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.
Ancient Greek Alexander the Great Silver Tetradrachm Swivel Pendant
£ 1,250.00
A fine Alexander the Great silver tetradrachm set in a modern 18kt gold frame. The pendant comprises of a hollow-formed U-shaped silver hoop which twists at the top into a small loop and expands at the sides into two enlarged terminals, pierced to accommodate a separate gold bar for the swivel. The hoop is enriched by four equally spaced bands of twisted silver wire and holds an additional suspension loop at the top. The front of the pendant features the coin’s obverse, which depicts the profile head of Alexander the Great dressed as 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]ΕΞΑΝ∆Ρ[ΟΥ] 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.
Condition: Very fine condition, suitable for modern wear.
In stock
Weight | 26.31 g |
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Dimensions | L 3.9 x W 3.9 cm |
Culture | |
Region | |
Metal | |
Greek & Hellenistic Rulers | |
Greek Mythology |