Ancient Greek Macedon Abydos, In the Name and Types of Alexander The Great Silver Drachm, 310-301 BC

Description

Denomination: Silver drachm

Period: During the Diadoch wars. after Alexander’s death

Date: 310-301BC

Origin: Abydos. Macedon

Condition: VF some light pitting

Obverse: Head of Herakles. right. wearing lion-skin headdress 

Reverse: Zeus Aetophoros seated. left; monogram in left field and below throne. For Alexander (written in Greek behind)

Size and Weight: 18mm. 4.21g

References: Price 

Features and Provenance: Alexander (the Great) III reigned for only 13 years. dying at the age of 33. During his time on the Macedonian throne he managed to conquer most of the known world. from Greece to India. He was born in 356 to Philip II and succeeded to the throne in 336 BC on the assassination of his father. At Alexander’s own death. he was heirless and with no successor. the ruling void resulted in four decades of civil war. His four generals split his lands between themselves and many called themselves king after a period of acceptance. Cassander. one of these generals. became king of Macedon and this coin would have been issued by him in Alexander’s name. The head of Herakles or Hercules on the obverse of the coin is supposed to have the likeness of Alexander. but this has never been proven.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present. visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present. but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible