Alexander III, 336-323 BC, Tetradrachm

Alexander III, Tetradrachm, Silver, 336-323 BC, minted in Arados by Ptolemy as Satrap. Weight: 16.67g, Diameter: 25mm. The obverse features the head of Herakles facing right, adorned with a lion skin headdress. The reverse displays the inscription "AΛEΞANΔPOY" beneath a seated Zeus holding an eagle in his right hand and a scepter in his left. The strike is well-centered with clear details. References include Price 3426.

This coin is a testament to the influence of Alexander the Great during his reign over the vast Macedonian Empire. Minted posthumously by Ptolemy I, a former general of Alexander and later ruler of Egypt, it underscores the continuation of Alexander’s legacy and the Hellenistic spread initiated by his conquests. Such coins also reflect the incipient fragmentation of his empire as his successors vied for control over different regions.