Antigonos II Gonatas, 272-239 BC, Tetradrachm

Antigonos II Gonatas, tetradrachm, AR, reign 272–239 BC, Amphipolis mint, 16.13 g, 30 mm. Obverse with the horned head of Pan left, a lagobolon over the shoulder, all set upon the central boss of a Macedonian shield. Reverse with the legend ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΟΥ arranged around the type; well-centred on both sides with clear rendering of the shield details and Pan’s facial features, struck in good silver with minor surface marks consistent with circulation. SNG Lockett 1524.

Antigonos II Gonatas consolidated Antigonid control over Macedonia following the turbulence of the early Hellenistic period and maintained the kingdom’s position amid sustained pressure from rival Hellenistic powers and Greek leagues. Tetradrachms of this type, struck at Amphipolis, reflect the continued importance of Macedonian mints and royal monetary authority, employing traditional Macedonian martial imagery (the shield) and the deity Pan, a figure associated in Macedonian royal iconography with protection and victory.