Watch List notes:

PTOLEMAIC KINGS OF EGYPT. Ptolemy V Epiphanes, 205-180 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 25 mm, 13.99 g, 12 h), Alexandria or an uncertain mint in Palestine, under the regent Aristomenes, 199/8. Draped bust of the youthful Ptolemy Epiphanes to right, wearing diadem ornamented with a laurel wreath. Rev. ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ Winged thunderbolt; above the wings to left and right, 8-rayed star; in the field below the wings to left, monogram of ΑΡ; in the field to right, spearhead upwards. Carlen O7/R17. SNG Copenhagen 527. Svoronos 1249 and pl. XLI, 4. Rare. Sharply struck, a spectacular coin with a bold and serene portrait of the youthful Ptolemy V. Hairline die cracks and some roughness, otherwise, good extremely fine.


Aristomenes of Akarnania was regent for Ptolemy V during the period of his minority, 201-197/6 BC. It has been suggested that this coin was issued for the young king's Anakleteria, the festival when he came of age (at 13) and ostensibly took over the government himself.