Alexander the Great
Ancient Derivatives

 

Some rulers and cities issued coins that copied the obverse and reverse designs of Alexander coinage but changed the legend. These coins aren't typically considered imitations because of their different legends. I'm calling them derivatives. Sometimes these derivative coins were of the same metal and denomination as the originals. Other times they weren't. Here's a selection of ancient Greek bronze coins who's types are derived from Alexander's gold staters, from large to small.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seleukeia ad Kalykadnon AE-24, Cilicia, Asia Minor, c. 2nd to 1st century BC, Sear 5592v., SNG Cop. 201, SNG Levante 683, SNG France 906. This and the next four ancient Greek bronze coins, from large to small, aren't typically thought of as imitations, though their design clearly copies that of Alexander's gold staters, with all featuring on the obverse a helmeted head of Athena facing right and on the reverse a standing Nike advancing left with her right arm outstretched holding at least a wreath. On this coin Nike is holding a wreath and palm. The reverse also features the legend "Of the people of Seleukeia by the Kalykadnon [River]" and monograms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apameia AE-20, Seleukis and Pieria, Syria, c. 130 BC, Sear 5868, SNG Fitz. 5950. Nike holding wreath and palm, "Of the holy and autonomous city of Apameia."

 

           
  Antiochos III AE-20, uncertain mint in southern Coele-Syria, c. 198-187 BC, SC (Houghton & Lorber) 1095, SNG Spaer 245-247. Nike standing left, holding wreath and palm, Seleukid anchor in oval punch in left field, "Of King Antiochos."  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Side AE-16, Pamphylia, Asia Minor, c. 3rd to 2nd century BC, Sear 5440. Nike holding wreath and palm, pomegranate underneath, "Of the Sideons."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nabataean AE-15, Damascus, Syria, c. 110-96 BC, Meshorer 1, Nike holding wreath, no legend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rubi AE-11, Apulia, Italy, c. 300-225 BC, SNG Cop. 677, Nike holding wreath and palm, magistrate's name (PYBA).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To Alexander III fourrees

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intro

Alexander Tets

Alexander Staters

Alexander Fractions

Alexander Bronzes

Alexander Portrait

Alexander Copies

Alexander Currency

More Info

 

Other glomworthy coins:

Oldest Coins

 Athenian Owls

Alexander the Great Coins

Medusa Coins

Thracian Tetradrachms

House of Constantine

Draped Bust Coins

Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles

 

 

Other coin sites:
Coin Collecting: Consumer Protection Guide
Glomming: Coin Connoisseurship
Bogos: Counterfeit Coins
Pre-coins

© 2010 Reid Goldsboroughh

Note: All of the coins illustrated on these pages that are in my possession are stored off site.