Ptolemaic Bronze Denomination Series

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Countermarked examples shown separately at the end of this presentation
SV#### are Svoronos catalog numbers, B### are Lorber CPE catalog numbers
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Ptolemy I-II - Alexandria, Tyre, and Other Mints - Series I-II
Pre-Reform ca. 290-265BC
There are six sizes in the earliest series shown in the top row here. And there are only two denominations in the subsequent slightly later series. Both share two denominations in common; the laureate Zeus 'diobol' (ca. 15.2gm) and an Alexander wearing elephantskin headdress 'obol' (ca. 7.6gm). The coins we normally assign to Ptolemy I are shown in the top row. They lack control letters in the eagle's legs, the control letters and monograms are to the left of the eagle. The recent publication on early Ptolemaic bronze metrology shows that the coins with aplustre on the reverse are a previously unrecognized pentachalkon (5 chalkoi) denomination. The aplustre distinguishes the pentachalkon from the hemiobols of quite similar design. Svoronos recognized some of those appeared to differ in diameter and set them apart in his catalog but the metrological study firmly established the aplustre as a marker for a specific denomination metrologically distinct from the hemiobols (4 chalkoi). The rightmost coin, uniquely depicting the long-haired horned Alexander on such a small denomination is Svoronos 345, also a one-chalkous coin, only 12mm in diameter (0.95 grams). (NOTE - previously described here as uncatalogued, now correctly identified as Sv 345).
The second row here shows the diobols and obols of the same weight standard, but which introduced the control letters to the position in the eagle's legs. That second row is made of three 'sub-series' which have the SIGMA/Shield at left, or the same with additional XAP monogram or SI letters. There are numerous leg control letters in the types with SIGMA over shield and SIGMA over shield over XA(P) we assign to Ptolemy II. There are clearly related types of diobols and obols throughout this period with linked control marks and other symbols placed similarly and spanning both sizes. This coinage begins at an indeterminate time perhaps as early as about 290BC and dominated the bronze issues for perhaps 30 years or longer. We believe the earliest are the types with only letters or monograms to the left of the eagle (top row), likely begun under Ptolemy I and continued into the reign of Ptolemy II. These are followed by the series of Ptolemy II (second row) with SIGMA over a Galatian shield, and ending with the series with an additional complex monogram under the shield (XAP). One similar set that display SIGMA over shield over SIGMA IOTA. It consists of only two coin: Sv554 (ALPHA/PHI control) and Sv564 (DELTA control - shown here), both diobols. None have central depressions seen on the later 'post-reform' series. Nor is the familiar cornucopia in evidence. The post-reform series (see below) appear to adopt mintmarks (club, cornucopiae, and/or monogram) with central depressions indicating a new method of manufacture. It is likely that many shown here are issues of Alexandria, with some smaller sizes possibly from provincial mints (symbols such as club, helmet, aplustre, etc.). This is altogether a remarkable group in that there are over 80 catalogued combinations of control letters and monograms.

28mm - 15.2gm
Diobol
A - Sv184
IG - Sv193
L/M - Sv206
G - Sv213
PI/Y - Sv219
PHI - Sv230
A/various - Sv269-303
S - Sv550
OMEGA - known but not catalogued

22mm - 7.6gm
Obol
D - Sv186
DI - Sv188
A - Sv196
M/I - Sv202
S - Sv215
PI/Y - Sv220
PI/Y - Sv225
TI - Sv226
XA - Sv235
EP - Sv237
EY/KL - Sv356
EY/M - Sv360
EY/XAP - Sv363
EY/KI/XAP - Sv377
ST/KI/A - Sv379

20mm - 4.7gm
Pentachalkon
Aplustre/Aphlaston
on reverse
Aplustre (alone) - Sv155
Aplustre (alone) - Sv156
Aplustre/Helmet - Sv172
Aplustre/DI - Sv157
Aplustre/TI - Sv157A

18mm - 3.8gm
Hemiobol
L/PI - Sv51
OT - Sv119
PI T - Sv130
TI - Sv135
TS - Sv136
DI - Sv189
HP - Sv238
X/Helmet - Sv163
PI-Y/Helmet - Sv167
H/Helmet - Sv170
KL/Helmet - Sv171

18mm - 3.8gm
Hemiobol
Tyre Mint
Club above Symbol
Club/A - Sv627
Club/AG - Sv628
Club/PI-A - Sv630
Club/XA - Sv 633

18mm - 3.8gm
Hemiobol
Tyre Mint
Symbol above Club
I/Club - Sv635
H/Club - Sv638
PI/Club - Sv641
S/Club - Sv642

13mm - 1.9gm
Dichalkon
HP - Sv239 'B
Not Catalogued
Sv239, with HP monogram,
is comparable,
but has long-haired Alexander.

10mm - 0.95gm
Chalkous
PI (ALE inscription) - Sv53

12mm - 0.95gm
Chalkous
KE (Lamda E ?) control - Sv345

28mm - 15.2gm
Diobol
Laureate Zeus
Open-wing eagle left
'SIGMA' over Shield
Control in eagle's legs:
A/T - Sv553
PI/A - Sv556
A - Sv560
D - Sv563
E - Sv568
Th - Sv571
I - Sv576
L - Sv580
O - Sv586
RHO - Sv593
Y - Sv598
none - Sv600
PHI - known but not in Svoronos
Alexandria Mint

20mm - 7.6gm
Obol
Alexander in elephantskin
Open-wing eagle left
'SIGMA' over shield
Control in eagle's legs:
D - Sv565
none - Sv601
Alexandria Mint

28mm - 15.2gm
Diobol
Laureate Zeus
Open-wing eagle left
'SIGMA' over Shield
'XP' under Shield
Control in eagle's legs:
PI/A - Sv557
A - Sv561
Th - Sv572
I - Sv577
L - Sv581
O - Sv587
G - Sv589
T - Sv594
K - known but not in Svoronos
Possible Mint in Greece

20mm - 7.6gm
Obol
Alexander in elephantskin
Open-wing eagle left
'SIGMA' over shield
'XP' under Shield
Control in eagle's legs:
A - Sv562
D - Sv565
L - Sv582
none - Sv602
Possible Mint in Greece

28mm - 15.2gm
Diobol
Laureate Zeus
Open-wing eagle left
'SIGMA' over Shield
SI under Shield
Control in eagle's legs:
PI/A - Sv554
DELTA - Sv564
Possible Sidon Mint

Ptolemy I - Aphrodite Portrait Issues ca. 310 - 305 BC

This series consists of three denominations of obol, hemiobol, and chalkous, all with Aphrodite portraits on the obverse. Some have control symbols on the reverse and may have partial legends or legends with the royal name at right. They conform to the weight standard of Series I - II with an obol mean weight of 7.6 grams and chalkous of about 0.95 grams. These are among the earliest bronzes bearing the name of Ptolemy.

19mm - 7.6gm
Obol
Sv74
Aphrodite wearing Polos
Closed-wing eagle left
PTOLEMAIOY at right
No control symbols
With controls at left:
Star - Sv75
'TK' - Sv76
H - Sv77
Wreath - Sv78

16mm - 3.8gm
Hemiobol
Sv79 B119
Aphrodite wearing Stephane
Open-wing eagle left
Partial legend: PTO at left
No control symbols

16mm - 3.8gm
Hemiobol
Sv80 B123
Aphrodite wearing Stephane
Open-wing eagle left
Wreath control symbol at left
Plain taenia headdress:
Sv81 B120

10mm - 0.95gm
Chalkous
Svxx B125
Aphrodite wearing Polos
Closed-wing eagle left
Partial legend: PTO at right
Wreath control symbol at left
Uncatalogued - cf Sv82
No wreath:
Sv82 B121

Ptolemy I - III Macedonian and Thracian Mints

The Ptolemaic empire's provincial coinage included issues of Macedonian and Thracian mints under its control. The Ptolemy Keraunos types were formerly attributed to 'Paroreia' and the S. Psoma discovered these types (two denominations, see the Metrology study in 2013 ANS) are Macedonian and associated with Ptolemaic rule. The Thracian issue of Abdera bears the portrait of Ptolemy III, note the club countermark.

23mm - 7.6gm
B155
Ptolemy Keraunos, ca. 280BC
Laureate Zeus
NK control at left
Obol, Pre-Reform Weight Standard

20mm - 3.8gm
B160
Ptolemy Keraunos, ca. 280BC
Laureate Zeus
Theta control at left
Hemiobol, Pre-Reform Weight Standard

20mm - 5.2gm
Sv929 B408
Ptolemy III Portrait
Club countermark
Griffin and ABDERITON Reverse
Ptolemy III Thracian Mint

Ptolemy II & Hieron II - Sicilian AE Litrae - ca. 268-264BC
This is a very small series, with many of enigmatic style, of one denomination. On most of these types the control, if present, is placed near the tail of the eagle. There is very convincing evidence that most of these coins are imitating Ptolemaic coins and were issued by Hieron II of Syracuse: the style of laureate Zeus is quite different from the preceding groups (see above), they are found almost only in Sicily and southern Italy, control placement is unusual, die axes are highly variable, most types have a reverse with a solid circle border, there is no obol denomination, the 'cupped' reverse manufacturing style resembles that of Hieron's portrait bronzes, and there are shared controls (N and PHI) between these coins and some Hieron portrait bronzes. The Zeus portrait style is also artistically similar to the Poseidon portraits of Hieron's smaller coinage with trident and dolphins on the reverse, distinctly Sicilian in style and quite easily distinguished from contemporary Egyptian Zeus portraiture. A paper on this very interesting group of coins is available via a link on the home page of The PtolemAE project. The dating and duration of issue for this series is problematic, but perhaps yielding now to results arising from quantitative comparative metrology.
The metrological study of other 3rd C. BC Ptolemaic bronzes has illuminated the previously mysterious weights of these coins, which, at the time of the 'Sicily' paper didn't line up with other types of Ptolemaic bronze coins. The metrology study published subsequently, however, showed that these coins' mean weight is exactly 1/4 that of the 'post-reform' bronze drachm (68.4 grams) and incline toward a new understanding that these coins may help date the onset of the bronze coinage reform of Ptolemy II and re-dating them solves the mystery of the uncanny resemblance of the Sicilian Ptolemaic mint's Zeus portrait to that seen on some post-reform Alexandria diobols (see Series 3, below). The first two issues, as reported in the 'Sicily' paper, share portrait styles and fixed die axes of Ptolemaic-minted coins and are the products of a short-lived Ptolemaic bronze coin mint on Sicily. The remainder are the imitative types that can be sorted into three Sicilian style portraits (A, B, and C) and have arbitrary die axes and controls common to issues of Hieron II at Syracuse (sometimes below the shield, sometimes near the tail). They were produced by a Sicilian mint (most operated by Hieron II at Syracuse) using local Syracusan production techniques and local die makers. The latter types are certainly imitative as they bear the name 'Ptolemaioy', but obviously deviate from the Ptolemaic style and make of the first two. Two rows are used here: one for the Ptolemaic Mint types (Svoronos 610 I and II) and the five imitative issues with Portrait Family 'A' (usually with control near the shield), the second other row with the coins with Portrait Styles B and C (with controls near the eagle's tail). Note that one of the imitative types is 'technically' a Svoronos 610 because it has no control symbol but its portrait style, eagle style, arbitrary die axes, and 'cupped' fabric clearly indicate it belongs to the imitative family and cannot be the product of the Ptolemaic mint that produced the other two varieties of Svoronos 610. It is perhaps a transitional or first imitative type, though in following the other imitatative types' adherence to Hieron II's control letter system we note that some Hieron II bronze coins also have 'no control letter'. All of the 12 known examples of that one imitative type (Svoronos 610 Type III) appear to have been struck by a single obverse die.
In general the Svoronos 610 Type I is most common and Type II a bit less so. Among imitative types the most common are those with portrait style B and among those the control 'N' near the eagle's tail (Svoronos 619) is most common. Among all the imitative varieties, those with control 'PHI' are most scarce (Svoronos 623 and 624). Types with portrait group A are rare and those with portrait style C are relatively scarce. A handful of specimens of Svoronos 619 (N control near the tail) with portrait style B are known with dotted reverse border, which also appear to have originated from a single pair of dies, and which 'break the rule' - all other imitative issues have solid circle reverse borders.

28mm - 17.1gm
Sv610 B289 - no control symbols
Type I - Dotted reverse border
Fixed 12h Die Axes
Egyptian Style Portrait
Ptolemaic Mint on Sicily
Ptolemaic Weight/Value:
1/4 Post-reform Drachm
Sicilian Value: 1 Litra

28mm - 17.1gm
Sv610 B290 - no control symbols
Type II - Solid reverse border
Fixed 12h Die Axes
Egyptian Style Portrait
Ptolemaic Mint on Sicily
Ptolemaic Weight/Value:
1/4 Post-reform Drachm
Sicilian Value: 1 Litra

28mm - 17.1gm
Sv610 B290 - no control symbols
Type III - Solid reverse border
Random Die Axes
Sicilian Portrait Group A
Imitating Ptolemaic Type
Sicilian Mint of Hieron II
Sicilian Value: 1 Litra

28mm - 17.1gm
Sv612 B292 - NK below shield
Solid reverse border
Random Die Axes
Sicilian Portrait Group A
Imitating Ptolemaic Type
Sicilian Mint of Hieron II
Sicilian Value: 1 Litra

28mm - 17.1gm
Sv624 B293 - PHI below shield
Solid reverse border
Random Die Axes
Sicilian Portrait Group A
Imitating Ptolemaic Type
Sicilian Mint of Hieron II
Sicilian Value: 1 Litra

28mm - 17.1gm
Sv620 B294 - N below shield
Solid reverse border
Random Die Axes
Sicilian Portrait Group A
Imitating Ptolemaic Type
Sicilian Mint of Hieron II
Sicilian Value: 1 Litra

28mm - 17.1gm
Sv619 B296 - N near eagle tail
Type III - Solid reverse border
Random Die Axes
Sicilian Portrait Group A
Imitating Ptolemaic Type
Portrait die match: Sv620
Sicilian Mint of Hieron II
Sicilian Value: 1 Litra

28mm - 17.1gm
Sv619 B296 - N near eagle tail
Type I - dotted reverse border
Random Die Axes
Sicilian Portrait Style B
Imitating Ptolemaic Type
Sicilian Mint of Hieron II
Sicilian Value: 1 Litra

28mm - 17.1gm
Sv619 B296 - N near eagle tail
Type II - solid reverse border
Random Die Axes
Sicilian Portrait Style B
Imitating Ptolemaic Type
Sicilian Mint of Hieron II
Sicilian Value: 1 Litra

28mm - 17.1gm
Sv615 B297 - A near eagle tail
Solid reverse border
Random Die Axes
Sicilian Portrait Style B
Imitating Ptolemaic Type
Sicilian Mint of Hieron II
Sicilian Value: 1 Litra

28mm - 17.1gm
Sv623 B298 - PHI near eagle tail
Solid reverse border
Random Die Axes
Sicilian Portrait Style B
Imitating Ptolemaic Type
Sicilian Mint of Hieron II
Sicilian Value: 1 Litra

28mm - 17.1gm
Sv619 B296 - N near eagle tail
Type II - solid reverse border
Random Die Axes
Sicilian Portrait Style C
Imitating Ptolemaic Type
Sicilian Mint of Hieron II
Sicilian Value: 1 Litra

28mm - 17.1gm
Sv615 B297 - A near eagle tail
Solid reverse border
Random Die Axes
Sicilian Portrait Style C
Imitating Ptolemaic Type
Sicilian Mint of Hieron II
Sicilian Value: 1 Litra

28mm - 17.1gm
Sv623 B298 - PHI near eagle tail
Solid reverse border
Random Die Axes
Sicilian Portrait Style C
Imitating Ptolemaic Type
Sicilian Mint of Hieron II
Sicilian Value: 1 Litra

Ptolemy II
Alexandria Post-Reform (after ca. 265BC) Series 3
This denomination series consists of at least 7 coin sizes. There are numerous leg monograms (Theta, Lamda, Iota, Rho, Delta, etc.) in this series so various nice examples are presented here from the PtolemAE collection (one size substituted by a comparable style issue of Tyre - see below). Svoronos catalog numbers are numerous and not all sizes are known in all monogram varieties. Sizes and weights shown here are the 'nominal ideal' for the types. Actual sizes and weights may vary somewhat due to the striking and manufacturing technology at the time. The idea here is to present the coins as a coherent series. You may also view these same coins with detailed information about each one elsewhere on the PtolemAE Project web site. Monograms are abbreviated in English below (nm=NONE, A=ALPHA, B=BETA, D=DELTA, E=EPSILON, I=IOTA, Th=THETA, L=LAMDA, P=RHO, T=TAU, Y=UPSILON, O=OMICRON, X=CHI, W=OMEGA). Some examples show a combination UPSILON/TAU (Y with a cross mark) monogram. When viewing the Tyre, Sidon, and Ptolemais series below note that the main design types largely match the Alexandria series which makes these all fit together into a picture of one coherent coinage. The provincial mint series do not have any leg monograms but all show the typical mintmark indications of their locations.

42mm - 68.4gm
Drachm
Sv413 - nm
Sv422 - A
Sv431 - B
Sv437 - D
Sv447 - E
Sv457 - I
Sv463 - Th
Sv464 - Th/ME
Sv479 - L
Sv497 - P
Sv504 - T
Sv504 - Y/T
Sv514 - X

38mm - 45.6gm
Tetrobol
Sv414 - nm
Sv448 - E
Sv480 - L
Sv505 - T or Y/T
Sv509 - Y
Sv515 - X

30mm - 22.8gm
Diobol
Sv415 - nm
Sv423 - A
Sv438 - D
Sv449 - E
Sv465 - Th(O)
Sv466 - ME/Th
Sv481 - L
Sv498 - P
Sv506 - T or Y/T
Sv510 - Y
Sv516 - X

24mm - 11.4gm
Obol
Sv424 - A
Sv439 - D
Sv450 - E
Sv467 - Th
Sv482 - L
Sv493 - O
Sv499 - P
Sv507 - T
Sv511 - Y
Sv519 - Omega

20mm - 7.6gm
Tri Hemiobol
Sv416 - nm
Sv425 - A
Sv440 - D
Sv451 - E
Sv468 - T
Sv473 - I
Sv483 - L
Sv493 - O
Sv500 - P

18mm - 5.7gm
Hemiobol
Sv417 - nm
Sv441 - D
Sv452 - E
Sv469 - Th
Sv473 - I
Sv484 - L
Sv501 - P

15mm - 2.9gm
Dichalkon
Sv418 - nm
Sv431 - B
Sv442 - D
Sv453 - E
Sv470 - Th(O)
Sv474 - I
Sv485 - L
Sv493 - O

Ptolemy II
Sidon Double Cornucopia - Series 3
This denomination series consists of at least 5 coins with double cornucopiae as the prominent feature of the reverse that distinguishes these from the parallel Alexandria series. Sizes and weights shown here are the 'nominal ideal' for the types. Actual sizes and weights may vary somewhat due to the striking and manufacturing technology at the time. The idea here is to present the coins as a coherent series. You may also view these same coins with detailed information about each one elsewhere on the PtolemAE Project web site.

