Ptolemaic Kingdom Arsinoe II Gold Octodrachm NGC XF 5x3

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.