About this artwork
The front (obverse) of this coin portrays the heads of Ptolemy II and Arsinoe II, facing to the right. The back (reverse) portrays the head of Ptolemy I and Berenice I, facing to the right.
The son and daughter of Ptolemy I inherited the crown of Egypt jointly. Following the customs of Egyptian pharaohs, Ptolemy II (reigned 285–246 BCE) and Arsinoe II (reigned 276–270 BCE) married and ruled as both siblings and spouses. To celebrate their partnership they commissioned this remarkable coin. On his coins, Ptolemy I presented himself as a Greek, and specifically a Macedonian, king.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Arts of the Ancient Mediterranean and Byzantium
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Culture
- Ancient Greek
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Title
- Tetradrachm (Coin) Portraying King Ptolemy II Philadelphos and Queen Arsinoe II
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Place
- Egypt (Minted in)
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Date
- 285 BCE–247 BCE
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Medium
- Gold
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Inscriptions
- Obverse: A°E°ØΩN [of the siblings] Reverse: _ EΩN [of the gods]
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Dimensions
- Diam.: 2.1 cm (7/8 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of William F. Dunham
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Reference Number
- 1922.4256
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IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/4434/manifest.json
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
