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LOT 0830
Greek Lead Slingshot of Alexander the Great, The Invincible
336-323 B.C.
1 1/8 in. (26.4 grams, 29 mm).
Biconical in profile with reserved monogram 'AB' for ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ' (Αlexandrou Basileos) to the obverse and a laurel wreath to the reverse.
ProvenancePreviously property of an Austrian collector, Vienna, Austria.
From a German private collection, formed since the 1980s.
Ye, D. and P. Rothenhöfer, Notes on Greek Inscribed Sling Bullets, Journal of Ancient Civilizations (forthcoming).
LiteratureFor similar, see Nankov, E., Markers of Military Mobility: Toward an Archaeology of the Sling in Ancient Thrace (5th c. BC – 4th c. AD), with a corpus of the inscribed lead sling projectiles from Bulgaria. Glandes Plumbeae Inscriptae in Bulgaria Repertae, Sofia, 2023, p. 75 and pl. XXV LI14; Şahin, F., Patara, vol. V.2: Patarametal buluntulari, Istanbul, 2018, pp. 57–58, D11, fig. 13.
FootnotesIn the case of Alexander III, who never lost a battle, the laurel wreath began to be an important attribute already during his lifetime. This is best illustrated on coins, cf. a gold stater struck c. 330/325-320 (NAC auction 169, lot 74): Nike stands in the centre on the reverse holding a laurel wreath, with the name of Alexander behind the goddess on the right.
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LOT 0830
Greek Lead Slingshot of Alexander the Great, The Invincible
Estimate £200 - 300€230 - 350 (for guidance only)$270 - 410 (for guidance only)
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