Description
Kings of Macedon. Tetradrachm 246-221 BC, Amphipolis. Silver 16.86 g.; 31.6 mm.
Obverse: Head of Poseidon wearing a seaweed wreath, right // Reverse: Apollo seated left on prow turned to the left, holding a bow in his right hand; monogram below. Reverse caption: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ / ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΟY
HGC: 3.1-1051.
Beautiful Tetradrachm with well-centered flan and early blue patina. The portrait of Poseidon is pleasing to the eye, depicting the god with abundant curly hair mingling with his beard. The centering of the obverse strike reveals the entire iconography, presenting a virile and powerful portrait of the deity. On the reverse, Apollo is finely depicted in a position that illustrates his athletic body and characteristic bow.
Very fine VF 30-35
Provenance Details
Ex Poindessault et Védrines, 4 November 1992, lot 31.
Faune d'Argent Collection.
Comment
The attribution of our coin varies according to experts. Some believe it was minted during the reign of Antigonos II Gonatas, while others prefer Antigonos III Doson. The date of minting of our Tetradrachm therefore falls within the second half of the 3rd century BC, either 246 BC or 227 BC. However, they seem to agree on the end of minting, which they estimate at 221 BC.
The iconography of our Tetradrachm is strongly linked to the sea, with the representation of Poseidon and the prow of a ship. It testifies to the recognized maritime power of Macedonia. For Antigonos II, it commemorates his naval victory over Andros in 246 BC, which he celebrated in Delos in honor of Apollo Soter (Apollo the Saviour). The presence of Apollo can therefore be explained by the historical context.
For Antigonos III Doson, the iconography may be linked to the campaign in Caria that he led from 227 BC, enabling him to halt the power and control of the Lagids in this region. The presence of Poseidon on this coinage may also be a reference to Demetrios Poliorketes, father and grandfather respectively of sovereigns Antigonos II and III, who was considered “Poseidon Taureos”.
Whether minted under Antigonos II or Antigonos III, our coin is a testimony to the iconographic continuity of at least three generations of sovereigns from the same family, victorious on the sea and at the head of a renowned maritime power. A must-have!
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