Ptolemy VI Philometer (which translates into “mother loving”), had two individual reigns. This coin was struck in his first reign. He was the eldest son of Ptolemy V and Cleopatra I of Egypt. He first came to the throne as a youngster and therefore was assisted by regents, his mother being one of them, perhaps further explanation into his name Philometer. His mother Cleopatra I came from a powerful family. Her father was Antiochus III, the Great, who was the sixth ruler of the Seleucid dynasty. He was unfortunate in his reign that following the great war in Magnesia against the Romans in 190 BC, much of the Seleucid land fell into Roman hands.

The relationship between the Seleucids and Egyptians was much closer than many realize. In fact, Antiochus III gave his daughter Cleopatra I at the tender age of 10 to Ptolemy V, who was 16 at the time in marriage. This bond was to strengthen the relationship between the two superpowers.

Once Ptolemy V died, Cleopatra I (called the Syrian Cleopatra due to her roots) was the first Egyptian queen to rule without her husband. Just prior to his death Ptolemy V wanted to wage yet another battle with the Seleucids but Cleopatra halted this battle and the preparations for it once Ptolemy V died. The war would have directed sister and brother to fight one another as Cleopatra’s sibling Seleucus IV Philopater was ruler at the time.

On all accounts the regency of Cleopatra I to her son Ptolemy VI Philometor was without great issue. She died in 170 BC and Ptolemy VI continued his regency with two of her advisors.