© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
Tetradrachm - Demetrius I Poliorcetes Demetrias 290 BC - 289 BC
| Silver | 17.14 g | 27.5 mm |
| Issuer | Kingdom of Macedonia |
|---|---|
| King | Demetrius I Poliorcetes (294 BC - 288 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 290 BC - 289 BC |
| Value | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 17.14 g |
| Diameter | 27.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#414100 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Poseidon Pelagaios, nude, standing left, right foot propped on rock, holding trident in left hand, right arm resting on leg; monogram to lower left, monogram to lower inner right.
Script: Greek
Lettering: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ
Comment
Pozzi 965.
Interesting fact
The Tetradrachm coin of Demetrius I Poliorcetes (Demetrias) was the first coin to feature the portrait of a living person, which was a revolutionary move at the time. Before this, coins typically featured symbols, gods, or other abstract designs. This coin features a portrait of Demetrius I, who was a king of Macedonia, on one side, and a depiction of the goddess Athena on the other. This innovation in coin design paved the way for future coins to feature portraits of rulers and other important figures, and it became a common practice in ancient Greece and beyond.
