Amongst the numerous Tetradrachms of Alexander the great, those struck in Babylone are easily recognizable due to the great style quality they display, interesting opinions invited. I chose the one in my collection (below) because of its stylish reverse, despite the scratch on the obverse. ch on the portrait.
I don't have enough experience with these to render a vote. Mine is from Ake. But I do love the drapery folds on Zeus on that reverse. That is elegant die engraving.
Nice Tet @PMONNEY ... I agree, and really like the style and quality of the die-cutting. It is just "different" from other mintages of Alexander's coins. I have a couple for Alexander III from the Babylon: Makedon Alexander III 336-323 BC AR Obol 7mm 0.51g Babylon Lifetime Herakles lion skin Club bow quiver wreath M Price 3744 Makedon Alexander - Alexandrine Babylonia Di-Shekel LIFETIME 328-311 Baal-Lion
Frankly, my head spins whenever I try to compare the various mints, not to mention all the years that passed as they continually struck this issue....but I think the Babylon mint may have an edge over the others.
@PMONNEY , do you have some more info about your Tet , like weight, size, date catalog number ? Here's my Babylon Tet:
It's not something I'd noticed or considered before but since you asked, I went to CNG's archives and browsed bunches of each. In general, to me the Bablyon mint has a greater number dies of high artistry than does the Arados mint. There are high style coins from both though, as well as dogs. I'm perfectly happy with my Arados example but wouldn't turn up my nose at an equally artistic Babylon tetradrachm Alexander III tetradrachm, late lifetime issue
Well, finally, it has happened. My daughter and her fiance put a $NZ100 deposit down on the top item on my shopping list - Alexander the Great Tetradrachm minted in Babylon. Had to be a tet, had to be Alexander, had to be Babylon. Didn't have to be lifetime - but you won't get much closer than this! Great birthday present and totally unexpected. Look foward to the day we've paid the remaining $NZ340 and I get to hold it. Bought from Antiquarius - Robert and Jenny Loosley. Seller photo and description: Silver tetradrachm struck 323-317 BC at Babylon, Mesopotamia, in the name of Alexander the Great Head of young Herakles wearing lion’s skin headress Zeus enthroned holding eagle and sceptre, M to left, ΛY beneath throne. Price 3692; Muller 1272; SNG Cop. 832 16.63gms Very Fine
Mine is a lifetime issue but the obverse is quite off centre. I find the style pleasing though. Alexander III The Great, Macedonian Kingdom, 336 - 323 B.C., Lifetime Issue, Silver tetradrachm Obv:- Head of (Alexander the Great as) Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress knotted at base of neck Rev:- ALEXANDROU, Zeus seated left, holding eagle in right hand and scepter in left, monogram and M below throne; Price 3599 (same dies), Müller 67, 17.206g, 25.9mm, 255o, Babylon mint, lifetime issue, c. 325 - 323 B.C.;
Arrived a few days ago. Amazing to hold in the hand. Surprisingly heavy and quite thick at 6mm. Exceeded all expectations!
Here is a drachm from Arados of good style ALEXANDER III AR Drachm OBVERSE: Head of Herakles right in lionskin headdress REVERSE: ALEXANDROU, Zeus Aetophoros seated left, holding eagle and sceptre. Forepart of Pegasos left in left field, X on W monogram beneath throne Struck at Abydos 325-323 BC 4.2g, 17mm Price 1505