42mm - 68.4gm
Sv758 - Double Cornucopia on eagle shoulder
Drachm

38mm - 45.6gm
Sv759 - Double Cornucopia in left field
Tetrobol

30mm - 22.8gm
Sv760 - Double Cornucopia on eagle shoulder
Diobol

24mm - 11.4gm
Sv763 - Double Cornucopia in left field. This type may actually be Ptolemy I or belong to an issue without center depressions prior to about 265BC
Obol

24mm - 11.4gm
Sv761 - Double Cornucopia in left field
Obol

20mm - 5.7gm
Sv762 - Double Cornucopia on eagle shoulder
Hemiobol

17mm - 3.8gm
Sv??? - Double Cornucopia on eagle shoulder. Uncatalogued type - uncertain if it belongs to this series or a later issue of Ptolemy IV or V. Appears to be a member of this series.

Ptolemy II
Tyre Double Cornucopia/Club Series 3
This denomination series consists of at least 5 coins with double cornucopiae as the prominent feature of the reverse that distinguishes these from the parallel Alexandria series. In addition this series features a club in the left field to distinguish them from the Sidon series coins. Svoronos attributed these to Gaza but the typical club feature of other Ptolemaic Tyre coins and find locations in and around Lebanon seems to indicate they are from the major Ptolemaic mint in Tyre. Sizes and weights shown here are the ' nominal ideal' for the types. Actual sizes and weights may vary somewhat due to the striking and manufacturing technology at the time. The idea here is to present the coins as a coherent series. You may also view these same coins with detailed information about each one elsewhere on the PtolemAE Project web site. Svoronos also catalogued (Sv837) a type of ~20mm and about 7.6 gm with double cornucopia on eagle shoulder and club in left field. It is likely that Sv837 type does not really exist and the specimen so catalogued and illustrad by Svoronos (from Milan) is simply a slightly large specimen of Svoronos 838 - which shares identical design elements. No other specimen of Svoronos 837 has been observed.

42mm - 68.4gm
Sv834 - Double Cornucopia on eagle shoulder, club in left field
Drachm

38mm - 45.6gm
Sv835 - Double Cornucopia and club in left field
Tetrobol

30mm - 22.8gm
SvXXX - Double cornucopia on eagle shoulder and club in left field - not catalogued in Svoronos or any other reference. Six known specimens.
Diobol

24mm - 11.4gm
Sv836 - Double cornucopia and club in left field
Obol

16mm - 5.7gm
Sv838 - Cornucopia on eagle shoulder and club in left field
Hemiobol

Ptolemy II
Ake Ptolemais Double Cornucopia/Circled-PI-TAU Series 3
This denomination series consists of only 3 coin types with double cornucopiae as the prominent feature of the reverse that distinguishes these from the parallel Alexandria series and unifies them with Tyre and Sidon (see above). In addition this series features a CIRCLE-PI-TAU monogram in the left field identifying them as originating from Ake Ptolemais. In contrast to the related denomination series from Sidon and Tyre, only these 3 sizes and weight denominations are known. Sizes and weights shown here are the 'nominal ideal' for the types. Actual sizes and weights may vary somewhat due to the striking and manufacturing technology at the time. The idea here is to present the coins as a coherent series. The last coin shown has a somewhat different style and might reflect an issue of a later reign, possibly Ptolemy V.

42mm - 68.4gm
Sv788 - Double Cornucopia on eagle shoulder with CIRCLE-PI-TAU in left field
Drachm

38mm - 45.6gm
Sv789 - Double Cornucopia and CIRCLE-PI-TAU in left field
Tetrobol

30mm - 22.8gm
Sv790 - Double cornucopia on eagle shoulder and CIRCLE-PI-TAU in left field
Diobol

30mm - 18gm?
Sv790v - Double cornucopia on eagle shoulder and CIRCLE-PI-TAU in left field
Diobol

Ptolemy I - II - DELTA IOTA /AI Series
This denomination series consists of several types which may reflect issues over more than one reign. The coins are enigmatic singly and when considered together, with the DELTA IOTA in common but some also showing a 'palm branch' or a star in combination with the letter pair. Their origin is uncertain but likely a Phoenician mint. The two largest coins depicting laureate Zeus are consistent with early Ptolemy I or II diobols, slightly light, but the smallest types may have central depressions indicating a later mintage (after ca. 265BC). Stylistically all are compatible with Ptolemy II but the smaller pieces could be issues as late as Ptolemy IV. The smallest denomination appears to be a depiction of Arsinoe, veiled, but which Arsinoe (I, II, or III) is unclear. Whether the DELTA IOTA letter pair on these coins is related to the same pair found as control letters in the eagle legs on coins of Ptolemy IV is also not known. Those lacking central depressions appear to be 'pre-reform' (pre- 265BC) and the DELTA IOTA may be related to that letter pair seen on early Ptolemaic tetradrachms of Ptolemy I, especially for the first three presented here. The two smallest specimens here appear to show LAMDA IOTA, though it could well be these are simply slightly unclear versions of the DELTA IOTA. One might even interpret the letters on some specimens as ALPHA IOTA. The two coins with DELTA IOTA over palm branch are clearly related and in the same sense as we see on other early Ptolemy I-II diobol/obol relationships. All are rare. There is a very unusual additional specimen of these types, Sv 351, shown below in the countermark section because it has a unique large EB (or BE) countermark on the obverse and might be a re-marking of this type as a Berenike coin. It is unique and a truly enigmatic variation in that it not only has the unusual and very clear countermark but also has a die axis of 8h. If these are indeed pre-reform types then their values are multiples of a chalkous weight of 0.95 grams. Post-reform values are multiples of a chalkous weight of about 1.45 grams.

30mm - 11.4gm
Sv341 - DELTA IOTA at left

30mm - 15gm
Sv381 - DELTA IOTA over a palm branch at left

21mm - 8gm
Sv382 - DELTA IOTA over a palm branch at left

23mm - 8gm
Sv384 - DELTA IOTA (LAMDA IOTA?) over star over PI-Y at left

17mm - 2.9gm
Sv386 - AI over * over PI-A (monogram) at left

18mm - 3.8gm
Sv351 - AI over X (or XA monogram) at left

17mm - 4.8gm
Not in Svoronos - AI over IE monogram at left

Ptolemy II - III - Proto-Natabaean Overstrikes
This group is not, strictly speaking, a particular denomination series of one ruler. They demonstrate that early Nabataean coinage seems to have relied on existing circulating Ptolemaic coins, particularly those of Ptolemy II and III, to serve as flans. These coins are fairly scarce and the overstriking (of a type sometimes attributed to Aretas II, Athena obverse over standing Nike reverse) almost always obliterates the undertype to a degree that makes the undertype not specifically identifiable. In very rare cases we can be absolutely certain about the undertype and can see that they are (usually small) coins of Ptolemy II and III. It appears there are also coins of Ptolemy IV that have been used but are not shown here. These very interesting types tell us that Nabataean coinage appears to have started no earlier than about 200BC but perhaps earlier than is clear from the (presumably later) types that are not overstruck. The types of Ptolemy II shown here (at left) are most likely either Svoronos 417 (Zeus / open-wing eagle) and possibly others with control letters no longer visible. The coins at right are likely (and some clearly identifiable) types of Ptolemy III. Two coins show the typical cornucopia at the left of the eagle and with one coin displaying the CHI-RHO. One appears to have the harpa mintmark of Joppa mint, one of the Phoenician mints that issued Ptolemaic bronze coins in mid 3rd C. BC. The coins shown here are oriented to show the Ptolemaic coin undertype. Interestingly, some of the coins are struck in a 'reverse sense' (obverse Nabataean type on reverse of Ptolemaic type) and others are 'normal sense' overstrikes. An important reference paper on these overstruck Ptolemaic coins is "The Earliest Nabataean Coinage" by Rachel Barkay in Numismatic Chronicle (2011), with images of more related coins and a classification system for them.

22mm - 7.6gm
Likely Sv 416 - Open wing eagle reverse, Ptolemy II

19mm - 3.8gm
Likely Sv 417 - Open wing eagle reverse, Ptolemy II

16mm - 3.8gm
Sv??? - Closed wing eagle reverse, possibly Ptolemy III

18mm - 2.9gm
Sv??? - Closed-wing eagle reverse, possibly Ptolemy III

18mm - 3.8gm
Sv969 - CHI-RHO monogram

15mm - 2.9gm
Sv970 - CHI-RHO monogram

17mm - 2.47gm
Sv819 - Harpa mintmark (Joppa)

Ptolemy II - Ptolemy III - Ptolemy IV Queen Portraits
These coins are not all from one 'denomination series', but they are sensibly grouped here to show the 3rd C. BC depictions of Ptolemaic Queen portraits on smaller bronze coins. Two coins (left) are fairly early Asia Minor issues depicting Arsinoe, one during the occupation of Northern Thrace and another during the brief period that Ephesos was renamed 'Arsinoeia'. Another group of four types follows with portraits of Berenike, likely issued at Ras Ibn Hani (Syria) during its occupation by either Ptolemy II or III. These coins are all not all that well-understood and they are unusual for Ptolemaic bronzes in that they have an obverse inscription naming the Queen. Note that some have the PTOLEMAIOY written in the opposite direction usually seen on Ptolemaic bronzes. They all lack the central depressions which might imply they all precede 260BC, however the Berenike portrait coins could be from the time of the 3rd Syrian war, from 246-241BC. One Berenike portrait coin (2nd from far right) may help date these as it is a very unusual overstrike on a bronze of Antiochos II (undertype is clearly visible and identifiable as SC572 on the reverse if you rotate it 90% counterclockwise - Apollo seated leaning with left elbow on a kithara and even the BASILEOS inscription of the undertype is clearly struck). This remarkable coin is much more clear than the only other known example (see Catharine Lorber's paper on the bronze Berenike coins of Ras Ibn Hani which has photos of the other known piece). This remarkable overstrike is even the more interesting because it has two different countermarks on the reverse, a cornucopia (upside down near the lower edge) and either a trident head or PTO monogram countermark similar to that seen on rare specimens of Sv 1006 (Ptolemy III 'Aphrodite Statue Reverse type). The coin furthest to the right is a common coin of Ptolemy IV, likely depicting either the goddess, Aphrodite, or perhaps Arsinoe III. There are actually two varieties, possibly both from Cyprus, one with double cornucopia on the reverse and one with single cornucopia (Sv 1160 and 1161).

12mm - 1.6gm
Sv387

17mm - 2.8gm
Sv883

21mm - 8.2gm
Sv1055
NOTE - Normal PTOLEMAIOY orientation

21mm - 7.6gm
Sv1055
NOTE - Reversed PTOLEMAIOY orientation

18mm - 3.9gm
Sv1056v - no EY
NOTE - Reversed PTOLEMAIOY orientation

16mm - 4.6gm
Sv1056 - with EY
NOTE - Reversed PTOLEMAIOY orientation

18mm - 4.6gm
Sv1056 (ovestruck on Seleucid bronze, SC 572, Antiochos II)
NOTE - The Ptolemaic reverse is also doubly countermarked: cornucopia within an oval punch and PI-T-O monogram in round punch. Undertype best seen rotated -90deg.

16mm - 2.7gm
Sv1160-1161

Ptolemy III
Alexandria EPSILON or LAMDA or 'Plain' Series 4
This denomination series consists of at least 7 coins that comprise a denomination series for which most sizes exist as both EPSILON and LAMDA monogram types. The two largest sizes are also known in 'no monogram' types. The E monogram types are also well known to exist in some variations with closed loops at the top of the E and similar morphologies. The 2nd size E monogram (Sv974 and variants of the E morphology) coins are very plentiful, among the most common types of Ptolemaic bronzes. The third size is a denomination only recently discovered through metrological analysis - a 20-chalkous (2.5 obol) coin. The data are quite conclusive on this; the coins average about 28.5 grams, far less than the 'expected' weight of 34.2 grams were they actually hemidrachms, as they have been previously catalogued in all reference works. Here are shown a mix of both of the most prevalent monograms (E and LAMDA) to illustrate the full denomination series. Lorber has attributed these coins to the early part of the reign of Ptolemy III while some other references differ. Sizes and weights shown here are the 'nominal ideal' for the types. Actual sizes and weights may vary somewhat due to the striking and manufacturing technology at the time. The idea here is to present the coins as a coherent series. You may also view these same coins with detailed information about each one elsewhere on the PtolemAE Project web site. In the following tabular presentation, the following indicate monogram types: E = EPSILON, L = LAMDA, nm = NONE.

48mm - 91.2gm
Octobol
Sv412 - nm
Sv446 - E(and var)
Sv478 - L
Sv482 - THETA
Sv502 - S (existence doubtful)
A - known but not in Svoronos

40mm - 45.6gm
Tetrobol
Sv1172 - nm
Sv1166 - L
Sv974 - E(var)
A - known but not in Svoronos
C - known but not in Svoronos

34mm - 28.5gm
Eikosachalkon (20)
Sv1167 - L
SV974a - E
A - SNG Cop 222
nm - known but not in Svoronos

30mm - 22.8gm
Diobol
Sv1168 - L

28mm - 16gm
Trihemiobol
Sv1169 - L
Sv975 - E(var)
C - known but not in Svoronos

24mm - 11.4gm
Obol
Sv1170 - L
Sv976 - E(var)
C - known but not in Svoronos

20mm - 5.7gm
Hemiobol
Sv1171 - L

Ptolemy III - Early Post-Reform Lotus Blossom Series 4
This denomination series consists of 5 coins all with very similar design, differing only in size/weight. The familiar Zeus Ammon obverse is a ccompanied by closed-wing eagle on the reverse with the lotus blossom in the same position where we see a cornucopia or club on some other series. The very close similarity of the style and fabric led to including these together, though the Svoronos cataloging and other references may differ in reignal attribution. The style and fabric compare with other types attributed to Ptolemy III and the design elements are rendered so similarly that they are best interpreted as a denomination series. Catharine Lorber's 'Lotus of Aphrodite' paper was the first to recognize these are a coherent group of 3rd C. BC issues. The largest coins of this group are sometimes easily confused with ones of equal size, but quite different style, associated with the reign of Ptolemy VI (Svoronos 1403, 1404, ...). The largest was actually not known to Svoronos though it is sometimes conflated with Svoronos 1403. The second is likewise sometimes included with Svoronos 1404 (Ptolemy VI), and the smaller ones as Ptolemy II (841-843). Seen as the coherent group, we recognize the largest coin as an octobol that is similar in size/weight to others of Ptolemy III (e.g. Svoronos 412, 446, above), the second a tetrobol, etc., in a size/weight progression associated with Series 4 as seen above.

45mm - 91.2gm
Octobol
Sv - uncatalogued

38mm - 45.6gm
Tetrobol
Sv1404

28mm - 16gm
Trihemiobol
Sv841

22mm - 6gm
Hemiobol
Sv842

17mm - 4gm
Fraction
Sv843

Ptolemy IV - Post-Reform Lotus Blossom Series 4 With Controls
This denomination series consists of coins all with very similar design, similar to the preceding, but with the control symbols seen on Ptolemy IV bronzes of other mints. The familiar Zeus Ammon obverse is accompanied by closed-wing eagle on the reverse with the lotus blossom in the same position at left. Controls include LAMDA IOTA, SIGMA, and SIGMA EPSILON (sometimes ligate as a monogram). As with issues of other mints, DELTA IOTA controls are also found (albeit not known to Svoronos). Svoronos cataloged these along with 1403 as issues of Ptolemy VI, not having seen all the types nor associating the style and fabric similarities to 3rd C. Series 4 coins and controls shared with coins of Ptolemy IV. The style and fabric and controls associate these with the preceding 'no control' group of Lotus Flower Series 4 types (above), a smaller series composed only of the two largest denominations (octobol and tetrobol).

45mm - 91.2gm
Octobol
Sv 1409 - LAMDA IOTA

38mm - 45.6gm
Tetrobol
Sv1411 - LAMDA IOTA
DELTA IOTA shown here

45mm - 91.2gm
Octobol
Sv 1412- SIGMA

38mm - 45.6gm
Tetrobol
Sv1413 - SIGMA

38mm - 45.6gm
Tetrobol
Sv1414 - SIGMA EPSILON

Ptolemy III
Alexandria Cornucopia with (No Control) Series 5
This denomination series consists of 8 coins all with no monogram that appear to be the earliest mintage of Series 5, later followed by the very large issue with the CHI/RHO monogram in the eagles' legs (see below) that includes more denominations. Most references agree that the attribution of all of these coins is to the mid or later part of the reign of Ptolemy III. Actual sizes and weights vary somewhat due to the striking and manufacturing technology at the time. We show here only the denominations that are known with 'no monogram' - most of which are very rare or exceedingly rare. Interestingly, the obol size is not known to exist. Some of the smaller sizes aren't in Svoronos but have now been catalogued in Catharine Lorber's CPE. The hemiobol and trichalkon denominations shown here may actually be just a range of weights of one denomination. Or this pair of denominations that are very difficult to distinguish visually may show us why the subsequent series, with CHI/RHO, have a couple of the smaller denominations re-designed with the Alexander in elephantskin obverse insead of Zeus Ammon - including the trichalkon. Note also that the closely related Tyre series simply has no denominations corresponding to the CHI/RHO 'Alexander' sizes, which tends to support the notion that early experience with small sizes in this series (no monograms) led to some re-thinking about how to make small denominations that could be told apart (CHI/RHO series) or just leaving out the ones that are hard to tell apart (Tyre series).

42mm - 68.4gm
Drachm
Sv1002
Eight specimens known

36mm - 34.2gm
Hemidrachm
Sv1003
Fourteen specimens known

30mm - 22.8gm
Diobol
Sv1004
Two specimens known

19mm - 5.8gm
Hemiobol
Svxxxx
One specimen known

17mm - 3.4gm
Trichalkon
Svxxxx
Two specimens known

Ptolemy III
Alexandria Cornucopia with CHI/RHO Series 5
This series consists of eight denominations, perhaps the most of any single Ptolemaic bronze coinage series, all with the well-known CHI/RHO (XP) leg monogram. Most references agree that the attribution of all of these coins is to the mid or later part of the reign of Ptolemy III, shortly after the small initial issue of types with the same designs with 'no monogram' (see above). Actual sizes and weights may vary somewhat due to the striking and manufacturing technology at the time. The idea here is to present the coins as a coherent series. These types, especially the largest drachm and hemidrachm, are very popular and sought after because the Ptolemaic mint's manufacturing quality and artistic beauty reached their peaks with of these issues. They were also made in very large quantitites and are sometimes found in large hoards (hundreds) so they can be obtained by collectors in very good quality. The larger coins of the Tyre and 'no monogram' related series, however, are scarce or exceedingly rare, though the artistic style and manufacturing quality are simlilarly excellent.

