★ Nearly 70g ★

Ptolemy III Euergetes (246-222 BCE) AE drachm. Alexandria, 67.48g, 43mm.
Obv: Diademed head of Zeus-Ammon right
Rev: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΠTOΛEMAIOY; Eagle with closed wings standing left on thunderbolt; in field to left, cornucopia; between legs, chi-rho monogram.
SNG Copenhagen 171, Svoronos 964, Lorber Series 5.

A huge and impressive coin, at least if you avoid comparing it with its mega-siblings, the octobols (see the previous two lots). It was issued in the latter half of Ptolemy III’s reign, during his alliance with Athens. (During this time the Athenians created a new cult in Ptolemy’s honour, as if he were a living god.)