Kings of Macedon
Ancient Greek Coinage
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KINGS of MACEDON
K A S S A N D E R
317-297 BC
Kassander was the eldest son of Antipater and a contemporary of Alexander the Great. In his youth, Kassander was taught by the philosopher Aristotle at the Lyceum in Macedonia. He was educated alongside Alexander the Great in a group that included Hephaestion, Ptolemy and Lysimachus. His family were distant collateral relatives to the Argead dynasty.
Kassander is first recorded as arriving at Alexander the Great's court in Babylon in 323 BC, where he had been sent by his father, Antipater, most likely to help uphold Antipater's regency in Macedon, although a later contemporary who was hostile to the Antipatrids suggested that Kassander had journeyed to the court to poison Alexander.
Whatever the truth of this suggestion, Kassander stood out amongst the Diadochi* in his hostility to Alexander's memory. As Kassander and the other diadochi struggled for power, Alexander IV (the Great's son), Roxana, and Alexander's supposed illegitimate son Herakles were all executed on Kassander's orders, and a guarantee to Olympias--mother of Alexander--to spare her life was not respected. It was later even said that he could not pass a statue of Alexander without feeling faint. Kassander has been perceived to be ambitious and unscrupulous, and even members of his own family were estranged from him. In governing Macedonia from 316 BC until 297 BC, Kassander restored peace and prosperity to the kingdom, while founding or restoring numerous Greek cities (including Thessalonica, Kassandreia); however, his ruthlessness in dealing with political enemies complicates assessments of his rule. *The Diadochi were the rival generals, families, and friends of Alexander the Great, who fought for control over his empire after his death in 323 BC.
Bronze Unit. 3.76g 19mm. Struck ca. 305-298 BC Uncertain mint in Macedon.
Obverse: Greek helmet left with Nose Guard cheek guards.
BAΣIΛEΩΣ / KAΣΣANΔΡOΥ (Of King Kassander in Greek) left, with spear head between pointing right.
Ref. SNG München 1035.
RARE
cf. same issue offered by Classical Numismatic Group sold at auction for over $1200 with buyer's premium over ten years ago! (Copy/paste link):
cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=146899
Attractive Black Olive patina, flan flaw. Choice Very Fine~Rare--Very Rare Helmet left (typically, helmet faces right).
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