Catalogo
| Emittente | Mesembria |
|---|---|
| Anno | 125 BC - 65 BC |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Valuta | Drachm |
| Composizione | Silver |
| Peso | 16.62 g |
| Diametro | 26 mm |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Tecnica | Hammered |
| Orientamento | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | Price#1106 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Head of Herakles in lion skin headdress to right |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | |
| Legenda del dritto | |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Zeus seated left on high-backed throne, holding eagle in his right hand and long scepter in his left. To left, monogram of ΠΑΥ above helmet and below throne, monogram of ΠΥ |
| Scrittura del rovescio | Greek |
| Legenda del rovescio |
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ ΠΑΥ ΠΥ (Translation: King Alexander (III, the Great)) |
| Bordo | |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
ND (125 BC - 65 BC) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 7566759230 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context: This Tetradrachm, issued by Mesembria (125-65 BC), exemplifies the enduring numismatic legacy of Alexander III. As a vital Greek colony on the Thracian coast, Mesembria strategically adopted this internationally recognized standard. In an era of increasing Roman influence, the widespread acceptance of Alexander-type currency was crucial for trade, providing a universally trusted medium and underscoring the city's commercial integration.
Artistry: The coin adheres to standard iconography: obverse depicting Herakles' head right in Nemean lion-skin, symbolizing Alexander's mythical ancestry. The reverse features Zeus Aetophoros enthroned left, holding an eagle and scepter, with the legend 'ALEXANDROU'. While specific engravers are unrecorded, Mesembrian issues (Price#1106) typically exhibit competent Hellenistic style. These posthumous types often incorporated subtle local mint marks or monograms, identifying the issuing city within the widely accepted design framework.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, this example weighs 16.62 grams and measures 26 mm, closely aligning with the Attic standard. Critical high-points for assessing strike quality include Herakles' lion's mane, facial features, and Zeus's head, torso, and the eagle's details. A superior strike exhibits clear, centralized impressions, minimal die wear, and full legends. While off-centering or minor planchet imperfections are common, a well-preserved specimen reveals the mint's dedication to producing a reliable, visually consistent trade currency.