CNG 90, Lot: 446. Estimate $3000. Sold for $3000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

KINGS of MACEDON. temp. Alexander III – Antigonos I Monophthalmos. Circa 325-305 BC. AV Stater (18mm, 8.59 g, 7h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Uncertain eastern mint. Helmeted head of Athena right, griffin on helmet / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; in left field, thunderbolt above Φ. Unpublished, but cf. Goldberg 59, lot 2073 = Goldberg 53, lot 1626 for another from the same dies. EF, struck with worn obverse die. Extremely rare.

This unpublished issue is certainly from a mint in the East. Most indicative are the characteristics of the flan, which is relatively thick with flat sides, and the reverse is somewhat cupped. Also, the specific design of the three strands of hair protruding above Athena’s ear is typical of Babylon and Susa staters. Finally, the inclusion of the royal title is more common on issues from the Levant and the East. The most unusual characteristic of this issue, though, is the depiction of a full lock of hair below the jaw of Athena. Most issues have just a strand or two of hair, not a full lock. The only issue recorded with this feature is an uncertain eastern emission, Price 3998 (for an illustration of that issue, see: SNG Berry 168; Triton VII, lot 143; or Gemini V, lot 388).