Ptolemaic Kingdom Arsinoe II Gold Octodrachm NGC XF 5x3

Sorry, currently out of stock

Thanks! We will notify you when this product becomes available!

Click here to be notified by email when Ptolemaic Kingdom Arsinoe II Gold Octodrachm NGC XF 5x3 becomes available.
PTOLEMAIC EGYPT. Arsinöe II Philadelphus (died 270/268 BC) Gold octodrachm (27.70 g) NGC XF Strike 5/5 - Surface 3/5 Posthumous issue of Alexandria under Ptolemy II, ca. 251/0 BC. Diademed and veiled head of deified Arsinöe II right with horn of Ammon; lotus-tipped scepter behind, K in left field, dotted border. 

Reverse APΣINOHΣ-ΦIΛAΔEΛΦOY, double cornucopia, grape bunches hanging at sides, bound with fillet; dotted border. 
 

Arsinoe II was a Ptolemaic Greek Princess who was co-ruler of Egypt with her brother/husband Ptolemy II Philadelphus. Philadelphus, of course, meaning “the sibling-loving.” No wonder Philadelphia is called the “City of Brotherly Love” today. Anyway, Arsinoe won three chariot races in the Olympic Games of 272 B.C. and was worshipped as a God after her death around 270/68 B.C.

The Gold Octadrachm is one of the largest coins of the Ancient World at nearly a full ounce of gold. Whoever held the gold Octodrachm quite literally held the power, they could buy whatever size army that was needed to conquer nations.

The reverse cornucopia is a symbol of abundance and nourishment, a classic display of the massive wealth of the Ptolemaic Kingdom.