Gemini, LLC 
Auction VI
Auction date: 10 January 2010
Lot number: 650
Price realized: 1,650 USD + buyer's fees.

Macedonian Commune for Alexander III. AE 26, 13.35g. 242 AD, under Gordian III, issued in Beroea. 

Obv: ALEXANDROU, diademed head of Alexander III right, 
upward-looking, with flowing hair. 
Rev: KOINON MAKEDONWN B NEWKOR, OLUM/PIA above and below,  Two prize crowns, each containing palm branch.

Perhaps an unpublished variant of AMNG 799, which has a 
wreath below the obverse bust, not present on our coin, 
and OLYMPIA in three lines instead of two in reverse field. 

AMNG 799 var. 

Light apple-green patina. Extremely rare. EF and of unusually fine quality.

According to Gaebler, AMNG III.1, pp. 13-14, this issue 
commemorates games that were held by the Macedonian Commune
 at Beroea in fall 242, probably in the presence of Gordian
 III, who was underway from Rome to the East for his Persian
 campaign. Only a few of the coins of the issue add the word
 OLYMPIA to the reverse legend, showing that the games were
 modeled after the famous Olympian Games held every four
 years at Elis on the Peloponnese.

Estimate: US$2500

With permission of Gemini Auctions LLC, May 2010.