Alexander III, 336-323 BC, Drachm

Alexander III, Drachm, AR, reign of 336-323 BC, minted in Lampsakos. The coin weighs 3.35g and typically measures around 18mm in diameter. The obverse features a finely struck image of Heracles in profile, facing right, adorned with a lion skin headdress accentuating his heroic features. On the reverse, the inscription ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ is present, surrounding a seated Zeus, holding an eagle and a scepter. The strike is notably bold with clear features on both sides. This coin is referenced as Price 1417. This drachm from the reign of Alexander III, also known as Alexander the Great, exemplifies the reach and influence of his empire, stretching from Greece to northwest India. The depiction of Heracles symbolizes strength and divine lineage, aligning Alexander with heroic virtues. Coins like this one facilitated trade across the vast territories and acted as a tool of propaganda, promoting the ruler's power and divine association throughout the Hellenistic world.