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GREEK PTOLEMY II EGYPT COIN PENDANT IN 14K WHITE GOLD 261 - 260 B.C. Simple and bold, this classy open double ring pendant setting in high polished 14K WHITE gold showcases this exquisite and large GENUINE silver Greek coin featuring a classic bust of Alexander the Great and minted under the rule of Ptolemy II. Ptolemy II was the son of Ptolemy I and heir to the Greek rule of Egypt. Ptolemy II is most remembered for his love of science. According to the "Letter of Aristeas", Ptolemy II requested 70 Jewish scholars come from Jerusalem to translate the Pentateuch into a Greek version, now known as the Septuagint, to be placed into the Great Library collection in Alexandria. He died on January 29, 246 BC. This beautiful coin known as a tetradrachm was a popular and very large denomination of ancient Greek coinage. Most of the finest artwork in ancient Greek coins can be found on tetradrachms because the large surface afforded an excellent platform for the die engraver (celator) to create detailed and stunning scenes that were easy to view. This particular coin shows a classic ancient Greek-style diademed portrait of Ptolemy II with his dramatic full head of hair. The coin was minted in Sidon, Phoenicia between 261 and 260 BC. The detail is remarkable and the relief is extremely full. If you like the photos then you will love the piece as it MUST be seen in person to appreciate the dimension and beauty of the artwork! After Alexander the Great's death in 323 BC, Ptolemy, one of Alexander's generals, was appointed ruler of Egypt. In 305 BC he declared himself King Ptolemy I, known as "Soter" (saviour) and made the city of Alexandria Egypt's capital, bringing Alexander's body with him to be buried in the city, reuniting the famed conqueror with the city that bore his name. The Egyptians soon accepted the Ptolemies as the successors to the pharaohs of independent Egypt. Ptolemy's family ruled Egypt up until the Roman conquest of Egypt in 31 BC. Under the rule of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, Alexandria became one of the most important cultural and economic centers of the ancient world. In the early period of Ptolemaic rule, the quality of Egyptian agriculture was greatly improved upon whereby large areas of fertile land was introduced to irrigation and new crops were imported such as cotton and better wine-producing grapes. The Ptolemies were highly regarded by the Egyptians as they substantially increased foreign trade, making more luxury goods available to more people. One of the primary reasons though, for the Ptolemies gaining the respect of the Egyptians was the desire of the Ptolemies to BE Egyptian, not the other way around. The Ptolemaic Dynasty adopted the religion and culture of Egypt and greatly respected the Egyptian heritage. Ptolemy saw a need to become one of the people he intended to rule. Ptolemy decided from the beginning of his reign that Alexandria would not just be another port capital, but the home of a new age in Greek science and art. More than just another successful Greek general, Ptolemy I had a passion for history and was an exceptional writer, chronicling detailed passages of Alexander's campaigns. He passed this love for learning to his descendants. Ptolemy's son and heir, Ptolemy II Philadelphus had a great love for science. Ptolemy III was a passionate collector of books. The Ancient Greeks had a long tradition of enlightened rulers, and despite being on foreign soil, the Ptolemies would be no exception. Ptolemy invited scholars and artists from all over the known world to come to Alexandria to nurture and build a culture of education amongst the society there. The arrival of many of these learned people resulted in one of the most famous images of historic Alexandria: the Library! A true masterpiece combination of fine jewelry craftsmanship and GENUINE ancient art! HIGHLY recommended and one of a kind.
Overall size is IMPRESSIVELY LARGE at 41 mm in diameter! CPG023 SOLD COMES WITH A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY / HISTORY SHEET |
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2895 |
