Alexander the Great Silver Tetradrachm, Hellenistic Period, c. 315 - 294 BCE
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Alexander the Great Silver Tetradrachm
Kingdom of Macedon, Hellenistic Period, ca. 315–294 BCE
Tarsos Mint, Cilicia (modern Turkey)
Lifetime issue. NCG CH F 5/5 - 2/5, brushed. The obverse depicts a portrait of Heracles, the greatest warrior hero of ancient Greek mythology, facing right, wearing the famed lion skin headdress. The reverse depicts the divine Zeus, king of the Gods on Mount Olympus and father of Heracles, seated on a throne facing left, one leg crossed behind the other, an eagle perched in his outstretched right hand, a long scepter in his left, and a torch underneath, ΒAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY to the right, a monomgram in left field.
Background: Among the most famous coin types of the ancient world, the silver tetradrachms issued in the name of Alexander the Great served as the principal currency of the Hellenistic age. Struck at mints throughout Alexander's vast empire and continuing long after his death, these coins facilitated trade across the Mediterranean and Near East while promoting the enduring image of the Macedonian conqueror.
The obverse depicts Heracles wearing the skin of the Nemean Lion, a reference to the legendary hero from whom the Macedonian royal house claimed descent. The reverse portrays Zeus enthroned, holding an eagle and scepter, accompanied by the inscription BASILEOS ALEXANDROU ("Of King Alexander"). Together, the imagery emphasizes divine favor, heroic virtue, and royal authority.
This example was struck at the important mint of Tarsos in Cilicia and represents a lifetime issue associated with Alexander's reign. More than a simple medium of exchange, the coin stands as a lasting symbol of the political, cultural, and economic transformation brought about by one of history's most influential rulers.
Medium: Silver
Dimensions: Diameter: 1 inch (2.54 cm)
Condition: Intact and in excellent condition overall.
Provenance: Private New York collection, acquired in the early 2000s.
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