© Jh.simonetto (CC BY-NC)
© Jh.simonetto (CC BY-NC)
Chalkon - Alexander 150 BC - 145 BC
| Bronze | 3.7 g | 15 mm |
| Issuer | Seleucid Empire (Seleucid Empire (305 BC - 64 BC)) |
|---|---|
| King | Alexander I Balas (150 BC - 145 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 150 BC - 145 BC |
| Value | Chalkon (1⁄48) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 3.7 g |
| Diameter | 15 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular, Serrated) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#325295 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Owl standing right, wings closed, flanked by lettering, monogram below.
Script: Greek
Lettering: BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔΡOY
Translation: King Alexander (I, Balas)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Alexander the Great, who was the founder of the Seleucid Empire, on one side, and an image of a chalkon, a mythical creature that was believed to have the body of a lion and the head of an eagle, on the other side. This coin was used as a means of currency during the reign of Alexander's successor, Seleucus I Nicator, and it is considered a rare and valuable collector's item today.
