Triton XXVII - Session 1
Date: 2024-01-09 00:00:00
Lots: 336
Total starting: $ 0.00
Total realized: $ 0.00 (+0.00%)
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Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVII - Session 1 . 127
ISLANDS off THRACE, Thasos. Circa 412-404 BC. AR Stater (21mm, 8.77 g). Ithyphallic satyr advancing right, carrying off protesting nymph; A to upper right / Quadripartite incuse square. Le Rider, Thasiennes 6; HPM p. 99, 21; HGC 6, 334; BMC 29–30; Hirsch 147–8. Lightly toned, a few spots of die rust. Good VF. Well centered. Ex Gorny & Mosch 125 (13 October 2003), lot 78 (hammer €3000).
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVII - Session 1 . 128
KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AV Stater (17mm, 8.48 g, 6h). Ephesos mint. Struck circa 294-287 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΛYΣIMAXOY, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; to inner left, E Φ flanking bee. Thompson 164; Müller 420; HGC 3, 1743f; SNG Berry 443; Anadol 58. Underlying luster, hairline in field on obverse. Choice EF. From the Father & Son Collection, purchased from Ancient Art. Ex Gorny & Mosch 224 (13 October 2014), lot 813; Gorny & Mosch 125 (13 October 2003), lot 88.Alexander the Great's meteoric 13-year career of conquest left the classical world profoundly transformed by the time of his premature death in 323 BC. In the aftermath, Alexander's generals carved up his immense new empire into spheres of influence. Territorial disputes soon led to civil wars, with the rival diadochi (successors) contending for supreme power. Chief among these was Lysimachos, who at various times controlled Thrace, Macedon and much of Asia Minor. For the obverse of his gold and silver coinage, Lysimachos claimed the mantle of Alexander by choosing the image of the conqueror himself, now shown as a god wearing the ram's horn of the Greco-Egyptian deity Ammon. The image is one of the earliest true portraits to appear on a coin, and one of the finest. Struck at a host of mints throughout the Hellenstic world, Lysimachos-type staters, tetradrachms and drachms exhibited a variety of engraving styles and continued to be struck for decades after their creator's death. The die engravers of Ephesos, which produced this beautiful gold stater, are regarded as among the finest. The reverse design, depicting Athena enthroned, likewise proved extremely influential throughout history, forming the archetype for the figure of Britannia on modern English coins. Ever the warlord, Lysimachos fought ceaselessly against his rivals until he finally fell in battle at age 79 against Seleukos I Nikator in 281 BC.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVII - Session 1 . 129
KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Drachm (16mm, 4.29 g, 12h). Ephesos mint. Struck circa 294-287 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΛYΣIMAXOY, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; spear head to inner left, A on throne. Thompson 173; Müller 60; HGC 3, 1753d. Lightly toned. EF. Good metal for issue. From the Columbus Collection.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVII - Session 1 . 130
KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 17.27 g, 7h). Amphipolis mint. Struck circa 288/7-282/1 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΛYΣIMAXOY, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; race torch to inner left, bee to outer right. Thompson 187; Müller 445a; HGC 3, 1750l. Light iridescent tone, underlying luster, minor marks. EF. High relief.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVII - Session 1 . 131
KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 16.89 g, 7h). Pergamon mint. Struck circa 287/6-282 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon; K below / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΛYΣIMAXOY, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; crescent to outer left, cult image to inner left, ZΩ monogram in exergue. Arnold-Biucchi, Pergamene 33–6 var. (O11/R3– [obv. die unlisted for issue, unlisted rev. die]); Thompson 220; Müller 294; HGC 3, 1750m. Attractive iridescent tone, minor doubling on obverse. Near EF. Fine style. From the Pythagoras Collection.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVII - Session 1 . 132
KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 17.46 g, 1h). Pergamon mint. Struck circa 287/6-282 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon; K below / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΛYΣIMAXOY, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; Φ to outer left, cult image to inner left, crescent in exergue. Arnold-Biucchi, Pergamene 67–9 (obv. die O12 [erroneously labeled O11 on the plate]); Thompson 226; Müller 292; HGC 3, 1750m. In NGC encapsulation 4629121-018, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style. Ex Heritage 3077 (5 December 2019), lot 38007 (hammer $3400).
