Tetradrachm In the name of Alexander III, Odessos

Emitent Kingdom of Macedonia
Rok 125 BC - 70 BC
Typ Standard circulation coin
Nominał Tetradrachm (4)
Waluta Drachm
Skład Silver
Waga 16.7 g
Średnica 30.0 mm
Grubość
Kształt Round (irregular)
Technika Hammered
Orientacja Variable alignment ↺
Rytownik(zy)
W obiegu do
Źródło(a) Price#1181, Kostial#871
Opis awersu Head of beardless Heracles right wearing lion skin headdress.
Pismo awersu
Legenda awersu
Opis rewersu Zeus seated on stool-throne left, eagle on outstretched right hand, sceptre in left hand; in left field ΘΕ and below the throne monogram.
Pismo rewersu Greek
Legenda rewersu ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ ΘE
(Translation: King Alexander (III, the Great))
Krawędź
Mennica
Nakład ND (125 BC - 70 BC) - -
ID Numisquare 6139671690
Dodatkowe informacje

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.

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