Nomos 7

KINGS OF MACEDON. Antigonos III Doson, 229-221 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 17.07 g, 12 h), Amphipolis, 228-227. Head of Poseidon to right, wearing wreath of seaweed. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΟΥ Apollo seated to left on prow, holding bow in his right hand; below, monogram. SNG Alpha Bank 1046-1047. SNG Berry 362. Panagopoulou 217d (033/R208 this coin referenced) & 220a (O33/R210) this coin also referenced and depicted in the plate 43). Lightly toned and most attractive, but with a few minor marks. Extremely fine.

From the Mieza collection, ex Nomos Fixed Price List 2009, 42 & Triton 9, 10 January 2006, 832.

The title ‘Doson’ means “the man who will give” and it refers to Antigonos III’s function as regent for the young Philip V, the son of his cousin, Demetrius II. In fact, Antigonos III married Philip V’s mother and adopted the boy as his son, thus ensuring his ultimate place on the throne. Antigonos III was a very successful ruler, using diplomacy and military force to greatly expand Macedonia’s power and influence. Perhaps his most famous victory was that of Sellasia in 222 BC, where he defeated Cleomenes III of Sparta. The present coin is a fine example of Doson’s main coinage - the head of Poseidon and the prow on the reverse commemorate naval victories during a successful campaign in Caria in 228-227 BC.