Catalogo
| Emittente | Kingdom of Macedonia |
|---|---|
| Anno | 100 BC - 71 BC |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Valuta | Drachm |
| Composizione | Silver |
| Peso | 16.43 g |
| Diametro | 28.5 mm |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Tecnica | Hammered |
| Orientamento | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | Price#1112 |
| 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, API above helmet, monogram below throne. |
| Scrittura del rovescio | Greek |
| Legenda del rovescio |
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ (Translation: King Alexander (III, the Great)) |
| Bordo | |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
ND (100 BC - 71 BC) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 8113557470 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context: This Tetradrachm, issued in Alexander III's name by Mesembria (100 BC - 71 BC), exemplifies the enduring legacy of Alexander the Great's coinage. Long after his death, autonomous cities like Mesembria, a key Black Sea port, continued striking these "pseudo-Alexanders." This practice capitalized on the established trust and pan-Hellenic recognition of the type, facilitating trade and asserting economic stability during a period of significant regional shifts and increasing Roman influence.
Artistry: The design faithfully follows the classic Alexander-type tetradrachm, reflecting a conservative artistic tradition. The obverse presents the idealized head of Herakles, often interpreted as Alexander, adorned with the Nemean lion-skin. The reverse features Zeus Aëtophoros (eagle-bearer) enthroned, holding a scepter, accompanied by the legend "ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ." While engravers remain anonymous, the stylistic school is late Hellenistic, maintaining powerful, recognizable forms, with specific local control marks (as per Price#1112) denoting Mesembrian origin.
Technical/Grading: This silver tetradrachm, weighing 16.43 gg and measuring 28.5 mmmm, adheres to the Attic weight standard, typical for late Hellenistic issues. Critical high-points for assessing wear include Herakles' forehead and the lion-skin's muzzle on the obverse, and Zeus's knee, torso, and the eagle's head on the reverse. A strong, centered strike on a broad flan is desirable, ensuring full detail and complete legends. Mesembrian issues generally display competent die engraving and striking, though variations in flan preparation and strike pressure can occur.