★ ★ EXTREMELY RARE ★ THEMISTOKLES ★ ★

Ionia, Magnesia ad Maeandrum. Themistokles, ca. 465-460/50 BC. AR, Trihemitartemorion. 0.27 g. - 6.46 mm.
Obv.: Eagle with spread wings and legs.
Rev.: Monogram or schematic wreath in incuse square.
Ref.: -.; Gemini, Auction 4 (2008), lot 180 ( Trihemitartemorion - 950$); Leu Numismatik, Auction 7 (2020), lot 1260 ( Obol - 2.200 CHF ).
Apparently unpublished save for its previous auction appearance. A lovely and nicely toned late Archaic coin.
Extremely Rare.
Fine / Very Fine.

The Greek general Themistokles was perhaps the most important, and certainly one of the most powerful, political figures in early fifth century Athens. He is settled in Magnesia in collaboration with the Persians, lived and ruled here and also died here, as we learn from Pausanias, in 459 BC in Magnesia. During his dominion here, he minted many coins in his name, including the Persian satraps. This very rare issue was struck by Themistokles in Magnesia ad Maeandrum. After his death, his son Archepolis continued to mint coins. The fact that Archepolis continued to mint coins after the death of Themistokles is an indication that the Persian regime allowed the children of the families that dominated the cities to continue to rule the cities in return for their loyalty. Although they owed all their power to the favor of the Persian king, these rulers were free to mint their own currency.