CNG 99, Lot: 389. Estimate $500. Sold for $575. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. As satrap, 323-305 BC. AR Drachm (15mm, 3.72 g, 12h). Uncertain standard. In the name of Alexander III of Macedon. Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 311/0-305 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, wearing elephant skin / Athena Alkidemos advancing right; to right, ΔI and eagle standing right on thunderbolt. Svoronos 34; Zervos Issue 68; SNG Copenhagen –; Noeske –; BMC 15. VF, toned, a hint of porosity. Very rare denomination.

From the Nicholas Sicurella Collection. Ex CNG Inventory 82519 (June 1994).

While struck contemporary with the Attic weight tetradrachms, the drachms were all struck to an unknown lighter standard, averaging around 3.5 grams.

See C. Lorber, “A Revised Chronology of the Coins of Ptolemy I” in NC 165 (2005), for the revised dating of the issues of Ptolemy I.