Ancient Greek – Ptolemaic Kingdom, Ptolemy VI Philometor, 163–145 BC – AE Chalkous, Cyprus

PTOLEMAIC KINGDOM – PTOLEMY VI PHILOMETOR (163–145 BC). AE Chalkous. Cyprus Mint. Weight: 2.51 Gram 13.8x15.33 mm.

An authentic ancient bronze coin from the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, issued during the reign of Ptolemy VI Philometor, who ruled during the 2nd century BC.

Ptolemy VI was one of the later Ptolemaic kings and was a descendant of Ptolemy I Soter, one of the generals of Alexander the Great who established the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt after Alexander's death. Ptolemy VI's reign was marked by political struggles within the royal family and continued competition between Egypt and the Seleucid Kingdom.

This coin was struck at the Cyprus mint, an important island within the Ptolemaic sphere of power. Cyprus was strategically valuable to the Ptolemies because of its location in the eastern Mediterranean and its importance for trade, naval power and communication between Egypt and the wider Greek world.

The small AE chalkous was a low-denomination bronze coin intended for everyday transactions. Unlike the famous large silver and gold Ptolemaic coins, these humble bronze pieces represent the money that ordinary people would have encountered in daily life.

Historical Background

The Ptolemaic Kingdom was the last major Hellenistic dynasty to rule ancient Egypt. Founded by Ptolemy I Soter following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC, the dynasty ruled Egypt for almost three centuries until the death of Cleopatra VII in 30 BC.

Ptolemy VI Philometor ruled during a particularly turbulent period. His reign included conflicts with the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes, internal dynastic disputes and periods of joint rule with members of his family.

This little bronze coin therefore comes from a fascinating chapter in the history of the Hellenistic Mediterranean, when Greek culture and political traditions flourished throughout Egypt, Cyprus, the Levant and the wider eastern Mediterranean.

Coin Details

• King: Ptolemy VI Philometor
• Dynasty: Ptolemaic
• Kingdom: Ptolemaic Egypt
• Date: 163–145 BC
• Denomination: AE Chalkous
• Mint: Cyprus
• Metal: Bronze
• Weight: 2.51grams
• Diameter: 13.80X15.33 mm
• Period: Hellenistic

A wonderful ancient Greek/Hellenistic coin, over 2,000 years old, with a direct connection to the Ptolemaic Kingdom and the strategically important island of Cyprus.

Please examine the photographs for the exact condition, patina, surfaces, centering and details visible on this individual ancient coin.