PTOLEMAIC KINGS OF EGYPT. Ptolemy V Epiphanes, 205-180 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 27 mm, 14.24 g, 12 h), Soli in Cilicia. Jugate draped busts to right of Serapis, laureate and with miniature atef crown above forehead, and Isis, crowned with grain and miniature horned disc above forehead. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ Eagle with closed wings standing to left on thunderbolt, his head turned back to right, with filleted double cornucopiae at his shoulder; in field to left, owl standing left, head facing, above ME; between eagle's legs, AP. Landvatter - (O32/-). C. C. Lorber & F. Kovacs: A Ptolemaic Mint at Soli: A Tale of Two Magistrates, in: SM 187 (October 1997), -. Svoronos -. An apparently unpublished variety of a very rare issue. Beautifully toned and exceptionally well preserved, with a wonderful rendering of the divine couple Serapis and Isis. Light deposits and a few faint scratches and with very minor doubling on the reverse, otherwise, extremely fine.



This tetradrachm featuring the busts of Serapis and Isis is a notable example of the Ptolemies' innovative approach to religious and political symbolism. Serapis was a syncretic deity created by Ptolemy I to unify Greek and Egyptian religious traditions, symbolizing the dynasty’s power and legitimacy over Egypt. His association with the Egyptian goddess Isis further enhanced the Ptolemies’ religious influence and appeal to both Greek and Egyptian subjects. This coin is exceptional because Ptolemaic silver and gold coins typically feature royal portraits, usually of Ptolemy I, the founder of the dynasty.