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

Description

Denomination: Silver drachm

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

Date: 310-301BC

Origin: Probably Abydos. Macedon

Condition: VF

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

Reverse: Zeus seated. left; 2 monograms in left field. ‘For Alexander’ (written in Greek behind). kerykeion staff in far right field

Size and Weight: 17mm. 4.08g

References: Price 1544

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. 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