Lot 20
Kings of Macedon. Alexander III, the Great, 336-323 BC. Gold Stater (8.61 g), uncertain Macedonian mint, struck c. 330-320 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. Cf. Price 164. A very handsome example, with choice centering, beautifully and fully struck in very high relief, and highly lustrous. With splendid mint surfaces. NGC graded Choice Uncirculated.
Collectors of ancient Greek coins, early into their hobby, become quickly aware of just how available and how great the quantity is of coins of this seminal figure of Western history. The core of the wealth of Alexander's empire resided in the Persian Empire that Alexander seized. Even in its senescence, the Achaemenid Empire remained the largest and wealthiest world empire up to that time in history, and would only see its rival centuries later under the Romans. With Alexander as King and sole ruler, and thus "owner," of the Persian territories and its assets, plus those of the additional lands accumulated by his conquests, he can be said during his brief decade of glory to have been the richest man in the world: the possessor of wealth almost beyond comprehension.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000.
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| Realized $5,750 |
