Watch List notes:

Ptolemaic, Ptolemy IV, 222-204 BC. Gold Mnaieion (formerly octodrachm); Ptolemaic, Ptolemy IV, 222-204 BC; Alexandria, c. 217 BC, Mnaieion (Octodrachm), 27.74g. Svoronos-1117, SNG Cop-196, CPE-888. Brett, "Benha hoard," ANSMN IV, 27 (same obverse die). Obv: Radiate and diademed bust of deified Ptolemy III r., wearing aegis with trident resting on his shoulder. Rx: Radiate cornucopia bound with royal diadem, regal title around; ΔΙ to r. of tip. Around the time of the Fourth Syrian War, Ptolemy IV had these gold coins struck in memory of his father, to commemorate the great victories over the Seleucids in the Third Syrian War. Previous to the battle in order to promote victory, the Queen, Arsinoe III, promised two gold minae for each soldier if the Ptolemaic army was successful. Following the victory, one-mina coins of this type were undoubtedly given out. Ex Gemini IV, 8 January 2008, lot 274.This is an unusual coin, in that it shows a portrait of the previous king, instead of the queen, Arsinoe III. It shows why Cleopatra was so popular, because of the enormous wealth the Ptolemaic empire commanded. No other empire does regular issues of gold this large. Highest points of obverse flatly struck as result of high relief. MS