at left Sv1713 |
  14mm - 2gm No control at left Sv1715 |
  30mm - 11.4gm Cornucopia at left Weiser 179 (15gm) Size/weight between Sv1697 and Sv1698 Weiser lists his 179 as Sv1697 |
  22mm - 8gm Cornucopia at left Svoronos 1698 |
  24mm - 8gm Star over D at left Sv 1706 |
  24mm - 8gm Star over T at left Sv 1711 |
  24mm - 8gm Large Aphlaston at left Sv 1813 |
  20mm - 6gm Small Aphlaston at left Sv 1703 |
  24mm - 8gm Cornucopia at left Sv 1814 |
  26mm - 8gm Palm Branch through eagle KPR monogram right Sv 1875 |
  22mm - 3.8gm Isis Headdress at left Sv 1842 |
|
This denomination series consists of four coins with single eagle reverse and no control letters in the eagle's legs, with the eagle facing right and the reignal name of Antiochos Theos Epiphanes. The time period follows the departure from Egypt by Antiochos IV in about 168BC following his brief conquest and reign with Ptolemy VI at Memphis. These coins are listed in Svoronos but they are Seleukid coins issued by Antiochos IV at Antioch following the failure to consolidate the Egyptian conquest. Some believe the coins' issue may have preceded the invasion of Egypt. The Zeus figure on the largest type is not the usual Egyptian Zeus Ammon of large 3rd C. BC bronzes, rather Zeus laureate. The second size has (Zeus) Serapis with a laurel wreath and Isis headdress ornament at the top of the head. That type is not known on any Egyptian issue. The Isis portrait type is closest to a contemporary Egyptian design. The smallest coin has a traditionally Seleukid idealized radiate portrait seen on many other bronze issues of Antiochos IV. The other unusual feature on all of these is that the single closed-wing standing eagle faces right rather than the almost ubiquitously left-facing corresponding type on actual Ptolemaic bronzes.
|
|||
  44mm - 72gm Sv1415 - nm |
  36mm - 36gm Sv1416 - nm |
  28mm - 18gm Sv1417 - nm |
  22mm - 9gm Sv1418 - nm |
The coins illustrated here are not a specific series, but represent a variety of coins from different series illustrated above and which display countermarks of a similarly great variety. The paper by Noeske discusses some of the countermark types. Full attribution of the each specific countermark type awaits additional research. We do find coins from a many mint locations that are countermarked and many are relatively common (the large incuse trident-stamp on early bronze diobols, for example). Some are quite rare and their existence may add to our understanding of the circulation of Ptolemaic bronzes throughout the empire and neighboring states. The first group shows coins that all have cornucopia countermarks which seem to span the reigns of Ptolemy III through Ptolemy V only. The second group shows various other countermarks from Ptolemy II through Ptolemy VI including incuse trident, tripod, A letter, and Seleukid anchor.
|
|
||||||||
  30mm - 22.8gm Sv966 Chi-Rho Series Ptolemy III |
  36mm - 34.3gm Sv993 S or SE Ptolemy IV |
  38mm - 45.6gm Sv1149 S/SE Series Ptolemy IV |
38mm - 45.6gm Sv1142 - PI/Y Ptolemy IV |
  38mm - 45.6gm Uncatalogued - NM Ptolemy IV |
  30mm - 22.8gm Sv994 = Sv1151 S/SE Series Ptolemy IV |
  30mm - 20gm Uncatalogued, cf. Sv1375v - no control (star at left) Ptolemy V |
  30mm - 22.8gm Uncatalogued, cf. Sv1375v - OMICRON w/inscribed LAMDA (star at left, w/cornucopia countermark) Ptolemy V |
  30mm - 20gm Sv1375 - K (star at left w/ cornucopia countermark) Ptolemy V |
|
|
|||||||||
  28mm - 15.2gm Sv553 Numerous early diobols are sometimes found with this same incuse trident stamp on the reverse. Ptolemy II Early Diobol |
  28mm - 15.2gm Sv557 Numerous early diobols are sometimes found with this same incuse trident stamp on the reverse. Ptolemy II Early Diobol |
  28mm - 15.2gm Sv564v (monogram) Numerous early diobols are sometimes found with this same incuse trident stamp on the reverse. Ptolemy II Early Diobol |
  24mm - 11.4gm Sv791 w/A in round punch Ptolemy III Tripod Series |
  15mm - 1.9gm Sv839 w/B in rectangular punch Ptolemy III Trident Series Perhaps the smallest countermarked Ptolemaic bronze |
  30mm - 22.8gm Sv707 - Tripod countermark at right. Ptolemy III Tyre Club Series |
  42mm - 68.4gm Sv1129 - LI or DI The two control combinations are not distinguished in Svoronos. Tripod countermark at right. Ptolemy IV Tyre |
  36mm - 34.3gm Sv1130 - LI or DI The two control combinations are not distinguished in Svoronos. Ivy-leaf countermark on the club shown here. Ptolemy IV Tyre |
  36mm - 34.3gm Sv1058 - PI-T-O This specimen (unique) with caduceus countermark at right. Ptolemy V Tyre |
24mm - 16gm Sv1397 - EYL Sv1398 - EYL + cmk Some with PTOLEMAI obliterated as shown here. Ptolemy VI |
Visit the PtolemAE Project Home Page
Your educational and informational center for Ptolemaic Bronze Coins.