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G355 A Rare and Magnificent Greek Gold Distater of Alexander III 'the Great' (336-323 B.C.E.) [Amphipolis Mint], Probably the Finest Known of the Prestigious
G355 A Rare and Magnificent Greek Gold Distater of Alexander III 'the Great' (336-323 B.C.E.) [Amphipolis Mint], Probably the Finest Known of the Prestigious "Flying Nike" Variety

Alexander III, 336 – 323 and posthumous issues
Distater, Amphipolis circa 330-320, AV 17.22 g. Head of Athena r., wearing triple-crested Corinthian helmet; bowl decorated with coiled snake. Rev. AΛEΞANΔΡOΥ Nike alighting l., holding wreath and stylus; in outer l. field, trident head. Troxell, ANS NS 21, 543 (these dies). Paeonian Hoard 140 (these dies). Price -.
Extremely rare and probably the finest specimen known. A superb issue of magnificent
style, perfectly struck in high relief on a full flan. Minor marks,
otherwise virtually as struck and almost Fdc
Ex Goldberg sale 26 May 2008, Millennia collection, 19.
This "flying Nike" variety of the Alexander distater was published by Harlan Berk in an article entitled "A new distater of Alexander" (The Celator, vol. 7., no. 5; May, 1993). He describes Nike as being different from the usual composition because she is not standing, but appears to be either flying, or in the process of taking flight. That she is in motion is clearly revealed by the position of her feet, but also by the fact that her chiton is animated, and clings to her right leg. Mr. Berk also theorizes that this distater is not merely a variety within the series, but is in fact the prototype of the denomination which, for reasons unknown, was abandoned in favour of the familiar "standing Nike".

NAC59, 559

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Taken on: March 4, 2011
Sets appears in:   • Masterpieces of Greek Coinage   
Groups appears in:   • MACEDONIA TIMELESS    • GEOTRAVEL FOTOLOGUES    more » • Ancient Coins    « less
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G355 A Rare and Magnificent Greek Gold Distater of Alexander III 'the Great' (336-323 B.C.E.) [Amphipolis Mint], Probably the Finest Known of the Prestigious

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