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Lot 37
Mysia. Kingdom of Pergamon. Eumenes I, 263-241 BC. AR Tetradrachm (16.90 g). Head of founder, Philetaerus, to right, diadem entwined with laurel wreath. Reverse: Athena seated left on elaborate bench, arm resting on shield with gorgoneion ornament, other holding transverse spear; name of ΦIΛETAIPOY at right; ivy leaf behind shield, bow to right, A on bench. Dewing no. 2207; Westermark Group III (V.XIII/R.3, same dies); SNG Cop. 334. Lightly toned. A superb example with splendid, bold portrait. NGC graded About Uncirculated.
Philetaerus was one of the more remarkable personalities of his era. Although recorded as being a eunuch (his gender resulting from a childhood accident), he proved to be a person of obvious capabilities. In spite of his handicap, he had risen to being a ranking officer in the army of Lysimachos during the wars of the Diadochi -- the decades long squabbles and bloodshed among Alexander the Great's "companions," (i.e., his top generals) who fought to carve up among themselves as much of their dead leader's empire as each could retain.
In any event, serving under Lysimachos as commander of his garrisons at Pergamon, he was entrusted with guarding 9000 talents (equal to $10,000,000 according to one source) that had been assembled for war expenses. However, according to Pausanius, because of the machinations of Lysimachos' most recent wife, Arsinoe, "…Philetaerus, to whom the property of Lysimachus had been entrusted, aggrieved at the death of Agathocles [son of Lysimachos, to whom Philetaerus was a devoted friend and supporter, and who had been killed at the behest of his new stepmother, Arsinoe] and suspicious of the treatment he would receive at the hands of Arsinoe, seized Pergamus on the Caicus, and sending a herald offered both the property and himself to Seleucus.[1.10.5]."
Thus in 282 BC he deserted Lysimachus, and now as a vassal and ally of Seleucus, used the money to establish himself as ruler of the state of Pergamon. Eventually, Lysimachus died without being able to put down this revolt, and Pergamon became the capital of a little principality. Partly by astute diplomacy, aided by the continuing dissensions among the rival kings, and other events, Philetaerus contrived to keep on good terms with his neighbors on all sides (283-263 BC). His nephew Eumenes (263-241 BC) succeeded him, and was able to increase the power, size, and independence of the kingdom. Pergamon was to become the capital of a considerable territory and a center of art and regal magnificence. It continued to rank for two centuries in wealth and influence, becoming one of the principal wellsprings of Hellenistic civilization and art.
Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,000.
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