★ Peithon, murderer of Perdikkas ★
KINGS of MACEDON: Antigonos I Monophthalmos as Strategos of Asia (320-305 BCE), AR Tetradrachm in the name and types of Alexander III, issued under Peithon, c. 315-311. Babylon, 16.21g, 29mm.
Obv: Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin
Rev: Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; monogram in wreath in left field, monogram in circle below throne.
Price 3734 var. (no pellet within P of left field monogram)
From TheRed collection
Estimate: 250
Peithon is one of the most difficult of the Diadochi (Alexander’s successors) to represent numismatically. He was one of Alexander’s eight bodyguards, and received the key satrapy of Media upon the conqueror’s death. He played a key role in the complex subsequent events, including cooperating with Seleukos to murder the regent, Perdikkas, invading Parthia, and uniting with Antigonos I Monopthalmos to defeat Eumenes. This coin was issued at this point, during the height of Peithon’s power. Antigonos coveted Peithon's power in the east and was soon to murder him on a diplomatic visit.