In my bid to expand the story of "Philip II, Alexander III, and the Age of the Diadochi", I recently picked up these coins that I thought I'd share. Atarneios was ruled for a period of time by Hermias, who was infamously tricked by Memnon of Rhodes into leaving the city in return for a pardon. After Memon arrested him, he used Hermias' seal to convince the other cities in the region to capitulate. It was also the above for some time of Aristotle, who was a close friend of Hermias. I was unable to find a reference for the right control mark. LAC was similarly unable to find one. While LAC gave it a date of 400 BCE, most of these types seem to be attributed to 350-300 BCE. I'd like to think that Aristotle used it at the local Starbucks to buy some coffee and a croissant. Mysia, Atarneos, c. 400 BC. Æ (15.5mm, 2.15g, 12h). Laureate head of Apollo r. R/ Horse stepping r.; serpent above, monogram to r. SNG BnF -; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG von Aulock -. Ex London Ancient Coins Krannon was the site of the Battle of Krannon in 322 BCE, which ended the Lamian War. I chose this particular type over some more attractive ones because it overlaps this period, so perhaps a soldier used it to buy some donuts after the battle. Thessaly, Krannon, c. 350-300 BC. Æ Dichalkon (16.5mm, 3.78g, 6h). Horseman riding r. R/ Hydria on cart. BCD Thessaly 119; SNG Copenhagen 43. Ex London Ancient Coins Thessalian cavalry were a major asset for Alexander the Great against the Persians. The depiction of their cavalry on this coin made it a major target for me. Incidentally, Alexander the Great passed through Pelinna. I'm sure a fair number of his cavalry came from this city. Perhaps one of them used this coin to buy some supplies for the voyage at the local Walmart before departing. Thessaly, Pelinna, late 4th to early 3rd centuries BC. Æ Dichalkon (20mm, 7.49g, 12h). Head of Mantho veiled r. R/ Helmeted Thessalian rider wearing chlamys and short tunic, charging r. with couched lance on prancing horse. BCD Thessaly 534.1; Rogers 432; HGC 4, 275. Ex London Ancient Coins The Lamian War pitted Athens and the Aetolian League against Antipater and later Krateros. The Athenians were initially victorious and perhaps changed the course of history when Leonnatos, who was engaged to marry Kleopatra and with the union may have been the preeminent successor, died in battle. Unfortunately, the Greeks farted around too long and were defeated in the Battle of Krannon mentioned above after Krateros arrived. It's likely that the Target inside Lamia was destroyed during the war, but perhaps Krateros used this coin to buy a nice pullover in another Target down the street. Thessaly, Lamia, c. 325-300 BC. Æ Chalkous (15mm, 2.33g, 12h). In the name of the Malians. Helmeted head of Athena r. R/ Philoktetes standing r., shooting with bow at birds, one of which falls before him; quiver to lower r. BCD Thessaly II 125; HGC 4, 106. Ex London Ancient Coins Zeleia was where the Persian satraps met to discuss how to tackle Alexander at the Battle of the Granicus. Memnon of Rhodes advocated a scorched earth campaign, but the satraps couldn't bear to burn their lands in the face of what they saw as an inferior enemy. Troas, Zeleia, c. 4th century BC. Æ (9mm, 1.35g, 11h). Head of Artemis r., wearing stephanos. R/ Monogram (or torque) within grain-wreath. SNG Copenhagen 503-4. Ex London Ancient Coins
This year so far, only a couple of Hellenistic-era Greek coins have come my way. Both of these were unattributed eBay finds: Macedonia Kingdom Æ 15 Anonymous Issue, Half Unit (c. 320 B.C.) Miletus Mint Macedonian shield with head of Gorgoneion facing center, five double crescents with dots / B-A flanking Macedonian helmet, barred Δ monogram (Price 419) at lower left, M at lower right. (3.90 grams / 15 x 14 mm) eBay Feb. 2022 7 Attribution: Price 2069 (includes Price monogram 419, described in Wildwinds as "barred Δ"); Liampi 223-229; SNG Sweden 1110-1111; Pozzi 2032; SNG Copenhagan 1128; Paris Y28671.9. (Wildwinds and PELLA) Seleucid Kingdom Æ 15 Antiochos VII Sidetes SY ZOΡ (177) (136-135 B.C.) Antioch Mint Lion's head right. / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY EYEΡΓETOY in three downward lines, first two lines right, last line on left; ΔI monogram in left field, ZOΡ (archaic Z) below. (3.85 grams / 15 x 14 mm) eBay Feb. 2022 Attribution: Most of these dated ZOP have ΔI monogram over aphlaston; this one lacks the aphlaston. Similar to: Houghton CSE 281; Babelon Rois 1108 (no aphla.); BMC Seleukid 68 var. (star vice aphlaston); Houghton-Lorber II 2068.4b; HGC 9 1096 (S). (from FORVM)
