ANCIENT- The First Meris "phat" Tetradrachm 167-149 BC

The First Meris - Amphipolis, Macedonia, one of four minor republics formed out of the Roman conquest of Macedon. This coin type was minted in Amphipolis under Roman Rule, unlike most other Roman provinces, who were forced to use Roman currenc, Macedonia was one of the few exceptions. They issued this wonderful series of coin. It replaced earilier issues of similar decoration and reverse motif, except this issue features the head of Artemis replacing the head of Philip V. This series of coinage has several far rarer obverses, some even feature Roma. This coin was minted for a few years, and then replaced with the a Tetradrachm featuring a Romanesque Alexander the Great, unadorned.

I believe the series represents one of the most beautiful in all of ancient currency. The style is superb and the design appealing and unusual.When I ever saw it I was like WOW!, and juuuussst slightly out of my max budget.:devil: I couldn't t let it stop me. I was able to negotiate a deal with the seller who was quite friendly and answered all my questions. I wanted to know where and when the coin was recovered or there was record of previous auctions. The coin was sold by MPO Auction at a show in the Netherlands for 250 Euro. in 2011. MPO acquired the coin from an old privet collection.

I looked at about a half dozen of these coins. The coin is not the best condition out there but the toning and the engraving of this particular piece irresistible. I can see this easily becoming one of my favorites.


Macedonia, First Meris,
Amphipolis Mint
167 - 149 BC.
AR Tetradrachm, 16.59 g x 32 mm
Obv: Diademed and draped bust of Artemis right, bow and quiver over shoulder, in the center of a Macedonian shield,
Rev: MAKEΔONΩN ΠPΩTHΣ, horizontal club, monograms above and below, all within oak wreath,
ref: SNG COP 1313

Comments, suggestions, additions are always welcome. Share other coins if you gottem'!

 

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Oh my!!

=> yup, that's a very sharp lookin' coin my friend!! (yummy, yummy!!)

 

Owww, and 32 mm is a super nice skipping-stone size!! (well done)

 

Pretty cool coin and interesting history to go with it!

 

I found this type interesting enough that it made my 'fabric' page. The blanks were cast in a cup shaped depression and care was taken to align the cupped dies so off center coins are not common. The effect is made more pronounced by the tapered obverse border. This must have been one of the most carefully produced ancient coins.

 

Both great looking coins!

 

Beautiful coin, if I ever get into Greek coins this type would be at the top of the list.

 

Anoob: That's a beautiful coin and good background information. Maybe one of these days I will be allowed out of the time out corner and I will look for one of these. It's been three weeks since last I looked at any coins to buy. I know when I look I will find something I want, and now that I see this I have something in mind to look for.

 

I came close to buying one twice but at $200 I couldnt do it. Its always been a beautiful looking coin to me though.

 

Fantastic coin Ancientnoob!!! Interesting history and fabrication! Sounds like a win, win, win! Congrats!!!:thumb:

 

I appreciate all the positive responses. I am thrilled you guys like it. Also thanks for the addition Doug. I lile yours as well.

 

Interesting. Can I see a side view of one of these ??? Are they bowl shaped ???? :help!A:

 

Phat is not the word, Wow, you your coin is off the chart. very well done Anoob...:thumb::thumb:

 

As soon as I have it in hand I will gladly shoot a side photo just for you Rip.:yes:

 

From the Photograph, I would say that it is bowl shaped.

On the second photograph, Top Right, I think you can see the edge.

 

Thanks Noob, I know nothing of these type..... yet. :thumb:

 

Ask and you shall receive!

As promised Rip,

The relief of the coin is absurd. Looking at Artemis on the edge view its like your looking right into her eyes.

The coin surprisingly is not scyphate. The coins obverse is like I said in super high relief, the reverse devices are well raised as well but the overall the reverse is planar.

Check out the photos I shot....just came today!




BTW there is nothing "propping" this coin up, thats Artemis' face!

 

They don't make 'em like they used to.

 

Thats for sure, its tough to even find Roman coins with the same level of mastery.

 

Nice!! => man, that's a very gorgeous lookin' coin, my Noobish friend!!