Tetradrachm In the name of Alexander III,Odessos, ΞEN

発行体 Odessos
年号 80 BC - 70 BC
種類 Standard circulation coin
額面 Tetradrachm (4)
通貨 Drachm
材質 Silver
重量 16.1 g
直径 29.0 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#1202
表面の説明 Head of Mithradates VI of Pontos as Herakles, wearing lionskin headdress
表面の文字体系
表面の銘文
裏面の説明 Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding a spear with one hand and an eagle with the other. ΞEN above knee, ΟΔΗ monogram underneath the throne
裏面の文字体系 Greek
裏面の銘文 ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ ΞEN ΟΔΗ
(Translation: King Alexander (III, the Great))
鋳造所
鋳造数 ND (80 BC - 70 BC) - -
Numisquare ID 1280042420
追加情報

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.

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