42mm - 68.4gm
Drachm
Sv964

36mm - 34.2gm
Hemidrachm
Sv965

30mm - 22.8gm
Diobol
Sv966

24mm - 11.4gm
Obol
Sv967

20mm - 5.7gm
Hemiobol
Sv968

16mm - 3.8gm
Tritartemorion
Sv969

15mm - 2.9gm
Dichalkon
Sv970

12mm - 1.45gm
Chalkous
Sv971

Ptolemy III
Tyre Club Series 5
This denomination series consists of 6 coins all with the well-known club mintmark in the left field on the reverse. These coins parallel the Alexandria series of CHI/RHO coins with cornucopia in the left field. Svoronos attributes these to Ptolemy II but the style and parallelism to the Ptolemy III CHI/RHO series seem to indicate Ptolemy III is more likely. Sizes and weights shown here are averages that are correct the types. Note that Svoronos 710 doesn't actually exist - it was erroneously 'created' by Svoronos as a type between 709 and 711 but there is no such thing. The few examples of Sv710 that have been recorded are Sv709 but at the lighter end of its weight range. Actual sizes and weights may vary somewhat due to the striking and manufacturing technology at the time. The idea here is to present the coins as a coherent series. You may also view these same coins with detailed information about each one elsewhere on the PtolemAE Project web site. As with the coinage from provincial mints by Ptolemy II, this series lacks leg monograms. These might be contemporaneous with either the scarce no-monogram cornucopia types of Alexandria or the CHI/RHO series or both. The CHI/RHO cornucopia coinage of Alexandria is a dominant and prodigious coinage as are most of these.

42mm - 68.4gm
Sv705

36mm - 34.3gm
Sv706

30mm - 22.8gm
Sv707

24mm - 11.4gm
Sv708

20mm - 5.7gm
Sv709

Svoronos mistakenly identified a coin type between 709 and 711. It doesn't actually exist.
18mm - 3.8gm
(Sv710)

16mm - 2.9gm
Sv711

Ptolemy III
Trident Series 5
This denomination series consists of 3 small coins one with Alexander in elephantskin obverse and two smaller pieces with an identical appearance, differing only in size/weight. The largest coin with Alexander in elephantskin headdress on the obverse is enigmatic and catalogued as a later issue in Svoronos (Svoronos 1063). Nevertheless its cornucopia at shoulder reverse is analogous to some small issues of Ptolemy III. It is extremely rare and its reignal attribution is subject to further analysis. Ashton's report on Ptolemaic bronzes at Fethiye (Turkey) reported a large number of trident coins of the two smaller types. The two smaller coins, likely from Turkey, show the familiar Zeus Ammon obverse, accompanied by a closed wing eagle and a trident on the reverse. These coins are attributed by Svoronos to Berytos (Beirut) but modern finds indicate they are most likely from the area near (modern) Bodrum in Turkey. Ptolemaic possessions during the 3rd C. BC were scattered around the Mediterranean and these are likely coins from one of the Ptolemaic settlements of that time. See the book by Roger Bagnall on Ptolemaic possessions outside Egypt. All are relatively scarce.

20mm - 5.7gm
Sv1063

15mm - 2.9gm
Sv839

12mm - 1.5gm
Sv840

Ptolemy III
Joppa Mint Harpa Series 5
This denomination series consists of 4 small coins all with an identical appearance, differing only in size/weight. The familiar Zeus Ammon obverse is accompanied by a closed wing eagle and a 'harpa' mintmark of Joppa (Jaffa) on the reverse. The largest size, ca. 11.4gm, is not shown here and is known from a single example, not catalogued in major references, ex. Don Doswell's collection sold at the Gemini Sale 2009. All are relatively scarce. Three sizes catalogued by Svoronos are 818 (ca. 5.5gm), 819 (ca. 2.8gm), and 820 (ca. 1.4gm).

16mm - 2.9gm
Sv819

15mm - 1.5gm
Sv820

Ptolemy III - Royal Portrait Series 5
This denomination series consists of only 4 coins, all with very similar appearance but differing in size/weight. The familiar Zeus Ammon obverse is replaced with a portrait of Ptolemy III wearing the aegis and the reverse is the usual style of Ptolemy III wearing a closed-wing eagle and the cornucopia reignal symbol. These are found in the area of Corinth and likely minted locally for use by Ptolemaic settlements there at that time. The largest size (Svoronos 997) is about 17gm and not shown here. The middle size has two variants (Svoronos 998 and 999) which have the cornucopia on opposing sides of the eagle. Svoronos 998 and 999 (the two middle sized types with cornucopiaea on opposites sides) are shown here. The smallest size is about 6gm and also not shown here. The appearance of a contemporary Ptolemaic ruler's portrait on a bronze coin is unusual and may be unique to this series. These two are likely denominated as tritartemorion (six chalkoi) on the post-260BC weight standard. The largest size would seem to be a tri-hemiobol (ca. 17.2gm) and the smallest a hemiobol (ca 5.7gm).

28mm - 17.2gm
Sv997 (cornucopia at left)

23mm - 8.6gm
Sv998 (cornucopia at right)

23mm - 8.6gm
Sv999 (cornucopia at left)

20mm - 5.7gm
Sv1000 (cornucopia at right)

Ptolemy III - Aphrodite Statue Series 5
This denomination series consists of 5 coins all with an identical appearance, differing only in size/weight. The familiar Zeus Ammon obverse is accompanied by a 'cult statue of Aphrodite' on the reverse. An additional smaller size (about 11mm) is not shown here, representing perhaps a 1 chalkous denomination for this series.

30mm - 17.1gm
Sv1005

25mm - 11.4gm
Sv1006

20mm - 5.7gm
Sv1007

17mm - 2.9gm
Sv1008

15mm - 2gm
Sv1009

Ptolemy III-IV - Tripod Series 5
This denomination series consists of coins all with similar appearance, differing only in size/weight. The largest coin is uncatalogued and somwhat (stylistically speaking) enigmatic. It is somewhat heavier and larger than Svoronos 791, and its reignal attribution is subject to further analysis, tentatively attributed here to Ptolemy IV on the basis of its reverse lettering style and rather different style, somewhat more crude, of the tripod. The two smaller coin types show the familiar Zeus Ammon obverse, accompanied by a closed wing eagle and a trident on the reverse, with clean sharp lettering and carefully executed tripod. These coins are attributed by Svoronos to Ake Ptolemais (Acre) but modern finds indicate they are most likely from the area near (modern) Bodrum in Turkey. See the Trident series, above. Ptolemaic possessions during the 3rd C. BC were scattered around the Mediterranean and these are likely coins from one of the Ptolemaic settlements of that time. See the book by Roger Bagnall on Ptolemaic possessions outside Egypt. All are relatively scarce. Examples of Svoronos 791 are sometimes found with a single letter (A or B) countermark in a circular punch on the reverse, an 'A' example shown in the countermark section at the end of this presentation. Svoronos also catalogued as 792 a coin showing a Ptolemais mint mark (PI-T-O) to the right of the eagle, previously known from one example in the British Museum (not listed in any other reference book and not seen by Ashton at the Fethiye Museum). The PI-T-O may be the reason this series was ascribed to Ptolemais, but it appears only Svoronos 792 may really be from that area, perhaps an issue of Ptolemy V (note the unusual eagle style). Note also (see countermarked types, below) that some coins of other series are known with tripod countermarks which may indicate their validation for circulation in this region during a time when coins were either in short supply, not being minted at the time, or needed in larger sizes than minted locally.

26mm - 12-14gm
Sv 791 'a'
Crude style. Ptolemy IV-V?

24mm - 10-11.4gm
Sv791

20mm - 4.5gm
Sv792
PI-T-O mark at right

18mm - 4.0gm
Sv793

Ptolemy I - IV - Kyrene Ptolemy I Portrait Types
The usual design motif is a portrait of Ptolemy I on the obverse and the head of Libya on the reverse, often with a branch or cornucopia near the neck. These likely include issues ranging over a lengthy period of time of different Ptolemaic kings. The several at far left are early Ptolemy I - II issues with unusual symbols (e.g. crab, prow) on the reverse. There follow others which Svoronos attributed to Ptolemy III (Svoronos 871, etc.) and which have a single cornucopia near Libya's chin.

18mm - 2.9gm
Dichalkon
Ptolemy I Portrait
Open wing eagle r w/complex monograms
Sv 70
Ptolemy I

18mm - 9.1gm
Obol
Ptolemy I Portrait
Open wing eagle and MU-GAMMA (Magas) monogram
Sv 327
Ptolemy II, Magas Ruling in Kyrene

17mm - 4.098gm
HemiObol
Ptolemy I Portrait
Open Wing eagle
Sv 328
Ptolemy I - II

17mm - 4.688gm
HemiObol
Ptolemy I Portrait
Ship prow on reverse
Sv 337
Ptolemy I

21mm - 8.1gm
Obol
Ptolemy I Portrait
Libya Head reverse
Double cornucopia at chin
Sv 855
Ptolemy III

18mm - 3.8gm
HemiObol
Ptolemy I Portrait
Libya Head reverse
Single cornucopia at chin
Sv 856
Ptolemy III

13mm - 1.9gm
Dichalkon
Ptolemy I Portrait
Libya Head reverse
Single cornucopia at chin
Sv 857
Ptolemy III

21mm - 7.6gm
Obol
Ptolemy I Portrait
Libya Head reverse
Single cornucopia at chin
Sv 871
Ptolemy III

18mm - 2.4gm
TriChalkon ?
Ptolemy I Portrait
Libya Head reverse
Single cornucopia behind Libya head
Sv 872
Ptolemy III

23mm - 7.6gm
Club behind shoulder
Double Cornucopia at chin
Sv 1268
(note overstruck on unidentified undertype) Ptolemy IV ?

Ptolemy IV - Alexandria Cornucopia Series 5
This denomination series differs from the previous series because of the limited coin size ranges. We have only the 'drachm' and 'hemidrachm', with two similar leg monogram types, from Alexandria (cornucopia to left of the eagle). LI = LAMDA IOTA. DI = DELTA IOTA.

42mm - 68.4gm
Sv1125 - DI

36mm - 34.3gm
Sv1127 - DI

42mm - 68.4gm
Sv1126 - LI

36mm - 34.3gm
Sv1128 - LI

Ptolemy IV - Alexandria Series 5 'SIGMA' Control Types with Cornucopia Mintmark
This series has leg control/monogram variations of SIGMA, SIGMA EPSILON, or SIGMA IOTA EPSILON, in 5 sizes, from Alexandria. As in the earlier series (with DELTA IOTA and LAMDA IOTA) we find drachm and hemidrachm sizes, but there are also diobols, and rare hemiobols and dichalka. One very unusual large coin, shown here, has the SIGMA EPSILON monogram in retrograde, known in only two examples (the other in Weiser, Koeln). There are some other coin types of Ptolemy IV that also have these controls and monograms made at other mints (Tyre, Cyprus and Kyrene) - see below. And there's one more Alexandria Ptolemy IV bronze with these controls, a tetrobol, sometimes with a cornucopia countermark. It is part of an enigmatic group of Ptolemy IV Alexandria tetrobols which do not have any cornucopia mintmark. It is shown below with the other Alexandria tetrobols that have no mintmark. The later series (see below) has the tetraobols and diobols of similar types showing countermarks and some with different control symbols or none at all.

42mm - 68.4gm
Drachm
Sv992 - S/SE

42mm - 68.4gm
Drachm
Sv992 - S/SE
Two examples known with SE retrograde shown here (see Weiser).

36mm - 34.3gm
HemiDrachm
Sv993 - S/SE/SIE
Example known with SE retrograde (Weiser).

30mm - 22.8gm
Diobol
Sv1151 - S E control
Same as Sv994
Double cornucopiae at eagle's shoulder

18mm - 3.8gm
HemiObol
Not catalogued in Svoronos - S/SE

15mm - 2.9gm
DiChalkon
Not catalogued in Svoronos - S/SE

Ptolemy IV - Series 5 - Alexandria Issue Tetrobols
Ptolemy IV issued an unusual group of tetrobols at Alexandria which, unlike all of his other Alexandria coinage, lack cornucopia mintmarks. One type has the S/SE/SIE (SIGMA, SIGMA EPSILON, etc.) control that is familiar on Ptolemy IV coins of other mints (Alexandria, Cyprus, and Kyrene). Several others have unusual controls seen only on rare Ptolemy/Libya diobols issued at Kyrene (see next series below). These tetrobols were assigned to Kyrene by Svoronos because of their unusual controls shared only at Kyrene. Current research, however, ties all of these tetrobols to Alexandria. Svoronos also connected the S/SE/SIE monogram also of a Tyre coin with the club mintmark to Kyrene, since corrected in modern literature. One of these tetrobols, extremely rare, has no control letter at all. Interestingly, there are no tetrobols or small denominations of Ptolemy IV's DELTA IOTA and LAMDA IOTA coinage. Svoronos also mistakenly included a type he thought had a CHI/RHO monogram in the eagle's legs, misreading a SIGMA-IOTA-EPSILON monogram, but no such Ptolemy IV CHI/RHO tetrobol type exists. There's one more peculiarity related to these tetrobols; all are known to occur with cornucopia countermarks and those are shown separately in the section below with all other countermarked types.

38mm - 45.6gm
Tetrobols
Svxxxx - No control in eagle's legs
See countermarked variant of this same unmarked type below.

38mm - 45.6gm
Tetrobol
Sv1140 - (retrograde)RHO-PI-Y-E control

38mm - 45.6gm
Tetrobol
Sv1142 - PI-Y control in eagle's legs
w/cornucopia countermark inverted at right

38mm - 45.6gm
Tetrobol
Sv1148 - S E in eagle's legs
Note S E separate letters

Ptolemy IV - Series 5 - Kyrene Diobols with Ptolemy/Libya Design
These four types parallel an enigmatic quartet of Ptolemy IV tetrobols issued at Alexandria with the same controls (see immediately above), but which lack the otherwise ubiquitous cornucopia mintmark of Alexandria. Interestingly the SIGMA EPSILON control (monogram) connects those Alexandria tetrobols, these Kyrene diobols, and some rare coins of Tyre and Cyprus all to Ptolemy IV. It may be the most geographically widespread of all the controls and monograms used on Ptolemaic bronze coins and helps date some of the coinages from different locations to the reign of Ptolemy IV. Note also that the SE diobol of Alexandria's Series 5 is of the Alexandria Series 3 - 5 weight standard and so it weighs about 22.8 grams. These diobols of Kyrene seem to be of the same weight standard as Series 1 - 2 coinage of Alexandria and other mints. More research on the metrology of Kyrene's Ptolemaic bronze coinage is in progress.

26mm - 19gm
Diobol
Svxxxx - No control below neck
Silphium plant behind head
Double cornucopiae at chin

28mm - 16gm
Diobol
SV 1141 - (retrograde)RHO-PI-Y-E control below neck
Silphium plant behind head
Double cornucopiae at chin

28mm - 18gm
Diobol
SV 1143 - PI/Y monogram below neck
Silphium plant behind head
Double cornucopiae at chin

28mm - 11.4gm
Diobol
Sv1152 - S E control below neck
Silphium plant behind head
Double cornucopiae at chin

Ptolemy IV - Tyre Series 5
Only the drachm and hemidrachm, with two leg control symbol combinations, from Tyre (club to left of the eagle) are catalogued in Svoronos. One rare hemidrachm (uncatalogued) is also shown here with DELTA IOTA controls that also has an ivy leaf countermark on the club (one other specimen known). A hemidrachm with retrograde SIGMA EPSILON monogram is catalogued in Weiser (Koeln) - see the Alexandria drachm with retrograde SIGMA EPSILON above. Additional uncatalogued types have come to light in the three smaller denominations with SIGMA shown here and a few others listed here. The Ptolemy IV coinage of Tyre appears to encompass more control symbol types and sizes than were known until recently. LI = LAMDA IOTA. DI = DELTA IOTA. S=SIGMA. SE=SIGMA EPSILON.

42mm - 68.4gm
Sv1129 - LI or DI
The two control combinations are not distinguished in Svoronos.

36mm - 34.3gm
Sv1130 - LI or DI
The two control combinations are not distinguished in Svoronos.

24mm - 11.4gm
Sv??? - DI
Sv??? - S
Sv??? - SE
Types not catalogued in Svoronos. Double-size of Svoronos 1153.

18mm - 5.7gm
Svoronos 1153 - SE

15mm - 2.9gm
Sv??? - S
Type not catalogued in Svoronos. One-half of Svoronos 1153

Late 3rd - Early 2nd C. BC
Tyre 'Decorated Reverse' Series
Ptolemy IV - V

These denomination series also have limited coin size ranges. There are actually three different series with different controls. We have only the 'hemidrachm' and smaller sizes, with two main leg monogram types for this unusual 'decorated' series. Tyre issues of these unusual 'decorated' reverse designs have PI, PI-T, PI-T-O, and AP (ALPHA RHO) monograms. This is an enigmatic series for which the basis of the highly decorated reverses is not known, though the combination of filetted cornucopiaea on the eagle's shoulders with a club (of Tyre) or other mintmark is seen on some coins of Ptolemy II. The PI control letter, exergal letters, and unusual decorations (caps of the dioscuri, stars, etc.) are echoed in some silver and gold issues that tie these most likely to Ptolemy V. A precise attribution for the others remains a topic of scholarly investigation. Those with PI-T and PI-T-O are attributed by some to Ptolemais but the use of mint designations in the usual position of control letters as well as the clear presence of the (presumably) Tyre club mark is good reason to question that, as is the existence of related precious metal coins bearing related control marks that are likely attributable to other Phoenician mints. We show these series together here because they unusual 'decorations' on the reverse and Tyre club seem to make them related to one another but the reignal attribution may indeed span Ptolemy IV and V. The production quality of some AP types (such as the hemidrachm shown here) is high enough, with carefully made very round flan with clean rounded edges as well as high artistic quality of its reverse, to suggest even production under Ptolemy III. Two coins shown here merit additional attention. The coin with caduceus countermark is apparently unique and the caduceus as a countermark is not on any other Ptolemaic coins we have seen nor mentioned in Noeske's paper on countermarks of Ptolemaic coins. The city location or other meaning of the caduceus countermark is unknown but that symbol is associated with certain Greek cities such as Tarsos, as is the club seen on some Tarsos coins. It is possible these are Asia Minor issues yet to be better understood. Parts of Cilicia were under Ptolemaic control for much of the 3rd C. BC and only taken by Antiochos III near its end. The coin with PI-T-O control with a size in between Svoronos 1058 and 1060, a 'half size' of Sv 1058, appeared to be a unique specimen as well (a second one only recently appeared in 2014). The AP control types are the most frequently seen, sometimes nicely made (as the example shown here) and other times crudely and of poor metal. The other types are all moderately to very scarce. Some larger coins of these types sometimes show striations under the Zeus figure which appear to be part of the die itself, possibly indicating a re-working or die breaks or wear. These may represent the last Ptolemaic bronze coinage of Tyre before it fell to Antiochos III during the reign of Ptolemy V, or perhaps some of them are from an Asia Minor location that fell to Seleukid control a bit earlier. One recent addition here is the uncatalogued type with the Kausia (hat) underneath the club, known from perhaps five specimens and not catalogued or illustrated in any reference books but there is one specimen in a museum collection. This one is a worn specimen, nevertheless clearly the same coin type as its brother which displays the kausia hat more clearly. The type is related to both the Svoronos 1059 and 1320 which share the same mintmark and PI control letter. A newly discovered type has appeared that bears no controls at all, adding more enigma to this series.

