Catalogo
| Emittente | Salamis of Cyprus |
|---|---|
| Anno | 332 BC - 323 BC |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | Gold Stater (20) |
| Valuta | Drachm |
| Composizione | Gold |
| Peso | 8.56 g |
| Diametro | 17 mm |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Tecnica | Hammered |
| Orientamento | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | Price#3136 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Head of Athena right wearing Corinthian helmet with crest. |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | |
| Legenda del dritto | |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Nike standing left holding wreath in right hand, and stylis in her left hand; in left field harpa. |
| Scrittura del rovescio | Greek |
| Legenda del rovescio |
ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ (Translation: Alexander (III, the Great)) |
| Bordo | |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
ND (332 BC - 323 BC) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 3914078150 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context:This gold stater, issued from Salamis of Cyprus between 332 BC and 323 BC, encapsulates the economic and political consolidation under Alexander III, "the Great." Following his conquest of the Persian Empire, strategically vital Cyprus became part of his vast Hellenistic domain. Struck "in the name of Alexander," this coinage standardized monetary exchange across his empire, reflecting his supreme authority and the integration of diverse regions like Salamis into a unified economic system.
Artistry:The design adheres to the imperial prototype for Alexander's gold staters. The obverse features a masterfully rendered head of Athena, facing right, wearing a Corinthian helmet, often adorned with a griffin or serpent. This iconography associates the ruler with divine wisdom and martial prowess. The reverse depicts Nike, goddess of victory, standing left, holding a wreath symbolizing triumph and a stylis, a naval standard, underscoring Alexander's land and sea dominance. Though the engraver is anonymous, the execution reflects skilled early Hellenistic artistry.
Technical/Grading:This gold stater, weighing 8.56 gg and measuring 17 mm, represents the standard module for Alexander's imperial gold coinage (Price#3136). For optimal grading, one assesses the sharpness of Athena's helmet details, particularly the crest and facial features. On the reverse, the clarity of Nike's wings, intricate drapery folds, and the distinctness of the wreath and stylis are crucial. A well-centered, evenly struck example, free from significant die wear or planchet flaws, would command a premium, showcasing the mint’s technical proficiency.