Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 111 29 May 2019
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KINGS of PAEONIA. Patraos. Circa 335-315 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 12.90 g, 9h). Astibos or Damastion mint. Head of male right, wearing tainia / Warrior on horse rearing right, thrusting spear at enemy lying below who defends with shield. Paeonian Hoard 73 (same dies); Peykov E2260; AMNG III/2, 2; HGC 3, 148 var. (obv. type). Good VF, toned, slightly off center on obverse, minor striking flaw on reverse. Rare.
The obverse head on this particular issue is quite unlike the standard appearance of Apollo on most of Patraos' issues, leading to speculation in most references that it is actually a portrait of the king. There is also a parallel within the coinage of Patraos' predecessor, Lykkeios, where a few known tetrobols have a portrait generally regarded to be that of the king rather than Apollo (see AMNG III/2, p. 201, 13).
The obverse head on this particular issue is quite unlike the standard appearance of Apollo on most of Patraos' issues, leading to speculation in most references that it is actually a portrait of the king. There is also a parallel within the coinage of Patraos' predecessor, Lykkeios, where a few known tetrobols have a portrait generally regarded to be that of the king rather than Apollo (see AMNG III/2, p. 201, 13).