A customer came into the store today and had an ancient coin in a ring. We liberated the coin and I told him that I had some friends that might be able to identify it, even from the pictures that I took. So, friends, can you help the guy out? I apologize, these pics were the best that I could do.
It's a bronze of Alexander III or a successor. The reverse shows B A (for BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEXANΔΡOY-- King Alexander) with bow case above and club below. There are many variations of this abundant coin. I'm not well versed in the subtleties of this type. An example: from CNG 241, Lot: 38. Estimate $100. Sold for $60. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee. KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC. Æ (16mm, 6.30 g, 12h). Uncertain mint in Macedon. Struck circa 325-310 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / Bow in bow-case and club; branch below. Price 377. Good VF, green patina.
Looks very similar to mine: Makedon Alexander III 336-323 BC AE 17 Quiver Club; Struck ca 325-310 BCE. Herakles hd r, wearing lion skin - Bow in bow case and club, branch below; Price 377 BA = Basileus Alexandroy - King Alexander
They also come spelled out. Common and varied seem appropriate for the bronze fractions that accompanied the silver tetradrachms. Do we know the exchange rate for these and the silver?
Very similar to one I just picked up from sir Brian Bucklan. This is a Price 273 the best I can tell.
I'm not an expert, but of the ones I've seen, I'd say there were two different denominations, with the coins with Alexander spelled out on the reverse the larger and most likely more valuable of the two. As far as I know, the bronzes were not minted after Alexander's death. Some of his successors had bronze coins with similar obverses but different reverses.
