Catalog
| Issuer | Kingdom of Macedonia |
|---|---|
| Year | 323 BC - 320 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 17.17 g |
| Diameter | 26 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Price#117 , Müller#559 , SNG Saroglos#232 10#277-278 |
| Obverse description | Head of beardless Heracles right wearing lion skin headdress. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Zeus seated on stool-throne left, eagle on outstretched right hand, sceptre in left hand; in left field laurel-branch. |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering | ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (323 BC - 320 BC) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1002574270 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: Struck at Amphipolis from 323-320 BC, this silver tetradrachm is a posthumous issue in Alexander III's name, minted during the tumultuous Diadochi Wars. His warring generals used these coins to finance conflicts and legitimize their claims across the fragmented Macedonian empire. Amphipolis, a crucial royal mint, ensured economic stability. The continued use of Alexander's iconic imagery highlighted his lasting influence and the power vacuum his death created in the early Hellenistic era.
Artistry: The obverse features the youthful head of Herakles in a lion-skin, widely interpreted as a veiled portrait of Alexander. This image embodies the dynamic, idealized realism of the late Classical/early Hellenistic Macedonian style. The reverse shows Zeus Aëtophoros enthroned, holding a scepter and an eagle, with the legend "ALEXANDROU". While engravers are anonymous, the coin's high quality reflects the exemplary standards maintained by the royal mints.
Technical/Grading: This example, at 17.17 grams and 26 millimeters, meets standard specifications. Critical high-points for assessing strike and wear on the obverse include Herakles' facial features, lion's muzzle, and mane. On the reverse, Zeus's torso, the eagle's plumage, and throne details are key. A well-struck specimen exhibits full detail on these elements, with a strong, centralized strike and minimal die wear, indicative of the fine craftsmanship from the Amphipolis mint.