Alexander III, 336 – 323 and posthumous issues. Tetradrachm of 2 shekels, Babylon circa 327, AR 15.72 g. Elephant advancing r., carrying two figures, one turning to look l. and holding a standard, the other, in front, holding a goad. Rev. Charioteer driving fast quadriga r., an archer stands in the chariot beside the driver, drawing a bow. Price, Mnemata p. 70, 26 (this coin). Mitchiner Type 21i.
Of the highest rarity, only very few specimens known. An issue of tremendous
importance and fascination. Light iridescent tone and about very fine

Ex New York sale XXVII, 2012, Prospero, 306. Previously privately purchased from Spink & Son.

This tetradrachm is closely related to the preceding piece in the ”Porus Medallion” series, but of an even higher degree of rarity. The coin is also especially notable as the first specimen of the type discovered by Martin Price in 1989. As with the archer/elephant piece, this tetradrachm features types related to Alexander the Great’s Indian campaign (327-325 BC) probably intended to commemorate the Macedonian victory over the regional Punjabi king Porus in 326 BC. Here the obverse type depicts a war elephant complete with driver and a figure carrying what appears to be a type of flag or standard while a war chariot appears on the reverse. Both chariots and elephants are recorded to have been fielded by Porus at the battle of the Hydaspes River. Both types are notable for their animated quality. The elephant advances while the standard bearer turns his head to look for the enemy behind him, and the chariot seems to move at breakneck speed, pulled by galloping horses that are uncannily in step with each other.