A rare and historically significant Silver Tetradrachm struck by Ptolemy I while Satrap of Egypt, featuring the iconic Alexander the Great portrait style, with unique overstruck characteristics. This coin is graded NGC AU, with strike 4/5 and surface 4/5, showing rainbow toning across its surface.
Ruler: Ptolemy I, Satrap of Egypt (323–305/4 BC)
Denomination: Silver Tetradrachm
Weight: 15.59 g
Diameter: 28 mm
Grade: NGC AU – Overstruck
Obverse: Head of Alexander the Great wearing elephant skin cap
Reverse: Athena Alkidemos striding right, with raised spear and shield, Corinthian helmet above eagle, and XA monogram in right field
Reference: Svoronos 162
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🏛 Historical Context
Ptolemy I briefly used overstruck coinage to finance military campaigns
Older Alexander tetradrachms were clipped and restruck, producing 9 new coins from 8 originals, explaining lumps and irregular relief areas
This process allowed efficient silver utilization while maintaining the Alexander-style iconography
This coin is one of the rare overstruck issues from Ptolemy I’s satrapy period
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📊 Rarity & Significance
Extremely rare – unique rainbow toned AU specimen
Significant for collectors of Alexander the Great styled coinage, Ptolemaic Egypt, or ancient silver tetradrachms
Ideal for museum-quality displays, high-end collections, and investment-grade numismatics