KINGS OF MACEDON. Alexander III the Great (336-323 BC). AV stater. Posthumous issue of Babylon. 315-314 BC. Struck under Peithon, Satrap of Media (323-314 BC.)
Obv: Head of Athena right, wearing triple-crested Corinthian helmet pushed back on head, bowl decorated with coiled serpent.
Rev: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ.
Nike standing left, holding wreath in outstretched right hand and stylis cradled in left arm, XA monogram below wing to left, MP monogram inside wreath under wing to right.
Price 3724. Müller 726.
Peithon was originally one of Alexander the Great's bodyguards. At a conclave of generals following the conqueror's death, Peithon was appointed Satrap (or governor) of the important province of Media, containing Babylon. During the early Wars of the Diadochi (322-281 BC), Peithon was a major player and could easily have ended up alongside Ptolemy, Seleucus and Cassander as ruler of a major successor kingdom; however he was betrayed by his erstwhile ally Antigonus Monopthalmus and executed, probably early in 314 BC.
Condition: Extremely Fine
Weight: 8.58.
Diameter: 19mm.