Nomos 3

KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander I. 498-454 BC. Oktadrachm (Silver, 28.31 g), c. 492-480/479. Horse standing to the right, its bridle held by a warrior, wearing a petasos and holding two transverse spears, standing to the right behind him. Rev. Quadripartite incuse square. Kraay/Hirmer 384. Raymond pl. II, 5. SNG ANS 1. SNG Lockett 1266. Svoronos HPM p. 108, 16 and pl. XII, 6. Traité I, 1496 and pl. XLVII, 1. Rare. Boldly struck and toned. Extremely fine.

From the Anthemion collection, USA.

This coin type has long been ascribed to the Bisaltai, one of the powerful Thraco-Macedonian tribes so active in the late 6th and early 5th centuries. The weight of the evidence now points to it being the earliest issue of Alexander I when he was allied with the tribes against the Persians; he presumably struck coins with types that were acceptable to his allies and would, in fact, symbolize their closeness.