AE Hemiobol

Struck: 305 – 282 B.C.
Mint: Alexandria
Size: 21.8mm
Weight: 8.37g
Die Axis: 0°
Grade: VF
Ref: Sear 7765

Obv: Deified head of Alexander the Great right.
Rev: ΠTOΛEMAIOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ. Eagle standing left on thunderbolt.
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Ptolemy I Soter, also known as Ptolemy Lagides (c. 367 BC – 283/2 BC) was a Macedonian Greek general under Alexander the Great, one of the three Diadochi who succeeded to his empire. Ptolemy became ruler of Egypt (323–283/2 BC) and founded a dynasty which ruled it for the next three centuries, turning Egypt into a Hellenistic kingdom and Alexandria into a center of Greek culture. He assimilated some aspects of Egyptian culture, however, assuming the traditional title pharaoh in 305/4 BC. The use of the title of pharaoh was often situational: pharaoh was used for an Egyptian audience, and Basileus for a Greek audience, as exemplified by Egyptian coinage.

Like all Macedonian nobles, Ptolemy I Soter claimed descent from Heracles, the mythical founder of the Argead dynasty that ruled Macedon. Ptolemy's mother was Arsinoe of Macedon, and, while his father is unknown, ancient sources variously describe him either as the son of Lagus, a Macedonian nobleman, or as an illegitimate son of Philip II of Macedon (which, if true, would have made Ptolemy the half-brother of Alexander), but it is possible that this is a later myth fabricated to glorify the Ptolemaic dynasty. Ptolemy was one of Alexander's most trusted generals, and was among the seven somatophylakes (bodyguards) attached to his person. He was a few years older than Alexander and had been his intimate friend since childhood.

Ptolemy I Soter died in winter 283 or spring 282 at the age of 84. He was succeeded by his son Ptolemy II Philadelphus.