THRACE, Odessos. Circa 72/1 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29.5mm, 15.95 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Lakon, magistrate.

Electronic Auction 483
Lot: 105. Estimated: $ 300

Greek, Silver

Sold For $ 950. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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THRACE, Odessos. Circa 72/1 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29.5mm, 15.95 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Lakon, magistrate. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; ΛΑΚΩN in inner left field, ΟΔH in exergue. Cf. Callataÿ Group 3; Topalov, Odesos 79; Price 1194; CNG 94, lot 159 (same dies; hammer $1700). Deep iridescent tone. Near EF. Very rare final issue of Alexanders at Odessos.

From the Crescent Collection. Ex Freeman & Sear inventory G11044 (2003).

This issue, with the full name of Lakon, must be the final Alexander type at Odessos. The earlier issues of Lakon, as noted in Callataÿ, display the head of Herakles with the features of Mithradates VI of Pontos, and appear to progress from a short abbreviation of Lakon’s name to a longer form (La-, Lak-, Lako-). This variety, with Lakon’s full name, should follow these chronologically. The fact that the portrait of Herakles no longer has the features of Mithradates suggests that this issue most likely falls after the cities of the western Black Sea were taken by the Romans under Lucullus in 72/1 BC.

Closing Date and Time: 6 January 2021 at 10:34:40 ET.

All winning bids are subject to an 18% buyer’s fee.