Gemini, LLC
Auction 11 12 January 2014
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III The Great. 336-323 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.63g (12h). Rhodes, c. 201-190 BC. Obv: Head of Herakles right wearing lion-skin headdress. Rx: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ Zeus seated left on throne holding eagle on outstretched arm. Control marks: name ΗΦΑΙΣΤΙΩΝ and rose in left field, PO under throne. Price 2522. EF
This very interesting Rhodian tetradrachm can be firmly dated to c. 201-190 BC at a time when Rhodes was minting coinage with the help of some wealthy magistrates. This piece was minted under an individual named Hephaistion. According to Kleiner (ASNMN 17, 1971, pp. 95-125), Ptolemy Philopator died in 204 leaving his domain to his six-year-old son Ptolemy Epiphanes. Both Philip V of Macedon and Antiochus III of Syria saw this as a great opportunity to take over the young ruler's domain. Hence, the issuance of coinage was used to support a military effort to control the territory
This very interesting Rhodian tetradrachm can be firmly dated to c. 201-190 BC at a time when Rhodes was minting coinage with the help of some wealthy magistrates. This piece was minted under an individual named Hephaistion. According to Kleiner (ASNMN 17, 1971, pp. 95-125), Ptolemy Philopator died in 204 leaving his domain to his six-year-old son Ptolemy Epiphanes. Both Philip V of Macedon and Antiochus III of Syria saw this as a great opportunity to take over the young ruler's domain. Hence, the issuance of coinage was used to support a military effort to control the territory