Lot 3124

Description

Macedon, Kingdom of, Alexander III (336-323 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (16.534 grams), Odessus mint, issued c.230-220 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, **[A]LEXANDROU* to left, **OD* monogram under throne, in exergue KIO, (cf.S.6713, Price 1169, cf.BMC 1168, M.408, Pick (2) 2123-4), Dark attractive tone, very fine and rare.

The introduction of a few recognisable names occurs towards the end of the third century. Koi.. saw the introduction of the first of the recognisable names on the issues from this mint. Koi 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.