Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 470 17 Jun 2020
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THRACE, Mesambria. Circa 175-150 BC. AR Tetradrachm (35mm, 17.06 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in inner left field, crested Corinthian helmet right above ΔA; monogram below throne. Karayotov I 135 (O47/R130); Callataÿ p. 103, dies D31/R3; Price 1047; HGC 3, 1568. Deeply toned. VF.
The late Alexanders struck at Mesambria are often cataloged as celtic imitations, which is suggested by the blundered reverse legend and simplistic style of Zeus. However, Karayotov's die study often, as with this issue, shows that an obverse die is paired with very well executed reverses and those that appear blundered. This suggests that the obverse dies were engraved by skilled celators, while the reverses were sometimes left to those who were not.
The late Alexanders struck at Mesambria are often cataloged as celtic imitations, which is suggested by the blundered reverse legend and simplistic style of Zeus. However, Karayotov's die study often, as with this issue, shows that an obverse die is paired with very well executed reverses and those that appear blundered. This suggests that the obverse dies were engraved by skilled celators, while the reverses were sometimes left to those who were not.