Catalogue
| Émetteur | Aetolian League |
|---|---|
| Année | 239 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Devise | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Poids | 17.02 g |
| Diamètre | 25 mm |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) |
| Description de l’avers | Head of youthful Herakles to right, wearing lionskin headdress |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | |
| Légende de l’avers | |
| Description du revers | Zeus, holding eagle in his right hand and scepter with his left, seated left on throne. To left, below his right hand, boar’s jaw bone to right and to left and below throne, monogram |
| Écriture du revers | Greek |
| Légende du revers |
ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ (Translation: Alexander (III, the Great)) |
| Tranche | |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
ND (-239) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 6920191590 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: This Aetolian League tetradrachm from 239 BC showcases the enduring impact of Alexander III's coinage. Long after his death, his iconic types served as universal currency, adopted by successor states and independent powers. The powerful Aetolian League utilized this type to assert its economic and political prominence amidst rivalry with Macedon and the Achaean League. Issuing coinage in Alexander's name facilitated trade and military operations, reflecting the League's growing influence in 3rd century BC Greece.
Artistry: The coin adheres to Alexander's established imperial iconography. The obverse features the idealized head of Herakles right, wearing the Nemean lion-skin headdress, symbolizing Alexander. The reverse presents Zeus Aetophoros enthroned left, holding an eagle and scepter, embodying divine authority. No engraver is attributed; the style aligns with Hellenistic numismatic art's robust, idealized realism. Aetolian issues are identified by specific monograms or symbols in the reverse field or exergue, distinguishing them.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, this example weighs 17.02 grams and measures 25 millimeters, closely adhering to the Attic standard. Obverse high-points for wear include Herakles' brow, nose, and lion's muzzle. Reverse critical areas are Zeus's knee, chest, eagle's head and wings, and scepter top. A superior strike exhibits full detail on lion-skin and Zeus's drapery, with sharp legends and monograms. Overall strike quality, centering, and surface preservation are paramount for a high numismatic grade.