The tetradrachm was Alexander’s silver stater, or standard denomination, with more of them minted than any other Alexander denomination. Unlike Alexander’s bronze coinage, which was largely used in local marketplaces, tetradrachm were international, imperial coins that were used in state transactions. Alexander the Great was the legendary king of the Hellenistic Kingdom of Macedon. 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. He died in Babylon, which he intended to make the capital of his empire, in 323 BC, at just 33 years of age. The inclusion of Herakles on the coin refers not only to the demi-god’s heroic abilities but to allude to Alexander’s own prowess and supreme lineage. This particular coin was minted posthumously and was minted under one of Alexander’s immediate successors, Antigonos I ‘Monophthalmos’, ruler of Macedon and founder of the Antigonid Dynasty. The inscription ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ (BASILEOS) was added in the latter years of Alexander’s reign and by his successors. Translating as ‘king’, it was a term used after Alexander’s conquest of Persia, as it mostly referred to the Great King of Persia. For the Greeks, who heralded ideas of democracy, they found the concept of monarchy largely barbaric. It seemed however, that after Alexander’s conquest of Persia, the use of such a term was acceptable.
Ancient Greek Alexander the Great Silver Tetradrachm
£ 750.00
A very fine, posthumous Alexander the Great silver tetradrachm minted in Babylon, under Antigonos I ‘Monophthalmos’. Minted in the name and types of Alexander the Great the obverse features the profiled head of Herakles. His youthful features are delicately rendered; the deep-set eye, prominent nose and slightly furrowed brow still retain excellent definition. He wears the Nemean lion-skin headdress, one of Herakles typical attributes, which imbues the Greek ruler with divine qualities. The reverse of the coin depicts the Greek god Zeus, seated to the left on a throne, holding an eagle in his right hand and sceptre in his left. The Greek inscription ΑΛΕΞΑΝ∆ΡΟΥ is written vertically to the right of the figure of Zeus. The legend, written in the genitive case, translates as, ALEXANDROY, meaning ‘[the coinage] of Alexander’. Slightly visible under the throne of Zeus are the remnants of a second inscription: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ (BASILEOS). There is a mintmark in the field, KΛ, left side underneath the eagle. The coin was minted at Babylon.
Provenance: From the property of a London Academic.
Condition: Very fine example. Particularly high relief. Some gold toning around the devices. Slight flaw to the right edge.
In stock
| Weight | 17.2 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | W 2.5 cm |
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| Greek & Hellenistic Rulers | |
| Greek Mythology | |
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