CNG 84, Lot: 272. Estimate $2500. Sold for $6066. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

KINGS of MACEDON (or SYRIA). temp. Alexander III – Seleukos I. Circa 324/3-300 BC. AV Stater (18mm, 8.58 g, 6h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Babylon mint. Helmeted head of Athena right, griffin on helmet / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; monogram below left wing. Price 3994 (same dies as illustration). EF, underlying luster, minor die rust on obverse, slight die shift on reverse. Very rare issue, quite unusual in its legend orientation.

The presence of the royal title gives this issue a terminus post quem of 324/3 BC. It’s style clearly places it in the east, and as most eastern mints struck after Alexander’s death, it is possible that this is actually an early Seleukid issue.