Description

KINGS of PERGAMON. Attalos I, 241–197 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29.5mm, 17.00 g, 11h). In the name of Philetairos. Pergamon mint. Struck circa 241–235 BC.

Obverse: Laureate head of Philetairos right.
Reverse: Athena enthroned left, resting on shield to right, crowning dynastic name with wreath; transverse spear in background, bee to outer left, monogram to inner left, bow to right.

Westermark Group VIA, obv. die V.CVIII; CN Online Type 8836; HGC 8, 796.

Lightly toned, traces of find patina. VF.

History & Context: The first king

Attalos I was the first ruler of Pergamon to take the royal title, after defeating the invading Galatians. He kept striking the founder’s portrait and Athena crowning the name of Philetairos, the types introduced under his predecessor Eumenes I, and so tied his new kingship to the dynasty’s origins. Compare the Eumenes I tetradrachm in the gallery, struck a few years earlier with the same portrait.