Demetrios I Poliorketes AR Tetradrachm, Salamis 306–283 BC

Demetrios I Poliorketes, tetradrachm, silver, reign 306–283 BC, struck at Salamis, 306–283 BC; 16.70 g; 29 mm. Anepigraphic obverse with Nike blowing a trumpet and holding a stylis, standing left on the prow of a galley left. Reverse legend ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ; Poseidon Pelagaios standing left, preparing to hurl a trident; HP monogram in left field, labrys in right. Struck at Salamis on the Attic standard; control marks as noted define the issue; rare. Reference: Newell 18. Demetrios I adopted the royal title after his naval victory off Salamis (Cyprus) in 306 BC, and this coinage publicizes that event: Nike on the ship’s prow proclaims victory while Poseidon Pelagaios represents command of the sea. Salamis served as a principal mint for financing Demetrios’ fleet and campaigns, and the explicit royal legend marks the emergence of the independent Hellenistic monarchies after the age of Alexander.