PERGAMON, kingdom of, Philetairos, (282-263 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, 28mm, (16.44 g), struck circa 269/8-263 B.C. , obv. diademed head of Seleukos I to right, dotted border, rev. Athena enthroned left, holding shield and spear, left elbow resting on sphinx, ivy leaf to left in field, bow to right, down on right **FILETAIROU*, (S.7216, SC 309.5a; SNG France 1599; SNG von Aulock 7451). Very fine/good fine with a rough reverse but an attractive Hellenistic portrait, Very rare.
Ex Dr. L.J. Sherwin Collection and CNG eSale 191, July 9, 2008 (lot 15).
Lysimachos entrusted the Pergamene treasury to the eunuch Philetairos, but Philetairos changed his allegiance to Seleukos shortly before the battle of Korupedion in 281 BC, when Seleukos defeated and killed Lysimachos. Seleukos was assassinated the following year, but Philetairos continued to acknowledge Seleukid suzerainty, as reflected by this coinage struck in the reign of Antiochos I. Houghton & Lorber (SC), citing Le Rider and Newell, assign this coinage to the aftermath of Antiochos' victory over the Galatians, circa 269/8 BC.