Ptolemaic Dynasty : A history of Art on coinage.  Art has been around for many thousands of years. From the cave paintings and carvings of the ancient peoples- to unknown artists of the Hellenistic Period that created some of the worlds most beautiful coinage that survives today. Not all coins were created equal, but it’s good to know you can buy great coins that are very expensive. The Ptolemaic Dynasty are famed for their rich history and bringing Greek Culture to the Egyptians. They brought their coin making skills as well. 
PTOLEMY VIII, EUERGETES, (Ptolemy the Benefactor) Silver Tetradrachm. 170 – 117 BC.
Obverse: Diademed head of Ptolemy to right.
Reverse: Eagle with thyrsos standing left, on thunderbolt; ΠTOΛEMAIOY. Dated: LΛZ (134 133 BC). Mint: ƩA (Salamis). Ptolemy VIII reign was one of great cruelty; he drove the scholars from Alexandria and thus precipitated the spread of Alexandrian culture.
Around 117 BC an expedition sponsored by Ptolemy VIII completed the first sea voyage to India via the Red Sea and Indian Ocean beginning Egypt’s interest in the Spice trade.