Tetradrachm In the name of Alexander III, Mesembria

Đơn vị phát hành Mesembria
Năm 125 BC - 65 BC
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá Tetradrachm (4)
Tiền tệ Drachm
Chất liệu Silver
Trọng lượng 16.62 g
Đường kính 26 mm
Độ dày
Hình dạng Round (irregular)
Kỹ thuật Hammered
Hướng Variable alignment ↺
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo Price#1106
Mô tả mặt trước Head of Herakles in lion skin headdress to right
Chữ viết mặt trước
Chữ khắc mặt trước
Mô tả mặt sau 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
Chữ viết mặt sau Greek
Chữ khắc mặt sau ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ ΠΑΥ ΠΥ
(Translation: King Alexander (III, the Great))
Cạnh
Xưởng đúc
Số lượng đúc ND (125 BC - 65 BC) - -
ID Numisquare 7566759230
Thông tin bổ sung

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.

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