Stater In the name of Alexander III

Emittente Lampsakos (Mysia)
Anno 230 BC
Tipo Standard circulation coin
Valore Gold Stater (20)
Valuta Attic drachm
Composizione Gold
Peso 8.39 g
Diametro 19 mm
Spessore
Forma Round (irregular)
Tecnica Hammered
Orientamento Variable alignment ↺
Incisore/i
In circolazione fino al
Riferimento/i SNG France#2437
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 long torch, below left wing Pegasus forepart left and below right wing monogram.
Scrittura del rovescio Greek
Legenda del rovescio ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ
Bordo
Zecca Lampsacus, Mysia, Turkey
Tiratura ND (-230)
ID Numisquare 4062440887
Informazioni aggiuntive

Historical Context: This gold stater, struck at Lampsakos in Mysia circa 230 BC, highlights the enduring legacy of Alexander the Great. Long after his death, cities like Lampsakos continued issuing coinage in his name, utilizing his established types and the Attic weight standard. This practice facilitated international trade and asserted economic standing amidst the fragmented Hellenistic world. Such issues underscore Alexander’s lasting impact as a symbol of authority and a guarantor of monetary stability, even for autonomous cities.

Artistry: The design adheres to iconic prototypes from Alexander’s reign, reflecting the Hellenistic stylistic school. The obverse depicts the head of Herakles, often interpreted as an idealized portrait of Alexander, wearing the Nemean lion-skin headdress. The reverse features Zeus Aëtophoros, enthroned, holding an eagle and a scepter, with the legend “ALEXANDROU.” While no specific engraver is known, the craftsmanship demonstrates the Lampsakene mint’s skill, maintaining the high artistic standards of the era.

Technical/Grading: Struck in gold, this 8.39-gram, 19-millimeter stater conforms to the Attic standard. Key high-points for preservation include the lion’s muzzle and Herakles’s forehead on the obverse, and Zeus’s face, torso, eagle, and scepter on the reverse, indicating strike quality. A well-centered strike with even pressure ensures full rendering of all design elements, reflecting the mint’s technical proficiency and enhancing the coin's numismatic grade.

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