Attica. Athens circa 165-42 BC. ΘΕΜΙΣΤΟΚΛΗΣ

Attica. Athens circa 165-42 BC. ΘΕΜΙΣΤΟΚΛΗΣ (Themistokles), ΘΕΟΠΟΜΠΟΣ (Theopompos), MENOI (Meni-), magistrates
Tetradrachm AR. New Style Coinage

28 mm, 16,72 g

Head of Athena Parthenos to right, wearing triple-crested Attic helmet adorned with Pegasos and long tendril on the bowl, and with the foreparts of four horses above the visor / Α-ΘΕ / ΘΕΜ-ΙΣΤΟ / ΘΕΟ/ΠΟΜ/ΠΟΣ / ME/NOI, Owl standing facing on amphora; to right, trophy set on prow right; on amphora, E; below, ΣΦ; all within laurel wreath.

extremely fine

cf. SNG Copenhagen 149; HGC 4, 1602.

The chief magistrate of this coin has claimed to be a descendant of the great Athenian hero, Themistokles. Not only does he bear the same name, but also uses as symbol a trophy on a galley prow, a direct reference to the great naval victory at Salamis.

Themistocles, an Athenian statesman born around 524 BC, played a pivotal role in shaping Athens' destiny during the Greco-Persian Wars. Recognizing the Persian threat, he advocated for Athens to prioritize naval power, leading to the construction of a formidable fleet. Themistocles' strategic acumen was evident in the Battle of Salamis (480 BC), a naval engagement where Greek forces, under his leadership, decisively defeated the Persians. Despite success, political rivalries forced his ostracism in 471 BC.