The left side of reverse shows a possible boa on this Greek coin which dates back to the Alexandrian or Seleucid era. Could you please tell me if I'm right ? What attribution does this tetradrachm have ? The erected boa is detected after turning the reverse 90 degrees counter clockwise. Thank you.
I see nothing remotely snake like on the coin but if there were such it would not be a boa since that group of snakes is entirely new world.
Charles, if you're trying to pin down the attribution by determining the left field control mark, it will be difficult since very little of the mark remains on your coin. A better approach would be to quickly scroll through a large database of Alexander III tetradrachms (doesn't matter if it was issued by someone else in his name; your coin's reverse says BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPoY) looking for a monogram match (the thing under the throne). There are ~5000 hits for "Alexander III tetradrachm" in CNG's archives so that's an efficient place to search. However, before spending too much time on the task consider that this coin might be a cast fake. Look at all the raised bumps on the reverse-- casting bubbles?
I acquired that coin along with 2 interesting others. Your opinion might help me a lot. Here they are, after digital shooting. Many thanks..
I agree w/TIF! I was going to ask to see the edge until I saw that post. IMO, the only one that has a chance of being genuine is the very worn one.
Of course I agree with all of you. I shall return them back to that new seller. They're all the same. They sell you the best at first.. and then play the trick. I think the most worn one of Pegasus needs also to be returned back.
I collect counterfeits. Any chance of you telling where they came from and how much they cost either here or in PM?
I think that is a good idea. I see from your profile page you are from Beirut, I have purchased many from there but there are so many fakes that come from that area. I can only assume that is where you bought them?
Yes indeed. That is true. I bought them from a well-known shop. I already posted many important coins bought from him on CT. They all happened to be genuine. But I'm sure I'll have my money back tomorrow, or at least exchange them with genuine Roman and Greek bronze coins. Thank you very much for your concern. @Insider.. I shall PM you coin-friend right now.
Agreed, the first two are most likely cast, the Alabanda might be OK. But to the original question I'm pretty sure the Pi Delta monogram is synonymous with Herakleia mint (in Price it only appears there, but never under the throne as on this one), but it should also be accompanied by a club in the exergue, missing in this example. What is the symbol? I dont know.
Charles => regardless of whether this coin is fake, I'm still wondering where you saw a boa? (did you think that Zeus was holding a boa?)
Hi Steve . It's to the left of reverse ( middle). The shape that you see is horizontal but if you turn the reverse 90 degrees counter clockwise, it becomes vertical like a standing or erecting snake with the head turning left. It would resemble an interrogation mark. That's why I thought it could be a boa. Hope you noticed it because it's not very small at all.
