Alexander III, 336-323 BC, Posthumous Tetradrachm

Alexander III, Posthumous Tetradrachm, AR, minted in Babylon during the reign of Alexander the Great, 336-323 BC. Weight: 16.34g. Diameter: Approximately 25 mm. The obverse features the head of Herakles facing right, adorned with a lion skin headdress, with the paws tied beneath the chin, rendered in fine detail typical of early posthumous issues. The reverse showcases the inscription ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ, surrounding a representation of Zeus seated left on a throne, holding an eagle in his right hand and a scepter in his left. The strike demonstrates good alignment and strong relief. This piece is referenced in Price 3742.

The posthumous tetradrachms of Alexander III, minted in Babylon, reflect the vast influence and enduring legacy of Alexander the Great, who reshaped the ancient world through his conquests. These coins continued to be struck and circulated widely long after his death, facilitating trade and cementing the Hellenistic cultural imprint across his former empire. The image of Herakles on the obverse symbolizes strength and heroism, representative of Alexander’s own subsequent deification and the dissemination of his image as a model for Hellenistic rulers.