Ancient Greek Silver Tetradrachm with Portrait of Ptolemy I Soter Set in 18K Gold

An exceptional ancient Greek silver tetradrachm of the Ptolemaic dynasty, featuring the celebrated portrait of Ptolemy I Soter, founder of the dynasty and one of Alexander the Great’s most distinguished generals, elegantly mounted in a finely crafted 18-karat gold pendant.

The obverse displays a powerful royal portrait of Ptolemy I facing right, adorned with the royal diadem. His prominent facial features, deeply sculpted curls, and commanding expression exemplify the remarkable realism and artistic sophistication of Hellenistic royal portraiture.

The reverse depicts the magnificent eagle of Zeus standing upon a thunderbolt, its wings folded and head turned backward. The Greek royal inscription ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ (Of King Ptolemy) surrounds the eagle, accompanied by control marks in the field. This majestic bird became the principal dynastic emblem of the Ptolemaic kings, symbolizing divine authority, sovereignty, and royal power.

The coin exhibits impressive high-relief portraiture, finely articulated eagle feathers, and beautiful natural silver toning with attractive ancient patina. Its exceptional classical imagery is complemented by an elegant 18-karat gold setting featuring a finely twisted rope-pattern border.

A distinguished example of Hellenistic Greek numismatic artistry, combining the grandeur of the Ptolemaic dynasty with the refinement of fine gold craftsmanship. This remarkable pendant embodies the legacy of the Greek rulers of Egypt, whose dynasty endured for nearly three centuries and culminated in the reign of the legendary Queen Cleopatra VII.

REFERENCE #

JW-GR-1003

CIVILIZATION

Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, 3rd Century B.C.

PRICE

$3,500

PROVENANCE

Found in Samaria