1/4 Ma'ah-Obol - Ptolemy I

This fractional piece belongs to a transitional coinage issued in Judea under Ptolemaic administration following Alexander's conquests, when the province operated under Egyptian overlordship but retained local minting traditions. At roughly 0.18g, these are among the smallest silver coins produced in the ancient world, and their survival in any condition is largely a function of luck rather than careful handling.

Ptolemy I consolidated control over Judea around 301 BC after the Battle of Ipsus, one of the Diadochi wars that carved up Alexander's empire.