36mm - 34.3gm
Sv1251 - AP

18mm - 3.8gm
Sv1252 - AP

16mm - 2gm
Sv1253 - AP

36mm - 34.3gm
Sv1058 - PI-T-O

28mm - 18gm
Svxxxx - PI-T-O
Uncatalogued type similar to 1/2 denomination of Sv1058.

20mm - 5.7gm
Sv1060 - PI-T

36mm - 34.3gm
Sv1059 - PI
Unusual EP in exergue.

36mm - 34.3gm
Kausia (hat) under club
Uncatalogued - PI
? E in exergue.

28mm - 18gm
Sv1320 - PI
Unusual IE in exergue.

32mm - 22gm
Uncatalogued
No Controls

Alexandria 2nd C. BC - Marked Series Class 1
K Control Symbol
This denomination series consists of five coins with leg monogram KAPPA and introduces the design with Alexander wearing Elephantskin to the Ptolemaic bronzes. The largest size is unusual in that the symbol to the left of the eagle is a star, and occasionally this type is found with a cornucopia countermark as well, sometimes obscuring the star. The example shown here does have the countermark and part of the star is still visible, showing the type variation very clearly. This series shares the K control mark in the eagle's legs but, unlike most other series, the reverse on each denomination differs from all the others - eagles facing different directions, kerykeion through the eagle, two eagles (Sv 1377), open wings, closed wings, etc. In the 'Coinex Hoard' paper by Lorber and Huston, the countermarking with cornucopiae is said to have preceded the reign of Ptolemy VI. The countermarked versions of the larger issues are shown in the separate section at the end of this presentation. The 'no control', 'K', and Omicron/Lamda control all exist in countermark versions (the no-control type is only known with the countermark), shown below, with cornucopia countermark impressed onto the star that is seen at left of the eagle. The 'no control' and Omicron (with inscribed Lamda) are not catalogued in Svoronos, however Weiser shows the Omicron/Lamda type (Weiser #136) also as Ptolemy V, describing it (incorrectly) as mis-read 'K'.

30mm - 20gm
Weiser 136 - OMICRON w/inscribed LAMDA (star at left)
See countermark type below

30mm - 21.5gm
Sv1375 - K (star at left)
See countermark type below.
Sv ? - nm w/cmk (star at left)
See below.

25mm - 10.6gm
Sv1376 - K

22mm - 7.1gm
Sv1377 - K

18mm - 4.8gm
Sv1378 - K

16mm - 2.9gm
Sv1379 - K

Alexandria 2nd C. BC Marked Series Class 2
PI/A Control
Obverse Inscriptions Naming Kleopatra II ca 168-163BC
This denomination series consists of three coins with the unusual obverse inscription of Kleopatra I (wife of Ptolemy V and mother of Ptolemy VI) ca. 180-176 BC or Kleopatra II, co-ruler with her brother Ptolemy VI, from 168-145BC. We have only three sizes with leg monogram or left-field monogram of PI ALPHA. Some have thought the obverse inscription must be of Kleopatra I when, as mother of the very young Ptolemy VI when he inherited the kingdom on the death of Ptolemy V, she was the regent or co-ruler during the earliest part of his reign (ca. 180 - 176BC). More recently, Lorber and Faucher suggested the inscription refers to Kleopatra II, during the period 160-145BC. Recently a unique coin has been discovered also with the unusual obverse inscriptions from Kyrene (shown immediately below these) which may well narrow the date to ca. 168-163BC.

30mm - 23.5gm
Sv1380 - PI-A

22mm - 7.1gm
Sv1381 - PI-A

18mm - 3.7gm
Sv1382 - PI-A

Alexandria 2nd C. BC Marked Series Class 3
PI/A Control

Similar to the the previous Marked Series Class 2, but with four sizes and lacking the obverse Kleopatra inscription of Class 2. Svoronos also catalogued a fifth size, a small Isis type, as Sv 1387, for which I've checked carefully all available evidence and found it almost certainly does not exist; it is one of Svoronos's errors. Faucher and Lorber (AJN 2010) do include it, but they illustrated it with a known specimen of Sv 1238 (which doesn't have a PI/A monogram) from the BnF collection. Checking the available images of specimens that are supposedly 'Sv 1387' I found they are *all* examples of Sv 1238. The largest coin of this marked class has Zeus Ammon, then Isis, Alexander in Lionskin, Alexander in Elephantskin, and a small Isis coin. Only the largest, as before, has two eagles on the reverse. These coins have the same PI/A monogram as Class 2, in the same positions on the reverse. The PI'A is almost certainly a control symbol, not a mintmark. No hoard evidence clearly dates these coins exclusively to either before, during, or after the issue of Class 2. Hoards with specimens of Class 2 also have specimens of Class 3. If the Class 2 coins' obverse inscription refers to the period of 168 - 163 BC and pertains to the rule of Ptolemy VI, then the best dating for these may well be from some a bit earlier than 168 BC to some time after 163 BC. The medium Isis type of Class 3 is one of the most common Ptolemaic bronze coins and is known from hoard which contain many specimens. The prodigious quantities of Class 3 Isis coins known today contrasts with the other types of this class which are much less frequently seen.

30mm - 22.6gm
Sv1383 - PI-A

28mm - 15.2gm
Sv1384 - PI-A

24mm - 9.3gm
Sv1385 - PI-A

22mm - 7.5gm
Sv1386 - PI-A

Alexandria 2nd C. BC Marked Series Class 4
Dated Types of Ptolemy IX and Cleopatra III
This marked class is identifiable by the OMEGA/SIGMA to the left of the eagle on the reverse and either L GAMMA (year 3) or L DELTA (year 4) date to the right of the eagle, indicating the years 114 and 113 BC. Some of these also have a K or KP monogram (of unknown meaning) on the obverse behind the Zeus head. These constitute the range of Svoronos catalog numbers from 1191 - 1194. Svoronos catalogued them as Ptolemy IV (Cyprus) but a hoard found in Egypt and the contents of a shipwreck have these coins mixed with tetradrachms attributed to Ptolemy IX and Cleopatra III. One smaller sizes of Alexandria's dated bronzes, with helmeted Athena on the obverse (Svoronos 1194) is not illustrated here. Faucher and Lorber called this 'Series 8' and included a small Athena-obverse type, Svoronos 1195 but it lacks date symbols of the others so it is not included here. Alexandrian dated Ptolemaic bronze coins are represented by these short-lived types made only during a two-year period. These coins of Ptolemy IX may represent a continuation, at Alexandria, of the practise of dating bronze coins begun by Ptolemy VIII on Cyprus (see below).

27.1-28.4mm - 17.0gm - 11h
Zeus Ammon obverse with no discernible symbol behind head
Omega/Sigma at left, L/Delta at right - Year 4, 113BC
Sv 1193
Ptolemy IX & Cleopatra III

24.8-27.4mm - 15.5gm - 12h
Zeus Ammon obverse with KP behind head
Omega/Sigma at left, L/Delta at right - Year 4, 113BC
Sv 1193
Ptolemy IX & Cleopatra III

19.6-21.2mm - 9.2gm - 12h
Bearded Heracles obverse with K behind head, possibly off flan here
Omega/Sigma at left, L/Gamma at right - Year 3, 114BC
Sv 1191
Ptolemy IX & Cleopatra III

Alexandria 2nd C. BC Marked Series Class 5
Two very small bronze coins about 10 - 12mm diameter make up what we know of this 'series' (it being only two types, one denomination) that is based on papyri referring to 5-drachma coins at a time when a bronze drachma had been reduced to a mere wisp of metal weighing a small fraction of one gram. The two types here both have Zeus Ammon obverses with a closed-wing eagle reverse and either K LAMDA (possibly referring to Kleopatra III or IV) or B A spanning the eagle. Faucher includes these in his Series 9, along with other unrelated types.

10-12mm - 1.2gm
Zeus Ammon / Closed-wing eagle with K LAMDA
Sv1732

10-12mm - 1gm
Zeus Ammon / Closed-wing eagle with B A
Sv1733

Alexandria Late 3rd - Early 2nd C. BC Unmarked 'Series'

NOTE (March 2022) - The unmarked types (with no control symbols) issued at Alexandria during the 2nd C. BC will soon be reorganized. It has been clear for some time that the F&L 2010 AJN paper has numerous obvious errors and their structures of so-called 'Series 6 & 7' (eight sub-series in all) and their chronology are not believable. Now that new research on the metrology of these coin types of the 2nd - 1st C. has been published (AJN 2021 Volume 33 pp. 57 - 119) the presentation of these types can be updated based on sound evidence.

The unmarked types of 2nd C. Alexandria's Ptolemaic bronze coinage, may represent several 'series' of multiple denominations related to one another, which appear to introduce an entirely new valuation system for Alexandria's Ptolemaic bronze coinage. This potential series includes two large types with the unusual Ammon horns (one with the horn protruding from the top of the head, another with the horn protruding from the forehead) were found together with countermarked tetrobol types of Ptolemy IV (with controls) in the 'Coinex' hoard. These could be attributable to a period late in the reign of Ptolemy IV when bronze coin valuation was redefined. The large-horn Ammon types may be the 'large denomination' coins of an a new series issued late in the reign of Ptolemy IV or early in the reign of Ptolemy V, with 2 eagles on the reverse denoting the largest denomination of the series that introduces portraits of Isis, Alexander (or Heracles) in a lionskin headdress.

36mm - 39.4gm
Sv1423v1 - unmarked - Zeus with Ammon horn at top of head, two eagles

36mm - 39.7gm
Sv1423v2 - unmarked - Zeus with Ammon horn at forehead, two eagles

32mm - 28.7gm
Sv1491

30mm - 19.8gm
Sv1492

28mm - 15.2gm
Sv1493

24mm - 7.57gm
Sv1154

17mm - 3.7gm
Sv1496

Alexandria 2nd C. BC Unmarked 'Series'
This potential denomination series consists of 4 coins, the largest being the ordinary style of Zeus Ammon with double-eagle reverse, and again alternating with Isis and other designs for smaller denominations. Some nomenclature and arrangement here temporarily follows the outdated work of Faucher and Lorber's AJN 2010 paper: "Bronze Coinage of Ptolemaic Egypt in the Second Century BC", AJN, 2010, pp 35-84 but will soon be reorganized here.

36mm - 39gm
Sv1423v3 - Normal Ammon Horn

32mm - 30gm
Sv1233

22mm - 6.2gm
Sv1173

17mm - 4.3gm
Sv1155

Alexandria 2nd C. BC Unmarked 'Series'
This possible denomination series consists of 5 coins, the largest being once again an ordinary style of Zeus Ammon with double-eagle reverse, alternating with Isis and other designs for smaller denominations.

32mm - 28.5gm
Sv1424a - Normal Ammon Horn

24mm - 11.7gm
Sv1494

21mm - 8gm
Sv1495
(= Sv1236?)

18mm - 5.7gm
Sv??

16mm - 2.2gm
Sv1195

Alexandria 2nd C. BC Unmarked 'Series'
This pseudo-series as presented by Faucher and Lorber, with largest coin being Zeus Ammon, reprises varying designs on successive denominations or other proposed 'series' of unmarked 2nd C. types. The evidence for a specific type of two-eagle Zeus coin in 'Series 6E' in the paper by Lorber and Faucher was based a single 'hoard' of only 4 coins (the 'Herakleion hoard') which are actually Svoronos 1424B of their 'Series 7C'. Likewise when closely examined, the identification of all Isis coins in the Tell Nowa hoard as Sv 1234 is incorrect. They are a mixture of Sv 1234 and Sv 1235 which shows that the authors themselves could not distinguish Sv 1234 from Sv 1235 when found mixed together. Sv 1234 and 1235 are different types, metrologically speaking (see AJN 2021, v. 33 pp. 57-119), but even some experts incorrectly analyzed these types found mixed together. Furthermore, the Alexander-head third size here, Sv 1236, is the same coin type as Sv 1495. Svoronos mistakenly gave one type two catalog numbers (as occured several times in the Svoronos catalog, e.g. Sv 1151 = Sv 994). With the three largest denominations identified as coins of other unmarked 'series' or their very existence in doubt, Faucher and Lorber's 'Series 6E' isn't a 'series' at all.

28mm - 21.9gm
Sv1424b

28mm - 17.1gm
Sv1234

22mm - 8gm
Sv1236
(= Sv1495?)

18mm - 4.2gm
Sv1238

14mm -
2.2gm
Sv1156

Alexandria 2nd C. BC Unmarked 'Series'
This denomination series consists of 4 coins, again with a Zeus Ammon/two-eagle coin as the largest denomination weighing ~22.8 g, again alternating designs for successive smaller denominations.

28mm - 21.9gm
Sv1424b

25mm - 15.2gm
Sv1235

16mm - 3.1gm
Sv1239

14mm - 1.9gm
Sv1240

Cyprus Early 2nd C. BC
Ptolemy V - Corinthian Helmet Series
This denomination series consists of two large to medium coins with an identical appearance, differing only in size/weight. We see the familiar Zeus Ammon obverse with a closed-wing eagle reverse and a crested (corinthian?) helmet at left, the crest depicted in as an elaborate long hanging plume. The meaning of the helmet symbol, possibly a mint mark, is unknown. Similar helmets are seen on some much earlier and smaller coins of Ptolemy I, see above. Both sizes are relatively scarce. The absence of fully-feathered eagle legs suggests these eagle renderings precede Ptolemy VI. These Zeus heads strongly resemble those seen on specimens of Svoronos 1636-7 (which are also about 40 and 20 grams), which have lotus symbol mintmarks and similar 'bare-legged' eagles, and which Catharine Lorber attributed to the reign of Ptolemy V. While this helmet mintmark is different and unusual, the styles, sizes and flan similarities the Ptolemy V attribution is justifiable. The two 'pairs'seem quite closely related despite different symbols. One die link between them has been demonstrated.

38mm - 40gm
Sv1634

30mm - 20gm
Sv1635

Cyprus Early 2nd C. BC
Ptolemy V Lotus Symbol Series
This denomination series consists of two large to medium coins with similar appearance, differing only in size/weight. We see the familiar Zeus Ammon obverse with a closed-wing eagle reverse and a lotus flower symbol at left, and both sizes also display a 'scepter' through the closed-wing eagle. Both sizes are relatively scarce. The absence of fully-feathered eagle legs suggests these eagle renderings precede Ptolemy VI. These Zeus heads resemble those seen on specimens of Svoronos 1634-5 (also about 40 and 20 grams), with the unusual helmet symbol mintmarks and similar 'bare-legged' eagles, and which Catharine Lorber attributed to the reign of Ptolemy V. Note especially the resemblance of the specimen here of Sv 1637 to the Sv 1635, above. While this mintmark is different, the styles, sizes and flan similarities the Ptolemy V attribution is justifiable.

38mm - 40gm
Sv1636

30mm - 20gm
Sv1637

Cyprus 2nd C. BC
Ptolemy VI Lotus Blossom Series
This denomination series consists of eight coin sizes with single eagle reverse and lotus blossom to the left of the eagle. Specimens are marked with EYL or no control letters in the eagle's legs. Two medium size types have a sceptre or kerykeion through the eagle. We adopt the attribution of Svoronos 1403 (with no leg controls) as Ptolemy VI due to the style of the eagle rendering and its resemblance to the others here with long tufted feathers all the way down the eagle's legs. Weiser had placed this large coin at Ptolemy III but the style of both the Zeus facial rendering and eagle feathering argue against that. We also remove some Svoronos 1404 (also with no leg controls) to an earlier series (see above) that includes Svoronos 841, 842, and 843 based on the same stylistic considerations. Only careful visual inspection can distinguish Sv 1404 that are 2nd C. coins from the types we now associate with Ptolemy III. Sv 1405 does not exist; Svoronos erred creating that catalog entry for a single coin that is actually a specimen of Sv 1636. Some EYL types display a Seleukid anchor countermark and the apparent defacement of the name Ptolemaioy from the reverse. Others show only the defacement of the inscription with no countermark, and yet others appear to be the original intact design. Others have a PTO countermark, sometimes in addition to the anchor countermark. It is thought the defaced and/or anchor-countermarked examples are coins either captured by Antiochos IV during his invasion or made from captured dies and countermarked for circulation in the Seleukid empire. We show here some examples (e.g. Sv1401) with both the full inscription and obliterated PTOLEMAI version. That invasion occurred during the middle reign of Ptolemy VI, who was for a time a captive of Antiochos IV. Upon Antiochos IV departure it is thought he created his 'Egyptianized' series of bronzes that closely mirror these in sizes and style (see further below), but which were issued at Antioch as a celebration of his, at least temporary (until expelled by Roman allies of the Ptolemies) victory over Egypt. There is one additional enigmatic coin, Svoronos 1399, of comparable style but which lacks both the lotus blossom and control marks. We do not place it here because it has no lotus flower symbol.

45mm - 91.2gm
Sv1395 - EYL
Sv1403 - nm

38mm - 45.6gm
Sv1404 - nm

30mm - 22.8gm
Sv1396 - EYL
Sv1406 - nm

24mm - 14.7gm
Sv1397 - EYL
Sv1398 - EYL + cmk
Some with PTOLEMAI obliterated as shown here.

