Catalogo
| Emittente | Odessos |
|---|---|
| Anno | 125 BC - 70 BC |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Valuta | Drachm |
| Composizione | Silver |
| Peso | 16.4 g |
| Diametro | 30 mm |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Tecnica | Hammered |
| Orientamento | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | Kostial#870, Price#1179 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress. |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | |
| Legenda del dritto | |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, AΛEΞANΔPOY to left, ΔH in inner left field, monogram below throne. |
| Scrittura del rovescio | Greek |
| Legenda del rovescio |
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY ΔH (Translation: King Alexander (III, the Great)) |
| Bordo | |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
ND (125 BC - 70 BC) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 2809572360 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context: This silver tetradrachm, struck by Odessos between 125 BC and 70 BC, is a posthumous issue in the name of Alexander III the Great. Centuries after his death, Alexander’s iconic coinage remained a universally recognized currency throughout the Hellenistic world. Odessos, a vital Black Sea port, continued this tradition for regional trade and to assert its economic standing during increasing Roman influence. The "ΔH" monogram signifies magistrates overseeing the minting process.
Artistry: The coin adheres to established iconographic standards of Alexander’s coinage. The obverse features the idealized head of Herakles right, adorned with the Nemean lion-skin headdress, often interpreted as a veiled portrait of Alexander. The reverse presents Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding a scepter and an eagle, symbolizing divine authority. Local Odessan die-engravers generally maintained the stylistic integrity of the broader Hellenistic tradition, characterized by classical idealism and robust composition.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a 30 mm flan weighing 16.4 grams, this tetradrachm exhibits typical Late Hellenistic fabric. Key high-points for wear assessment include the lion’s muzzle and ear on the obverse, and Zeus’s knee, chest, and the eagle’s head on the reverse. While minor off-centering or slight die wear are common, well-preserved examples demonstrate strong strikes, good metal quality, and clear intricate details. Consistent weight and diameter reflect careful minting practices for this silver issue.