KINGS OF MACEDON. Perseus, 179-168 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 29 mm, 16.93 g, 12 h), of Attic weight, Pella or Amphipolis, circa 179-173. Diademed head of Perseus to right. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΠΕΡΣΕΩΣ Eagle with spread wings standing right on thunderbolt; above monogram of ΖΩ; to right, monogram of ΜΕ; between the eagle's legs, monogram of ΕΥ; all within oak wreath; below, plow. De Luca 59 (O19/R52). Gulbenkian 887. Mamroth, Perseus, 4. A truly spectacular example, of full, Attic, weight, well-struck, beautifully toned, and with a portrait of outstanding elegance. Some very minor uncleaned deposits, otherwise, extremely fine.

Bought privately prior to 2005, but originally acquired in Munich in the 1990s.

The head of Perseus on this coin, which is almost unrivalled in its elegance, is one of the finest to appear among all the Hellenistic regal portraits. Not only that, this coin is, in itself, a particularly fine example.