PTOLEMAIC EGYPT. Ptolemy IV Philopater (222-205/4 BC). AR stater or tetradrachm (26mm, 13.82 gm, 12h). NGC Choice VF 4/5 - 2/5, Fine Style, light scratches. Alexandria, ca. 217-215/0 BC. Jugate draped busts right of Serapis, laureate with miniature atef crown above forehead, and Isis, crowned with grain and miniature horned disc above forehead; dotted border / ΠTOΛEMAIOY-BAΣIΛEΩΣ, eagle standing left on thunderbolt, head right, wings closed, double cornucopia bound with royal diadem over right wing; ΔI between legs. CPE 892. Svoronos 1124. Two appealing Fine Style portraits with medium cabinet toning. According to Lorber in CPE, p. 432, this issue can be understood as the financial basis for the rebuilding of the Lagid army between ca. 219 and 217 BC, and was struck shortly after the Battle of Raphia in 217 BC, in which the Ptolemaic army decisively defeated the invading Seleucid forces of Antiochus III. The army supposedly offered prayers to Serapis and his consort Isis before the battle, that were answered with a victory.

HID09801242017

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