KINGS OF MACEDON. Antigonos III Doson (229-221 BC). Tetradrachm. Amphipolis

KINGS OF MACEDON. Antigonos III Doson (229-221 BC). Tetradrachm. Amphipolis.

Obv: Wreathed head of Poseidon right.
Rev: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ANTIΓONΟΥ.
Apollo seated left on prow left, holding bow; monogram below.

SNG Alpha Bank 1046; HGC 3.1, 1051.

Antigonos III Doson was born in 263 BC, the son of Demetrios the Handsome and Olympia of Larissa, and the nephew of Antigonos Gonatas. When Demetrios II of Macedon died in 229 BC, leaving his son Philip still a minor, Antigonos was chosen by the Macedonian nobles as the boy’s guardian. His loyalty and competence soon earned him widespread respect, and he was recognised as king, although he continued to present himself as Philip’s regent. The early years of his reign were troubled. He repelled an invasion by the Dardanians, suppressed a rebellion in Thessaly supported by the Aetolians, and sought to curb Ptolemaic influence in Thrace. Macedon also faced danger from the Romans in Illyria, and internal unrest even threatened the royal palace. Despite these difficulties, Antigonos stabilised the kingdom and maintained Macedonian influence in the Cyclades. His reign took a decisive turn with the struggle for control of the Peloponnese, where Cleomenes III of Sparta challenged the Achaean League led by Aratus. Antigonos recognised the opportunity to restore Macedonian hegemony in Greece. After complex negotiations, he intervened militarily: he crossed the Isthmus, seized Corinth, advanced into the Peloponnese and occupied Argos (224 BC). He then formed a broad symphylakia, uniting Macedonians, Achaeans, Thessalians, Epirotes and many other Greek communities. With this coalition he confronted Cleomenes in the decisive Battle of Sellasia (222 BC), achieving a crushing victory that ended Sparta’s resurgence. Following Sellasia, Antigonos occupied Sparta, treating its inhabitants with moderation while establishing firm political control. Macedonian leadership in Greece seemed fully restored. Shortly afterwards, he returned to Macedon to defeat an Illyrian invasion. Antigonos III Doson died in 221 BC, aged only 42, leaving the throne to the young Philip V. Though brief, his reign was crucial: he rescued Macedon from crisis and re‑established its influence over much of Greece.

Condition: Extremely fine.

Weight: 15.81 g.
Diameter: 31 mm.

Estimate: € 2500