22mm - 11.4gm
Sv1401 - EYL (some w/cmk)

22mm - 11.4gm
Sv1401 - EYL (some w/cmk, PTOLEMAI obliterated)

20mm - 7.1gm
Sv1402 - EYL
Sv1407 - nm

14mm - 2.9gm
Sv1408 - nm

14mm-16mm - 2.1gm
Sv1408 (Sv 1639?) - nm

Ptolemy VIII Cyprus Dated Bronze Coins - Late 2nd C. BC
These coins go together on the basis of style and the unusual dates clearly shown next to the eagle. These are all a single denomination. Two are catalogued from Svoronos 1622 - 1632 with dates that all start with K or L, spanning years 26-41 (144BC - 129BC) of his reign. Some have additional symbols along with the date - lotus flower, petasos, etc. The first shown here (Svoronos 1624) has the petasos helmet symbol to the right of the eagle, lotus, and date. It isn't clear if this depiction of a petasos symbol is related to the same symbol seen on some later coin types (see even later Cyprus issues, below, with three sizes that have a petasos to the left of the eagle). The fourth coin shown here has a strangely different date, the L and Z are separated by a blank spot as if one symbol was omitted, filled in on the die, or perhaps that spot is simply due to a 'filled die' error (metal or material inadvertently filling that part of the die while it was in use). L Z would be 'year 7' and would either be much much earlier than the other coins of this series or it would be a 'year 7' during the reign of Ptolemy IX, not Ptolemy VIII. Perhaps the petasos symbol on one of the coins and this peculiar date imply that some production of dated coins with lotus flower mintmark was later than we have previously thought. Interestingly these coins also sometimes lack central depressions seen on almost all Ptolemaic bronze coins after 260BC. All are roughly the same size about 22-25mm, 8-10gm.

23.3-23.9mm - 12.5gm - 12h
LKH over lotus flower - Year 28, 142BC
With Petasos symbol at right
Sv 1624
Ptolemy VIII

21.9-22.2mm - 8.9gm - 12h
LKH over lotus flower - Year 28, 142BC
Sv 1626
Ptolemy VIII
Other Dates Include:
LKC = Sv 1621 = Year 26 = 144BC
LKZ = Sv 1622 = Year 27 = 143BC
LKH = Sv 1623 - 1625 = Year 28 = 142BC
LKTheta = Sv 1626 = Year 29 = 141BC
LLamda = Sv 1627 = Year 30 = 140BC
LLamdaGamma = Sv 1628 = Year 33 = 137BC
LLamdaDelta = Sv 1629 = Year 34 = 136BC
LLamdaEpsilon = Sv 1630 = Year 35 = 135BC
LLamdaC = Sv 1631 = Year 36 = 134BC
LMA = Sv 1632 = Year 41 = 129BC

21.8-23.2mm - 9.4gm - 12h
L LAMDA GAMMA over lotus flower - Year 33, 137BC
Sv 1628
Ptolemy VIII

21.8-23.2mm - 9.4gm - 12h
L (space) Z over lotus flower - Year 7 ?
Not Catalogued
Ptolemy VIII (Possibly Ptolemy IX)

Cyprus Late 2nd - Early 1st C. BC
Issues with Unusual Symbols
These coins seem to belong together on the basis of style, often 'knife-edge' fabric, and the profusion of symbols next to the eagles on the reverse. A convergence of evidence links these types with a wide variety of unusual symbols to the time of Ptolemy IX - X, who competed and fought one another for rule of Egypt and Cyprus and during whose reigns a wide variety of similar symbols appeared on tetradrachms during a short time period. The exact meaning of the symbols is not known and, unlike many other Ptolemaic coin issues, they do not appear to indicate mintmarks because they are quite varied (thunderbolt, aphlaston, caduceus, petasos, etc.). Some are not catalogued in Svoronos or other reference books and reignal attributions are likely of Ptolemy IX, X, and XI.

36mm - 25.5gm
Thunderbolt at left
Sv1694

30mm - 20.7gm
Petasos at left
Sv1696

24mm - 7.0gm
Petasos at left
Not in Svoronos - Cox 119
Also in Paphos II (Nicolau 1990)

14mm - 1.6gm
Petasos at left
Uncatalogued

30mm - 13.5gm
Cornucopia at left
Weiser 179 (15gm)
Size/weight between Sv1697 and Sv1698
Weiser lists his 179 as Sv1697

22mm - 6gm
Cornucopia at left
Svoronos 1698

20mm - 6.8gm
Small Aphlaston at left
Sv 1703

30mm - 14.5gm
No control at left
Sv1712

24mm - 7.4gm
No control at left
Sv1713

14mm - 1.9gm
No control at left
Sv1715

30mm - 12.8gm
Palm branch at left
Uncatalogued

24mm - 7.5gm
Star (no letter) at left
Svoronos 1242a (in the
2nd volume's appendix)

24mm - 7.5gm
Star over D at left
Sv 1706

24mm - 7.5gm
Star over T at left
Sv 1711

24mm - 7.5gm
Large Aphlaston at left
Sv 1813

24mm - 6.8gm
Cornucopia at left
Sv 1814

22mm - 5.5gm
Isis Headdress at left
Sv 1842

26mm - 7.0gm
Palm Branch through eagle
KPR monogram right
Sv 1875

30mm - 12.7gm
Zeus Ammon with star
near forehead
Two eagles with scepter
through 'front' eagle
Sv 1876
NOTE: Svoronos did not
notice the star but the
specimen cited has one
Also this is the same type
as Cox (Curium) 118

15mm - 2.5gm
Denomination?
Reverse with one closed-wing eagle with scepter across eagle.
Unpublished and uncatalogued
Unique, known from only this specimen
Appears to be smaller denomination related to
Sv 1876 which also has scepter on reverse

30mm - 18.2gm
Caduceus at left
Uncatalogued

Ptolemy IV - IX Kyrene
Attribution of these coins varies. They include the unique jugate heads obverse type (Sv 1137) and unusual controls that appear to be shared, such as THETA E, that includes one coin naming Euergetes II but two of similar controls without that epithet, and a few other types of uncertain regnal attribution. Likewise, Sv 1268 with the club at Ptolemy I's shoulder would seem to be earlier style, perhaps from the time of Ptolemy IV or V. The example here is overstruck. Asolati has recently included the exceedingly rare and enigmatic Svoronos 1387a (from the Svoronos addendum, Glasgow/Hunterian Page 388, #7, also SNG Cop 243) in his enumeration of coins of Kyrene.

26mm - 13.5gm
Jugate Heads
Ptolemy I Portrait with cornucopia behind head
Sv 1137
Ptolemy IV ?

23mm - 7.6gm
Club behind shoulder
Double Cornucopia at chin
Sv 1268
(note overstruck on unidentified undertype) Ptolemy IV ?

27mm - 12.39gm
THETA - E Control Letters under neck
Sv 1657
Ptolemy VIII ?

15mm - 2.4gm
Isis
Eagle facingleft
Sv 1387a (Macdonald p. 388 #7, SNG Cop 243)
Asolati attributed to Kyrene.
SNG Cop 243

18mm - 3.8gm
?Cornucopia at chin
THETA - E Control Letters under neck
Sv 1658
Ptolemy VIII ?

19mm - 4.5gm
Zeus Ammon
Double Cornucopia with letters at each side
Sv 1718
Ptolemy IX?

18mm - 3.8gm
Unknown symbol under neck truncation (~ I w/ dot on top)
Sv 1725
Hemiobol?
Ptolemy IX?

17mm - 2.9gm
Double cornucopia at chin
Uncatalogued

12mm - 0.95gm
Ptolemy I Portrait
Libya Head reverse
Single cornucopia at chin
Crude make - Sv ?
Chalkous
Ptolemy IX?

Ptolemy VI - Kyrene
Kleopatra II ca 168-163BC)
This unique Ptolemy/Libya coin type from Kyrene is recently discovered. In addition to the the usual inscription on the Libya head reverse, this coin also has an inscription naming the queen on the obverse. It would seem to be directly related to the Alexandria issues (immediately above) that name the queen (Kleopatra) and from the same time period, perhaps both groups now best dated between 168 and 163 BC.

18mm - 3.1gm
Hemiobol ?
Unique and Uncatalogued

Ptolemy VIII Kyrene - Naming Ptolemy Euergetes II
These coins are unusual in that several types actually have the epithet name of Ptolemy VIII Euergetes II on the reverse as part of the usual Basileos Ptolemaioy inscription. They depart from the earlier series that look similar over a long period of time and have the Ptolemy I portrait with Libya on the reverse. These have Zeus Ammon and an eagle, usually open-winged. Some have the eagle facing to the right which is not seen on other Ptolemaic coin types. Shown here are just a few representative medium and smaller size examples. There are some other types in this series that include very large coins up to 90 grams; unusual types with one or two cornucopiae on the reverse with no eagle, reminiscent of some earlier types of large gold coins. We see a mix of control letters on the bronzes with PHI, KAPPA and 'none' in the fields but not in the eagle's legs. There are also some types with letters in the fields that appear to spell out THEOS. It's an unusual mix and Buttrey's excavation reports put most of these uniquivocally at Kyrene though some types are listed by Morkholm (SNG Copenhagen) from other locations. Open wing eagles of this series have a characteristic stereotyped 'high shoulder' on the opened wing.

41mm - 38gm
Zeus Ammon
Open-wing eagle facing right
PHI in right field.
Sv 1641

31mm - 19gm
Zeus Ammon
Open-wing eagle facing right
K in right field.
Sv 1649

27mm - 10gm
Zeus Ammon
Open-wing eagle facing left
PHI in left field.
Sv 1642

27mm - 10gm
Zeus Ammon
Open-wing eagle facing right
PHI in right field.
Sv 1643

24mm - 12gm
Zeus Ammon
Closed-wing eagle
facing left
with head turned
PHI in left field.
Sv 1644

21mm - 6.274gm
THETA - E Control Letters at left
Sv 1651
Naming Euergetes II
Ptolemy VIII

30mm - 22gm
Zeus Ammon
Open-wing eagle facing left
No control in left or right field.
Sv 1653

27mm - 10gm
Zeus Ammon
Open-wing eagle facing left
No control in left or right field.
Sv 1654

15mm - 2.5gm
Zeus Ammon
Open-wing eagle facing left
No control in left or right field.
Sv 1655

21mm - 7gm
Zeus Ammon
Two eagles facing left
Silphium plant in left field.
Sv 1158
Ptolemy IX?

Antiochos IV - Post-Conquest Egyptianized Series of Antioch
This denomination series consists of four coins with single eagle reverse and no control letters in the eagle's legs, with the eagle facing right and the reignal name of Antiochos Theos Epiphanes. The time period follows the departure from Egypt by Antiochos IV in about 168BC following his brief conquest and reign with Ptolemy VI at Memphis. These coins are listed in Svoronos but they are Seleukid coins issued by Antiochos IV at Antioch following the failure to consolidate the Egyptian conquest. Some believe the coins' issue may have preceded the invasion of Egypt. The Zeus figure on the largest type is not the usual Egyptian Zeus Ammon of large 3rd C. BC bronzes, rather Zeus laureate. The second size has (Zeus) Serapis with a laurel wreath and Isis headdress ornament at the top of the head. That type is not known on any Egyptian issue. The Isis portrait type is closest to a contemporary Egyptian design. The smallest coin has a traditionally Seleukid idealized radiate portrait seen on many other bronze issues of Antiochos IV. The other unusual feature on all of these is that the single closed-wing standing eagle faces right rather than the almost ubiquitously left-facing corresponding type on actual Ptolemaic bronzes.

44mm - 72gm
Sv1415 - nm

36mm - 36gm
Sv1416 - nm

28mm - 18gm
Sv1417 - nm

22mm - 9gm
Sv1418 - nm

Uncatalogued, Unattributed, Unpublished Types
The coins illustrated here are not a specific series, but represent a variety of coins from different series or no known series. These are coins which are uncatalogued, unpublished or unknown - coins which are not found in major museum collections, etc. Some are unique or known from only a few specimens in private hands. They aren't presented here in any particular order except, perhaps, as close to chronologic or other relatedness that seems appropriate. Some are just new monograms, controls, or combinations of them. Others are previously unknown sizes/denominations for types that are known in larger or smaller sizes. Others are simply unprecedented discoveries of types that were hitherto unexpected and unknown. A few of these are illustrated elsewhere on this page if it's easy to fit them into 'series' of related types, but many here haven't been shown previously on this page because they don't easily fit existing coinage structures. Exact Svoronos numbers are not given, as there are none, but some descriptions refer to similar types.

12mm - 0.95gm
Series 1 Chalkous
Long-hair Alexander with Ammon horn
LAMDA E monogram at left of eagle
Unique chalkous with long-hair Alexander
Ptolemy I

17mm - 4.75gm
Series 2 Hemiobol?
Svoronos 351 variant (?)
Unusual portrait and monograms
Veiled Arsinoe (?)
Open-wing eagle with LAMDA IOTA over ZETA/E monogram at left
One of two known, possibly from a mint in Asia Minor
See Savoca Auction 5 Lot 600 24FEB2018
Ptolemy II

21mm - 5.99gm
Series 2 Obol
PI/A Monogram inside Omega
Likely unique
Similar to Sv 186, etc.
Ptolemy II

21mm - 8.03gm
Series 2 Obol ?
Laureate Zeus and open-wing eagle reverse with no other symbols
Unique. Possibly related to Sv 761, Sv 762 ?
Ptolemy II

21mm - 7.83gm
Series 2 Obol ?
Double cornucopiae at left of eagle
Unique. Possibly related to Sv 761, Sv 762 ?
Ptolemy II

28mm - 14.9gm
Series 2 Diobol
S/Shield/SL at left,trident countermark, odd LAMDA K combination monogram in eagle's legs.
Unique. Related to Sv 554, Sv 564
Ptolemy II

19mm - 4.5gm
Series 5 Hemiobol
No control symbol in the eagle's legs
Unpublished
Similar to Sv 968 with double cornucopiae at right shoulder (Sv 968 has CHI-RHO control symbol), but no control.
Appears to be small denomination related to Sv 1002, 1003, etc.
Ptolemy III

20mm - 5.75gm
Series 5 Hemiobol
SIGMA or SIGMA EPSILON symbol in the eagle's legs
Unpublished
Similar to Sv 968 with single cornucopiae at right shoulder (Sv 968 has CHI-RHO control symbol), but S or SE control.
Appears to be small denomination related to Sv 992, 993, 994, etc.
Ptolemy IV

15mm - 3 gm
Series 5 Dichalkon
SIGMA or SIGMA EPSILON symbol in the eagle's legs
Unpublished
Similar to Sv 970 with single cornucopiae at left, but S / SE control (Sv 970 has CHI-RHO control).
Appears to be small denomination related to Sv 992, 993, 994, etc.
Ptolemy IV

27mm - 14gm
Obol?
NI control in eagle's legs
Unpublished and uncatalogued
Similar to known Ptolemy V 'military mint' tetradrachms with NI control.
Unique, known from only this single specimen
Ptolemy V

15mm - 2.5gm
Denomination?
Reverse with one closed-wing eagle with scepter across eagle.
Unpublished and uncatalogued
Unique, known from only this specimen
Appears to be 'small size' related to
Sv 1876 which also has scepter on reverse

30mm - 19.8gm
Drachm ?
Uncatalogued, described in Lorber and Faucher AJN 2010
Alexandria - some have cornucopia countermark on/near the star, like this
Related to Sv 1375 but with encircled LAMDA control instead of KAPPA
Unclear worn specimens with this control symbol have been noted and
described differently in Weiser, etc. but the symbol is clearly visible here.
Ptolemy V - VIII ?

Countermarked Types
The coins illustrated here are not a specific series, but represent a variety of coins from different series illustrated above and which display countermarks of a similarly great variety. The paper by Noeske discusses some of the countermark types. Full attribution of the each specific countermark type awaits additional research. We do find coins from a many mint locations that are countermarked and many are relatively common (the large incuse trident-stamp on early bronze diobols, for example). Some are quite rare and their existence may add to our understanding of the circulation of Ptolemaic bronzes throughout the empire and neighboring states. The first group shows coins that all have cornucopia countermarks which seem to span the reigns of Ptolemy III through Ptolemy V only. The second group shows various other countermarks from Ptolemy II through Ptolemy VI including incuse trident, tripod, A letter, and Seleukid anchor.

Cornucopia Countermarks - Ptolemy III - V

30mm - 22.8gm
Sv966
Chi-Rho Series
Ptolemy III

36mm - 34.3gm
Sv993
S or SE
Ptolemy IV

38mm - 45.6gm
Sv1149
S/SE Series
Ptolemy IV

38mm - 45.6gm
Sv1142 - PI/Y
Ptolemy IV

38mm - 45.6gm
Uncatalogued - NM
Ptolemy IV

30mm - 22.8gm
Sv994 = Sv1151
S/SE Series
Ptolemy IV

30mm - 20gm
Uncatalogued, cf. Sv1375v - no control (star at left)
Ptolemy V

30mm - 22.8gm
Uncatalogued, cf. Sv1375v - OMICRON w/inscribed LAMDA (star at left, w/cornucopia countermark)
Ptolemy V

30mm - 20gm
Sv1375 - K (star at left w/ cornucopia countermark)
Ptolemy V

Other Countermarks (Incuse Trident, Letters, Advancing Nike) - Ptolemy II - III

18mm - 5.9gm
Sv351
Unusual specimen with E(B) countermark on obverse, possible obverse inscription (BERENIK..?), and unusual die axis of 8h.

17mm - 3.5gm
Sv386
Possibly unique specimen with advancing Nike countermark on obverse of veiled Arsinoe type, within oval punch. The Nike figure is rotated about 100 degrees clockwise relative to the portrait.

