Lot 21
Kings of Macedon. Demetrios Poliorketes, 305-284 BC. AR Tetradrachm (16.98 g), Amphipolis mint, c. 290-289 BC. Diademed head of Demetrios right, wearing bull's horn. Reverse: Poseidon, nude, standing left, his right foot on rock, arm resting on knee, holding trident with left hand; regal titles, monograms in field. Newell 116 (obverse CXI). Nicely toned, with excellent portrait. NGC graded Extremely Fine.
The son of Antigonus Gonatus ("Antigonus the One-Eyed," who was one of Alexander the Great's companions-in-arms), Demetrios Poliorketes ("the Besieger") spent most of his career trying to carve out a kingdom for himself somewhere, anywhere, along with attempting to reclaim his father's forfeited Asian domains, lost in the battle of Ipsus in 301 BC. His warmongering and mettlesomeness ultimately drove his enemies into an alliance, which forced Demetrios out of Macedon. He was eventually to die in Syria, in captivity. However his son, also named Antigonus, was able to establish himself as king of Macedon, fathering a dynasty, which lasted until Roman times.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500.
Ex Tkalec 28, October 1994, no. 82. Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 10.
|
| |
| Realized $6,325 |
