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

Tetradrachm - Demetrius I Poliorcetes Amphipolis 289 BC - 288 BC

 
Silver 17.21 g 27 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
17.21 g
Diameter
27 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-10
References
Numista
N#414236
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Poseidon Pelagaios standing left, right foot propped on rock, holding trident in left hand, leaning forward on his right arm which rests across his right thigh; monograms to outer left and right.

Script: Greek

Lettering: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ

Comment

Pozzi 962–963.

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.