28mm - 15.2gm
Sv553
Numerous early diobols are sometimes found with this same incuse trident stamp on the reverse.
Ptolemy II Early Diobol

28mm - 15.2gm
Sv557
Numerous early diobols are sometimes found with this same incuse trident stamp on the reverse.
Ptolemy II Early Diobol

28mm - 15.2gm
Sv564v (monogram)
Numerous early diobols are sometimes found with this same incuse trident stamp on the reverse.
Ptolemy II Early Diobol

24mm - 11.4gm
Sv791 w/A in round punch
Ptolemy III Tripod Series

15mm - 1.9gm
Sv839 w/A in round punch
Ptolemy III Trident Series
Among the smallest countermarked Ptolemaic bronze

15mm - 1.9gm
Sv839 w/B in rectangular punch
Ptolemy III Trident Series
Among the smallest countermarked Ptolemaic bronze

Ivy Leaf, Caduceus, & Anchor Countermarks - Ptolemy III - VI

20mm - 5.2gm
Sv929 -
Ptolemy III Portrait
Club countermark
Griffin and ABDERITON Reverse
Ptolemy III Thracian Mint

30mm - 22.8gm
Sv707 -
Tripod countermark at right.
Ptolemy III Tyre Club Series

42mm - 68.4gm
Sv1129 - LI or DI
The two control combinations are not distinguished in Svoronos.
Tripod countermark at right.
Ptolemy IV Tyre

36mm - 34.3gm
Sv1130 - LI or DI
The two control combinations are not distinguished in Svoronos.
Ivy-leaf countermark on the club shown here.
Ptolemy IV Tyre

36mm - 34.3gm
Sv1058 - PI-T-O
This specimen (unique) with caduceus countermark at right.
Ptolemy V Tyre

24mm - 14.7gm
Sv1397 - EYL
Sv1398 - EYL + cmk
Some with PTOLEMAIOY obliterated as shown here.
Ptolemy VI

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Ptolemy I - Aphrodite Portrait Issues ca. 310 - 305 BC This series consists of three denominations of obol, hemiobol, and chalkous, all with Aphrodite portraits on the obverse. Some have control symbols on the reverse and may have partial legends or legends with the royal name at right. They conform to the weight standard of Series I - II with an obol mean weight of 7.6 grams and chalkous of about 0.95 grams. These are among the earliest bronzes bearing the name of Ptolemy.
19mm - 7.6gm Obol Sv74 Aphrodite wearing Polos Closed-wing eagle left PTOLEMAIOY at right No control symbols With controls at left: Star - Sv75 'TK' - Sv76 H - Sv77 Wreath - Sv78	16mm - 3.8gm Hemiobol Sv79 B119 Aphrodite wearing Stephane Open-wing eagle left Partial legend: PTO at left No control symbols	16mm - 3.8gm Hemiobol Sv80 B123 Aphrodite wearing Stephane Open-wing eagle left Wreath control symbol at left Plain taenia headdress: Sv81 B120	10mm - 0.95gm Chalkous Svxx B125 Aphrodite wearing Polos Closed-wing eagle left Partial legend: PTO at right Wreath control symbol at left Uncatalogued - cf Sv82 No wreath: Sv82 B121

Ptolemy I - III Macedonian and Thracian Mints The Ptolemaic empire's provincial coinage included issues of Macedonian and Thracian mints under its control. The Ptolemy Keraunos types were formerly attributed to 'Paroreia' and the S. Psoma discovered these types (two denominations, see the Metrology study in 2013 ANS) are Macedonian and associated with Ptolemaic rule. The Thracian issue of Abdera bears the portrait of Ptolemy III, note the club countermark.
23mm - 7.6gm B155 Ptolemy Keraunos, ca. 280BC Laureate Zeus NK control at left Obol, Pre-Reform Weight Standard	20mm - 3.8gm B160 Ptolemy Keraunos, ca. 280BC Laureate Zeus Theta control at left Hemiobol, Pre-Reform Weight Standard	20mm - 5.2gm Sv929 B408 Ptolemy III Portrait Club countermark Griffin and ABDERITON Reverse Ptolemy III Thracian Mint

Ptolemy II Alexandria Post-Reform (after ca. 265BC) Series 3 This denomination series consists of at least 7 coin sizes. There are numerous leg monograms (Theta, Lamda, Iota, Rho, Delta, etc.) in this series so various nice examples are presented here from the PtolemAE collection (one size substituted by a comparable style issue of Tyre - see below). Svoronos catalog numbers are numerous and not all sizes are known in all monogram varieties. Sizes and weights shown here are the 'nominal ideal' for the types. Actual sizes and weights may vary somewhat due to the striking and manufacturing technology at the time. The idea here is to present the coins as a coherent series. You may also view these same coins with detailed information about each one elsewhere on the PtolemAE Project web site. Monograms are abbreviated in English below (nm=NONE, A=ALPHA, B=BETA, D=DELTA, E=EPSILON, I=IOTA, Th=THETA, L=LAMDA, P=RHO, T=TAU, Y=UPSILON, O=OMICRON, X=CHI, W=OMEGA). Some examples show a combination UPSILON/TAU (Y with a cross mark) monogram. When viewing the Tyre, Sidon, and Ptolemais series below note that the main design types largely match the Alexandria series which makes these all fit together into a picture of one coherent coinage. The provincial mint series do not have any leg monograms but all show the typical mintmark indications of their locations.
42mm - 68.4gm Drachm Sv413 - nm Sv422 - A Sv431 - B Sv437 - D Sv447 - E Sv457 - I Sv463 - Th Sv464 - Th/ME Sv479 - L Sv497 - P Sv504 - T Sv504 - Y/T Sv514 - X	38mm - 45.6gm Tetrobol Sv414 - nm Sv448 - E Sv480 - L Sv505 - T or Y/T Sv509 - Y Sv515 - X	30mm - 22.8gm Diobol Sv415 - nm Sv423 - A Sv438 - D Sv449 - E Sv465 - Th(O) Sv466 - ME/Th Sv481 - L Sv498 - P Sv506 - T or Y/T Sv510 - Y Sv516 - X	24mm - 11.4gm Obol Sv424 - A Sv439 - D Sv450 - E Sv467 - Th Sv482 - L Sv493 - O Sv499 - P Sv507 - T Sv511 - Y Sv519 - Omega	20mm - 7.6gm Tri Hemiobol Sv416 - nm Sv425 - A Sv440 - D Sv451 - E Sv468 - T Sv473 - I Sv483 - L Sv493 - O Sv500 - P	18mm - 5.7gm Hemiobol Sv417 - nm Sv441 - D Sv452 - E Sv469 - Th Sv473 - I Sv484 - L Sv501 - P	15mm - 2.9gm Dichalkon Sv418 - nm Sv431 - B Sv442 - D Sv453 - E Sv470 - Th(O) Sv474 - I Sv485 - L Sv493 - O

Ptolemy II Sidon Double Cornucopia - Series 3 This denomination series consists of at least 5 coins with double cornucopiae as the prominent feature of the reverse that distinguishes these from the parallel Alexandria series. Sizes and weights shown here are the 'nominal ideal' for the types. Actual sizes and weights may vary somewhat due to the striking and manufacturing technology at the time. The idea here is to present the coins as a coherent series. You may also view these same coins with detailed information about each one elsewhere on the PtolemAE Project web site.
42mm - 68.4gm Sv758 - Double Cornucopia on eagle shoulder Drachm	38mm - 45.6gm Sv759 - Double Cornucopia in left field Tetrobol	30mm - 22.8gm Sv760 - Double Cornucopia on eagle shoulder Diobol	24mm - 11.4gm Sv763 - Double Cornucopia in left field. This type may actually be Ptolemy I or belong to an issue without center depressions prior to about 265BC Obol	24mm - 11.4gm Sv761 - Double Cornucopia in left field Obol	20mm - 5.7gm Sv762 - Double Cornucopia on eagle shoulder Hemiobol	17mm - 3.8gm Sv??? - Double Cornucopia on eagle shoulder. Uncatalogued type - uncertain if it belongs to this series or a later issue of Ptolemy IV or V. Appears to be a member of this series.

Ptolemy II Tyre Double Cornucopia/Club Series 3 This denomination series consists of at least 5 coins with double cornucopiae as the prominent feature of the reverse that distinguishes these from the parallel Alexandria series. In addition this series features a club in the left field to distinguish them from the Sidon series coins. Svoronos attributed these to Gaza but the typical club feature of other Ptolemaic Tyre coins and find locations in and around Lebanon seems to indicate they are from the major Ptolemaic mint in Tyre. Sizes and weights shown here are the ' nominal ideal' for the types. Actual sizes and weights may vary somewhat due to the striking and manufacturing technology at the time. The idea here is to present the coins as a coherent series. You may also view these same coins with detailed information about each one elsewhere on the PtolemAE Project web site. Svoronos also catalogued (Sv837) a type of ~20mm and about 7.6 gm with double cornucopia on eagle shoulder and club in left field. It is likely that Sv837 type does not really exist and the specimen so catalogued and illustrad by Svoronos (from Milan) is simply a slightly large specimen of Svoronos 838 - which shares identical design elements. No other specimen of Svoronos 837 has been observed.
42mm - 68.4gm Sv834 - Double Cornucopia on eagle shoulder, club in left field Drachm	38mm - 45.6gm Sv835 - Double Cornucopia and club in left field Tetrobol	30mm - 22.8gm SvXXX - Double cornucopia on eagle shoulder and club in left field - not catalogued in Svoronos or any other reference. Six known specimens. Diobol	24mm - 11.4gm Sv836 - Double cornucopia and club in left field Obol	16mm - 5.7gm Sv838 - Cornucopia on eagle shoulder and club in left field Hemiobol

Ptolemy II Ake Ptolemais Double Cornucopia/Circled-PI-TAU Series 3 This denomination series consists of only 3 coin types with double cornucopiae as the prominent feature of the reverse that distinguishes these from the parallel Alexandria series and unifies them with Tyre and Sidon (see above). In addition this series features a CIRCLE-PI-TAU monogram in the left field identifying them as originating from Ake Ptolemais. In contrast to the related denomination series from Sidon and Tyre, only these 3 sizes and weight denominations are known. Sizes and weights shown here are the 'nominal ideal' for the types. Actual sizes and weights may vary somewhat due to the striking and manufacturing technology at the time. The idea here is to present the coins as a coherent series. The last coin shown has a somewhat different style and might reflect an issue of a later reign, possibly Ptolemy V.
42mm - 68.4gm Sv788 - Double Cornucopia on eagle shoulder with CIRCLE-PI-TAU in left field Drachm	38mm - 45.6gm Sv789 - Double Cornucopia and CIRCLE-PI-TAU in left field Tetrobol	30mm - 22.8gm Sv790 - Double cornucopia on eagle shoulder and CIRCLE-PI-TAU in left field Diobol	30mm - 18gm? Sv790v - Double cornucopia on eagle shoulder and CIRCLE-PI-TAU in left field Diobol

Ptolemy I - II - DELTA IOTA /AI Series This denomination series consists of several types which may reflect issues over more than one reign. The coins are enigmatic singly and when considered together, with the DELTA IOTA in common but some also showing a 'palm branch' or a star in combination with the letter pair. Their origin is uncertain but likely a Phoenician mint. The two largest coins depicting laureate Zeus are consistent with early Ptolemy I or II diobols, slightly light, but the smallest types may have central depressions indicating a later mintage (after ca. 265BC). Stylistically all are compatible with Ptolemy II but the smaller pieces could be issues as late as Ptolemy IV. The smallest denomination appears to be a depiction of Arsinoe, veiled, but which Arsinoe (I, II, or III) is unclear. Whether the DELTA IOTA letter pair on these coins is related to the same pair found as control letters in the eagle legs on coins of Ptolemy IV is also not known. Those lacking central depressions appear to be 'pre-reform' (pre- 265BC) and the DELTA IOTA may be related to that letter pair seen on early Ptolemaic tetradrachms of Ptolemy I, especially for the first three presented here. The two smallest specimens here appear to show LAMDA IOTA, though it could well be these are simply slightly unclear versions of the DELTA IOTA. One might even interpret the letters on some specimens as ALPHA IOTA. The two coins with DELTA IOTA over palm branch are clearly related and in the same sense as we see on other early Ptolemy I-II diobol/obol relationships. All are rare. There is a very unusual additional specimen of these types, Sv 351, shown below in the countermark section because it has a unique large EB (or BE) countermark on the obverse and might be a re-marking of this type as a Berenike coin. It is unique and a truly enigmatic variation in that it not only has the unusual and very clear countermark but also has a die axis of 8h. If these are indeed pre-reform types then their values are multiples of a chalkous weight of 0.95 grams. Post-reform values are multiples of a chalkous weight of about 1.45 grams.
30mm - 11.4gm Sv341 - DELTA IOTA at left	30mm - 15gm Sv381 - DELTA IOTA over a palm branch at left	21mm - 8gm Sv382 - DELTA IOTA over a palm branch at left	23mm - 8gm Sv384 - DELTA IOTA (LAMDA IOTA?) over star over PI-Y at left	17mm - 2.9gm Sv386 - AI over * over PI-A (monogram) at left	18mm - 3.8gm Sv351 - AI over X (or XA monogram) at left	17mm - 4.8gm Not in Svoronos - AI over IE monogram at left

Ptolemy II - III - Proto-Natabaean Overstrikes This group is not, strictly speaking, a particular denomination series of one ruler. They demonstrate that early Nabataean coinage seems to have relied on existing circulating Ptolemaic coins, particularly those of Ptolemy II and III, to serve as flans. These coins are fairly scarce and the overstriking (of a type sometimes attributed to Aretas II, Athena obverse over standing Nike reverse) almost always obliterates the undertype to a degree that makes the undertype not specifically identifiable. In very rare cases we can be absolutely certain about the undertype and can see that they are (usually small) coins of Ptolemy II and III. It appears there are also coins of Ptolemy IV that have been used but are not shown here. These very interesting types tell us that Nabataean coinage appears to have started no earlier than about 200BC but perhaps earlier than is clear from the (presumably later) types that are not overstruck. The types of Ptolemy II shown here (at left) are most likely either Svoronos 417 (Zeus / open-wing eagle) and possibly others with control letters no longer visible. The coins at right are likely (and some clearly identifiable) types of Ptolemy III. Two coins show the typical cornucopia at the left of the eagle and with one coin displaying the CHI-RHO. One appears to have the harpa mintmark of Joppa mint, one of the Phoenician mints that issued Ptolemaic bronze coins in mid 3rd C. BC. The coins shown here are oriented to show the Ptolemaic coin undertype. Interestingly, some of the coins are struck in a 'reverse sense' (obverse Nabataean type on reverse of Ptolemaic type) and others are 'normal sense' overstrikes. An important reference paper on these overstruck Ptolemaic coins is "The Earliest Nabataean Coinage" by Rachel Barkay in Numismatic Chronicle (2011), with images of more related coins and a classification system for them.
22mm - 7.6gm Likely Sv 416 - Open wing eagle reverse, Ptolemy II	19mm - 3.8gm Likely Sv 417 - Open wing eagle reverse, Ptolemy II	16mm - 3.8gm Sv??? - Closed wing eagle reverse, possibly Ptolemy III	18mm - 2.9gm Sv??? - Closed-wing eagle reverse, possibly Ptolemy III	18mm - 3.8gm Sv969 - CHI-RHO monogram	15mm - 2.9gm Sv970 - CHI-RHO monogram	17mm - 2.47gm Sv819 - Harpa mintmark (Joppa)

Ptolemy II - Ptolemy III - Ptolemy IV Queen Portraits These coins are not all from one 'denomination series', but they are sensibly grouped here to show the 3rd C. BC depictions of Ptolemaic Queen portraits on smaller bronze coins. Two coins (left) are fairly early Asia Minor issues depicting Arsinoe, one during the occupation of Northern Thrace and another during the brief period that Ephesos was renamed 'Arsinoeia'. Another group of four types follows with portraits of Berenike, likely issued at Ras Ibn Hani (Syria) during its occupation by either Ptolemy II or III. These coins are all not all that well-understood and they are unusual for Ptolemaic bronzes in that they have an obverse inscription naming the Queen. Note that some have the PTOLEMAIOY written in the opposite direction usually seen on Ptolemaic bronzes. They all lack the central depressions which might imply they all precede 260BC, however the Berenike portrait coins could be from the time of the 3rd Syrian war, from 246-241BC. One Berenike portrait coin (2nd from far right) may help date these as it is a very unusual overstrike on a bronze of Antiochos II (undertype is clearly visible and identifiable as SC572 on the reverse if you rotate it 90% counterclockwise - Apollo seated leaning with left elbow on a kithara and even the BASILEOS inscription of the undertype is clearly struck). This remarkable coin is much more clear than the only other known example (see Catharine Lorber's paper on the bronze Berenike coins of Ras Ibn Hani which has photos of the other known piece). This remarkable overstrike is even the more interesting because it has two different countermarks on the reverse, a cornucopia (upside down near the lower edge) and either a trident head or PTO monogram countermark similar to that seen on rare specimens of Sv 1006 (Ptolemy III 'Aphrodite Statue Reverse type). The coin furthest to the right is a common coin of Ptolemy IV, likely depicting either the goddess, Aphrodite, or perhaps Arsinoe III. There are actually two varieties, possibly both from Cyprus, one with double cornucopia on the reverse and one with single cornucopia (Sv 1160 and 1161).
12mm - 1.6gm Sv387	17mm - 2.8gm Sv883	21mm - 8.2gm Sv1055 NOTE - Normal PTOLEMAIOY orientation	21mm - 7.6gm Sv1055 NOTE - Reversed PTOLEMAIOY orientation	18mm - 3.9gm Sv1056v - no EY NOTE - Reversed PTOLEMAIOY orientation	16mm - 4.6gm Sv1056 - with EY NOTE - Reversed PTOLEMAIOY orientation	18mm - 4.6gm Sv1056 (ovestruck on Seleucid bronze, SC 572, Antiochos II) NOTE - The Ptolemaic reverse is also doubly countermarked: cornucopia within an oval punch and PI-T-O monogram in round punch. Undertype best seen rotated -90deg.	16mm - 2.7gm Sv1160-1161

Ptolemy III Alexandria EPSILON or LAMDA or 'Plain' Series 4 This denomination series consists of at least 7 coins that comprise a denomination series for which most sizes exist as both EPSILON and LAMDA monogram types. The two largest sizes are also known in 'no monogram' types. The E monogram types are also well known to exist in some variations with closed loops at the top of the E and similar morphologies. The 2nd size E monogram (Sv974 and variants of the E morphology) coins are very plentiful, among the most common types of Ptolemaic bronzes. The third size is a denomination only recently discovered through metrological analysis - a 20-chalkous (2.5 obol) coin. The data are quite conclusive on this; the coins average about 28.5 grams, far less than the 'expected' weight of 34.2 grams were they actually hemidrachms, as they have been previously catalogued in all reference works. Here are shown a mix of both of the most prevalent monograms (E and LAMDA) to illustrate the full denomination series. Lorber has attributed these coins to the early part of the reign of Ptolemy III while some other references differ. Sizes and weights shown here are the 'nominal ideal' for the types. Actual sizes and weights may vary somewhat due to the striking and manufacturing technology at the time. The idea here is to present the coins as a coherent series. You may also view these same coins with detailed information about each one elsewhere on the PtolemAE Project web site. In the following tabular presentation, the following indicate monogram types: E = EPSILON, L = LAMDA, nm = NONE.
48mm - 91.2gm Octobol Sv412 - nm Sv446 - E(and var) Sv478 - L Sv482 - THETA Sv502 - S (existence doubtful) A - known but not in Svoronos	40mm - 45.6gm Tetrobol Sv1172 - nm Sv1166 - L Sv974 - E(var) A - known but not in Svoronos C - known but not in Svoronos	34mm - 28.5gm Eikosachalkon (20) Sv1167 - L SV974a - E A - SNG Cop 222 nm - known but not in Svoronos	30mm - 22.8gm Diobol Sv1168 - L	28mm - 16gm Trihemiobol Sv1169 - L Sv975 - E(var) C - known but not in Svoronos	24mm - 11.4gm Obol Sv1170 - L Sv976 - E(var) C - known but not in Svoronos	20mm - 5.7gm Hemiobol Sv1171 - L

