Alexander the Great Silver Tetradrachm Pendant

$1,200.53

An Alexander the Great silver tetradrachm pendant set in a modern 18kt gold frame with a loop attached to the top for suspension. The frame displays a London hallmark, hand crafted by a Hatton garden jeweller. The front of the pendant features the coin’s obverse, which depicts the profile head of Herakles, wearing the Nemean lion-skin headdress. The reverse displays the Greek god Zeus enthroned facing left, holding an eagle in his right hand and a sceptre in his left. The Greek inscription [ΑΛ]ΕΞ[ΑΝ∆ΡΟΥ] is written vertically to the right of the figure of Zeus. Written in the genitive case Alexandr -ou, the inscription translates as ‘[the coinage] of Alexander’.

Please note, the chain is for reference only, we do have chains available upon enquiry.

Date: Circa 4th Century BC
Condition: Very fine condition.

SOLD

SKU: LD-397 Category: Tags: , ,

The tetradrachm was an 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, tetradrachms 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 alludes to Alexander’s own prowess and supreme lineage.

Weight 20.18 g
Dimensions W 2.7 x H 3.4 cm
Culture

Greek & Hellenistic Rulers

Greek Mythology

,

Metal

Region

Reference: For a similar item, The Metropolitan Museum, item 1978.93.21

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