Watch List notes:

Troas, Ilion. Silver Tetradrachm (15.47 g), ca. 170 BC. Soteridos, moneyer. Laureate head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet. Reverse: AΘ-HNAΣ IΛIAΔOΣ, Athena Ilias standing right, holding distaff and spear; at her feet to right, owl standing right, head facing; in inner left field, monogram above facing head of gorgon; in exergue, moneyer's name: [Σ]ΩTHPIΔOY. Bellinger T50 = A. Bellinger,"The First Civic Tetradrachms of Ilium," ASMN VIII (1958). 15 = SNG von Aulock 1520 (same dies). Very Rare. Small flan chip and some light scratches on the reverse. Attractive medium tone. Choice Very Fine. Estimate Value $2,000 - 2,500
From the Lee Rousseau Collection.
Founded by Aitolians on the site believed to have been the ruins of Troy, the city of Ilion prospered during the last few centuries BC. With the collapsed of Seleukid rule in the region in 189 BC, like many other cities Ilion minted it's own autonomous coins beginning with these attractive broad-flan tetradrachms featuring the goddess Athena on both the obverse and reverse. The official listed in the exergue of the reverse on this coin is, interestingly, not technically a moneyer but rather simply an influential and wealthy citizen of Ilion who financed this particular issue of the coinage from his own personal wealth. In exchange for his generosity he was recognized by the city by having his name engraved into the die.