Ptolemy I Soter, 305-282 BC.

Pentadrachm (Gold), Alexandrian mint, circa 294-282. Diademed head of Ptolemy I to right, wearing aegis around his neck; small Δ behind ear. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ – ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ Eagle with closed wings standing left on thunderbolt; in

  field to left, monogram of ΠΑP.

*Description:*
A Ptolemaic coin from the reign of King Ptolemy I (305–282 BC), nicknamed Soter (“the Savior”).

*Metal:* Gold
*Denomination:* Octodrachm
*Approximate date:* 294–282 BC
*Mint:* Alexandria

*Obverse:*
Portrait of King Ptolemy I facing right, wearing the royal diadem (διάδημα) on his head, with the aegis of Zeus draped around his neck.

*Reverse:*
Depiction of Zeus’s eagle standing on a thunderbolt, facing left, surrounded by the inscription:
ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ
Translation: “Of King Ptolemy”

The left margin features the monogram: ΠΑΡ.

A similar piece is in the Harvard Art Museums.

References and links:
– Lorber, C. Coins of the Ptolemaic Empire. (New York, 2018).
– Svoronos, J. Ta Nomismata tou Kratous ton Ptolemaion. (Athens, 1904–08).
– The American Numismatic Society’s database.