SATRAPS OF CARIA. Hidrieus, circa 351/0-344/3 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 24 mm, 15.16 g, 1 h), Halikarnassos. Laureate head of Apollo facing slightly to right, with drapery below. Rev. IΔPIEΩΣ Zeus Labraundos standing right, holding long scepter in his left hand and double-axe over his right shoulder; between left leg and scepter, E. Konuk, Identities 28. SNG Kayhan 880. SNG von Aulock 8046 (same obverse die). Beautifully toned and struck in high relief, an unusually well preserved example. Very minor horn silver, otherwise, extremely fine.




Hidrieus was the second son of Hekatomnos and thus Maussolos' younger brother, who had been succeeded as ruler of Caria upon his death in 353 BC by his sister-wife, Artemisia II. When the latter died in 351 BC, Hidrieus succeeded her together with his own sister-wife, Ada. It was in Hidrieus' reign that the famous Mausoleum, the Tomb of Maussolos and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was commissioned.