Demetrios Poliorcetes, wonderful tetr
Item #1213038531

$2,350.00
Feb-13-01
oldromancoins.com

Demetrios Poliorcetes, wonderful tetr

     Demetrios Poliorcetes, 294-288 BC, AR tetradrachm, (16.62g)
     Tarsus Mint, c. 298-295 BC, Nike left, alighting on prow. / Nude
     Poseidon striding left. Newell 38 (only one specimen cited) Toned
     Near EF, wonderful style in high relief.

     The types of this coin commemorate the Victory at the battle of
     Salamis, though it was issued in the wake of the defeat at Ipsus
     in 301 BC. The Louvre contains a famous statue: "The Winged
     Victory of Samothrace", which has a very similar type. Since this
     statue is dated after the coin, it is conceivable that the coin
     provided influence to the sculptor. The reverse Neptune is a
     second Naval type, for a kingdom whose strength resided with its
     sea-power. Unlike the more commercially available issues of this
     coin type from the Macedonian mints, this one of Tarsus is of
     fine style and delicate execution.