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Lot 4054
Macedonian Kingdom. Demetrios I, Poliorketes, 306-283 BC. Silver Tetradrachm (17g) minted at Amphipolis, ca 291-290 BC. Diademed and horned head of young Demetrios right. Reverse: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY. Half-draped Poseidon seated left on rock, holding apluster in outstretched right hand, resting left on trident; to left and right, monograms. Newell 111 (pl. X, 6). Underlying luster present with a touch of natural iridescense. Superb Extremely Fine.
Demetrios I, Poliorketes (the Besieger) was born in 336 BC, the son of Antigonos Monophthalmos (the One-Eyed) who held a high command in the army of Alexander the Great. In the confused period following the unexpected death of the Macedonian conqueror at the age of only thirty-three, Antigonos emerged as one of the most powerful of the Diadochi, and it was he who came closest to reuniting all of Alexander's former Empire. In 301 BC, Antigonos perished in the battle of Ipsos where he was opposed by the combined forces of the other Diadochi. Demetrios survived his father's downfall, and in 294 BC managed to ascend the Macedonian throne, thereby founding a dynasty that was destined to survive until the end of the kingdom. His coin types all follow a maritime theme and are commemorative of his important naval victory over Ptolemy of Egypt at Salamis in 306 BC that resulted in the capture of Cyprus.
This handsome portrait tetradrachm issued at Amphipolis shows a seated figure of Poseidon, brother of Zeus and ruler of the sea. The horn on the royal portrait also refers to Poseidon, as the bull was the sacred animal of the god.
Estimated Value $5,000 - 7,500.
The Hunter Collection.
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| Realized $6,613 |
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