IONIA, Magnesia ad Maeandrum. Themistokles. Circa 465-459 BC. AR Hemiobol (8mm, 0.37 g, 9h). Fine.

Electronic Auction 531 – Session 1
Lot: 187. Estimated: $ 75

Greek, Silver

Sold For $ 120. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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IONIA, Magnesia ad Maeandrum. Themistokles. Circa 465-459 BC. AR Hemiobol (8mm, 0.37 g, 9h). Helmeted head of Leukippos right / ΘE monogram within incuse square. Nollé & Wenninger Th 5b var. (pellet border on rev.); Nollé 3b var. (same); CNG E-411, lot 134 = Gorny & Mosch 204 (5 March 2012), lot 1513. Toned, porous. Fine.

Themistokles was perhaps the most important, and certainly one of the most powerful, political figures in early fifth century Athens. He persuaded the Athenians to use the newly found wealth from the silver mines of Laurion to build a navy, essential to their defeat of the Persians a short time later. Sometime in the early 460s BC, Themistokles was ostracized. He fled to Asia Minor, where he was well received by the Persian king, who granted him the income of three cities in Ionia. Themistokles chose Magnesia on the Maeander as his new headquarters, where his coins were struck.

Closing Date and Time: 25 January 2023 at 11:02:00 ET.

All winning bids are subject to an 20% buyer’s fee.