Tetradrachm In the name of Alexander III, Mesembria

発行体 Kingdom of Macedonia
年号 100 BC - 71 BC
種類 Standard circulation coin
額面 Tetradrachm (4)
通貨 Drachm
材質 Silver
重量 16.43 g
直径 28.5 mm
厚さ
形状 Round (irregular)
製造技法 Hammered
向き Variable alignment ↺
彫刻師
流通終了年
参考文献 Price#1112
表面の説明 Head of Herakles in lion skin headdress to right
表面の文字体系
表面の銘文
裏面の説明 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.
裏面の文字体系 Greek
裏面の銘文 ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ
(Translation: King Alexander (III, the Great))
鋳造所
鋳造数 ND (100 BC - 71 BC) - -
Numisquare ID 8113557470
追加情報

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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