CNG 108, Lot: 234. Estimate $7500. Sold for $9000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CARIA, Mylasa (or Kaunos). Mid 3rd century BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 17.08 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / AΛEΞANΔPOY, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; labrys in left field. Price 2074 (Miletos or Mylasa); Thompson, Alexandrine, Group 3, 20; SNG Saroglos 435. Superb EF, attractively toned. A splendid and attractive example, nicely toned and sharply struck.

This coin is actually quite astounding in its monumental sculptural quality. The third century witnessed an outpouring of emotionally powerful and, as compared to the more restrained canons of the Classical period, flamboyant works of art; of which this is a perfect example. While the solid figure of Zeus on the reverse has a noble three-dimensional quality, the head of Herakles on the obverse is so filled with exuberant life that it is quite simply over the top. When this head is compared with those on lifetime Alexander issues from Macedonian mints, Babylon, and Alexandreia, the difference in emphasis and feel is obvious.