Eumenes I, 263-241 BC, Tetradrachm

Eumenes I, Tetradrachm, AR, reign of Eumenes I, 263-241 BC, minted in Pergamon. Weight: 16.77g, Diameter: 29mm. The obverse features a finely detailed head of Philetairos facing right, adorned with a laurel wreath, exhibiting high relief and sharp detail. The reverse bears the inscription ΦIΛETAIPOY, centered amidst a well-executed and evenly struck field. The overall strike quality is consistent with issues from this period, showing no significant signs of wear. Referenced in SNG France 1611.

The historical significance of this coin lies in its representation of the Attalid dynasty during the period of Eumenes I. As a successor state following the division of Alexander the Great's empire, Pergamon emerged as a prominent Hellenistic kingdom in Asia Minor. The coins minted under Eumenes I in the name of Philetairos underscore the continuity of dynastic legacy and regional power, serving as potent tools for political propaganda and economic stability. This example reflects the cultural and political influences present in Pergamon during the early Hellenistic era.