Egyptian drachm coin of Ptolemy III, 246-221 BCE. Obverse: large head of Zeus Ammon, facing right, with curly hair. Reverse: large eagle, facing left, standing on a thunderbolt; to left, a cornucopia; to left, inscription ‘πTOΛEMAIoV’; to right, ‘RAΣIΛEΩΣ’. Coin is very heavy.

• Iconographic Meaning

  The symbols on coins presented the Ptolemies as rightful, pious kings. Bronze coins like this one typically blended Greek and Egyptian mythology; the god Zeus-Ammon is depicted on the observe side of this coin, a combination of the Greek god Zeus and Egpytian god Amun. The cornucopia was a symbol of plenty and prosperity in both Greek and Egyptian.

• History Of Use

  Text tentatively translates to "Coin of Ptolemy the King". Bronze coinage such as this was a low-value currency used for small-scale transactions, wages, and taxes. This particular coin was part of the Series V issue, minted during the reign of Ptolemy III Euergetes as a standardized and wear-resistant currency. The Ptolemaic pharaohs minted a vast amount of these coins, and demanded more taxes in the form of coin, in order to exert greater state control over the countryside; making coins symbols of royal authority. By drastically increasing the use of coins minted in the capital of Alexandria, they hoped to increase ties between the central government and rural villages. This was partially successful as currency was dominant in royal accounting and among urban elites, but its use in rural areas was much more inconsistent, with many villagers preferring to barter goods.

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• Type of Item coin
• Culture Egyptian
• Material bronze metal
• Measurements height 0.6 cm, diameter 4.1 cm (overall)

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• Previous Owner David Cunningham
• Received from David Cunningham

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• Made in Alexandria

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• Creation Date between 247 BCE and 222 BCE
• Ownership Date before October 27, 2016
• Acquisition Date on October 27, 2016

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• Item Classes metalwork
• Condition good
• Accession Number 3206/0003