★ “To the strongest” ★

KINGS of MACEDON: Philip III Arrhidaios (323-317 BCE) AR tetradrachm in the name & types of Alexander III, issued under Archon, Dokimos, or Seleukos I c. 323-317 BCE. Babylon, 17.26g, 26mm.
Obv: Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin
Rev: Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; M in left field, ΛY above strut of throne.
Price 3692
From TheRed collection, ex CNG 416 lot 79, 14.03.2018 (realized 240 USD)
Lovely Babylon-style Herakles, good detail, a few minor marks
Estimate: 330

Struck shortly after Alexander’s death in the place of his demise, where he allegedly willed his kingdom “to the strongest.” The heavy brow and wide-eye is said to be reminiscent of Alexander, so this may be one of his earliest portraits.