Alexander III 'The Great' Drachm

Country of Origin: Kingdom of Macedon

Year of Issue: Circa 336-323 BC (Lifetime) or 323-300 BC (Early Posthumous)

Denomination: Drachm

Composition: Silver (Approx. 95-98% Ar)

Alexander III 'The Great' Drachm

Brief Description

A silver ancient Greek coin featuring Hercules in a lion skin and a seated Zeus.

Historical Significance

Struck during or shortly after the reign of Alexander the Great, these coins served as an international currency across his vast empire, standardizing trade from Greece to India.

Estimated Value

$50-$150 in Fair/Fine condition; $250-$600+ in Choice EF or better. Note: This specific specimen appears to be an aged modern replica or highly degraded.

Care Instructions

Handle by the edges; avoid chemical cleaners. Store in PVC-free flips or acid-free paper to prevent corrosion.

Mint Mark

Monogram (often invisible/worn) representing various mints such as Abydos, Sardes, or Lampsakos.

Mintage & Rarity

Common for type; millions were struck to pay Alexander's armies.

Weight & Diameter

Approx. 4.0-4.3g and 17-19mm

Edge

Plain / Irregular (hand-hammered)

Apparent Grade

Poor/Fine (Significant surface wear, possible environmental damage or casting texture).

Obverse (Front)

Head of Herakles (Hercules) right, wearing a lion skin headdress with the paws knotted at the neck.

Reverse (Back)

Zeus Aetophoros seated left on a throne, holding an eagle in his outstretched right hand and a scepter in his left. Greek legend ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ (ALEXANDROU) to the right.

What Drives This Coin's Value

Condition, strike centering, mint location, and specific magistrate monograms.

Similar Coins

The much larger Tetradrachm (approx 17g) and smaller Obols; also confused with coins of Philip III Arrhidaeus.

Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags

Watch for 'seam lines' around the edge or 'pitting' which indicates a mold-cast fake. Authentic coins were struck between dies, showing radial flow lines.

Notable Varieties & Errors

Lifetime issues (Zeus with legs parallel) vs Posthumous issues (Zeus with legs crossed).

Created At: 2026-05-25T16:27:33.793378