Kingdom of Macedonia - Antigone II Gonatas (277-239) Tetradrachma... Lot 33

Kingdom of Macedonia - Antigone II Gonatas (277-239) Tetradrachma - Amphipolis (c. 274-260). Rare variety with a large effigy. Copy of the collection G. Picard sale Sambon from 14 to 16 March 1923, No. 403 and the collection Edouard Yervant Hindamian (1871-1958) sale Ciani & Vinchon February 6, 1956, No. 349. 17.09g - HGC 3, 1042 var (monogram) - SNG Cop 1199 var. (monogram) Superb - CHOICE XF Antigonus II Gonatas ("from Gonnoi" in Thessaly) had an impressive lineage, being the son of Demetrius Poliorketes ("the besieger") and the grandson of Antigonus Monophthalmus ("the one-eyed"). He was 18 when his grandfather was killed at Ipsus in 301 BC, leading to his father losing most of his territories, but in 294 Demetrius succeeded in conquering the Macedonian throne. After a few years, Demetrios was captured and died, and Antigonus became king of Macedon in 283/282 - a position which was only confirmed after his victory over the Gauls at Lysimacheia in 277, and which he kept until his death at 81. The presence of Medusa on a shield is not unexpected, as her petrifying gaze would be most useful at war, but the presence of Pan is more unusual, and it is therefore believed that the military type of this coin commemorates the victory at Lysimacheia (on the Gallipoli peninsula), as Pan was believed to have appeared in the middle of the Gauls army during the battle, scaring them and leading to Antigonus's victory. It has been argued that the standing Athena on the reverse is Athena Alkidemos ("defender of the people"), the city-goddess of Pella in Macedonia: see Agnes Baldwin Brett, "Athena Alkidemos of Pella", in ANS Museum Notes 4 (1950), pp. 55-72.