Ptolemy III - Early Post-Reform Lotus Blossom Series 4 This denomination series consists of 5 coins all with very similar design, differing only in size/weight. The familiar Zeus Ammon obverse is a ccompanied by closed-wing eagle on the reverse with the lotus blossom in the same position where we see a cornucopia or club on some other series. The very close similarity of the style and fabric led to including these together, though the Svoronos cataloging and other references may differ in reignal attribution. The style and fabric compare with other types attributed to Ptolemy III and the design elements are rendered so similarly that they are best interpreted as a denomination series. Catharine Lorber's 'Lotus of Aphrodite' paper was the first to recognize these are a coherent group of 3rd C. BC issues. The largest coins of this group are sometimes easily confused with ones of equal size, but quite different style, associated with the reign of Ptolemy VI (Svoronos 1403, 1404, ...). The largest was actually not known to Svoronos though it is sometimes conflated with Svoronos 1403. The second is likewise sometimes included with Svoronos 1404 (Ptolemy VI), and the smaller ones as Ptolemy II (841-843). Seen as the coherent group, we recognize the largest coin as an octobol that is similar in size/weight to others of Ptolemy III (e.g. Svoronos 412, 446, above), the second a tetrobol, etc., in a size/weight progression associated with Series 4 as seen above.
45mm - 91.2gm Octobol Sv - uncatalogued	38mm - 45.6gm Tetrobol Sv1404	28mm - 16gm Trihemiobol Sv841	22mm - 6gm Hemiobol Sv842	17mm - 4gm Fraction Sv843

Ptolemy IV - Post-Reform Lotus Blossom Series 4 With Controls This denomination series consists of coins all with very similar design, similar to the preceding, but with the control symbols seen on Ptolemy IV bronzes of other mints. The familiar Zeus Ammon obverse is accompanied by closed-wing eagle on the reverse with the lotus blossom in the same position at left. Controls include LAMDA IOTA, SIGMA, and SIGMA EPSILON (sometimes ligate as a monogram). As with issues of other mints, DELTA IOTA controls are also found (albeit not known to Svoronos). Svoronos cataloged these along with 1403 as issues of Ptolemy VI, not having seen all the types nor associating the style and fabric similarities to 3rd C. Series 4 coins and controls shared with coins of Ptolemy IV. The style and fabric and controls associate these with the preceding 'no control' group of Lotus Flower Series 4 types (above), a smaller series composed only of the two largest denominations (octobol and tetrobol).
45mm - 91.2gm Octobol Sv 1409 - LAMDA IOTA	38mm - 45.6gm Tetrobol Sv1411 - LAMDA IOTA DELTA IOTA shown here	45mm - 91.2gm Octobol Sv 1412- SIGMA	38mm - 45.6gm Tetrobol Sv1413 - SIGMA	38mm - 45.6gm Tetrobol Sv1414 - SIGMA EPSILON

Ptolemy III Alexandria Cornucopia with (No Control) Series 5 This denomination series consists of 8 coins all with no monogram that appear to be the earliest mintage of Series 5, later followed by the very large issue with the CHI/RHO monogram in the eagles' legs (see below) that includes more denominations. Most references agree that the attribution of all of these coins is to the mid or later part of the reign of Ptolemy III. Actual sizes and weights vary somewhat due to the striking and manufacturing technology at the time. We show here only the denominations that are known with 'no monogram' - most of which are very rare or exceedingly rare. Interestingly, the obol size is not known to exist. Some of the smaller sizes aren't in Svoronos but have now been catalogued in Catharine Lorber's CPE. The hemiobol and trichalkon denominations shown here may actually be just a range of weights of one denomination. Or this pair of denominations that are very difficult to distinguish visually may show us why the subsequent series, with CHI/RHO, have a couple of the smaller denominations re-designed with the Alexander in elephantskin obverse insead of Zeus Ammon - including the trichalkon. Note also that the closely related Tyre series simply has no denominations corresponding to the CHI/RHO 'Alexander' sizes, which tends to support the notion that early experience with small sizes in this series (no monograms) led to some re-thinking about how to make small denominations that could be told apart (CHI/RHO series) or just leaving out the ones that are hard to tell apart (Tyre series).
42mm - 68.4gm Drachm Sv1002 Eight specimens known	36mm - 34.2gm Hemidrachm Sv1003 Fourteen specimens known	30mm - 22.8gm Diobol Sv1004 Two specimens known	19mm - 5.8gm Hemiobol Svxxxx One specimen known	17mm - 3.4gm Trichalkon Svxxxx Two specimens known

Ptolemy III Alexandria Cornucopia with CHI/RHO Series 5 This series consists of eight denominations, perhaps the most of any single Ptolemaic bronze coinage series, all with the well-known CHI/RHO (XP) leg monogram. Most references agree that the attribution of all of these coins is to the mid or later part of the reign of Ptolemy III, shortly after the small initial issue of types with the same designs with 'no monogram' (see above). Actual sizes and weights may vary somewhat due to the striking and manufacturing technology at the time. The idea here is to present the coins as a coherent series. These types, especially the largest drachm and hemidrachm, are very popular and sought after because the Ptolemaic mint's manufacturing quality and artistic beauty reached their peaks with of these issues. They were also made in very large quantitites and are sometimes found in large hoards (hundreds) so they can be obtained by collectors in very good quality. The larger coins of the Tyre and 'no monogram' related series, however, are scarce or exceedingly rare, though the artistic style and manufacturing quality are simlilarly excellent.
42mm - 68.4gm Drachm Sv964	36mm - 34.2gm Hemidrachm Sv965	30mm - 22.8gm Diobol Sv966	24mm - 11.4gm Obol Sv967	20mm - 5.7gm Hemiobol Sv968	16mm - 3.8gm Tritartemorion Sv969	15mm - 2.9gm Dichalkon Sv970	12mm - 1.45gm Chalkous Sv971

Ptolemy III Tyre Club Series 5 This denomination series consists of 6 coins all with the well-known club mintmark in the left field on the reverse. These coins parallel the Alexandria series of CHI/RHO coins with cornucopia in the left field. Svoronos attributes these to Ptolemy II but the style and parallelism to the Ptolemy III CHI/RHO series seem to indicate Ptolemy III is more likely. Sizes and weights shown here are averages that are correct the types. Note that Svoronos 710 doesn't actually exist - it was erroneously 'created' by Svoronos as a type between 709 and 711 but there is no such thing. The few examples of Sv710 that have been recorded are Sv709 but at the lighter end of its weight range. Actual sizes and weights may vary somewhat due to the striking and manufacturing technology at the time. The idea here is to present the coins as a coherent series. You may also view these same coins with detailed information about each one elsewhere on the PtolemAE Project web site. As with the coinage from provincial mints by Ptolemy II, this series lacks leg monograms. These might be contemporaneous with either the scarce no-monogram cornucopia types of Alexandria or the CHI/RHO series or both. The CHI/RHO cornucopia coinage of Alexandria is a dominant and prodigious coinage as are most of these.
42mm - 68.4gm Sv705	36mm - 34.3gm Sv706	30mm - 22.8gm Sv707	24mm - 11.4gm Sv708	20mm - 5.7gm Sv709	Svoronos mistakenly identified a coin type between 709 and 711. It doesn't actually exist. 18mm - 3.8gm (Sv710)	16mm - 2.9gm Sv711

Ptolemy III Trident Series 5 This denomination series consists of 3 small coins one with Alexander in elephantskin obverse and two smaller pieces with an identical appearance, differing only in size/weight. The largest coin with Alexander in elephantskin headdress on the obverse is enigmatic and catalogued as a later issue in Svoronos (Svoronos 1063). Nevertheless its cornucopia at shoulder reverse is analogous to some small issues of Ptolemy III. It is extremely rare and its reignal attribution is subject to further analysis. Ashton's report on Ptolemaic bronzes at Fethiye (Turkey) reported a large number of trident coins of the two smaller types. The two smaller coins, likely from Turkey, show the familiar Zeus Ammon obverse, accompanied by a closed wing eagle and a trident on the reverse. These coins are attributed by Svoronos to Berytos (Beirut) but modern finds indicate they are most likely from the area near (modern) Bodrum in Turkey. Ptolemaic possessions during the 3rd C. BC were scattered around the Mediterranean and these are likely coins from one of the Ptolemaic settlements of that time. See the book by Roger Bagnall on Ptolemaic possessions outside Egypt. All are relatively scarce.
20mm - 5.7gm Sv1063	15mm - 2.9gm Sv839	12mm - 1.5gm Sv840

Ptolemy III - Royal Portrait Series 5 This denomination series consists of only 4 coins, all with very similar appearance but differing in size/weight. The familiar Zeus Ammon obverse is replaced with a portrait of Ptolemy III wearing the aegis and the reverse is the usual style of Ptolemy III wearing a closed-wing eagle and the cornucopia reignal symbol. These are found in the area of Corinth and likely minted locally for use by Ptolemaic settlements there at that time. The largest size (Svoronos 997) is about 17gm and not shown here. The middle size has two variants (Svoronos 998 and 999) which have the cornucopia on opposing sides of the eagle. Svoronos 998 and 999 (the two middle sized types with cornucopiaea on opposites sides) are shown here. The smallest size is about 6gm and also not shown here. The appearance of a contemporary Ptolemaic ruler's portrait on a bronze coin is unusual and may be unique to this series. These two are likely denominated as tritartemorion (six chalkoi) on the post-260BC weight standard. The largest size would seem to be a tri-hemiobol (ca. 17.2gm) and the smallest a hemiobol (ca 5.7gm).
28mm - 17.2gm Sv997 (cornucopia at left)	23mm - 8.6gm Sv998 (cornucopia at right)	23mm - 8.6gm Sv999 (cornucopia at left)	20mm - 5.7gm Sv1000 (cornucopia at right)

Ptolemy III - Aphrodite Statue Series 5 This denomination series consists of 5 coins all with an identical appearance, differing only in size/weight. The familiar Zeus Ammon obverse is accompanied by a 'cult statue of Aphrodite' on the reverse. An additional smaller size (about 11mm) is not shown here, representing perhaps a 1 chalkous denomination for this series.
30mm - 17.1gm Sv1005	25mm - 11.4gm Sv1006	20mm - 5.7gm Sv1007	17mm - 2.9gm Sv1008	15mm - 2gm Sv1009

Ptolemy III-IV - Tripod Series 5 This denomination series consists of coins all with similar appearance, differing only in size/weight. The largest coin is uncatalogued and somwhat (stylistically speaking) enigmatic. It is somewhat heavier and larger than Svoronos 791, and its reignal attribution is subject to further analysis, tentatively attributed here to Ptolemy IV on the basis of its reverse lettering style and rather different style, somewhat more crude, of the tripod. The two smaller coin types show the familiar Zeus Ammon obverse, accompanied by a closed wing eagle and a trident on the reverse, with clean sharp lettering and carefully executed tripod. These coins are attributed by Svoronos to Ake Ptolemais (Acre) but modern finds indicate they are most likely from the area near (modern) Bodrum in Turkey. See the Trident series, above. Ptolemaic possessions during the 3rd C. BC were scattered around the Mediterranean and these are likely coins from one of the Ptolemaic settlements of that time. See the book by Roger Bagnall on Ptolemaic possessions outside Egypt. All are relatively scarce. Examples of Svoronos 791 are sometimes found with a single letter (A or B) countermark in a circular punch on the reverse, an 'A' example shown in the countermark section at the end of this presentation. Svoronos also catalogued as 792 a coin showing a Ptolemais mint mark (PI-T-O) to the right of the eagle, previously known from one example in the British Museum (not listed in any other reference book and not seen by Ashton at the Fethiye Museum). The PI-T-O may be the reason this series was ascribed to Ptolemais, but it appears only Svoronos 792 may really be from that area, perhaps an issue of Ptolemy V (note the unusual eagle style). Note also (see countermarked types, below) that some coins of other series are known with tripod countermarks which may indicate their validation for circulation in this region during a time when coins were either in short supply, not being minted at the time, or needed in larger sizes than minted locally.
26mm - 12-14gm Sv 791 'a' Crude style. Ptolemy IV-V?	24mm - 10-11.4gm Sv791	20mm - 4.5gm Sv792 PI-T-O mark at right	18mm - 4.0gm Sv793

Ptolemy I - IV - Kyrene Ptolemy I Portrait Types The usual design motif is a portrait of Ptolemy I on the obverse and the head of Libya on the reverse, often with a branch or cornucopia near the neck. These likely include issues ranging over a lengthy period of time of different Ptolemaic kings. The several at far left are early Ptolemy I - II issues with unusual symbols (e.g. crab, prow) on the reverse. There follow others which Svoronos attributed to Ptolemy III (Svoronos 871, etc.) and which have a single cornucopia near Libya's chin.
18mm - 2.9gm Dichalkon Ptolemy I Portrait Open wing eagle r w/complex monograms Sv 70 Ptolemy I	18mm - 9.1gm Obol Ptolemy I Portrait Open wing eagle and MU-GAMMA (Magas) monogram Sv 327 Ptolemy II, Magas Ruling in Kyrene	17mm - 4.098gm HemiObol Ptolemy I Portrait Open Wing eagle Sv 328 Ptolemy I - II	17mm - 4.688gm HemiObol Ptolemy I Portrait Ship prow on reverse Sv 337 Ptolemy I	21mm - 8.1gm Obol Ptolemy I Portrait Libya Head reverse Double cornucopia at chin Sv 855 Ptolemy III	18mm - 3.8gm HemiObol Ptolemy I Portrait Libya Head reverse Single cornucopia at chin Sv 856 Ptolemy III	13mm - 1.9gm Dichalkon Ptolemy I Portrait Libya Head reverse Single cornucopia at chin Sv 857 Ptolemy III	21mm - 7.6gm Obol Ptolemy I Portrait Libya Head reverse Single cornucopia at chin Sv 871 Ptolemy III	18mm - 2.4gm TriChalkon ? Ptolemy I Portrait Libya Head reverse Single cornucopia behind Libya head Sv 872 Ptolemy III	23mm - 7.6gm Club behind shoulder Double Cornucopia at chin Sv 1268 (note overstruck on unidentified undertype) Ptolemy IV ?

Welcome to the Ptolemaic Bronze Coin Denomination Series Page

Ptolemy I-II - Alexandria, Tyre, and Other Mints - Series I-II Pre-Reform ca. 290-265BC

Ptolemy I - Aphrodite Portrait Issues ca. 310 - 305 BC

Ptolemy I - III Macedonian and Thracian Mints

Ptolemy II & Hieron II - Sicilian AE Litrae - ca. 268-264BC

Ptolemy II Alexandria Post-Reform (after ca. 265BC) Series 3

Ptolemy II Sidon Double Cornucopia - Series 3

Ptolemy II Tyre Double Cornucopia/Club Series 3

Ptolemy II Ake Ptolemais Double Cornucopia/Circled-PI-TAU Series 3

Ptolemy I - II - DELTA IOTA /AI Series

Ptolemy II - III - Proto-Natabaean Overstrikes

Ptolemy II - Ptolemy III - Ptolemy IV Queen Portraits

Ptolemy III Alexandria EPSILON or LAMDA or 'Plain' Series 4

Ptolemy III - Early Post-Reform Lotus Blossom Series 4

Ptolemy IV - Post-Reform Lotus Blossom Series 4 With Controls

Ptolemy III Alexandria Cornucopia with (No Control) Series 5

Ptolemy III Alexandria Cornucopia with CHI/RHO Series 5

Ptolemy III Tyre Club Series 5

Ptolemy III Trident Series 5

Ptolemy III Joppa Mint Harpa Series 5

Ptolemy III - Royal Portrait Series 5

Ptolemy III - Aphrodite Statue Series 5

Ptolemy III-IV - Tripod Series 5

Ptolemy I - IV - Kyrene Ptolemy I Portrait Types

Ptolemy IV - Alexandria Cornucopia Series 5

Ptolemy IV - Alexandria Series 5 'SIGMA' Control Types with Cornucopia Mintmark

Ptolemy IV - Series 5 - Alexandria Issue Tetrobols

Ptolemy IV - Series 5 - Kyrene Diobols with Ptolemy/Libya Design

Ptolemy IV - Tyre Series 5

Late 3rd - Early 2nd C. BC Tyre 'Decorated Reverse' Series Ptolemy IV - V

Alexandria 2nd C. BC - Marked Series Class 1 K Control Symbol

Alexandria 2nd C. BC Marked Series Class 2 PI/A Control Obverse Inscriptions Naming Kleopatra II ca 168-163BC

Alexandria 2nd C. BC Marked Series Class 3 PI/A Control

Alexandria 2nd C. BC Marked Series Class 4 Dated Types of Ptolemy IX and Cleopatra III

Alexandria 2nd C. BC Marked Series Class 5

Alexandria Late 3rd - Early 2nd C. BC Unmarked 'Series'

Alexandria 2nd C. BC Unmarked 'Series'

Alexandria 2nd C. BC Unmarked 'Series'

Alexandria 2nd C. BC Unmarked 'Series'

Alexandria 2nd C. BC Unmarked 'Series'

Cyprus Early 2nd C. BC Ptolemy V - Corinthian Helmet Series

Cyprus Early 2nd C. BC Ptolemy V Lotus Symbol Series

Cyprus 2nd C. BC Ptolemy VI Lotus Blossom Series

Ptolemy VIII Cyprus Dated Bronze Coins - Late 2nd C. BC

Cyprus Late 2nd - Early 1st C. BC Issues with Unusual Symbols

Ptolemy IV - IX Kyrene

Ptolemy VI - Kyrene Kleopatra II ca 168-163BC)

Ptolemy VIII Kyrene - Naming Ptolemy Euergetes II

Antiochos IV - Post-Conquest Egyptianized Series of Antioch

Uncatalogued, Unattributed, Unpublished Types

Countermarked Types

Cornucopia Countermarks - Ptolemy III - V

Other Countermarks (Incuse Trident, Letters, Advancing Nike) - Ptolemy II - III

Ivy Leaf, Caduceus, & Anchor Countermarks - Ptolemy III - VI

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Thank you for visiting the Ancient Collection Ptolemaic Kingdom Denomination Series Page.

