IONIA. Magnesia ad Maeandrum. Circa 130–120 BC. AV Stater (19 mm, 8.44 g, 12h)

IONIA. Magnesia ad Maeandrum. Circa 130–120 BC. AV Stater (19 mm, 8.44 g, 12h). Euphemos, son of Pausanias, magistrate. Draped bust of Artemis to right, wearing stephane and pendant earring, with bow and quiver over shoulder. Rev. MAΓNHTΩN – EYΦHMOΣ / ΠAYΣANIOY, Nike driving galloping biga right, holding whip in right hand and reins in left. Ellis-Evans, Magnesia, pp. 296–304 and fig. 2, A (this obv./rev. die combination). Leu 1 (2017), 82 (same dies); Leu Web Auction 18 (2021), 1143 (same dies). A rare and elegant issue struck under the magistrate Euphemos, son of Pausanias, this coin demonstrates the artistry of Magnesian die engravers at the height of the Hellenistic age. The obverse bust of Artemis, patron deity of the city, is rendered with remarkable delicacy, her stephane and quiver emphasizing her dual aspects of protection and huntress. The reverse presents Nike in dynamic motion, driving a biga at full speed—an image of triumph and vitality that reflects both civic pride and the enduring resonance of athletic and military victories in Greek visual culture. Struck from somewhat worn dies, as is typical for the issue, and with the obverse slightly off-center; the flan itself is lightly bent. Nonetheless, the piece retains excellent detail and strong golden surfaces. Good Very Fine. Ex Leu Web Auction 15, 27 February 2021, 430.