BOEOTIA. Thebes. Circa 395-338 BC. Stater (Silver, 22 mm, 12.15 g), struck under the magistracy of Epaminondas, circa 364-362. Boeotian shield. Rev. ΕΠ-ΠΑ Amphora; above, small Boeotian shield. BCD Boiotia 542. Hepworth 35. HGC 4, 1333. Rare. A wonderful example, perfectly centered, well-struck and of great historic interest. Extremely fine.

This coin is signed by Thebes's greatest statesman and general, Epaminondas (c. 419/411-362 BC). He was responsible for the massive defeat of Sparta at the Battle of Leuctra in 371, as well as the later Spartan defeat at Mantinea in 362. He was leading his troops in person and was severely wounded at the point of victory, only dying, like General Wolfe on the Plains of Abraham, when learned his victory was secure.