Tetradrachm - Demetrius I Poliorcetes (289 BC - 288 BC) front Tetradrachm - Demetrius I Poliorcetes (289 BC - 288 BC) back
Tetradrachm - Demetrius I Poliorcetes (289 BC - 288 BC) photo
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.

Tetradrachm - Demetrius I Poliorcetes 289 BC - 288 BC

 
Silver 16.93 g 28 mm
Description
Issuer
Kingdom of Macedonia
King
Demetrius I Poliorcetes (294 BC - 288 BC)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
289 BC - 288 BC
Value
Tetradrachm (4)
Currency
Drachm
Composition
Silver
Weight
16.93 g
Diameter
28 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-10
References
Numista
N#414313
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Poseidon Pelagaios standing left, foot propped on rock, holding trident; to outer left, prow right; Φ to inner right.

Script: Greek

Lettering: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ

Comment

Uncertain mint in Macedon.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Tetradrachm coin of Demetrius I Poliorcetes is that it features the first known portrait of a Macedonian king on a coin, which was a departure from the traditional depiction of gods and goddesses on Greek coins. This coinage reform, introduced by Demetrius, helped to promote his image as a powerful and authoritative leader, and paved the way for the use of portraiture on coins in the Hellenistic period.