Catalogo
| Emittente | Kingdom of Macedonia |
|---|---|
| Anno | 125 BC - 70 BC |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Valuta | Drachm |
| Composizione | Silver |
| Peso | 16.7 g |
| Diametro | 30.0 mm |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Tecnica | Hammered |
| Orientamento | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | Price#1181, Kostial#871 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Head of beardless Heracles right wearing lion skin headdress. |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | |
| Legenda del dritto | |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Zeus seated on stool-throne left, eagle on outstretched right hand, sceptre in left hand; in left field ΘΕ and below the throne monogram. |
| Scrittura del rovescio | Greek |
| Legenda del rovescio |
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ ΘE (Translation: King Alexander (III, the Great)) |
| Bordo | |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
ND (125 BC - 70 BC) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 6139671690 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context: This silver tetradrachm, issued by Odessos (125 BC - 70 BC), represents a continuation of Alexandrine coinage types long after Alexander III's death and the Macedonian Kingdom's dissolution. Odessos, a significant Greek trading city on the Black Sea, adopted these types to maintain economic stability and facilitate trade in the late Hellenistic period. Alexander's enduring iconography provided a universally recognized standard for commerce amidst growing Roman influence.
Artistry: The design adheres closely to the iconic Alexandrine prototype. The obverse features the head of Herakles, right, wearing the Nemean lion-skin headdress—a powerful image symbolizing strength. The reverse displays Zeus Aëtophoros, seated left on a throne, holding an eagle and scepter. While the engraver remains anonymous, the stylistic school is late Hellenistic, characterized by a faithful, though sometimes less refined, rendition of classical forms, often incorporating specific civic control marks for Odessos.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver to the Attic standard, this tetradrachm weighs 16.7 grams and measures 30.0 millimeters. Key high-points for wear assessment include Herakles's lion's mane, nose, and chin, and Zeus's head, torso, eagle, and scepter. Technical strike qualities vary, with well-centered examples showing full details highly prized. The flan quality is generally good, reflecting consistent production for extensive trade. Documented by Price#1181 and Kostial#871, these issues highlight their numismatic significance and broad circulation.