Tetradrachm (Coin) Portraying King Ptolemy II Philadelphos and Queen Arsinoe II
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
After 270 BCE, issued by King Ptolemy II, reign of Ptolemy II and Arsinoe II, 285–247 BCE
This ancient Greek Ptolemaic coin is a gold tetradrachm minted in Egypt. Issued by King Ptolemy II after 270 BCE during the reign of Ptolemy II and Arsinoe II (285–247 BCE), the circular piece measures 2.1 cm (7/8 inch) in diameter and features struck relief portraits on both sides.
The obverse depicts the jugate heads of King Ptolemy II and Queen Arsinoe II facing to the right, bordered by a beaded rim. It bears the Greek inscription recorded as designating "of the siblings." The reverse shows the jugate heads of their parents, King Ptolemy I and Queen Berenice I, also turned to the right, accompanied by an inscription recorded as translating to "of the gods."
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
The son and daughter of Ptolemy I inherited the Egyptian crown jointly. In accordance with Egyptian pharaonic custom, Ptolemy II (reigned 285–246 BCE) and Arsinoe II (reigned 276–270 BCE) ruled as both siblings and spouses. They commissioned this coinage to celebrate their partnership. On his earlier coinage, Ptolemy I had presented himself specifically as a Greek, Macedonian monarch.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Gold
- Dimensions
- Diam.: 2.1 cm (7/8 in.)
Technical characteristics
- Inscriptions
- Obverse: A°E°ØΩN [of the siblings] Reverse: _ EΩN [of the gods]
- Maker recorded
- Greek, Ptolemaic; 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 II Philadelphos and Queen Arsinoe II
- Museum object number
- 1922.4256
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.