Alexander III, 336-323 BC, Posthumous Drachm

Alexander III (336–323 BC), AR Drachm, posthumous issue, Magnesia on the Meander, c. 323–319 BC; 3.99 g; 17 mm. Head of Herakles right, wearing the lion-skin headdress. Reverse with legend AΛEΞANΔPOY; Zeus Aëtophoros seated left on a backless throne, holding eagle and sceptre; Magnesia on the Meander mint. Hammer struck on the Attic standard, compact flan typical of the series. Price 1945. Issued soon after Alexander’s death, this drachm belongs to the extensive posthumous coinage that preserved his monetary system across the eastern Mediterranean. Magnesia on the Meander served as an Ionian production center under early Diadochi control, striking Attic-standard silver in Alexander’s name to supply military payrolls and regional commerce. The Herakles/Zeus types and AΛEΞANΔPOY legend maintained continuity and wide acceptability during the political transition following 323 BC.