★ Magnificent Tetradrachm of Antigonos II. Acquired from Numisfitz GmbH ★

Kings of Macedon. Amphipolis. Antigonos II Gonatas 277-239 BC.
Tetradrachm AR

30 mm, 17,05 g

Horned head of Pan to left, lagobolon over shoulder, on boss of Macedonian shield / Athena Alkidemos standing to left, wielding thunderbolt and shield; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΟΥ to left, crested Macedonian helmet to inner left, KT to inner right.

extremely fine

SNG Ashmolean 3261; HGC 3.1, 1042; SNG Copenhagen 1201.

Antigonos II Gonatas, who ruled Macedonia from 277 to 239 BC, was a pivotal figure in the stabilization and revitalization of the Macedonian kingdom following the chaotic period after Alexander the Great's death. He was the son of Demetrios I Poliorcetes and the grandson of Antigonos I Monophthalmos, one of Alexander's most trusted generals. Antigonos II came to power during a time of great instability in the Hellenistic world, with numerous factions vying for control. His ascent to the throne was not straightforward, as Macedonia was embroiled in continuous warfare, internal disputes, and invasions, particularly by the Celtic tribes (the Galatians). In 277 BC, Antigonos achieved a decisive victory over the Galatians at the Battle of Lysimacheia, securing Macedonia and earning widespread respect. This victory marked the beginning of his long and relatively stable reign. One of Antigonos' most significant achievements was his ability to maintain the integrity of the Macedonian kingdom amidst constant threats from rival Hellenistic monarchs and external invaders. He managed to establish a strong defensive posture, particularly through control of key cities in Greece, such as Athens and Corinth. His control of Athens, however, was often resented, as he installed Macedonian garrisons there, limiting the city’s autonomy. Antigonos II was a pragmatic and cautious ruler, focusing more on preserving Macedonia's power than on grand conquests. His foreign policy was marked by a mix of alliances and defensive wars, notably with the Ptolemies of Egypt and the Seleucids. He also had to deal with recurring conflicts in Greece, particularly with the Achaean and Aetolian Leagues, which sought to resist Macedonian influence. Despite his military successes, Antigonos is remembered as much for his cultural contributions as his political achievements. He was a patron of philosophy and the arts, maintaining close ties with the Stoic philosopher Zeno of Citium and fostering intellectual life in his court. His reign marked the beginning of the so-called **Antigonid dynasty** in Macedonia, which lasted until the Roman conquest. Antigonos II Gonatas successfully reestablished Macedonian stability and hegemony in Greece, even if his rule was not marked by major expansionist campaigns. His balanced approach to governance and diplomacy helped to maintain the Macedonian kingdom as a central power in the Hellenistic world during his reign.