Ancient Ptolemaic Egyptian Bronze Coin – Zeus-Ammon & Eagle – c. 3rd Century BC For Sale

Ancient Ptolemaic Egyptian Bronze Coin – Zeus-Ammon & Eagle – c. 3rd Century BC

A genuine ancient bronze coin from Ptolemaic Egypt, the remarkable Greek dynasty that ruled Egypt following the conquests of Alexander the Great.

The Ptolemaic dynasty was founded by Ptolemy I Soter, one of Alexander\'s generals, who took control of Egypt following Alexander\'s death in 323 BC. His descendants would rule from Alexandria for nearly three centuries, creating one of the wealthiest and most fascinating kingdoms of the ancient Mediterranean world.

The dynasty ultimately ended with the famous Cleopatra VII, whose defeat alongside Mark Antony by Octavian brought Egypt under Roman rule in 30 BC.

The obverse of this coin depicts Zeus-Ammon, an extraordinary combination of the Greek god Zeus and the Egyptian/Libyan god Amun. The image—with the characteristic ram\'s horn of Ammon—perfectly illustrates the blending of Greek and Egyptian culture that defined the Ptolemaic kingdom.

The reverse depicts the eagle of Zeus standing upon a thunderbolt, the great dynastic emblem of the Ptolemies and one of the most recognizable designs of ancient Egyptian-Greek coinage.

These substantial bronze coins were not ceremonial objects. They were actual money used within Ptolemaic Egypt more than 2,200 years ago, during the extraordinary Hellenistic civilization centered on Alexandria.

Alexandria during this period was one of the intellectual and commercial capitals of the ancient world—the city of the legendary Library of Alexandria and the Pharos lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Kingdom: Ptolemaic Egypt
Period: Hellenistic
Approximate date: c. 3rd century BC
Metal: Bronze
Obverse: Head of Zeus-Ammon
Reverse: Ptolemaic eagle standing on thunderbolt
Condition: Ancient circulated condition; not professionally graded
Attribution: Exact ruler/denomination uncertain

This is a genuine ancient coin rather than a modern reproduction or commemorative—an actual surviving piece of the Greek kingdom that ruled Egypt between the age of Alexander the Great and Cleopatra.

An especially evocative artifact for anyone interested in Ancient Egypt, Alexander the Great, Cleopatra, Greek history, the Library of Alexandria, archaeology, or the civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean.

Please examine all photographs carefully for the exact condition, surfaces, patina, remaining detail and dimensions. Ancient coins were individually produced and have survived for more than two millennia, so considerable variation in shape, surfaces and wear is normal.

Ungraded and sold as pictured.