Kings of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’, AR Drachm, Lifetime issue of Sardes, Circa 324/3

$180.00

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SKU: G7.5 Categories: ,

Description

Kings of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’, AR Drachm (silver, 4.07g, 16.8mm), Lifetime issue of Sardes, struck under Menander, Circa 324/3
Obv: Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress
Rev:  Traces of AΛEΞANΔPOY; Zeus seated left on low throne, holding a long scepter in his left hand and eagle standing right with closed wings in his right; below throne, rose
Ref: Price 2571 Rarity/Choice: Common, VF (area of weakness on the reverse with some scratches, otherwise expressive portrait lightly toned)
Note:  Sardes, a city located in Lydia, Asia Minor. Herakles, a prominent figure in Greek mythology, was often associated with Alexander the Great due to the belief that Alexander was descended from the hero-god. The lion skin headdress is a symbolic representation of Herakles’ status as a legendary hero renowned for his strength and courage.  Zeus, the king of the gods in Greek mythology, is portrayed as a symbol of divine authority and sovereignty. The eagle, often associated with Zeus, symbolizes his power and dominion over the heavens. Below the throne rose serving as a mintmark, along with other indicators, suggesting that the coin was struck in Sardis. The depiction of Zeus on the reverse side of the coin underscores the divine status of Alexander the Great, suggesting his association with the gods and his divine right to rule. This association with divinity was a common theme in the coinage of Hellenistic kings, who often portrayed themselves in ways that emphasized their connection to the divine realm. The use of Herakles on the obverse side further reinforced Alexander’s divine lineage and heroic qualities, portraying him as a ruler of great strength and virtue.