Lot 18
Kings of Macedon. Alexander III, the Great, 336-323 BC. Gold Distater (17.27 g), Aegeae mint, struck c. 336-323 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing triple-crested Corinthian helmet, adorned with coiled serpent. Reverse: Nike standing left, holding wreath in extended hand, stylis in other; vertical thunderbolt at left, monogram below. Price 191. A superb example, with choice centering, beautifully struck in high relief, with a delicate touch of red toning -- mostly on the reverse. NGC graded Choice About Uncirculated.
Continuing to utilize the wealth of Macedon's mines, which Alexander's father, Phillip II, had employed to finance his own and Macedon's imperialism, Alexander set himself up as conqueror and empire builder. In the process, his massive minting of coin would in essence create a new world class currency, in the manner of today's dollar, or like that once held by the silver "owls" from the time of Athens' imperial ascendancy. In adopting the Attic weight standard, Alexander's coinage would easily fit into a scheme that had already been established, and thus cause no new disruptions to trade. In addition, Alexander's insistence on the obvious and easy 10:1 ratio of exchange between silver and gold made for a system that was recognized and utilized even in cities that adhered to their traditional minting standards. The ease of use and rationality of Alexander's coining standards quickly came to serve as the basis for financial systems throughout much of the Greek world, not only in Alexander's time, but for a number of centuries afterwards.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000.
|
| |
| Realized $25,300 |