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVII - Session 1 . 133
KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28.5mm, 17.06 g, 6h). Pella mint. Struck 286/5-282/1 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΛYΣIMAXOY, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; HP monogram to outer left, monogram to inner left. Thompson 248; Müller 353 var. (position of inner left monogram); HGC 3, 1750p. Lightly toned, over lustrous surfaces, minor doubling on reverse. Near EF. From the Gilbert Steinberg Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler, 12 December 1980.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVII - Session 1 . 134
KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29.5mm, 16.99 g, 11h). Uncertain mint. Struck early-mid 3rd century BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΛYΣIMAXOY, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; to inner left, bearded head left above monogram. Thompson –; Müller 452 var. (monogram); cf. HGC 3, 1750 (for type). Light golden tone, underlying luster, trace deposits, slight doubling in areas, a few light marks. Superb EF. High relief. Ex Roma XVII (28 March 2018), lot 427.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVII - Session 1 . 135
KINGS of THRACE, Local Dynasts. Mostis. Circa 139/8-101/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 16.44 g, 12h). Dated RY 38(?) (102/1 BC). Diademed and draped bust right / [B]AΣIΛEΩΣ MOΣTIΔOΣ, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield decorated with human face, transverse spear in background; monogram to inner left, ETOYΣ [ΛH] (date) in exergue. Paunov, Coinage 17–20 var. (O4/R– [unlisted rev. die]); Peykov C4500; HGC 3, 1727. Lightly toned, irregular flan, some die wear and light marks on obverse. VF. Rare. Although the date is off the flan, this monogram is known from four dies, all dated to year 38.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVII - Session 1 . 136
THRACO-MACEDONIAN TRIBES, Derrones. Circa 480/75-465 BC. AR Tetrastater – "Dodekadrachm" (36mm, 34.43 g). Driver, holding goad in right hand, reins in left, driving ox cart right; above, crested Corinthian helmet right / Counterclockwise triskeles with central pellet-in-annulet within shallow incuse circle. Peykov A1410; HPM p. 8, 13, a and pl. I, 14 (this coin); HGC 3, 279; Rosen Sale 382; Traité I 1449 = de Luynes 1740. Toned, minor scratches and marks, typical doubling and weakness of strike. VF. From the Libertas Collection, purchased 28 February 1982. Ex Theodor Prowe Collection (Part III, Egger XLVI, 11 May 1914), lot 465.Many works of reference describe the Derrones as a tribe centered in Paeonia, based on an important hoard of Derronian dodekadrachms found at Ishtib (ancient Astibus) around 1912. Less well known are smaller finds of Derronian coins far to the east, which indicate the Derrones' territory extended into Thrace. The unfailingly weak reverses of Derronian dodekadrachms are the result of hand-striking extremely large flans. The coins themselves likely served more as silver ingots, a form of storable and moveable wealth, rather than a circulating currency.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVII - Session 1 . 137
MACEDON, Akanthos. Circa 470-430 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 17.13 g, 8h). Attic standard. Lion right, attacking bull crouching left, biting into its hindquarter; in exergue, fish left / AKA-N-ΘIO-N in shallow incuse around quadripartite square in relief. Desneux 96 var. (unlisted dies); AMNG III/2, 21; HGC 3, 385; Weber 1863. Light iridescent tone. EF. Well struck. From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Long Valley River Collection (Roma XX, 29 October 2020), lot 119 (hammer £18,000); Numismatica Ars Classica 77 (26 May 2014), lot 26; David Walsh Collection; Giessener Münzhandlung 96 (7 June 1999), lot 93.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVII - Session 1 . 138
MACEDON, Chalkidian League. Circa 383/2 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 14.34 g, 11h). Olynthos mint. Head of Apollo left, wearing laurel wreath / Kithara; X-A-Λ-KIΔ-EΩN around; all within incuse square. Robinson & Clement Group H, 22 (A18/P19); AMNG III/2, 4; HGC 3, 497; BMC 3 (same dies); Hermitage Sale II 587 (same dies). Light golden tone, tiny flan flaw on obverse, faint cleaning marks in field on reverse. EF.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVII - Session 1 . 139
MACEDON, Chalkidian League. Circa 383/2 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 14.42 g, 1h). Olynthos mint. Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / Kithara; X-A-Λ-KI[Δ-E]ΩN around; all within incuse square. Robinson & Clement Group H, 27 (A22/P24); AMNG III/2, 5; HGC 3, 498; SNG ANS 474 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen 242 (same dies). Light golden tone, minor die wear and cleaning scratches on obverse, a little off center on reverse. EF.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVII - Session 1 . 140
