First Meris Tetradrachm

I recently picked up a coin that has been on my "get list" since the first time I laid eyes on it almost 15 years ago, a Macedonian First Meris tetradrachm!

It has what I assume is a test cut on the obverse, but that is probably what dropped this coin into my price range. I've always thought the style and devices were great on these. I didn't know they were slightly scyphate until I had it in hand (it feels great in hand by the way).

I don't think I really knew what "first Meris" meant until recently. After the Romans conquered the penultimate Macedonian king the area was divided into 4 semiautonomous regions called merides. The first meris seemed to have some silver mines and to be pretty wealthy, and to have some very cool coins.

Macedon, Republican period - First Meris, AR Tetradrachm.
167-148 BC.

O: Artemis centered on a Macedonian Shield.

R: Club with inscription ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ ΠΡΩΤΗΣ ("First Macedonians"), monogram of ΑΡ above, thunderbolt to the left, surrounded by wreath of oak leaves.

Amphipolis mint. 30 mm, 17.0 g.




Here is a short video clip of the coin in hand.



Anyone have a coin that they finally picked up after REALLY wanting one for over a decade? Feel free to post them, I would love to see!