070: Ptolemaic Kingdom. Ptolemy IV, Philopater, 221-20 - eBay 
Closed at:US $37,000.00
Auction Date:May-26-08 10:00:00 PDT   

Seller:i-lgoldbergcoinsandcollectibles

Ptolemaic Kingdom. Ptolemy IV, Philopater, 221-205 BC. Gold 
Octodrachm (27.77 g), Alexandria mint, in the name of Ptolemy III. 
Radiate and diademed bust of deified Ptolemy III to 
right, wearing aegis and resting trident on shoulder. 
Reverse: Radiate cornucopiae, bound with royal diadem; regal title around. 
BMC 103; Kraay/Hirmer 803; Svoronos 1117; SNG Cop. 
196. A beautiful piece of exceptional quality. NGC graded 
Uncirculated. 

Reflecting the wealth of Ptolemaic Egypt, the gold octodrachm 
was among the largest of gold coins ever employed by the 
Greeks. The fact that many of these large coins are found with 
little to moderate wear suggests that they were utilized more 
as items of "stored value," rather than implements of daily 
commerce. Ptolemy's designated surname of Philopater 
("Father-lover") can be regarded with more than a touch of 
irony. Upon the death of his father, Ptolemy had the elder 
Ptolemy deified. By contrast, in the course of his 
sixteen-year reign, Ptolemy IV had his mother, uncle, and 
brother murdered. 
Estimated Value $15,000 - 18,000. 

Images & text re-used by permission, courtesy of Ira & Larry Goldberg Auctioneers, Beverly Hills, CA