Lot 44
Satraps of Caria. Hidrieus, 351-344 BC. AR Tetradrachm (15.22 g), Halicarnassus mint. Laureate head of Apollo three-quarters frontal, the clasp and hem of his chlamys visible at neck. Reverse: Zeus Labraundos walking to right, resting double-bladed axe (labrys) on right shoulder, holding downward pointing spear in left hand; I(?) behind at Zeus' foot, king's name to right. Cf. Babelon, Traité pl. XC, 8; cf. BMC p. 183, 1; and especially cf. SNG Berry 1113 for portrait style. Some trivial weakness to one leg of Zeus, otherwise a splendid, clean strike. An extraordinary issue within Hidrieus' usually handsome coinage. NGC graded About Uncirculated.
This especially noble type reminiscent of some of the late 5th or early 4th century BC Apollos seen on the famed and important coinage of Rhodes, and also of Caria. The Rhodian coins undoubtedly served as a model for the coins of Maussollos and his brothers, Hidrieus, and Pixodaros.
From 395-334 BC, the satraps ruling Caria for the Persians were drawn from the family of Hekatomnos of Mylasa, whose most famous member, both in antiquity and in the present day, was Maussollos. Maussollos moved his capital from Mylasa to Halicarnassus, enriched the city with noble structures and superb art, and of course earned a place in history for the elaborate tomb that bore his name and remains, the Mausoleum.
After the death of Artemisia, the widow of Maussollos, Hidrieus succeeded to the Satrapy of Caria, marrying at the same time his younger sister, Ada. After his death in 344 BC, Ada maintained the throne for an additional four years before the last and youngest brother, Pixodaros, ascended to rule. Hidrieus, like his older brother, showcased the wealth of the realm with notable building projects. Most importantly he made improvements to, and built anew, monuments at Labraundus, among the oldest religious centers for the region. There, the remains of his temple to Zeus Labraundos can still be seen today.
Estimated Value $12,500 - 15,000.
Ex von Hoffman Collection (Switzerland).
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| Realized $39,100 |
