Lot 4053
Macedonian Kingdom. Demetrios I, Poliorketes, 306-283 BC. Silver Tetradrachm (16.7g) minted at Salamis, ca. 300-295 BC. Nike (Victory) standing left on prow of galley, supporting salpinx with right hand, holding stylis in left. Reverse: ΔHMHTPIOY BA - ΣIΛE - Ω[Σ]. Nude Poseidon advancing left, brandishing trident in right hand, chlamys wrapped around left; to left and right, monograms. Newell 22 (pl. II, 14). Faint signs of old cleaning. Uniform light grey toning with golden highlights. Choice Very Fine.
It was only after the defeat and death of his father Antigonos Monophthalmos at Ipsos (301 BC) that Demetrios Poliorketes began striking coins in his own name, initially with the types of Alexander the Great (Herakles head/seated Zeus). Soon, however, a splendid new type was introduced at Demetrios' Cypriot mint of Salamis, the obverse showing Nike alighting on the forepart of a defeated galley, the reverse a magnificent striding Poseidon. This was in commemoration of Demetrios' celebrated naval victory over Ptolemy of Egypt in the Battle of Salamis resulting in his capture of Cyprus. The type was later struck at other mints under the control of Demetrios.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,000.
The Hunter Collection.
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| Realized $3,335 |
