Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XXI 24-25 Mar 2021
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Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Ptolemy I, as satrap, AR Tetradrachm. In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Memphis, circa 322/1 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, rose before, moneyer's signature ΔI-O below throne. CPE 19; Price 3971; Müller 124; SNG Copenhagen 7-8; Zervos Issue 2C; Kraay & Hirmer 569; Gulbenkian 855. 17.20g, 27mm, 11h.
Near Extremely Fine; beautiful toning highlighting design with hints of iridescence around devices, well centered; a wonderful example of the type. Previously graded by NGC Ch EF, 5/5 - 3/5 Fine Style (#4885139-012).
Ex Heritage World Coin Auctions, CICF Signature Sale 3032, 10 April 2014, lot 23130 (hammer: USD 8,500);
Privately purchased from Classical Numismatic Group in April, 2008;
Ex Dr. Patrick Tan Collection.
Alexander tetradrachms marked with the rose symbol and the letters ΔIO have long been admired as one of the most beautiful issues of his coinage. They were struck in Egypt, probably not long after Alexander's death on 10 June 323 BC. Without Alexander's leadership, and with no clear or legitimate heir to the vast empire he had created, Alexander's generals fought amongst themselves and fractured the empire, dividing it into satrapies which they nominally managed on behalf of Alexander's successors, his feeble-minded half-brother Philip Arrhidaios and his unborn son. Ptolemy took Egypt, recognising its great potential. He initially retained Kleomenes, the caretaker Alexander had left in place in Egypt, as his deputy, though subsequently removed him on account of his many excesses and mismanagements, and appropriated the 8,000 talents Kleomenes had accumulated in his treasury. A part of this treasure was turned into new coin, like the present piece, and used to fund Ptolemy's military ambitions.
Near Extremely Fine; beautiful toning highlighting design with hints of iridescence around devices, well centered; a wonderful example of the type. Previously graded by NGC Ch EF, 5/5 - 3/5 Fine Style (#4885139-012).
Ex Heritage World Coin Auctions, CICF Signature Sale 3032, 10 April 2014, lot 23130 (hammer: USD 8,500);
Privately purchased from Classical Numismatic Group in April, 2008;
Ex Dr. Patrick Tan Collection.
Alexander tetradrachms marked with the rose symbol and the letters ΔIO have long been admired as one of the most beautiful issues of his coinage. They were struck in Egypt, probably not long after Alexander's death on 10 June 323 BC. Without Alexander's leadership, and with no clear or legitimate heir to the vast empire he had created, Alexander's generals fought amongst themselves and fractured the empire, dividing it into satrapies which they nominally managed on behalf of Alexander's successors, his feeble-minded half-brother Philip Arrhidaios and his unborn son. Ptolemy took Egypt, recognising its great potential. He initially retained Kleomenes, the caretaker Alexander had left in place in Egypt, as his deputy, though subsequently removed him on account of his many excesses and mismanagements, and appropriated the 8,000 talents Kleomenes had accumulated in his treasury. A part of this treasure was turned into new coin, like the present piece, and used to fund Ptolemy's military ambitions.