Tetradrachm In the name of Alexander III, Odessos

Đơn vị phát hành Kingdom of Macedonia
Năm 125 BC - 70 BC
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá Tetradrachm (4)
Tiền tệ Drachm
Chất liệu Silver
Trọng lượng 16.7 g
Đường kính 30.0 mm
Độ dày
Hình dạng Round (irregular)
Kỹ thuật Hammered
Hướng Variable alignment ↺
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo Price#1181, Kostial#871
Mô tả mặt trước Head of beardless Heracles right wearing lion skin headdress.
Chữ viết mặt trước
Chữ khắc mặt trước
Mô tả mặt sau Zeus seated on stool-throne left, eagle on outstretched right hand, sceptre in left hand; in left field ΘΕ and below the throne monogram.
Chữ viết mặt sau Greek
Chữ khắc mặt sau ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ ΘE
(Translation: King Alexander (III, the Great))
Cạnh
Xưởng đúc
Số lượng đúc ND (125 BC - 70 BC) - -
ID Numisquare 6139671690
Thông tin bổ sung

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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