Caria. Rhodes. 229-226 BC. Æ (5.76g, 12h). BMC 219; Ashton 46b (this coin). Lovely light green patina. Well-centered. Extremely fine. From a European private collection; Tradart 1999 (9) lot 77; Giessener Münzhandlung 1984 (29) lot 2613; Müller 1984 (45) lot 59

Ashton links this issue to the period immediately after the great earthquake that struck Rhodes ca. 229-226 BC. The city and port were devastated, and the great bronze Colossus beside the harbor was demolished... Greek states all over the eastern Mediterranean shipped in relief supplies, with Ptolemy III being very generous. Thus, the Zeus head may reflect an Egyptian connection - the Rhodians honoring their benefactors.