Alexander III, 336-323 BC, Posthumous Tetradrachm

Alexander III Tetradrachm, Silver (AR), Reign: Posthumous issue, 336-323 BC, Struck in Babylon. Weight: 17.41 g, Diameter approximately 25 mm.

The obverse features the head of Herakles facing right, adorned with a lion skin headdress, the lion's paws intricately tied beneath his chin. The reverse depicts the inscription ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ surrounding a seated Zeus on a throne, holding an eagle and a scepter. This specimen demonstrates a strong strike with well-centered devices on both sides. Conforms to Price 3747. These posthumous tetradrachms were issued following the death of Alexander the Great, designed to maintain his presence and legitimacy through the symbolism of divinity as seen with Herakles. Minted in various locations including Babylon, they reflect the vastness of Alexander's empire and the continuity of his image as a divine ruler in the Hellenistic world.