Kings of Macedon. Amphipolis. Alexander III "the Great" 336-323 BC. Struck under Antipater circa 325-323/2 BC
Tetradrachm AR

27 mm, 17,19 g

Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left on throne, holding sceptre and eagle; palm in left field, Π below throne.

Fine Style. A boldly struck example with an impressive portrait. A coin of considerable eye appeal. Wonderfully toned example! Removed from an NGC slab where graded NGC Choice AU S (*) Strike 5/5 - Surface 4/5.

Price 111; Troxell, Studies, Issue H1.

The tetradrachms of Alexander the Great struck circa 325–323/2 BC under Antipater are among the most iconic coinages of the ancient world, reflecting Alexander's far-reaching influence and the political complexities of his empire during its final years. Antipater, Alexander's trusted general and regent in Macedon during the king's campaigns, oversaw the production of these coins to support administrative and military needs in Europe while Alexander was expanding his conquests in Asia. These tetradrachms adhere to the standardized design introduced by Alexander, which became the hallmark of his coinage. On the obverse, they feature the head of Heracles (Hercules in Roman tradition), shown in youthful and heroic form, wearing a lion’s skin headdress. This imagery links Alexander to Heracles, the legendary hero and son of Zeus, symbolizing divine lineage and strength. The reverse depicts Zeus enthroned, holding an eagle in his extended right hand and a scepter in his left, emphasizing Alexander's claim to divine favor and his role as a unifier of the Greek world under the aegis of Zeus. The inscription “ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ” (of Alexander) identifies the issuer and reinforces the king’s identity as the ultimate authority over the empire. Various symbols or mint marks on these coins indicate the specific mint where they were struck, providing valuable clues about the regions under Antipater's control. These coins played a critical role in financing Antipater’s administration and military campaigns, particularly during the turbulent period leading up to Alexander's death in 323 BC. They also demonstrate the unifying power of Alexander’s coinage, as their consistent design and widespread circulation helped maintain economic stability and imperial cohesion even during a time of growing political uncertainty.