Lot 3131

Description

Macedon, Kingdom of, Alexander III (336-323 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (16.514 grams), Odessus mint, issued c.225-200 B.C., obv. head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin, rev. Zeus seated on throne to left, eagle in outstretched hand, **BASILEWS* to right, **ALEXANDROU* to left, **ODH* monogram under throne, in exergue **KLEAN*, (cf.S.6713, Price 1173, BMC 1173a-b, M.144, Pick (2) 2136-8, SNG Cop.722, Mektepini 7), Dark attractive tone, good very fine and rare.

The introduction of a few recognisable names occurs towards the end of the third century for Klean. Klean was also used on gold staters of Lysimachos issued at Odessos at the same time. This becomes the last issue of tetradrachms in this period but they were struck again at Odessos from c.125-75 B.C. after a break of about 75 years.