This one was on my list and I am quite happy to have won it. It appealed to me for a few reasons. It was struck in Babylon, and dated to just about exactly when Alexander died (so close I think it falls within the margin of error). Its interesting to think that Alexander was present in the city when it was struck and entered circulation. While some may feel it being off center is a detriment, I actually like it as it shows where the celator engraved the scepter Zeus is holding well above the margin of the coin die. Now, I just need a lifetime tet of Pella to complement it (his birth city). Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AR tetradrachm (25 mm, 17.05 g, 8 h). Babylon, lifetime issue, ca. 324/3 B.C. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion's skin headdress / ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟ[Υ], Zeus seated left, holding eagle and scepter; in left field, Nike flying left with wreath; below throne, monogram above strut, M below. Price 3625. Great metal and very high relief. Gently toned. Extremely fine.
Nice looking Tet. Off centering doesn't bother me a bit as it isn't too severe for MY tastes. I really like the face Zeus.
Nice @Ken Dorney ! Nice Tet. I like your approach: Lifetimes from his City of Birth and Death... very very cool. Here are my Lifetimes of Alex III and his dad Phil II the Mastermind... Makedon Alexander - Alexandrine Babylon Di-Shekel Tet LIFETIME 328-311 Baal-Lion. The Gamma places it into the Lifetime issue of this mint run. Makedon Alexander Lifetime Tet Myriandrus mint-Alexandria near Issus Philip II the Mastermind: Makedon Philip II Tet Pella LIFETIME 353-349 Zeus Horse star spearhd Le Rider 102
Are the portraits of Heracles on these supposed to be the face of Alexander? Because they always looked different to me enough to suspect they are the image of whatever ruler at the time commissioned the coins to be struck.
Very nice score @Ken Dorney ! I don't think the off center strike on this coin detracts from it either. I also like your theme to collect a birth and death mint.
Well, the problem of attributing the face of Herakles to Alexander is that we have nearly no known contemporary portraits of Alexander. Although, a small portrait of him was found in the tomb of his father some years back. If you compare the two, well, I think they are certainly close. Its an interesting question though, as the posthumus issues certainly show a large variety of portraits.
Great coin Ken. When I finally add one that is the one I want. Well the type maybe not the exact coin. The only reason I haven't yet is the number of coins that fall into the category. I'm not sure I want to open that door yet, since I have other unfinished coin projects.
Wonderful coin Ken. Here is my lifetime tet, Amphipolis mint. My favourite aspect of this coin is the Janiform vase on the reverse.
