Ancient Greek Macedonia – Antigonus II Gonatas, 277–239 BC
ANCIENT GREECE – MACEDONIA, ANTIGONUS II GONATAS (277–239 BC). Bronze Coin – Macedonian Shield Type.
A fascinating Ancient Greek coin from the Kingdom of Macedonia, issued during the reign of Antigonus II Gonatas, one of the important Hellenistic kings of Macedon.
Antigonus II Gonatas ruled Macedonia from 277 to 239 BC and was a major figure during the turbulent period following the death of Alexander the Great. His reign helped restore Macedonian power after decades of conflict among the successors of Alexander.
The Macedonian shield is one of the most recognizable symbols found on Macedonian coinage. The shield was closely associated with the Macedonian military tradition and the famous infantry forces that had helped make Macedonia a dominant power in the ancient Mediterranean world.
This coin belongs to the Hellenistic period, when Macedonian kings continued to use traditional military imagery to emphasize their connection with the powerful kingdom established by Philip II and Alexander the Great.
Historical Background
Antigonus II Gonatas was the grandson of Antigonus I Monophthalmus, one of Alexander the Great's generals and successors. After years of warfare among the Hellenistic kingdoms, Gonatas established himself as king of Macedonia and maintained Macedonian influence in Greece for much of his long reign.
A coin like this offers a tangible connection to that extraordinary period of history—more than 2,200 years ago, when Macedonia was still one of the major powers of the Hellenistic world.
Coin Details
- Ruler: Antigonus II Gonatas
- Kingdom: Macedonia
- Date: 277–239 BC
- Period: Hellenistic
- Type: Macedonian Shield
- Metal: Bronze
- Reference: MELMET (as supplied)
A great addition to a collection of Ancient Greek, Macedonian, Hellenistic, or Alexander-the-Great-successor coinage.
Please examine the photographs for the exact condition, patina, surfaces, centering and visible details of this individual ancient coin.
