This coin commemorates the naval victory at Andros in 227 B.C. against Ptolemy II of Egypt, with the rugged grandeur of the sea-god Poseidon contrasting beautifully with the refined elegance of Apollo.
Antigonos Gonatas, the son of Demetrios Poliorketes and grandson of Antigonos Monophthalmos (“the one-eyed”), played a significant role in the tumultuous wars of succession following Alexander the Great's death. He campaigned alongside his father in Greece and Macedon, and after his father’s death in 283 B.C., he claimed the royal title, determined to reclaim the Macedonian throne. Before he could act, a massive wave of Galatian invaders swept into the region from the north in 279 B.C., wreaking havoc as far as Delphi. In 277 B.C., Antigonos decisively defeated the Celts, earning widespread recognition and securing his place as king of Macedonia, a position he held for nearly 30 years.
Although not part of the direct Antigonid royal succession, the title Doson, meaning “the man who will give,” refers to Antigonos III’s role as regent for the young Philip V, son of his cousin Demetrios II. Antigonos III married Philip’s mother and adopted him, solidifying his control over the throne. A highly effective ruler, Antigonos III employed both diplomacy and military strength to expand Macedonian influence. His most celebrated victory came at Sellasia in 222 B.C., where he crushed Cleomenes III of Sparta. This coin, a prime example of his primary coinage, features Poseidon on the obverse and a prow on the reverse, symbolizing the naval victories during his successful campaign in Caria in 228–227 B.C.
His successes in quelling revolts in Thessaly and repelling the Dardanians in 229–228 B.C. earned him the loyalty of Macedonian nobles, who granted him the royal title. Following the Carian campaign, Antigonos III restored Macedonian authority in mainland Greece by reforming the old Hellenic League of Alexander the Great and decisively defeating Sparta at the Battle of Sellasia (222 B.C.). However, his victory was short-lived; he was forced to march north to confront an Illyrian invasion, where he died suddenly from an aneurysm caused by shouting orders to his troops. Antigonos III left Philip V a far stronger kingdom than he might otherwise have inherited.

Macedonia, Kingdom of Macedonia, Antigonus III Doson (229-221 BC). Silver tetradrachm.
Av. Laureate head of Poseidon right. Rv. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΟΥ, Apollo seated left on a ship's prow, holding his bow in his right hand, monogram below. SNG Delepierre 1065. SNG Ashmolean 3263. SNG Berry 361. SNG Copenhagen 1204. Dewing 1206. 32 mm. 17.07 g. 5h.

Ex. Christophe Joron-Derem, Thierry Parsy Mar 25, 2014, lot 13; Giessener Munzhandlung Dieter Gorny GmbH Munich auction n ° 46 on October 30, 1989 lot n ° 135. MDC 3 auction, lot n ° 105.