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Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Ptolemy IV Philopator, 221 - 204 B.C.
A massive Ptolemaic bronze! An exceptional example, for both style and preservation. This type could be attributed to Sidon and c. 217 B.C. based on the use of the identical symbol on silver and gold of this period. With Hannibal ravaging Italy, and most of the Italian farms unattended and fallow, the Romans sent an embassy to Alexandria to purchase grain. Presumably the purchase was made with gold and silver. A Ptolemaic issue of gold (and some silver) with DI control marks were issued at this time, funding the battle of Raphia, and the end of the Fourth Syrian War. The likely mint for the DI gold, silver and bronze is in Phoenicia. It is not the Tyre mint which used the club symbol. Tyre was mostly in Seleukid hands during this turbulent reign. Silver issues from Askalon are dated Year 3 and 4. Sidon is an excellent fit. Most of the silver issues of Ptolemy IV and V came from this mint. The loss of the Sidon mint in the Fifth Syrian War led to an end of these large bronzes. In another generation, Kyrene would become the main Ptolemaic bronze mint.
SH27103. Bronze drachm, Lorber CPE B495; Svoronos 1125; Noeske 140 ff.; SNG Cop 199; Weiser 49; BMC Ptolemies p. 57, 106 ff.; Hosking -, gVF, brown patina, Alexandria mint, weight 65.673g, maximum diameter 41.9mm, die axis 0o, obverse horned head of Zeus Ammon right, wearing taenia; reverse ΠTOΛEMAIOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ, eagle standing left on thunderbolt, wings closed, filleted cornucopia left, ΔI between eagle's legs; SOLD
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