347, Lot: 291. Estimate $300. Sold for $220. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. As satrap, 323-305 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 16.70 g, 1h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Tyre mint. Dated RY 32, 33, or 34 of king Azemilkos (318-316 BC). Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; Phoenician ‘K (for Azemilkos) and Phoenician date (final digits off flan) in left field. Price 3283, 3286, or 3287 (Ake); Newell, Dated 35, 37, or 38 (obv. die XXXI); DCA 737. VF, lightly toned, light die wear on obverse, off center and small edge mark on reverse.

From Group SGF.

The obverse die for this coin was used for three years at Tyre, and the reverse die appears to be unlisted in Newell, so identification of the date is not possible with certainty. That said, the obverse appears to have some die wear, which suggests that is was struck in year 33. This obverse die began use late in year 32, so coins with that year should exhibit only traces of die wear, if any. In contrast, Newell notes that the coin he saw of year 34 had significant die wear on the obverse. Thus, the die wear on this coin would seem to be most consistent with being used in year 33.