| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 203 | Silver | Auction date: 24 March 2024 |
| Lot number: 88 Price realized: 750 EUR (Approx. 815 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Attica. Athens circa 165-42 BC. ΘΕΜΙΣΤΟΚΛΗΣ (Themistokles), ΘΕΟΠΟΜΠΟΣ (Theopompos), MENOI (Meni-), magistrates Tetradrachm AR. New Style Coinage 29 mm, 16,72 g Head of Athena Parthenos to right, wearing triple-crested Attic helmet adorned with Pegasos and long tendril on the bowl, and with the foreparts of four horses above the visor / Α-ΘΕ / ΘΕΜ-ΙΣΤΟ / ΘΕΟ/ΠΟΜ/ΠΟΣ / ME/NOI, Owl standing facing on amphora; to right, trophy set on prow right; on amphora, E; below, ΣΦ; all within laurel wreath. Extremely Fine cf. SNG Copenhagen 149; HGC 4, 1602. The chief magistrate of this coin has claimed to be a descendant of the great Athenian hero, Themistokles. Not only does he bear the same name, but also uses as symbol a trophy on a galley prow, a direct reference to the great naval victory at Salamis. Themistocles, an Athenian statesman born around 524 BC, played a pivotal role in shaping Athens' destiny during the Greco-Persian Wars. Recognizing the Persian threat, he advocated for Athens to prioritize naval power, leading to the construction of a formidable fleet. Themistocles' strategic acumen was evident in the Battle of Salamis (480 BC), a naval engagement where Greek forces, under his leadership, decisively defeated the Persians. Despite success, political rivalries forced his ostracism in 471 BC. Starting price: 200 EUR |  |
