Tetradrachm (Coin) Portraying King Ptolemy I
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Ptolemaic Period (53–52 BCE), issued by King Ptolemy XII Auletes, Reign of Ptolemy XII Auletes (80–51 BCE)
This ancient silver tetradrachm originates from Ptolemaic Egypt and measures 2.6 cm (1 1/16 in.) in diameter. It was minted in Egypt during the Ptolemaic Period, specifically dated to 53–52 BCE under the reign of King Ptolemy XII Auletes, who ruled from 80 to 51 BCE.
The coin features imagery in relief on both faces. The obverse depicts the right-facing profile portrait of King Ptolemy I, adorned with a royal diadem in his hair. The reverse displays an eagle standing in profile, surrounded by Greek lettering and mint or control marks, set within a circular field.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
Ptolemy XII ascended the throne during a period when the Ptolemaic bloodline was diminishing, securing his position through bribes to Julius Caesar and other Roman generals. These alliances made Egypt increasingly vulnerable to Roman territorial ambitions. At his death, he decreed that his son would share power with his sister, Queen Cleopatra VII, who eventually eliminated her brother to rule Egypt independently.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Silver
- Dimensions
- Diam.: 2.6 cm (1 1/16 in.)
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Greek, Ptolemaic; minted in Egypt
- Place recorded
- Egypt
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Art Institute of Chicago collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Tetradrachm (Coin) Portraying King Ptolemy I
- Museum object number
- 1920.699
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Research required
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.