Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 351 20 May 2015
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KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 16.90 g, 11h). Tarsos mint. Struck under Menes or Philotas, circa 327-323 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; plow in left field, pellet below right arm. Price 3016; Newell, Tarsos 25 (obv. die XXX). Near VF, toned, a few light scratches under tone, faint zig-zag pattern in field on reverse.
From the collection of Dr. Will Gordon.
The zig-zag pattern cut into the field on the reverse of this coin is known on other examples (see Price 3680a, 3723, 3976d, P182b). In each instance, the pattern is placed in the left field, usually above the arm. The meaning of the pattern is uncertain, but the similarity of its composition across these issues suggests that it was placed on the coins in a deliberate attempt to mark them in a recognized manner. As these all occur on issues from eastern mints, the source for the mark probably is in that region.
From the collection of Dr. Will Gordon.
The zig-zag pattern cut into the field on the reverse of this coin is known on other examples (see Price 3680a, 3723, 3976d, P182b). In each instance, the pattern is placed in the left field, usually above the arm. The meaning of the pattern is uncertain, but the similarity of its composition across these issues suggests that it was placed on the coins in a deliberate attempt to mark them in a recognized manner. As these all occur on issues from eastern mints, the source for the mark probably is in that region.