Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XVI 26 Sep 2018
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Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III 'The Great' AV Stater. Babylon, circa 315-311 BC. Struck under Peithon, for Antigonos I Monophthalmos. Head of Athena right, wearing triple-crested Corinthian helmet, loop earring and double-banded necklace / Nike standing left, wings spread, holding laurel wreath and stylis; monogram in wreath below left wing; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to left, AΛEΞANΔΡOΥ to right. Price -; Waggoner, Babylon 258a-b var. (helmet type); SNG Copenhagen 637 var. (same); Roma IV, 224 (same dies). 8.56g, 19mm, 3h.
Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.
This stater variety bearing the monogram within wreath and no secondary symbol is not included in Price's vast work on the coinage of Alexander. Two similar coins were however noted by Waggoner, with one residing in the BM and the other in Copenhagen. However, including the present specimen only four examples with this very particular obverse portrait type are known.
This issue is remarkable not only for its rarity, but also for the innovative and fresh nature of the obverse die, which presents us with an abstemious but elegant Athena. The goddess' helmet, which usually displays a coiled serpent, flying griffin or seated sphinx is here completely unadorned. What was previously identified as a 'pellet ornament' on the bowl is in fact two loops - part of the metalwork that attaches the right hand crest to the outside of the helmet. Athena herself, who on these staters is almost exclusively depicted with an intricate drop-pendant earring and pearl necklace, now wears a simple loop earring and a plain double-banded necklace or torque.
The engraver has combined these features with a skilled portrait of Athena in a high classical feminine style. The result is an intriguingly demure Olympian; a vision of understated beauty.
Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.
This stater variety bearing the monogram within wreath and no secondary symbol is not included in Price's vast work on the coinage of Alexander. Two similar coins were however noted by Waggoner, with one residing in the BM and the other in Copenhagen. However, including the present specimen only four examples with this very particular obverse portrait type are known.
This issue is remarkable not only for its rarity, but also for the innovative and fresh nature of the obverse die, which presents us with an abstemious but elegant Athena. The goddess' helmet, which usually displays a coiled serpent, flying griffin or seated sphinx is here completely unadorned. What was previously identified as a 'pellet ornament' on the bowl is in fact two loops - part of the metalwork that attaches the right hand crest to the outside of the helmet. Athena herself, who on these staters is almost exclusively depicted with an intricate drop-pendant earring and pearl necklace, now wears a simple loop earring and a plain double-banded necklace or torque.
The engraver has combined these features with a skilled portrait of Athena in a high classical feminine style. The result is an intriguingly demure Olympian; a vision of understated beauty.