Catalog
| Issuer | Kingdom of Macedonia |
|---|---|
| Year | 310 BC - 301 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Drachm (1) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.9 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Thickness | 0.9 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Price#2303 |
| Obverse description | Head of Hercules beardless wearing lion skin headdress, knotted under the neck; beaded border. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Zeus aetophoros with legs crossed, seated to the left on a backless seat, naked to the waist, holding a long pelletized scepter with his left hand, an eagle resting on his extended right hand; monogram and letter Π in left field. |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering |
ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡOY (Translation: Alexander (III, the Great)) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (310 BC - 301 BC) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1006903560 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This silver drachm, minted in Teos between 310 and 301 BC, represents a significant posthumous issue in the name of Alexander III the Great. Though Alexander died in 323 BC, his iconic coinage types and name endured as the de facto international currency during the tumultuous Diadochi wars. This issue from the Ionian city of Teos underscores its economic importance and the continued reliance on a universally recognized monetary standard, providing stability for trade and commerce amidst the fragmentation of Alexander's empire.
Artistry: The obverse presents the traditional bust of Herakles right, clad in the Nemean lion-skin headdress, a type often interpreted as an idealized portrait of Alexander. This design adheres to established Late Classical/Early Hellenistic stylistic conventions. The reverse depicts Zeus Aetophoros seated left, holding an eagle and scepter, with the legend 'ALEXANDROU'. Mint-specific symbols or monograms, characteristic of Teos, would identify the issuing authority within the broader Macedonian monetary system.
Technical/Grading: For optimal preservation, key assessment points include the sharpness of Herakles' facial features, the definition of the lion's mane, and the club on the obverse. On the reverse, critical areas are Zeus's drapery folds, the eagle's details, and the scepter's finial. A strong strike ensures full expression of these high-points, often exhibiting good centering and a well-formed flan. Die wear, planchet flaws, or surface corrosion are critical factors in determining the coin's overall technical quality and aesthetic appeal.