The Work of a Master Engraver

Sale: Triton XIII, Lot: 109. Estimate $1000.  Closing Date: Monday, 4 January 2010.  Sold For $3000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

KINGS of MACEDON. temp. Philip III – Kassander. 323-315 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.19 g, 3h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Pella mint. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / AΛEΞANΔPOY, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; Θ below throne. Price 214; Moore 78-132; SNG München 345; SNG Alpha Bank 519; SNG Saroglos 264 (same dies). Choice EF. Elegant style.

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. The result is an exemplary specimen that stands apart among the masses of these tetradrachms.