MACEDON, Chalkidian League. Circa 357 BC. AR Tetradrachm (22mm, 14.45 g, 11h). Olynthos mint; Stratonos, magistrate. Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / Kithara; EΠI ΣTPATΩNOΣ below, X-A-Λ-KIΔ-EΩN around. Robinson & Clement Group O, 93 (A60/P80); AMNG III/2, ; HGC 3, 500; SNG ANS 499. Lightly toned, minor double strike on obverse, a little porosity. VF. Clear magistrate name. Very rare, only one in CoinArchives.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVII - Session 1 . 141
MACEDON, Chalkidian League. Circa 354 BC. AR Tetradrachm (22mm, 14.40 g, 2h). Olynthos mint; Polyxenos, magistrate. Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / Kithara; X-A-Λ-KIΔ-EΩN around, [EΠ]-I ΠO-ΛYΞE-NO-[Y] in tiny letters above crossbar. Robinson & Clement Group R, 101 (A67/P86); AMNG III/2, 9 (same dies); HGC 3, 500; SNG Lockett 1313 (same dies); BMC 9 (same dies). Attractive light toning, cleaning scratches. Near EF. Wonderful style. Rare issue of Polyxenos, only three in CoinArchives.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVII - Session 1 . 142
KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander I. 498-454 BC. AR Tristater – "Oktadrachm" (29.5mm, 28.30 g, 11h). Light Aeginetic standard. Aigai mint. Struck circa 476/5-460 BC. Horseman, petasos hanging from neck, holding two spears, standing right, behind horse standing right / AΛE-ΞA-NΔ-PO in shallow incuse square around quadripartite square in relief. Raymond Group II, 51 (A10/P13); AMNG III/2, 31 var. (no crescent); HGC 3, 755; BMC 1 (same obv. die); Dewing 1082 (same obv. die); Pozzi 815 (same dies). Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6709090-001, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 2/5. Ex Leu Numismatik AG 3 (27 October 2018), lot 42.By the end of the sixth century BC, the Kingdom of Macedon became an influential regional power, strategically located between the Persian Empire and the city-states of Greece. The wars with Persia further extended Macedon's importance, especially that of its young prince, Alexander I, son of Amyntas. An astute politician, Alexander succeeded to the throne in 498 BC and deftly maneuvered through this precarious situation as the Persians extended their power and influence into Greece proper. Alexander maintained an aloof but cordial relationship with the Persians as they moved through Thrace and Macedon, forcing other tribes to offer earth and water in tribute. At the same time, he worked towards a stronger association with the Greeks, who still regarded Macedon as semi-barbaric. Herodotos (9.44) says that on the eve of the battle at Plataia, Alexander entered the Athenian camp to report that a delay in engaging the Persians would help to further diminish their already low supplies. In return, he hoped the Greeks (in particular the Athenians) would assist him when the time came, thereby forging a relationship between the rising power in the north with the rising Greek city-states of Athens, Sparta and their allies. In 476 BC he was acknowledged as a full-blooded Greek himself and allowed to participate in the Olympic Games of that year. Alexander I was the first Macedonian king to strike coins in his own name and likely made use of the silver mines of Mount Dysoron, which he used his Persian connections to obtain early in his reign. His large silver pieces, such as this splendid example, are denominated as tristaters or oktadrachms on the "heavy Thraco-Macedonian standard," and were evidently intended for trade with the Persians and other Greek states. A lighter weight standard was employed for coins in local situation, a situation which continued down to the time when Macedon became the dominant power in Greece and Asia Minor.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVII - Session 1 . 143
KINGS of MACEDON. Archelaos. 413-400/399 BC. AR Stater (23mm, 10.69 g, 1h). Aigai mint. Head of Apollo right, with short hair, wearing tainia / Horse advancing right, trailing rein; [A]PX-[E]-ΛA-O around; all in linear square within shallow incuse square. Westermark, Staters, Group II, Series 1, dies O28/R41; AMNG III/2, 3; HGC 3, 795; Berlin 5 (same dies). Toned, typical edge splits, slight doubling, a little off center on reverse. EF. Ex Triton V (15 January 2002), lot 706.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVII - Session 1 . 144
KINGS of MACEDON. temp. Philip II – Alexander III. Circa 340/36-328 BC. AV Stater (18mm, 8.59 g, 12h). In the name and types of Philip II. Pella mint. Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / ΦIΛIΠΠOY, charioteer, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left, driving fast biga right; trident head below. Le Rider Group II, 252b (D75/R190 – this coin); SNG ANS 144–54. Trace deposits on obverse, very minor double strike on reverse. Good VF. From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory (ND); Pilartz 7 (1 October 1964), lot 26.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVII - Session 1 . 145
KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27.5mm, 17.15 g, 5h). Tarsos mint. Struck under Menes or Philotas, circa 324/3-323 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; upright plow in left field, Θ below throne, pellet above right shoulder. Price 3034; Newell, Tarsos 40, obv. die LXI; ANS inv. 1944.100.33659 (same obv. die). Bright surfaces, slight die shift. EF. Struck from fresh dies on a broad flan.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVII - Session 1 . 146
KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 BC. AR 'Medallion' of 2 Shekels or Tetradrachm (24mm, 16.13 g, 9h). Local (Satrapal) mint in Babylon. Struck circa 325-323 BC. Archer, in Persian attire, drawing bow right; monogram to left / Elephant walking right; Ξ below. Price pp. 452–3 and pl. CLIX, I; F. Holt, Alexander the Great and the Mystery of the Elephant Medallions (Berkeley, 2003), Appendix A, E/B 11 (dies 3/I) = M.J. Price, "Circulation at Babylon in 323 B.C." in Mnemata: Papers in Memory of Nancy M. Waggoner (New York, 1991), 24 (this coin); M.J. Price, "The 'Porus' Coinage of Alexander the Great: a Symbol of Concord and Community" in SPNO, Obv. C/Rev. unlisted. Some flatness to strike. Near VF. Very rare, one of approximately twelve known, of which four are in museums; no additional examples in CoinArchives. Ex Gemini II (11 January 2006), lot 146.Undoubtedly one of the most fascinating and intriguing issues associated with Alexander the Great, the 'Poros' Coinage has sparked debate about all aspects of its production and meaning. One point that is not contentious for a consensus of scholars is the interpretation of the designs; clearly they commemorate the great victory of Alexander against Poros at the Hydaspes. What is still debated is where, when, and under what circumstances were they produced. Both W. Hollstein ("Taxiles' Prägung für Alexander den Grossen," SNR 68 [1989], pp. 5-17) and F.L. Holt (Alexander the Great and the Mystery of the Elephant Medallions [Berkeley, 2003]) advocate for an emission struck while Alexander was in India, though they differ on the circumstances. Curtius (8.12.15) mentions that, while Alexander was in Taxila prior to the battle at the Hydaspes, Taxiles (Omphis) gave Alexander 80 talents of silver (signati argenti), and Hollstein suggests that the Poros coinage was the form in which this silver was given to the Macedonian king. M.J. Price disagreed, noting that the medium of coinage at Taxila was silver punch-marked bars, and the use of Greek types and monograms by Taxiles would be unlikely (cf. Price p. 452, n. 9). Moreover, M.J. Olbrycht's analysis of the regalia of Alexander on these coins concluded that they are Iranian, rather than Indian ("On Coin Portraits of Alexander the Great and His Iranian Regalia," Notae Numismaticae VI [2011]: 13–27). Similarly, with the exception of the elephant and its riders, the types on the coins are of specifically Iranian, and not Indian, iconography (cf. M.J. Olbrycht, "Macedonia and Persia," in J. Roisman and I. Worthington, A Companion to Ancient Macedonia [Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell, 2007]: 361). None of these aspects of the coins seem consistent with an issue that Taxiles would strike for Alexander, and the depiction of such a battle scene is unlikely prior to the famous encounter at the Hydaspes, let alone an amicable exchange of gifts between these two kings (see also R.J. Lane Fox, "Text and Image: Alexander the Great, Coins and Elephants," BICS 41 [1996]: 103–4). In contrast to Hollstein, Holt placed the issue after the battle of the Hydaspes and considered the coins as aristeia, awards for meritorious service that would be handed out after the conflict. Holt's theory has two flaws. The first is that Alexander and Poros were allies following the conflict, so such an issue would be highly unlikely while Alexander was still in India. The second problem is that it seems unlikely that Alexander would decide at this point in his long campaign to use a medallion or coinage as aristeia, when other objects, such as spoils of the battle, would suffice (and probably had sufficed before).The most significant problem for both Hollstein and Holt, however, is the record of where the 'Poros' coins have been found. Nearly all of the extant examples, of all the denominations in the series, are from the Iraq 1973 Hoard; only one coin, a dekadrachm, has an eastern provenance (Bukhara – but this provenance is only anecdotal). If this coinage was produced and distributed in the east, it seems incredible that nearly all that are known today would be from a single hoard found in the region of Babylonia. Moreover, the Poros coins in the hoard exhibit almost no wear, which suggests they did not circulate much, if at all, prior to the deposit of the hoard. It is more logical that the coins were produced in relatively close proximity to the hoard – in Babylonia. Although Price originally thought the issue belonged in India, he finally decided they probably had "a Mesopotamian origin" (Price, p. 452). R.J. Lane Fox, "Text and Image," advanced a plausible argument for Susa, based on the coins' epigraphy, AB monogram and Ξ, noting that these may equate to Aboulites, Alexander's satrap