CNG 87, Lot: 706. Estimate $300. Sold for $650. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy VI and Ptolemy VIII. Coregency, 170-164 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 14.17 g, 12h). Paphos mint. Dated RY 7 (164-163 BC). Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, wearing aegis around neck / Eagle standing left on thunderbolt; LZ (date) to left, ΠA to right. Svoronos 1389; Paphos Hoard p. 80 and pl. XIV, A; SNG Copenhagen -; Noeske -. Near EF, bright surfaces, die rust on obverse, graffiti in field on reverse.

The attribution of this issue is debatable. The brothers Ptolemy VI and Ptolemy VIII had been joint rulers of the kingdom from 170 BC, but near the end of 164 BC, Ptolemy VIII was successful in ousting his brother from Alexandreia. Ptolemy VI appealed to Rome for help, and settled in Cyprus until a decision could be reach. Before action was taken by Rome, however, a Ptolemy VIII was himself removed by a revolt, and the Alexandrians recalled Ptolemy VI. As such, this issue, which is dated to the coregency, could be an issue of both of the brothers, or either one individually.