Tetradrachm In the name of Alexander III

Đơn vị phát hành Lampsakos (Mysia)
Năm 280 BC - 275 BC
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá Tetradrachm (4)
Tiền tệ Attic drachm
Chất liệu Silver
Trọng lượng 17.14 g
Đường kính 28 mm
Độ dày
Hình dạng Round (irregular)
Kỹ thuật Hammered
Hướng Variable alignment ↺
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo SNG Alpha Bank#590
Mô tả mặt trước Head of beardless Heracles right wearing lion skin headdress.
Chữ viết mặt trước
Chữ khắc mặt trước
Mô tả mặt sau Zeus seated on stool-throne left, eagle on outstretched right hand, sceptre in left hand; in left field, monogram above forepart of Pegasos left and below the throne, A.
Chữ viết mặt sau Greek
Chữ khắc mặt sau ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ
Cạnh
Xưởng đúc Parium, Mysia, Turkey
Số lượng đúc ND (280 BC - 275 BC)
ID Numisquare 9037889751
Thông tin bổ sung

Historical Context: This Tetradrachm, struck by Lampsakos in Mysia between 280 and 275 BC, is a posthumous issue in Alexander III's name. Such coinage was vital during the early Hellenistic period, enabling successor kingdoms and cities like Lampsakos to leverage Alexander's widespread prestige for economic and political legitimacy. Lampsakos, a strategic Hellespontine port, issued these coins during a turbulent era following Lysimachos's decline, asserting its economic autonomy and adherence to a recognized currency standard amidst shifting Diadochi power.

Artistry: Adhering to established Alexandrine iconography, the obverse features an idealized Herakles wearing the Nemean Lion scalp, a type often subtly referencing Alexander. The reverse displays Zeus Aetophoros enthroned, holding an eagle and scepter, accompanied by the inscription 'ALEXANDROU'. While engravers remain anonymous, the artistic style embodies the refined Late Classical to early Hellenistic aesthetic, characterized by strong relief and a majestic, divine portrayal of figures, indicative of skilled regional workshops.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver to the Attic standard, this coin weighs 17.14 grams and measures 28 millimeters. Critical high-points for wear on the obverse include Herakles's eye, nose, and the lion's muzzle. On the reverse, Zeus's face, the eagle's head, and drapery over his legs are most vulnerable to abrasion. A well-struck example would show full, centered details on both Herakles's lion skin and Zeus's eagle, reflecting careful minting by Lampsakos.

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