MYSIA. Lampsakos. Memnon of Rhodes (Circa 356-354 BC). Drachm. Pseudo-Rhodian type.

Obv: Head of Helios left on radiate solar disk.
Rev: M - E.
Rose with bud to left and right; all within incuse square.

SNG BN -; SNG Ashmolean 671.

Memnon of Rhodes was one of the greatest obstacles for Alexander the Great during the Macedonian expedition against the Persian empire. He was a able strategist and admiral, to whom Darios III entrusted, along with the satrap Pharnabazos, the task of confronting Alexander by land and sea. The Macedonians won the important battle on the Granicus River (334 BC), while Memnon inflicted a heavy defeat on the sea. This represented a serious threat to Alexander who, without the supplies secured by his fleet, could not have advanced into Persian territory. Memnon, however, died in 333 of an unknown illness during the siege of Mytilene, and the Persian king was deprived of his most important general.

Condition: Very fine.

Weight: 3.07 g.
Diameter: 14 mm.