Gold oktadrachm of Ptolemy IV Philopator
head of Ptolemy III, Euergetes/double cornucopiae
minted in Alexandria, Egypt
Gold and silver were the primary raw materials for Hellenistic coinage of intrinsic value. The Ptolemies had access to abundant gold from the mines in Nubia, but most silver had to be imported to Egypt from farther afield. Consequently, the Ptolemies placed greater importance on gold coinage, producing some of the finest gold issues of Hellenistic times, examples of which you see here.
minted in Alexandria, Egypt
Gold and silver were the primary raw materials for Hellenistic coinage of intrinsic value. The Ptolemies had access to abundant gold from the mines in Nubia, but most silver had to be imported to Egypt from farther afield. Consequently, the Ptolemies placed greater importance on gold coinage, producing some of the finest gold issues of Hellenistic times, examples of which you see here.
Artwork Details
- Title: Gold oktadrachm of Ptolemy IV Philopator
- Period: Hellenistic
- Date: 221–204 BCE
- Culture: Greek, Ptolemaic
- Medium: Gold
- Dimensions: 1 1/16 in., 0.979oz. (2.7 cm, 27.77g)
- Classification: Coins
- Credit Line: Theodore M. Davis Collection, Bequest of Theodore M. Davis, 1915
- Object Number: 30.115.21
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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