of Susa, and Xenophilos, the garrison commander, who also was the keeper of the treasury in Susa. While this theory is intriguing, Lane Fox noted the difficulty of assigning the coins to Susa, which produced high quality Alexanders, and substantiating the circumstances for such a coinage by these two officers. This theory also ignores the Iranian character of the imagery noted by Olbrycht, which would make little sense for an official issue by the Macedonian administration as Lane Fox suggests. Price, who originally advanced the theory ("The Porus Coinage of Alexander the Great," 83–4), rejected it as "highly speculative," as did Hollstein and others.In Babylonia at that time, there were at least two mints operating: an imperial mint in Babylon that produced the Alexander-type coinage, and at least one mint striking issues that were of a local character. This 'local' (or 'satrapal') mint was responsible for the Baal/Lion staters of Mazaios and his successors that were struck on the Babylonian shekel standard, and is thought to have produced coinage for the local Babylonian economy. If the 'Poros Coinage' was struck in Babylonia, it must have been at the 'local' mint, for the local coinage has the same characteristics – very thick flan, uneven striking, somewhat porous metal, less refined style – while the coins of the imperial mint were of a totally different character – relatively thinner flans, even striking, good metal, and a refined style. It is logical to assume that if this coinage was a commemorative coinage struck by Alexander for his Macedonian commanders, they would have been struck at the imperial mint, using its refined dies and higher quality metal. In fact, the imperial mint did produce a series of Alexander-type dekadrachms (Price 3598 and 3600), which were of the same high quality as the ubiquitous tetradrachms. The mint workers there had the experience to produce high quality dekadrachms, and it would only make sense for them to produce the 'Poros Coinage' if Alexander wanted to have them struck within the context of his imperial coinage. The fact that the coins were not produced there strongly suggests that they were not meant to be an official commemorative issue by Alexander for his Macedonian commanders. This also makes sense considering that Alexander never even issued a commemorative coinage for his greatest achievement, the defeat of the Persian Empire at Gaugamela, which had been not only his own goal, but the goal of his countrymen, and at least some of the Greeks who fought with him.As the series was struck at the 'local' mint, it is most likely that the coins were struck for members of the local population, rather than any of the Macedonians or Greeks. At the time of the battle at the Hydaspes, there was a large contingent of troops in Alexander's army who were raised from the local populations of the eastern satrapies (see, e.g., N.G.L. Hammond, "Alexander's Non-European Troops and Ptolemy I's Use of Such Troops," BASP 33 [1996]: 99–109; and M.J. Olbrycht, "First Iranian military units in the army of Alexander the Great," Anabasis 2 [2011]: 67–84). Unlike the Macedonians and Greeks, who probably would have viewed Gaugamela as the most significant victory during their tenure under Alexander, to the troops raised from the populations of the east, the victory over Poros would have been the most important event in which they had participated. Thus, the event commemorated on the coins, the regalia of the figures on the coins, and the particular mint point to the recipients being local, probably Iranian, leaders who had served under Alexander. The identification of the exact people involved, however, cannot yet be determined with certainty, although Alexander's Persian Companion Cavalry (Arr. 7.6.3) is an attractive possibility (the horseman on the obverse may serve a dual purpose as a reference to both Alexander and the Persian cavalrymen, both of whom would have been armed with a xyston as depicted on the coins). Alexander's popularity among the eastern leaders was significantly high, possibly even more so han among his war-weary countrymen and accompanying Greeks, so he certainly would have had good reason to reward them with such an issue (see also Olbrycht, "Macedonia and Persia," 361). Using the local mint, which was controlled by Alexander's Babylonian satrap, for such a purpose would be perfectly reasonable.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVII - Session 1 . 147
KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 BC. AR Didrachm (21mm, 8.48 g, 12h). Babylon mint. Struck under Stamenes or Archon, circa 324/3 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / AΛEΞANΔPOY, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; M in left field, monogram below throne. Price 3603; Waggoner, Issue 2, Series 6, dies 100/c; SNG Saroglos 696 (same obv. die); Berlin obj. no. 18251699 (same dies); Pozzi 937 (same obv. die). Bright surfaces, slightly off center. Good VF. From the famed Alexander dekadrachm issue at Babylon; the last issue of his lifetime coinage, in the city where he died.