Tetradrachm In the name of Alexander III, Mesembria

صادرکننده Kingdom of Macedonia
سال 100 BC - 71 BC
نوع Standard circulation coin
ارزش Tetradrachm (4)
واحد پول Drachm
ترکیب Silver
وزن 16.43 g
قطر 28.5 mm
ضخامت
شکل Round (irregular)
تکنیک Hammered
جهت Variable alignment ↺
حکاک(ها)
در گردش تا
مرجع(ها) Price#1112
توضیحات روی سکه Head of Herakles in lion skin headdress to right
خط روی سکه
نوشته‌های روی سکه
توضیحات پشت سکه 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.
خط پشت سکه Greek
نوشته‌های پشت سکه ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ
(Translation: King Alexander (III, the Great))
لبه
ضرابخانه
تیراژ ضرب ND (100 BC - 71 BC) - -
شناسه Numisquare 8113557470
اطلاعات تکمیلی

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.

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