Ptolemy I-II - Alexandria, Tyre, and Other Mints - Series I-II
Pre-Reform ca. 290-265BC

Ptolemy II
Alexandria Post-Reform (after ca. 265BC) Series 3

Ptolemy II
Sidon Double Cornucopia - Series 3

Ptolemy II
Tyre Double Cornucopia/Club Series 3

Ptolemy II
Ake Ptolemais Double Cornucopia/Circled-PI-TAU Series 3

Ptolemy III
Alexandria EPSILON or LAMDA or 'Plain' Series 4

Ptolemy III
Alexandria Cornucopia with (No Control) Series 5

Ptolemy III
Alexandria Cornucopia with CHI/RHO Series 5

Ptolemy III
Tyre Club Series 5

Ptolemy III
Trident Series 5

Ptolemy III
Joppa Mint Harpa Series 5

Late 3rd - Early 2nd C. BC
Tyre 'Decorated Reverse' Series
Ptolemy IV - V

Alexandria 2nd C. BC - Marked Series Class 1
K Control Symbol

Alexandria 2nd C. BC Marked Series Class 2
PI/A Control
Obverse Inscriptions Naming Kleopatra II ca 168-163BC

Alexandria 2nd C. BC Marked Series Class 3
PI/A Control

Alexandria 2nd C. BC Marked Series Class 4
Dated Types of Ptolemy IX and Cleopatra III

Cyprus Early 2nd C. BC
Ptolemy V - Corinthian Helmet Series

Cyprus Early 2nd C. BC
Ptolemy V Lotus Symbol Series

Cyprus 2nd C. BC
Ptolemy VI Lotus Blossom Series

Cyprus Late 2nd - Early 1st C. BC
Issues with Unusual Symbols

Ptolemy VI - Kyrene
Kleopatra II ca 168-163BC)

Ptolemy IV - Alexandria Cornucopia Series 5 This denomination series differs from the previous series because of the limited coin size ranges. We have only the 'drachm' and 'hemidrachm', with two similar leg monogram types, from Alexandria (cornucopia to left of the eagle). LI = LAMDA IOTA. DI = DELTA IOTA.
42mm - 68.4gm Sv1125 - DI	36mm - 34.3gm Sv1127 - DI	42mm - 68.4gm Sv1126 - LI	36mm - 34.3gm Sv1128 - LI

Ptolemy IV - Alexandria Series 5 'SIGMA' Control Types with Cornucopia Mintmark This series has leg control/monogram variations of SIGMA, SIGMA EPSILON, or SIGMA IOTA EPSILON, in 5 sizes, from Alexandria. As in the earlier series (with DELTA IOTA and LAMDA IOTA) we find drachm and hemidrachm sizes, but there are also diobols, and rare hemiobols and dichalka. One very unusual large coin, shown here, has the SIGMA EPSILON monogram in retrograde, known in only two examples (the other in Weiser, Koeln). There are some other coin types of Ptolemy IV that also have these controls and monograms made at other mints (Tyre, Cyprus and Kyrene) - see below. And there's one more Alexandria Ptolemy IV bronze with these controls, a tetrobol, sometimes with a cornucopia countermark. It is part of an enigmatic group of Ptolemy IV Alexandria tetrobols which do not have any cornucopia mintmark. It is shown below with the other Alexandria tetrobols that have no mintmark. The later series (see below) has the tetraobols and diobols of similar types showing countermarks and some with different control symbols or none at all.
42mm - 68.4gm Drachm Sv992 - S/SE	42mm - 68.4gm Drachm Sv992 - S/SE Two examples known with SE retrograde shown here (see Weiser).	36mm - 34.3gm HemiDrachm Sv993 - S/SE/SIE Example known with SE retrograde (Weiser).	30mm - 22.8gm Diobol Sv1151 - S E control Same as Sv994 Double cornucopiae at eagle's shoulder	18mm - 3.8gm HemiObol Not catalogued in Svoronos - S/SE	15mm - 2.9gm DiChalkon Not catalogued in Svoronos - S/SE

Ptolemy IV - Series 5 - Alexandria Issue Tetrobols Ptolemy IV issued an unusual group of tetrobols at Alexandria which, unlike all of his other Alexandria coinage, lack cornucopia mintmarks. One type has the S/SE/SIE (SIGMA, SIGMA EPSILON, etc.) control that is familiar on Ptolemy IV coins of other mints (Alexandria, Cyprus, and Kyrene). Several others have unusual controls seen only on rare Ptolemy/Libya diobols issued at Kyrene (see next series below). These tetrobols were assigned to Kyrene by Svoronos because of their unusual controls shared only at Kyrene. Current research, however, ties all of these tetrobols to Alexandria. Svoronos also connected the S/SE/SIE monogram also of a Tyre coin with the club mintmark to Kyrene, since corrected in modern literature. One of these tetrobols, extremely rare, has no control letter at all. Interestingly, there are no tetrobols or small denominations of Ptolemy IV's DELTA IOTA and LAMDA IOTA coinage. Svoronos also mistakenly included a type he thought had a CHI/RHO monogram in the eagle's legs, misreading a SIGMA-IOTA-EPSILON monogram, but no such Ptolemy IV CHI/RHO tetrobol type exists. There's one more peculiarity related to these tetrobols; all are known to occur with cornucopia countermarks and those are shown separately in the section below with all other countermarked types.
38mm - 45.6gm Tetrobols Svxxxx - No control in eagle's legs See countermarked variant of this same unmarked type below.	38mm - 45.6gm Tetrobol Sv1140 - (retrograde)RHO-PI-Y-E control	38mm - 45.6gm Tetrobol Sv1142 - PI-Y control in eagle's legs w/cornucopia countermark inverted at right	38mm - 45.6gm Tetrobol Sv1148 - S E in eagle's legs Note S E separate letters

Ptolemy IV - Series 5 - Kyrene Diobols with Ptolemy/Libya Design These four types parallel an enigmatic quartet of Ptolemy IV tetrobols issued at Alexandria with the same controls (see immediately above), but which lack the otherwise ubiquitous cornucopia mintmark of Alexandria. Interestingly the SIGMA EPSILON control (monogram) connects those Alexandria tetrobols, these Kyrene diobols, and some rare coins of Tyre and Cyprus all to Ptolemy IV. It may be the most geographically widespread of all the controls and monograms used on Ptolemaic bronze coins and helps date some of the coinages from different locations to the reign of Ptolemy IV. Note also that the SE diobol of Alexandria's Series 5 is of the Alexandria Series 3 - 5 weight standard and so it weighs about 22.8 grams. These diobols of Kyrene seem to be of the same weight standard as Series 1 - 2 coinage of Alexandria and other mints. More research on the metrology of Kyrene's Ptolemaic bronze coinage is in progress.
26mm - 19gm Diobol Svxxxx - No control below neck Silphium plant behind head Double cornucopiae at chin	28mm - 16gm Diobol SV 1141 - (retrograde)RHO-PI-Y-E control below neck Silphium plant behind head Double cornucopiae at chin	28mm - 18gm Diobol SV 1143 - PI/Y monogram below neck Silphium plant behind head Double cornucopiae at chin	28mm - 11.4gm Diobol Sv1152 - S E control below neck Silphium plant behind head Double cornucopiae at chin

Ptolemy IV - Tyre Series 5 Only the drachm and hemidrachm, with two leg control symbol combinations, from Tyre (club to left of the eagle) are catalogued in Svoronos. One rare hemidrachm (uncatalogued) is also shown here with DELTA IOTA controls that also has an ivy leaf countermark on the club (one other specimen known). A hemidrachm with retrograde SIGMA EPSILON monogram is catalogued in Weiser (Koeln) - see the Alexandria drachm with retrograde SIGMA EPSILON above. Additional uncatalogued types have come to light in the three smaller denominations with SIGMA shown here and a few others listed here. The Ptolemy IV coinage of Tyre appears to encompass more control symbol types and sizes than were known until recently. LI = LAMDA IOTA. DI = DELTA IOTA. S=SIGMA. SE=SIGMA EPSILON.
42mm - 68.4gm Sv1129 - LI or DI The two control combinations are not distinguished in Svoronos.	36mm - 34.3gm Sv1130 - LI or DI The two control combinations are not distinguished in Svoronos.	24mm - 11.4gm Sv??? - DI Sv??? - S Sv??? - SE Types not catalogued in Svoronos. Double-size of Svoronos 1153.	18mm - 5.7gm Svoronos 1153 - SE	15mm - 2.9gm Sv??? - S Type not catalogued in Svoronos. One-half of Svoronos 1153

Late 3rd - Early 2nd C. BC Tyre 'Decorated Reverse' Series Ptolemy IV - V These denomination series also have limited coin size ranges. There are actually three different series with different controls. We have only the 'hemidrachm' and smaller sizes, with two main leg monogram types for this unusual 'decorated' series. Tyre issues of these unusual 'decorated' reverse designs have PI, PI-T, PI-T-O, and AP (ALPHA RHO) monograms. This is an enigmatic series for which the basis of the highly decorated reverses is not known, though the combination of filetted cornucopiaea on the eagle's shoulders with a club (of Tyre) or other mintmark is seen on some coins of Ptolemy II. The PI control letter, exergal letters, and unusual decorations (caps of the dioscuri, stars, etc.) are echoed in some silver and gold issues that tie these most likely to Ptolemy V. A precise attribution for the others remains a topic of scholarly investigation. Those with PI-T and PI-T-O are attributed by some to Ptolemais but the use of mint designations in the usual position of control letters as well as the clear presence of the (presumably) Tyre club mark is good reason to question that, as is the existence of related precious metal coins bearing related control marks that are likely attributable to other Phoenician mints. We show these series together here because they unusual 'decorations' on the reverse and Tyre club seem to make them related to one another but the reignal attribution may indeed span Ptolemy IV and V. The production quality of some AP types (such as the hemidrachm shown here) is high enough, with carefully made very round flan with clean rounded edges as well as high artistic quality of its reverse, to suggest even production under Ptolemy III. Two coins shown here merit additional attention. The coin with caduceus countermark is apparently unique and the caduceus as a countermark is not on any other Ptolemaic coins we have seen nor mentioned in Noeske's paper on countermarks of Ptolemaic coins. The city location or other meaning of the caduceus countermark is unknown but that symbol is associated with certain Greek cities such as Tarsos, as is the club seen on some Tarsos coins. It is possible these are Asia Minor issues yet to be better understood. Parts of Cilicia were under Ptolemaic control for much of the 3rd C. BC and only taken by Antiochos III near its end. The coin with PI-T-O control with a size in between Svoronos 1058 and 1060, a 'half size' of Sv 1058, appeared to be a unique specimen as well (a second one only recently appeared in 2014). The AP control types are the most frequently seen, sometimes nicely made (as the example shown here) and other times crudely and of poor metal. The other types are all moderately to very scarce. Some larger coins of these types sometimes show striations under the Zeus figure which appear to be part of the die itself, possibly indicating a re-working or die breaks or wear. These may represent the last Ptolemaic bronze coinage of Tyre before it fell to Antiochos III during the reign of Ptolemy V, or perhaps some of them are from an Asia Minor location that fell to Seleukid control a bit earlier. One recent addition here is the uncatalogued type with the Kausia (hat) underneath the club, known from perhaps five specimens and not catalogued or illustrated in any reference books but there is one specimen in a museum collection. This one is a worn specimen, nevertheless clearly the same coin type as its brother which displays the kausia hat more clearly. The type is related to both the Svoronos 1059 and 1320 which share the same mintmark and PI control letter. A newly discovered type has appeared that bears no controls at all, adding more enigma to this series.
36mm - 34.3gm Sv1251 - AP	18mm - 3.8gm Sv1252 - AP	16mm - 2gm Sv1253 - AP	36mm - 34.3gm Sv1058 - PI-T-O	28mm - 18gm Svxxxx - PI-T-O Uncatalogued type similar to 1/2 denomination of Sv1058.	20mm - 5.7gm Sv1060 - PI-T	36mm - 34.3gm Sv1059 - PI Unusual EP in exergue.	36mm - 34.3gm Kausia (hat) under club Uncatalogued - PI ? E in exergue.	28mm - 18gm Sv1320 - PI Unusual IE in exergue.	32mm - 22gm Uncatalogued No Controls

Alexandria 2nd C. BC - Marked Series Class 1 K Control Symbol This denomination series consists of five coins with leg monogram KAPPA and introduces the design with Alexander wearing Elephantskin to the Ptolemaic bronzes. The largest size is unusual in that the symbol to the left of the eagle is a star, and occasionally this type is found with a cornucopia countermark as well, sometimes obscuring the star. The example shown here does have the countermark and part of the star is still visible, showing the type variation very clearly. This series shares the K control mark in the eagle's legs but, unlike most other series, the reverse on each denomination differs from all the others - eagles facing different directions, kerykeion through the eagle, two eagles (Sv 1377), open wings, closed wings, etc. In the 'Coinex Hoard' paper by Lorber and Huston, the countermarking with cornucopiae is said to have preceded the reign of Ptolemy VI. The countermarked versions of the larger issues are shown in the separate section at the end of this presentation. The 'no control', 'K', and Omicron/Lamda control all exist in countermark versions (the no-control type is only known with the countermark), shown below, with cornucopia countermark impressed onto the star that is seen at left of the eagle. The 'no control' and Omicron (with inscribed Lamda) are not catalogued in Svoronos, however Weiser shows the Omicron/Lamda type (Weiser #136) also as Ptolemy V, describing it (incorrectly) as mis-read 'K'.
30mm - 20gm Weiser 136 - OMICRON w/inscribed LAMDA (star at left) See countermark type below	30mm - 21.5gm Sv1375 - K (star at left) See countermark type below. Sv ? - nm w/cmk (star at left) See below.	25mm - 10.6gm Sv1376 - K	22mm - 7.1gm Sv1377 - K	18mm - 4.8gm Sv1378 - K	16mm - 2.9gm Sv1379 - K

Alexandria 2nd C. BC Marked Series Class 2 PI/A Control Obverse Inscriptions Naming Kleopatra II ca 168-163BC This denomination series consists of three coins with the unusual obverse inscription of Kleopatra I (wife of Ptolemy V and mother of Ptolemy VI) ca. 180-176 BC or Kleopatra II, co-ruler with her brother Ptolemy VI, from 168-145BC. We have only three sizes with leg monogram or left-field monogram of PI ALPHA. Some have thought the obverse inscription must be of Kleopatra I when, as mother of the very young Ptolemy VI when he inherited the kingdom on the death of Ptolemy V, she was the regent or co-ruler during the earliest part of his reign (ca. 180 - 176BC). More recently, Lorber and Faucher suggested the inscription refers to Kleopatra II, during the period 160-145BC. Recently a unique coin has been discovered also with the unusual obverse inscriptions from Kyrene (shown immediately below these) which may well narrow the date to ca. 168-163BC.
30mm - 23.5gm Sv1380 - PI-A	22mm - 7.1gm Sv1381 - PI-A	18mm - 3.7gm Sv1382 - PI-A

Alexandria 2nd C. BC Marked Series Class 3 PI/A Control Similar to the the previous Marked Series Class 2, but with four sizes and lacking the obverse Kleopatra inscription of Class 2. Svoronos also catalogued a fifth size, a small Isis type, as Sv 1387, for which I've checked carefully all available evidence and found it almost certainly does not exist; it is one of Svoronos's errors. Faucher and Lorber (AJN 2010) do include it, but they illustrated it with a known specimen of Sv 1238 (which doesn't have a PI/A monogram) from the BnF collection. Checking the available images of specimens that are supposedly 'Sv 1387' I found they are all examples of Sv 1238. The largest coin of this marked class has Zeus Ammon, then Isis, Alexander in Lionskin, Alexander in Elephantskin, and a small Isis coin. Only the largest, as before, has two eagles on the reverse. These coins have the same PI/A monogram as Class 2, in the same positions on the reverse. The PI'A is almost certainly a control symbol, not a mintmark. No hoard evidence clearly dates these coins exclusively to either before, during, or after the issue of Class 2. Hoards with specimens of Class 2 also have specimens of Class 3. If the Class 2 coins' obverse inscription refers to the period of 168 - 163 BC and pertains to the rule of Ptolemy VI, then the best dating for these may well be from some a bit earlier than 168 BC to some time after 163 BC. The medium Isis type of Class 3 is one of the most common Ptolemaic bronze coins and is known from hoard which contain many specimens. The prodigious quantities of Class 3 Isis coins known today contrasts with the other types of this class which are much less frequently seen.
30mm - 22.6gm Sv1383 - PI-A	28mm - 15.2gm Sv1384 - PI-A	24mm - 9.3gm Sv1385 - PI-A	22mm - 7.5gm Sv1386 - PI-A

Alexandria 2nd C. BC Marked Series Class 4 Dated Types of Ptolemy IX and Cleopatra III This marked class is identifiable by the OMEGA/SIGMA to the left of the eagle on the reverse and either L GAMMA (year 3) or L DELTA (year 4) date to the right of the eagle, indicating the years 114 and 113 BC. Some of these also have a K or KP monogram (of unknown meaning) on the obverse behind the Zeus head. These constitute the range of Svoronos catalog numbers from 1191 - 1194. Svoronos catalogued them as Ptolemy IV (Cyprus) but a hoard found in Egypt and the contents of a shipwreck have these coins mixed with tetradrachms attributed to Ptolemy IX and Cleopatra III. One smaller sizes of Alexandria's dated bronzes, with helmeted Athena on the obverse (Svoronos 1194) is not illustrated here. Faucher and Lorber called this 'Series 8' and included a small Athena-obverse type, Svoronos 1195 but it lacks date symbols of the others so it is not included here. Alexandrian dated Ptolemaic bronze coins are represented by these short-lived types made only during a two-year period. These coins of Ptolemy IX may represent a continuation, at Alexandria, of the practise of dating bronze coins begun by Ptolemy VIII on Cyprus (see below).
27.1-28.4mm - 17.0gm - 11h Zeus Ammon obverse with no discernible symbol behind head Omega/Sigma at left, L/Delta at right - Year 4, 113BC Sv 1193 Ptolemy IX & Cleopatra III	24.8-27.4mm - 15.5gm - 12h Zeus Ammon obverse with KP behind head Omega/Sigma at left, L/Delta at right - Year 4, 113BC Sv 1193 Ptolemy IX & Cleopatra III	19.6-21.2mm - 9.2gm - 12h Bearded Heracles obverse with K behind head, possibly off flan here Omega/Sigma at left, L/Gamma at right - Year 3, 114BC Sv 1191 Ptolemy IX & Cleopatra III