Alexander III, 336-323 BC, Tetradrachm

Alexander III (the Great), Tetradrachm, Silver, issued during the reign of Ptolemy as Satrap, 336-323 BC, Arados mint. Weight: 16.51g, typical diameter: 26mm. The obverse depicts the head of Herakles facing right, adorned with a lion skin headdress. On the reverse, the inscription reads AΛEΞANΔPOY, beneath Zeus seated left on a throne, holding an eagle and scepter. The strike exhibits strong detail, with well-defined elements on both sides. Referenced in Price as number 3426.

This tetradrachm is significant as it represents the era of Alexander the Great, one of history's most influential military commanders. Such coins were struck by Ptolemy, one of Alexander's trusted generals, during his time as satrap. This piece not only served as currency but also as a tool for propaganda, reinforcing the divine heroism of Alexander through the depiction of Herakles, emphasizing the continuity of power and cultural impact of Alexander's empire across the vast regions under Hellenistic influence.