An ancient coin: KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323 to 317 BCE, AR Tetradrachm. In the types of Alexander III. Babylon mint. Struck under Archon, Dokimos, or Seleukos I, circa 323-318/7 BCE. Obverse: Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin. Reverse: Zeus Aetophoros seated left; M in left field, B below throne. This coin is set into a modern 18 karat gold setting with a mixed cut fire opal surrounded by gold granules to resemble a floral blossom adorning the top center of the setting below the suspension loop. This pendant is paired with an attractive gold-filled cable link chain to create a work of wearable art. Total weight: 28.1 grams. Size: pendant + suspension loop 2" L x 1.25" W (5.1 cm x 3.2 cm); chain measures 18" L (45.7 cm)
Alexander the Great needs no introduction, and his coinage had subsequent international fame - although they began to be minted during his lifetime, coins of this style were also issued for two decades after his death by the generals who had divided up his empire, and similar coins were minted by cities for over two centuries to be issued as international coinage. During his lifetime, the production of these coins also speaks to the vast international reach that his empire (and his fame) had: twenty-five mints produced these tetradrachms, of which two were in his home kingdom of Macedonia, one was in his conquered territory of Egypt, and the other twenty-three were in various parts of Alexander-conquered or -influenced Asia.
Accompanied by North American Gemological Laboratory card stating retail value is $6400.
Provenance: ex Maritime Jewelers, Gig Harbor, Washington USA acquired from Los Angelese, California estate collected before 2010
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#159649
Condition
Coin: Good VF, with nicely struck bold portrait; reverse double struck. 18K gold setting, mixed cut fire opal, and gold-filled chain are excellent.