This coin is internationally famous as a rare realistic image of Cleopatra, one of the world's most powerful women. Famed for her intelligence, charisma and political skills, Cleopatra VII ruled Egypt with her brother Ptolemy XIII. She defeated Ptolemy with the help of Julius Caesar and became Caesar's mistress. She returned to Egypt after Caesar was assassinated and fell in love with Mark Antony. The latter was defeated by his rival Octavian in 31 BC. Cleopatra chose death by snake bite and Mark Antony died by his own sword. Cleopatra was the last of the Egyptian Pharaohs.
This bronze coin, from the University of Glasgow's Hunterian Museum, is one of the best surviving examples of the rare portraits of Cleopatra.
Profile of a Queen (coin)
Contributed by The Hunterian
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