Heritage Auctions

Auction 3109  –  17 - 20 August 2023

Heritage Auctions, Auction 3109

Ancient and World Coins

Part 1: Th, 17.08.2023, from 9:00 PM CEST
Part 2: Fr, 18.08.2023, from 12:00 AM CEST
Part 3: Fr, 18.08.2023, from 5:00 PM CEST
Part 4: Fr, 18.08.2023, from 11:00 PM CEST
Part 5: Sa, 19.08.2023, from 5:00 PM CEST
Part 6: Sa, 19.08.2023, from 11:00 PM CEST
The auction is closed.

Description

PERGAMENE KINGDOM. Philetaerus (284-263 BC). AR tetradrachm (28mm, 17.02 gm, 11h). NGC Choice AU 5/5 - 2/5, Fine Style, brushed. Posthumous issue of Seleucus I, ca. 269-268 BC. Diademed head of Seleucus I right; dotted border / ΦIΛETAIPOY, Athena enthroned left, resting left elbow on small sphinx seated right, right hand resting on grounded shield with gorgoneion boss at left, transverse spear beyond; ivy leaf above right arm, bow in outer right field. SC 309.5a. Arctic surfaces flash around the Fine Style details. As a trusted general to Lysimachus, Philetaerus was made commander of Pergamum and its treasury, in 301 BC. However, within a few years, he changed allegiance to a different Macedonian general, and former ally of Lysimachus, Seleucus I. As ruler of this Greek state, Philetaerus faced minimal oversight from the Seleucid Empire, especially after the assassination of Seleucus I, and gradually he began minting coins with his own name. The type featured here is an intriguing example of this transitory period, when Pergamum was still technically loyal to the Seleucid Empire, but beginning to exercise more of its autonomy. The posthumous portrait of Seleucus I is a nod to this tenuous loyalty, but features Philetaerus' personal reverse type with his name and Athena Nicephorus, the kingdom's patron goddess. Eventually, the tetradrachms of this Athena series would use the bust of Philetaerus himself, distinguishing a clearer shift in sovereignty for the kingdom and Attalid dynasty. HID09801242017 © 2023 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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Price realized 14'000 USD
Starting price 10'000 USD
Estimate 20'000 USD
The auction is closed.
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