ptolemaic-kingdom-egypt-c-305-282-bc-item
DenominationTetradrachm
Country / EmpirePtolemaic Kingdom (Egypt)
Obverse DesignDiademed head of Ptolemy I Soter, facing right.
Reverse DesignEagle standing left on a thunderbolt, wings open or closed, often with inscription 'ΠTOΛEMAIOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ' (Ptolemy King). (Based on typical reverse for this type, as only the obverse image was provided).
Historical Context
Issued by Ptolemy I Soter, founder of the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt, after declaring himself king in 305 BC. These coins were central to the economic and political consolidation of his kingdom, replacing earlier Alexandrine types and serving as propaganda for the new Hellenistic monarchy. This specific coin is from the Cabinet des Médailles, Paris.
