Lot 1423

Description

Macedon, Kingdom of, Alexander III, (336-323 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (17.098 grams), Memphis mint (Egypt), issued c. 325 B.C., obv. head of Herakles to right wearing lion skin with dotted border, rev. Zeus seated on throne to left, eagle in outstretched hand, rose to left, **DI* O under throne, to right **[A]LEXANDROU*, (cf.S.6713, Price 3971, BMC 3971a-e, M.124, Demanhur hoard 4614ff., Zervos issue I, type 2C). Lightly toned, nearly extremely fine and rare in this condition.

Ex Noble Numismatics Sale 63 (lot 3490). This coin is typical of the standard type of Alexander's silver tetradrachm coinage. It is a lifetime issue of the finest style and has been attributed by scholars to Memphis, Egypt. That attribution is confirmed by die-links and style evolution to others of this first issue particularly those with the use of distinct Egyptian symbols. Inscriptions with Ptolemy's name in association with Alexander which confirm the origin of this coin type. This example represents one of the finest of this mint offered to collectors - superb in its absence of wear, its fine centering and attractive grey cabinet patina.