BOEOTIA, Thebes. Circa 364-362 BC. AR Stater (21.5mm, 12.05 g). Epa(minondas), magistrate. VF.

CNG Feature Auction 124
Lot: 133. Estimated: $ 1 000

Greek, Coin-in-Hand Video, Silver

Sold For $ 2 250. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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BOEOTIA, Thebes. Circa 364-362 BC. AR Stater (21.5mm, 12.05 g). Epa(minondas), magistrate. Boeotian shield / Amphora within concave circle. Hepworth, Epaminondas, pl. 3, 2; Hepworth 34; BCD Boiotia 540; HGC 4, 1333. Lightly toned, some porosity, scratches. VF.

From the GTP Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 249 (11 October 2017), lot 234.

There are times when some of us wonder what the world would be like today if Alexander the Great had lived to a ripe old age. The same kind of "What if ..." thinking could be applied to Epaminondas. His premature death on the battlefield of Mantineia in 362 BC deprived Thebes of its greatest statesman and soldier, signalling the start of Thebes' rapid decline into obscurity. If Epaminondas had lived to reap the benefits of his Mantineian victory he would have undoubtedly proceeded to unite all Greece under his leadership. The next step would be to turn to the North and face Philip who, instead of finding a divided Greece ready for the taking, would think twice before attempting to invade Thessaly. Whether then there would be a clash between the two emerging superpowers or a truce between them, is anybody's guess. Perhaps Philip would remember the years he spent as a hostage in Thebes and his respect for the Theban statesman would prevail. The conquest of Asia might then materialize sooner and in a more permanent manner than it did. But, like many great soldiers, Epaminondas inspired his men by leading them into battle and, instead of capitalizing on his genius, Thebes paid the price for his bravery.

The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 124 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 19-20 September 2023. This lot is in Session One, which will begin 19 September at 9 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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