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Triton XXIV 19-20 Jan 2021
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KINGS of MACEDON. Archelaos. 413-400/399 BC. AR Stater (23mm, 10.53 g, 4h). Aigai mint. Horseman, wearing petasos and holding two spears in right hand, on horse rearing left / Forepart of goat right, head left; AP-XE-ΛAO around; all in linear square within incuse square. Westermark, Staters, Group I, dies O8/R7; AMNG III/2, 1; HGC 3, 794; SNG ANS 64; SNG Alpha Bank 135–6; SNG Saroglos 9 = Weber 2024 (same rev. die); Kraay & Hirmer 169. Lightly toned, slightly weak strike. VF. Well centered. Rare.
From the Collection of a Northern California Gentleman, purchased from Freeman & Sear, 28 May 1994. Ex Giessener Münzhandlung 67 (2 May 1994), lot 95.
Archelaos was one of early Macedon's most capable kings. His reign saw major changes to state administration, the organization of the kingdom's military, and significant developments in commerce that helped stabilize the kingdom's finances. Perhaps the most important event of his reign was a rapproachment with Athens, historically an opponent to the Macedonian kings. In 413 BC, Athens suffered a devastating defeat at Syracuse that destroyed most of its fleet of ships. Amphipolis had provided Athens with timber for shipbuilding, but the Athenians lost control of the city to Macedon in 424 BC. Rather than see the Athenians struggle to rebuild, Archelaos used this as an opportunity to normalize relations with Athens as an equal power, and supplied them with the timber they required. This single act greatly enriched his kingdom, and ingratiated Archelaos with the Athenians such that they honored him and his family with the titles of proxenos and euergetes. Other significant events were his relocation of the Argead capital from Aigai to Pella, and the expansion of trade with various cities in Greece. This trade greatly increased the influence of Hellenic culture in Macedon, and many Greek artists, poets, musicians, and tragedians were brought to Archelaos' court. Archelaos was murdered in 399 BC, but the sources differ on the circumstances.
From the Collection of a Northern California Gentleman, purchased from Freeman & Sear, 28 May 1994. Ex Giessener Münzhandlung 67 (2 May 1994), lot 95.
Archelaos was one of early Macedon's most capable kings. His reign saw major changes to state administration, the organization of the kingdom's military, and significant developments in commerce that helped stabilize the kingdom's finances. Perhaps the most important event of his reign was a rapproachment with Athens, historically an opponent to the Macedonian kings. In 413 BC, Athens suffered a devastating defeat at Syracuse that destroyed most of its fleet of ships. Amphipolis had provided Athens with timber for shipbuilding, but the Athenians lost control of the city to Macedon in 424 BC. Rather than see the Athenians struggle to rebuild, Archelaos used this as an opportunity to normalize relations with Athens as an equal power, and supplied them with the timber they required. This single act greatly enriched his kingdom, and ingratiated Archelaos with the Athenians such that they honored him and his family with the titles of proxenos and euergetes. Other significant events were his relocation of the Argead capital from Aigai to Pella, and the expansion of trade with various cities in Greece. This trade greatly increased the influence of Hellenic culture in Macedon, and many Greek artists, poets, musicians, and tragedians were brought to Archelaos' court. Archelaos was murdered in 399 BC, but the sources differ on the circumstances.