Catalogue
| Émetteur | Odessos |
|---|---|
| Année | 80 BC - 70 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Devise | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Poids | 16.1 g |
| Diamètre | 29.0 mm |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | Price#1202 |
| Description de l’avers | Head of Mithradates VI of Pontos as Herakles, wearing lionskin headdress |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | |
| Légende de l’avers | |
| Description du revers | Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding a spear with one hand and an eagle with the other. ΞEN above knee, ΟΔΗ monogram underneath the throne |
| Écriture du revers | Greek |
| Légende du revers |
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ ΞEN ΟΔΗ (Translation: King Alexander (III, the Great)) |
| Tranche | |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
ND (80 BC - 70 BC) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 1280042420 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: This tetradrachm, struck in Odessos between 80-70 BC, represents a late continuation of Alexander III's coinage. Odessos, a significant Black Sea port, maintained the Alexandrine standard, reflecting its economic importance and the enduring acceptance of this coin type as a regional trade currency. The "ΞEN" monogram likely identifies a specific magistrate, common on these posthumous series, underscoring the type's remarkable longevity and utility even as Roman influence expanded.
Artistry: The coin adheres to the established Hellenistic artistic tradition of Alexander's coinage. The obverse features the iconic head of Herakles right, wearing the Nemean lion-skin headdress, a powerful symbol of strength. The reverse depicts Zeus Aetophoros seated left on a throne, holding an eagle and a scepter. The inscription "ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ" identifies the nominal issuer, while the "ΞEN" monogram is prominently placed, distinguishing this Odessos issue. Later issues often exhibit distinct die-cutting styles.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, this tetradrachm weighs 16.1 grams and measures 29.0 millimeters, consistent with the Alexandrine standard. Key high-points for wear assessment include Herakles' brow, cheek, and lion's muzzle; on the reverse, Zeus's knee, torso, and eagle's head. The strike quality is generally good for Odessos issues of this period, with well-centered devices and clear "ΞEN" monogram. Examine metal flow for flatness, particularly on higher relief areas, indicating die wear or strike weakness.