Ancient Egypt – Ptolemaic Kingdom – Ptolemy XII (80–51 BC) – AR Tetradrachm – NGC Choice VF – 14.32 g An impressive ancient Egyptian silver tetradrachm, issued during the Ptolemaic dynasty and professionally certified by NGC Ancients as Choice Very Fine (Ch VF), with a Strike rating of 4/5 and Surface rating of 3/5. Dating to approximately 66–65 BC, this historical coin belongs to the reign of Ptolemy XII Auletes, the father of the famous Queen Cleopatra VII, and represents one of the final generations of the Greek Ptolemaic dynasty that ruled Egypt before its incorporation into the Roman Empire. Coin Details - Civilization: Ancient Greek / Ptolemaic Egypt - Kingdom: Ptolemaic Kingdom - Ruler: Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysos (80–51 BC) - Possible attribution: Issue of Ptolemy X, as noted by NGC - Date: Regnal Year 16 (66/65 BC) - Denomination: Tetradrachm - Metal: Silver (AR) - Weight: 14.32 g (NGC certified) - Obverse: Diademed head of Ptolemy I Soter facing right, wearing the royal diadem and aegis. - Reverse: Eagle standing left on a thunderbolt, surrounded by the traditional royal Greek inscription. - Certification: NGC Ancients - Grade: Choice Very Fine (Ch VF) - Strike: 4/5 - Surface: 3/5 - NGC Certification Number: 706092-005 Historical Significance The Ptolemaic Kingdom was established following the death of Alexander the Great, when his general Ptolemy I Soter became ruler of Egypt. For nearly three centuries, the Ptolemies governed Egypt from Alexandria, creating one of the most influential Hellenistic kingdoms of the ancient Mediterranean world. This silver tetradrachm belongs to the period associated with Ptolemy XII Auletes, father of Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of Ptolemaic Egypt. Its obverse preserves the traditional portrait of Ptolemy I Soter, the dynasty's founder, while the reverse depicts the majestic eagle standing upon a thunderbolt, a long-established symbol of Ptolemaic royal authority. The coin was issued during a fascinating period of Egyptian history, shortly before the rise of Cleopatra VII and the eventual Roman annexation of Egypt in 30 BC. Condition & NGC Certification This specimen has been professionally certified by NGC Ancients as Choice Very Fine (Ch VF). NGC has additionally assigned the following ratings: Strike: 4/5 Surface: 3/5 The obverse retains the recognizable royal portrait with distinct details in the hair, diadem and facial profile. The reverse preserves the traditional eagle motif, with visible wing and feather details. The coin displays age-related wear and surface characteristics consistent with its certified grade and ancient origin. The specimen is securely encapsulated in its NGC holder, providing professional identification and long-term protection. NGC Certification Number: 706092-005 Collector Highlights - Ancient silver tetradrachm from the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt - Approximately 2,090 years old - Issued during the historical period of Ptolemy XII, father of Cleopatra VII - Professionally certified NGC Choice VF - Strong strike rating of 4/5 - Substantial certified weight of 14.32 grams - Historic portrait of Ptolemy I and traditional Ptolemaic eagle design - Encapsulated in its NGC holder - An appealing addition to a collection of Hellenistic, ancient Greek or Egyptian coinage Shipping & Presentation The exact NGC-certified coin shown in the photographs will be supplied in its holder. The specimen will be carefully packaged to ensure protection during transportation. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description and document the coin's actual condition.