Alexander AR Drachm - Kingdom of Macedon - Circa 319-305 BC
$2,375
Denomination: AR Drachm (17mm, 12h)
Mint: Macedonia Kingdom
Mount: 14K gold
Date: Circa (319-305) BC
Grade: NGC 6327086-024 - Choice VF
Description: MACEDONIAN KINGDOM. Alexander III the Great (336-323 BC). Posthumous issue of Magnesia ad Maeandrum, ca. 319-305 BC. Obverse: Head of Heracles right, wearing lion skin headdress, paws tied before neck / AΛEΞANΔPOY. Reverse: Zeus seated left on backless throne, right leg drawn back, feet on stool, eagle in right hand, scepter in left; seal upward in left field, AT monogram below throne, thyrsus upright in outer right field.
History: Alexander, King of Macedonia, began ruling immediately after the death of his father, Philip II and brought the Greek Empire to its peak. Through his conquests, he minted these coins in many variations of type and style. Each bears the face of Herakles (Hercules) wearing a headdress of the Nemean Lion. This animal was fierce and virtually indestructible, so using his super-human strength and intelligence, Herakles decided to strangle the lion since he was unable to cut through its skin. After he killed the lion, he used its own razor-sharp claws to remove its hide, and forever after Herakles wore the lion's skin for protection and as a symbol of his victory. Alexander wanted to be like Herakles, and was also known to wear a lion’s skin, invoking his strength and courage. These coins continued to circulate hundreds of years after the death of Alexander the Great.
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