Unknown Maker, Greek

Ptolemy I Soter, the first of the Macedonian kings of Egypt, was a general of Alexander the Great who distinguished himself in his martial and administrative organization of Egypt after the death of his commander. This coin is distinctive in the realism shown in the face of the ruler. Ptolemy’s humanity is emphasized by the shadows and sinews of his portrait. The eyes are sunken, the chin protruding, and the face angular. Around his neck he wears an aegis, or religious collar, similar to that of Zeus.