Ptolemaic Kings of Egypt Cleopatra III & Ptolemy X Alexander I, 107–101 BC AR Tetradrachm, Alexandria Mint Dated: Regnal Year 16 of Cleopatra III and Year 13 of Ptolemy X = 102/1 BC Weight: 13.91 g Diameter: 24 mm ________________________________________ Obverse: Diademed head of Ptolemy I Soter right, wearing an aegis. Reverse: ΠTOΛEMAIOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ — “Of King Ptolemy.” Eagle standing left on thunderbolt; in the left field, regnal dates L IϚ (16) above IΓ (13); monogram ΠA in the right field. ________________________________________ References: Svoronos 1731; SNG Copenhagen 362; Noeske 321 Condition: Very Fine (VF) ________________________________________ Historical Background This tetradrachm was issued during the joint reign of Cleopatra III and her younger son, Ptolemy X Alexander I, in the final decades of the Ptolemaic Dynasty — a period marked by dynastic conflict, intrigue, and Roman encroachment. Cleopatra III ruled Egypt as queen and co-regent over several decades, first with her mother Cleopatra II and husband Ptolemy VIII Euergetes II, and later with her sons, Ptolemy IX Lathyros and Ptolemy X Alexander I. After expelling Ptolemy IX from Alexandria, she installed Ptolemy X as co-ruler in 107 BC, though she retained most of the power. This coin dates to 102/1 BC, during the 16th regnal year of Cleopatra III and the 13th of Ptolemy X, indicating their co-reign. Despite appearing on the coin, Ptolemy I Soter, founder of the dynasty and companion of Alexander the Great, had long been deceased — his portrait continued to serve as a dynastic symbol of legitimacy and continuity across generations. The eagle on thunderbolt was the standard reverse type for Ptolemaic silver coinage, symbolizing Zeus and royal power. The aegis worn by Ptolemy I on the obverse also references divine protection, likely that of Zeus-Ammon, a syncretic deity worshiped by the Ptolemies. By the time this coin was minted, the Ptolemaic kingdom was in decline, weakened by internal strife and increasing dependence on Rome. Cleopatra III was assassinated by her son Ptolemy X in 101 BC, shortly after this coin was struck, highlighting the volatility of the period.