Greece Pergamene Kingdom 263-241 BC AR Tetradrachm Eumenes I NGC Ancients AU

MYSIA, Pergamon, Kingdom of, Eumenes I, (263-241 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (17.10 g), Pergamon mint, issued c.263-255 B.C., The obverse features the head of Philetairos facing right, with laurel-wreath and diadem entwined, and dotted border.  The reverse features Athena enthroned to left, supporting shield with ivy leaf under arm, A**Q* monogram on throne, bow and **FILETAIPOU* to right, Attractively toned, extremely fine, struck in high relief with a portrait full of character in high relief. Very rare.

Philetairos, an eunuch entrusted with the Pergamene treasury by Lysimachos, switched allegiance to Seleukos I shortly before the decisive Battle of Korupedion (281 BC), where Seleukos defeated and killed Lysimachos. After Seleukos's assassination in 280 BC, Philetairos maintained nominal Seleukid suzerainty, as evidenced by tetradrachms minted at Pergamon in the name of Antiochos I, featuring Seleukos I's portrait. Under the Seleukids, Pergamon enjoyed significant autonomy. In 261 BC, encouraged by Ptolemy II (then warring with the Seleukids), Eumenes I rebelled and defeated Antiochos I near Sardis in Lydia. His reign marked vigorous expansion, including founding new cities, always at Seleukid expense, perpetuating rivalry between the kingdoms. This tension peaked under Eumenes II, who allied with Rome against Antiochos III "the Great." The partnership proved crucial to the Seleukid defeat at Magnesia (190 BC). In reward, Rome granted Eumenes control over Phrygia, Lydia, Lycia, and Pamphylia, bolstering Pergamon as a strategic buffer against the Seleukids.

Pergamene coinage remained remarkably conservative throughout the kingdom's history. Tetradrachms consistently displayed the portrait of founder Philetairos on the obverse and Athena, the patron goddess, on the reverse. Issues of successive kings are distinguished primarily by subsidiary symbols, monograms, and minor details, as detailed in Westermark's foundational study (with refinements from later finds, notably the Meydancikkale hoard.

Product ID	557784
Year	Eumenes I, 263-241 BC
Mint Mark
Strike	MS
Grade	AU
Variety	Fine Style
Grading Agency	NGC Ancients
Specification properties	No
Serial	6055511-002
Status	Active
Designation	-
Additional Info	Strike: 5/5 Surface: 4/5 in Fine Style (17.10g)