Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 55 18 Apr 2019
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Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III 'the Great' AR Drachm. Magnesia ad Maeandrum, circa 325-323 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress; small M on headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, ram's head left above monogram in left field. Price 1930 corr. (M not noted); Hersh & Troxell, "A 1993 Hoard of Alexander Drachms" AJN 5-6 (1993-4), pl. 6, 3.4 (same dies, M not noted). 4.23g, 17mm, 1h.
Very Fine. Very Rare, most especially with the signed obverse die.
From the inventory of a German dealer.
Bearing a small M at the lower left hairline of the lion's pelt, it was first noted by the cataloguer of CNG's Triton X, lot 151 that this obverse die is one of two subtly signed by the engraver. Hersh & Troxell's hoard study showed that life-time issue drachms were rarely struck at Magnesia, but analysis revealed that two of the eight known dies carried the letter M. Their similarity, and distinct difference from the other six dies, suggests this is actually the signature of the engraver. Previously only seen in the trade with the reverse type of Price 1922 the present drachm pairs a signed obverse die with the reverse of Price 1930.
Very Fine. Very Rare, most especially with the signed obverse die.
From the inventory of a German dealer.
Bearing a small M at the lower left hairline of the lion's pelt, it was first noted by the cataloguer of CNG's Triton X, lot 151 that this obverse die is one of two subtly signed by the engraver. Hersh & Troxell's hoard study showed that life-time issue drachms were rarely struck at Magnesia, but analysis revealed that two of the eight known dies carried the letter M. Their similarity, and distinct difference from the other six dies, suggests this is actually the signature of the engraver. Previously only seen in the trade with the reverse type of Price 1922 the present drachm pairs a signed obverse die with the reverse of Price 1930.