Kings of Macedon. Alexander III “the Great,” 336–323 BC. AV Stater

Kings of Macedon. Alexander III “the Great,” 336–323 BC. AV Stater (17 mm, 8.56 g, 12 h). Sardes, struck under Menander or Kleitos, circa 323–319 BC. Obv. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with a coiled serpent. Rev. AΛEΞANΔΡOΥ, Nike standing facing, head left, wings spread, holding laurel wreath in right hand and stylis in left; in left field, TI within circle; ivy leaf below left wing. Price 2608. Rare. Extremely fine.

Struck at Sardes in the immediate aftermath of Alexander’s death, this handsome stater belongs to the early imperial coinage of the Diadochi, issued in the conqueror’s name by his commanders Menander or Kleitos while they governed Lydia. The obverse presents Athena in the fully developed classical style of the late fourth century BC, her Corinthian helmet pushed back on the head and adorned with a serpent, a subtle emblem of divine protection and wisdom. The reverse shows Nike poised in triumphant stillness, crowning Alexander’s name with a laurel wreath while supporting the naval stylis, a symbol of maritime command. The field marks, notably the TI in a circle and the small ivy leaf, identify the issue within the Sardian series and are associated with a limited output, contributing to the rarity of this variety. Gold staters of this period served as the premier international currency of the Hellenistic world, circulating widely across Asia Minor and the eastern Mediterranean. This example, struck at one of the principal mints of the former Persian heartland, reflects both the continuity of Alexander’s political legacy and the high artistic standards of the Sardes engravers during the first years of the Successor kingdoms.