Greek Coin Stater

Inv. No.: c014
Provenance: Alexander the Great
Date: 336-323 B.C.
Weight: 8.59g
 
Obv.: Athena head, coiled snake on Corinthian helmet with flowering crests.

Rev.: Nike (Victory) standing, wreath in right hand, stylis in left hand; mint symbols.

The types of Athena and Nike would have appealed to Greeks everywhere. The stylis, or mast, is usually the symbol of a naval victory. While Nike clearly recalls the successes of Alexander in battle, it could also have been copied from an actual monument in Athens.

Alexandrian gold staters were widely minted and show many variations in style according to the capabilities of the engravers.

Presented by the Alumni Association, 1980.

Comparanda:
Cf. AGC 512 (obverse), 511 (reverse).