Ancient Greek Macedonian Tetradrachm in Choice XF /AU condition

Macedonian shield emblazoned with bust of Artemis Tauropolos to right, wearing stephane, bow and quiver over shoulder., Club; monogram above, two monograms below; all within oak wreath; thunderbolt to left., Struck under roman protectorate. AMNG III 156-80., MAKEΔONΩN / ΠPΩTHΣ

DENOMINATION Tetradrachm

YEAR ca. 167-148 BC

MINT NAME Amphipolis

COMPOSITION Silver

DIAMETER 30

OTHER ANCIENT AREA Macedonia

HGC 3.1-1103

EMPIRE, KINGDOM, OR CIVILIZATION Ancient Greece, Hellenistic

The AR Tetradrachm (silver coin) from 167-149

BC hails from the Macedonian city of Amphipolis, located in Northern Greece. This ancient Greek coin features a striking bust of Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt, depicted facing right on the obverse. Artemis is shown on a Macedonian shield, symbolizing both her divine connection to protection and the military prowess of the region.

A bow and quiver rest on her shoulder, underscoring her role as the goddess of archery and wilderness. The intricate details of the design, crafted in high-quality silver, reflect the artistic skill and cultural importance of coinage during this period.

The reverse of the coin typically features symbols associated with the city of Amphipolis, which played a significant role in the military and political landscape of Macedonia. Amphipolis was a key strategic location during the Hellenistic era, and coins like this tetradrachm were used not only for everyday transactions but also as a means to display the power, wealth, and religious devotion of the Macedonian kingdom. These coins provide valuable insight into the cultural and economic exchanges that occurred in the ancient world.