Unknown Maker, Greek

At the time these coins were minted, Demetrius had just won the nickname “Poliorcetes,” or “the Besieger,” in recognition of his contributions to the siege of Rhodes. Despite an unsuccessful outcome, Demetrius was respected for the machines he built as well as his boldness and determination. Soon after the siege, he was elected king by the armies of Macedon. Demetrius’s life ended in tragedy, however, when his troops deserted him and he was forced to surrender to King Seleucus of Cilicia. He died three years later in 283 BCE. The reverse of this coin, featuring the sea god Poseidon, could symbolize Demetrius’s naval victories. This coin exemplifies the utilitarian nature of coinage. Despite the fact that Demetrius was eventually disgraced, coins bearing his image retained their value.