c. 342-330/25 BCE
Æ 17.5mm, 5.30g
Head of Aphrodite r., wearing stephane.
R/ Dove flying r. within wreath.
HGC 3.1, 246
Kassope was founded in the 4th century BCE as the capital of the Kassopaeans. Today, much of its ruins remain and it’s one of the best examples of an ancient city laid out in a rectilinear street grid that was created by the architect Hippodamos.
When Kassander sent an army against Alketas II, who became king of Epeiros after Aeakides died but was known for a difficult temper, Kassope was involved in the short war. Several years later, Alketas II was murdered by his own people and Pyrrhos was placed on the throne.
This coin was minted in the 3rd century BCE, when the city was at its zenith. In 168/67 BCE it was destroyed by the Romans.