FORVM`s Classical Numismatics Discussion Board

Numismatic and History Discussion Forums => Greek Coins Discussion Forum => Topic started by: OldMoney on September 27, 2018, 01:30:54 pm

Title: Alexander the Great Tetradrachm - Uncertain Field Symbol
Post by: OldMoney on September 27, 2018, 01:30:54 pm
A colleague has asked me to assist in identifying the symbol on this
Alexander the Great type Tetradrachm.

The Π with pellet/annulet monogram below the throne clearly links this
with similar issues from the Macedonian "Amphipolis" mint, Price 125-141
(c.320-317 BC). However, examining the text and plates in Price, as well
as the hundreds of images at PELLA and at various online search sites,
has revealed nothing that matches this particular symbol in left field.

I have even tried to narrow down a possible obverse die match, without
success, but noted that there are quite a few examples that may be
viewed as being stylistically similar, adding to the probability that this is,
in fact, from the above group of issues.

Can anyone determine what this symbol might be? Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance,

- Walter

P.S. The image is not the best, but please concentrate on the symbol
and the association of an exact or near-exact match, not just general
shapes (most of which I have excluded by viewing PELLA, etc., etc.).
Title: Re: Alexander the Great Tetradrachm - Uncertain Field Symbol
Post by: djmacdo on September 27, 2018, 02:06:00 pm
Is that copper showing through on the reverse edge?
Title: Re: Alexander the Great Tetradrachm - Uncertain Field Symbol
Post by: shanxi on September 27, 2018, 03:28:33 pm
Why not simply the common wreath

http://numismatics.org/collection/1944.100.28934
Title: Re: Alexander the Great Tetradrachm - Uncertain Field Symbol
Post by: n.igma on September 27, 2018, 04:33:51 pm
Yes a laurel wreath. Price 132. Go to the PELLA database and you will find a couple of dozen examples showing the wide range of depiction of the wreath on Price 132. http://numismatics.org/pella/search and enter 132. Your example falls well within the range of varied portrayal of the wreath and there are some very close die matches.
Title: Re: Alexander the Great Tetradrachm - Uncertain Field Symbol
Post by: OldMoney on September 28, 2018, 11:45:18 am
My colleague does not think this is a wreath, and initially nor did I.
We both checked PELLA and other resources diligently, trying to find
a match, but neither of us could find anything sufficiently similar.
My short answer is that I cannot yet reconcile this symbol with any of
the wreaths shown on the in the PELLA archive.

However, I have wondered whether the lighting technique used has
in some way obscured or mis-presented the symbol. I am going to
ask that either new images be made, with axial lighting, or that the
coin be examined in hand and the symbol reassessed.

The search continues. Thanks for your kind and considered opinions.

- Walter
Title: Re: Alexander the Great Tetradrachm - Uncertain Field Symbol
Post by: OldMoney on September 28, 2018, 11:47:13 am
Is that copper showing through on the reverse edge?

Hi Mac,
My understanding is that this is a surface stain, not anything structural.

- Walter
Title: Re: Alexander the Great Tetradrachm - Uncertain Field Symbol
Post by: shanxi on September 28, 2018, 12:26:59 pm

The search continues. Thanks for your kind and considered opinions.

- Walter

You want a reverse die match ? Here it is !

Look especially for the legend details, the eloganted first A, the defective Λ, the Ξ with a little dot close to the A, the clubfoot of Zeus .....

And it's Price 132 with a wreath


https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=1076715

Title: Re: Alexander the Great Tetradrachm - Uncertain Field Symbol
Post by: OldMoney on September 28, 2018, 02:31:43 pm
Thanks shanxi,
Absolutely BRILLIANT!
This clearly removes all doubt. My colleague will be most impressed.
I can now stop overlaying images of all of the comparative material I have
downloaded lately (and delete it to make more disc space).
Goes to show how misleading a poor image can be.
All the best,

- Walter
Title: Re: Alexander the Great Tetradrachm - Uncertain Field Symbol
Post by: djmacdo on September 29, 2018, 08:03:24 am
Brilliant indeed!