Lot 3638

Description

Macedon under Romans, Amphipolis, (158-149 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (14.97 gm), obv. Macedonian shield, at centre of which is a bust of Artemis Tauropolos to right with bow and quiver at her shoulder, rev. **MAKEDONWN PRWTHS* in two lines, club between monograms above and below, all within oak wreath, to left of which a thunderbolt, (S.1386, AMNG 176 [p.57], BMC 7 [p.8], SNG Manchester 749, Hunter 3, McClean 3708, SNG Cop. 1314, SNG Ash. 3297). Well centred, very fine or better and scarce in this condition.

Ex Noble Numismatics Sale 78 (lot 4983). Several examples are known of this light weight issue, all are about 2 grams lighter than the usual pieces and this suggests a deliberate attempt to issue coins of light weight. They do not appear to be fourees or plated examples and this piece also has no evidence of plating.