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Rare - Celtic Silver "Drachma" of Alexander browse these categories for related items... Directory: Archives:Regional Art:Ancient World:Greek:Pre AD 1000: item # 160430 Please refer to our stock # celt2 when inquiring.
Janus Antiquities By Appointment New Jersey (330) 612-3957 Guest Book SOLD |
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An interesting habit of many European Celtic tribes in antiquity was to attempt to imitate or copy the coinage of other empires. This practice may have began in an attempt to make trade easier with a standard currency, or it may have been a form of emulation. Regardless of their motivation, the Danubian Celts to the north of Macedonia were well acquainted with the exploits of Alexander the Great. Beginning with campaigns in 334 B.C., Alexander embarked on a series of conquests that lasted a decade and resulted in an empire that stretched from Macedonia to Egypt to India. Although his death in 324 was followed shortly thereafter by the splintering of his empire into smaller kingdoms ruled by his generals (such as the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt), Alexander's legacy was a spread of Hellenistic thinking into the Eastern world, laying the groundwork for the Romans to follow.
This piece is a copy of a Greek drachma of Alexander III, whose coinage would have been used in trade with the Danubian Celtic tribes. The obverse features the likeness of Hercules; the reverse features Zeus enthroned, a common image as Alexander considered himself the son of Zeus. AGE: Circa 330 B.C. CONDITION: Very good for a Celtic coin. The Celts used very flat dies, which resulted in thin coins prone to wear and a loss of detail. Fortunately, this piece weathered the ages better than most! DIMENSIONS: About 3/4" in diameter.
NOTE: Greek drachmas of Alexander in various condition are also available for purchase. Please inquire if interested in pictures or pricing information. |
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