Lot 4473

Description

Boeotia, Thebes, (378-338 B.C.), silver stater, (12.036 grams), obv. Boeotian shield, rev. amphora, with letters **EP PA* either side, (cf.S.2398, Hepworth Series D2, No.35, BMC 138, SNG Lockett 1755, SNG Cop. 329 var.). Good very fine/very fine and a very rare historically important type.

See R.G. Hepworth 'Epaminondas' coinage, Proceedings 10th International Numismatic Commission, Pl.3, 2 and B.V. Head who cites Imhoof-Blumer (p.64). The magistrate whose signature appears on this stater was the famous Boeotian statesman Epaminondas. As Boeotarch in 371 B.C., he was responsible for the crushing defeat of the Spartan Army at Leuctra, an historical turning point which marked the end of Spartan military supremacy. In the following years Epaminondas invaded the Peloponnesus to liberate Sparta's vassal state and to organise their political institutions. His accomplishments and noble character earned him a biography by Plutarch. Robert Hepworth 'The 4th Century B.C. Magistrates of the Boiotian Confederacy' (Num.Chron Hellenic Num. Soc. 1998), describes 1700 examples he has noted in all collections of all Boeotian staters but notes less than five (5) examples of this variety and magistrate. Of great historical importance and a very rare magistrate.