A striking Ancient Greek silver tetradrachm, featuring to the obverse the depiction of Alexander the Great as young Herakles, portrayed in profile wearing the lion’s skin headdress. The face is particularly well detailed with deep-set eyes, a long nose, and a full mouth. The reverse displays the Greek god Zeus portrayed facing left and sitting regally on a throne. The deity is holding an eagle and a long sceptre. A ΜΥΡ monogram framed by a wreath is visible to the left, and MI under the throne. Beneath and to the right of Zeus’s throne are inscriptions BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔΡOY, meaning ‘of King Alexander.’ Both sides of the tetradrachm are framed by a thin line of small dots. The coin was struck under Seleukos I Nikator by the Babylon Mint.
Date: Circa 311-305 BC Condition: Excellent. Fine detailing to obverse and reverse. The obverse was struck slightly off centre. Some wear and scratches to the surface.
Alexander the Great is one of the most famous historical figures. Born in 356 BC, he succeeded his father, Philip II, when he was just 20 years old. In just 10 years from his ascension to the throne, he built one of the largest empires of the Ancient World, as his kingdom stretched from the Adriatic Sea to the Indus River. His victory over the Persian empire and his grand military successes have made him a well-renowned figure within world history. Despite his childhood in Macedonia, Alexander strongly aligned himself to Greek culture and mythology, confirming his right to rule as leader of the Greek people. His silver coinage pays homage to two infamous Greek deities; Zeus and Herakles. Alexander also affirmed his philhellenism through the retaking of the famous city of Troy in his first military expedition. He died in Babylon, which he intended to make the capital of his empire, in 323 BC, at just 33 years of age.
For more information about Alexander the Great, please check out our blog post: An Introduction to the Coins of Alexander the Great.
