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Lansky Auction 3 5 Jan 2021
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Macedon. Demetrios Poliorketes. Amphipolis. 291-283 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.15g, 3h). Newell 89; Tradart 6.65 (this coin). Old cabinet tone. Perfectly centered and struck. Lovely portrait. Insignificant scratches, otherwise, choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; Tradart 1999 (9) lot 42; Jean Vinchon 1999 (26 April) lot 100
About 291 BC, Demetrios replaced the Alexandrine coin types in use in Macedon with his own head, adorned with bull's horns. The bull was sacred to Poseidon, his divine protector, and the horns symbolize the apotheosis of the king himself. This was a significant change, which inaugurated a long tradition of numismatic portraits of monarchs. This innovation was such that - according to Roman historians - Demetrios subjects were scandalized by his hubris, and these coins precipitated his downfall.
About 291 BC, Demetrios replaced the Alexandrine coin types in use in Macedon with his own head, adorned with bull's horns. The bull was sacred to Poseidon, his divine protector, and the horns symbolize the apotheosis of the king himself. This was a significant change, which inaugurated a long tradition of numismatic portraits of monarchs. This innovation was such that - according to Roman historians - Demetrios subjects were scandalized by his hubris, and these coins precipitated his downfall.