Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 112 11 Sep 2019
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KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.19 g, 3h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Pella mint. Struck under Antipater or Polyperchon, circa 323-318/7 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; Θ below throne. Price 214; Moore 88–94 var. (dies 31/– [unlisted rev. die]); ANS 1944.100.29345 (same obv. die). Some faint cleaning scratches on obverse. Superb EF. Perfectly centered and struck, fine style.
From the Matthew Curtis Collection. Ex Triton XIII (5 January 2010), lot 109.
The style of the dies of this particular piece clearly reflects the work of a master engraver. The obverse is rendered in a delicate manner that has a lifelike character unseen in most Alexander tetradrachms. Most salient is the reverse. While it, too, retains the same elegant style of the obverse, what is striking is the attempt to depict Zeus in true perspective, as evidenced by the far leg of the throne that is visible beside Zeus' right leg. This feature is only known on two dies for this issue, one used for this coin, while the other struck the reverse of ANS 1944.100.29338. Only one other coin is known with this feature, struck from the same dies as the present coin, sold as lot 34 in an unknown sale in October 1969 (its illustration is preserved in the ANS photofile).
From the Matthew Curtis Collection. Ex Triton XIII (5 January 2010), lot 109.
The style of the dies of this particular piece clearly reflects the work of a master engraver. The obverse is rendered in a delicate manner that has a lifelike character unseen in most Alexander tetradrachms. Most salient is the reverse. While it, too, retains the same elegant style of the obverse, what is striking is the attempt to depict Zeus in true perspective, as evidenced by the far leg of the throne that is visible beside Zeus' right leg. This feature is only known on two dies for this issue, one used for this coin, while the other struck the reverse of ANS 1944.100.29338. Only one other coin is known with this feature, struck from the same dies as the present coin, sold as lot 34 in an unknown sale in October 1969 (its illustration is preserved in the ANS photofile).