On the subject of coins?

[smittysmitty]

I noticed recently a thread on pothos where the subject of coins issued by ATG presented some debate as to who is depicted on the coins. In my somewhat trivial search and knowledge on such matters, it would appear most believe the images are not ATG but rather the particular deities ATG worshipped. Why is it that specialist believe these coins do not depict ATG? Is there some science behind these claims? or is it a best guess?

[yiannis]

I believe we had a similar discussion a while ago. Usually, it's Herakles depicted on the coins covered with his lion-scin. He's the ancestor of the Agread ruling family. On Alexander-minted Macedonian coins, the head is that of Herakles (of course) but some say that Herakles' features are designed to the look of Alexander!
On the other side of the coin, one does (usually) observe Zeus holding Goddess Nike (Victory) on his hand.

[beausefaless]

Gold staters and silver AR tetradrachms by * Lysimachus* showed Athena with Nike on right hand crowning with laurel reef. Very *few* Alexanders have Zeus with Nike on finger or hand. Ninety nine percent of all Alexanders show Zeus with *eagle* on finger and hand!As far as ancient coin collecting goes I stand by my second paragraph of my post in the previous recent thread you've mentioned and many coin collectors *want* to agree. There are a few good books on the coinage of Philip (who's own portrait is on much of his coins beside Apollo on others) and Alexander. If you are serious to learn about the coinage of ATG then I suggest you start with The Macedonian Coinage Of Alexander The Great by Hyla A. Troxell, Numismatic Studies No. 21. This is a hard to find book but can be acquired through any reputable book store in the US using your computer, there's a good chance they'll have to order it through an outlet out of New York but it's well worth it for the book contains many plates (pictures) of most of Alexander's and Philip's coinage. Then you will understand where I'm coming from.And if your short on funds and interested I'll be more than happy to purchase one for you as my gift to you when one becomes available during the next auction.Regards, Andrew

[yiannis]

Thanks for the correction Andrew. My wrong!I have also found this interesting link: http://www.snible.org/coins/hn/macedon.html#f

[beausefaless]

Magnificent sight, thank you! Besides Alexanders I've always been partial to the Gorgon head, coin.(Neapolis)Take care, Andrew

[smittysmitty]

Hi Andrew and Yiannis,thanks for your response!It all makes for very interesting discussion doesn't it! I liked what you had to say Andrew, that Heracles was normally depicted favouring a beard, and this is not apparent on the Alexander coins. I guess the argument, that a youthful Heracles is represented also makes a great deal of sense also.I found it interesting that at Cyrene, their coins usualy depict Zeus Ammon also favouring a beard, however with the Alexander coins this is not the case. I would take a stab in the dark and suggest that the images represented were indeed Alexander, but also include the symbolic head dress of his prefered deities.I had also noticed some coins where ATG or whom ever is meant to be represented, is depicted wearing an elephant head dress. Is this a lifetime coin? Was the elephant head dress representative of some divinity in India? My knowledge on numismatics leaves a lot to be desired, and some day I'll have to put a bit of effort in aquainting myself with this area of Alexander's history.I'll have to try and get a hold of the book you mentioned Andrew, sounds like it would be a valuable resource.Many thanks, cheers!

[abm]

The elephant headdress coins were minted by Ptolemy. The series started around 320 B.C. (318/7 at the latest). Their significance is much debated, but I think the most plausible interpretation is that they depcit Alexander as conqueror of India.
There are also a few Seleucid coins with Alexander with elephantheaddress of ca. 300-295 B.C.If you can read French, you might also want to read G. LE RIDER, Alexandre le Grand. Monnaie, finances et politique (Histoires), Paris 2003. This is also a very interesting book on Alexander's coinage.