BOEOTIA, Thebes. Circa 364-362 BC. AR Stater (22.5mm, 12.21 g). Epami(nondas), magistrate. EF.

Triton XXVI
Lot: 151. Estimated: $ 1 500

Greek, Silver

Sold For $ 4 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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BOEOTIA, Thebes. Circa 364-362 BC. AR Stater (22.5mm, 12.21 g). Epami(nondas), magistrate. Boeotian shield / Amphora; rosette above, EΠ-AMI across central field; all within concave circle. Hepworth, Epaminondas pl. 3, 3 (same rev. die); Hepworth 32 (same rev. die); BCD Boiotia 543 (same dies); HGC 4, 1333; Traité III 267, pl. CCI, 16 (same rev. die). A few minor flan flaws. EF.

From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex Triton XIII (5 January 2010), lot 1201.

Remnants of the earlier form of the magistrate's name, E∏-∏Å, are visible on the reverse.

There are times when some of us wonder what the world would be like today if Alexander the Great had lived to a ripe old age. The same kind of "What if ..." thinking could be applied to Epaminondas. His premature death on the battlefield of Mantineia in 362 BC deprived Thebes of its greatest statesman and soldier, signalling the start of Thebes' rapid decline into obscurity. If Epaminondas had lived to reap the benefits of his Mantineian victory, he would have undoubtedly proceeded to unite all Greece under his leadership. The next step would be to turn to the North and face Philip who, instead of finding a divided Greece ready for the taking, would think twice before attempting to invade Thessaly. Whether then there would be a clash between the two emerging superpowers or a truce between them, is anybody's guess. Perhaps Philip would remember the years he spent as a hostage in Thebes and his respect for the Theban statesman would prevail. The conquest of Asia would then materialize sooner and in a more permanent manner. But, like many great soldiers, Epaminondas inspired his men by leading them into battle and, instead of capitalizing on his genius, Thebes paid the price for his bravery.

The final winners of all Triton XXVI lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 10-11 January 2023.

Triton XXVI – Session One – Lots 1-334 will be held Tuesday morning, 10 January 2023 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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