PERGAMENE KINGDOM. Philetaerus (284-263 BC). AR tetradrachm (29mm, 16.78 gm, 12h). NGC Choice XF 5/5 - 2/5, Fine Style, brushed. Posthumous issue of Seleucus I, ca. 269-268 BC. Diademed head of Seleucus I right; dotted border / ΦIΛETAIPOY, Athena enthroned left, resting left elbow on small sphinx seated right, right hand resting on grounded shield at left with gorgoneion boss, transverse spear beyond; ivy leaf above right arm, bow in outer right field. SC 309.5a. Artistic and Fine Style designs retain a great deal of dimension with lovely silhouette toning. As a trusted general to Lysimachus, Philetaerus was made commander of Pergamum, and its treasury, in 301 BC. However, within a few years, he changed allegiance to a different Macedonian general, and former ally of Lysimachus, Seleucus I. As ruler of this Greek state, Philetaerus faced minimal oversight from the Seleucid Empire, especially after the assassination of Seleucus I, and gradually he began minting coins with his own name. The type featured here is an intriguing example of this transitionary period, when Pergamum was still technically loyal to the Seleucid Empire, but beginning to exercise more of its autonomy. The posthumous portrait of Seleucus I is a nod to this tenuous loyalty, but features Philetaerus' personal reverse type with his name and Athena Nicephorus, the kingdom's patron goddess. Eventually, the tetradrachms of this Athena series would use the bust of Philetaerus himself, distinguishing a clearer shift in sovereignty for the kingdom and Attalid dynasty. HID09801242017 © 2023 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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