Alexander III, 336-323 BC, Posthumous Tetradrachm

Alexander III, Tetradrachm, Silver, 336-323 BC, Minted in Babylon, Struck under Stamenes or Archon, circa 324/3 BC. Weight: 17.06g, Diameter: 25mm. The obverse features a finely detailed head of Herakles facing right, adorned with a lion skin headdress, the paws intricately tied beneath his chin. The reverse showcases the inscription ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ beneath a depiction of Zeus enthroned left, holding an eagle and scepter. This example demonstrates a well-centered and robust strike with slight wear consistent with its age. Reference Price 3635. This coin was struck posthumously in honor of Alexander the Great, a pivotal figure who created one of the largest empires in the ancient world, stretching from Greece to Egypt and into northwest India. The imagery of Herakles reflects Alexander's self-stylized identification with the hero, symbolizing strength and divine favor, while the issuance in Babylon underscores the continued Macedonian control over the region after Alexander's death. The coin served as a testament to the enduring influence of his legacy in the territories he once ruled.