Numismatic

Macedonian Silver Tetradrachm Alexander III (336-323 BC) Fine-VF

---

Struck during the era of Alexander III, commonly known as Alexander the Great, this ancient silver tetradrachm represents a classic era of Mediterranean coinage. Minted between 336 and 300 BC, these substantial silver pieces weigh between 16 to 17.5 grams and measure 27 to 31 millimeters in diameter. They served as a powerful medium of exchange across a vast, expanding empire, carrying imagery that blended divine authority with royal prestige. The obverse of the coin displays the right-facing profile of Heracles, the legendary hero of Greek myth, draped in the skin of the Nemean lion. This powerful portrait is paired on the reverse with a detailed depiction of Zeus. The king of the gods is shown seated on a throne facing left, holding a sceptre in one hand and a perched eagle in the other. To the right of the deity, the Greek inscription ALEXANDROY is visible, identifying the authority behind the issue. Individual specimens from this era also feature various unique monograms scattered across the reverse field, making each surviving piece a distinct window into the ancient world.