Alexander III “The Great”  Subaeratus coin | Macedonian Silver Drachm Pendant (336–323 BC)
Authentic Ancient Greek Coin 
Important Numismatic Note – Plated Coinage
This particular drachm of Alexander the Great is an ancient coin composed of a bronze core with a silver outer layer. Coins of this type are known in numismatics as ancient plated coins, commonly referred to by the Latin term subaeratus.
Subaerate coins were produced in antiquity by striking a thin layer of silver over a bronze core. Contrary to a common misconception, not all such coins were necessarily modern forgeries. In the ancient world, plated coinage could be produced for several reasons, including periods of silver shortage, military financing, or emergency monetary needs, especially during times of war or political instability.
These coins circulated alongside solid silver issues and were accepted in everyday transactions, particularly when issued or tolerated by local authorities. As such, ancient subaerate coins represent an important testimony to the economic practices and monetary realities of the Hellenistic world.
Today, they are collected and studied as genuine historical artifacts, offering insight into ancient minting techniques and the complex financial systems of the time.
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Coin Details
•Kingdom: Macedon
•Ruler: Alexander III “the Great” (336–323 BC)
•Denomination: Drachm
•Material: Silver (AR)
•Weight: 3 g
•Diameter: 15mm
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Obverse
Head of Herakles facing right, wearing the lion-skin of the Nemean Lion.
Herakles was revered as the divine ancestor of the Macedonian royal house and symbolizes strength, heroism, and divine favor, closely associated with Alexander’s royal ideology.
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Reverse
Zeus seated left on a throne, holding an eagle and a scepter, with the legend AΛEΞANΔPOY (“of Alexander”).
The imagery reinforces Alexander’s divine legitimacy and the continuity of his authority even after his death.
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Historical Significance
Alexander the Great remains one of history’s most influential leaders. By the age of 32, he had created an empire stretching from Greece and Egypt to the borders of India, spreading Hellenistic culture across three continents.
This drachm was ( probably ) struck at Kolophon, one of the principal mints producing posthumous coinage in Alexander’s name, likely under Antigonos I Monophthalmos, one of his most powerful successors. The continued minting of coins bearing Alexander’s name reflects his enduring political and symbolic power.
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Mounting & Presentation
This authentic ancient silver drachm is set as a pendant in a custom-made copper bezel, metal plated for enhanced durability and visual refinement.
The mounting is designed to preserve the integrity of the ancient coin while transforming it into a timeless and wearable piece of history.
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Included with Your Purchase
✔️ Authentic ancient silver drachm of Alexander the Great
✔️ Silver frame 925 , 14k gold plated 
✔️ Genuine leather cord necklace (random color)
✔️ Certificate of Authenticity & Provenance
✔️ Handcrafted envelope made from traditional Amalfi paper, produced using true cotton fibers, following medieval techniques
✔️ Certificate envelope sealed with wax, bearing the official Numisnation logo
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Why This Piece Matters
•Coin issued in the name of one of history’s greatest conquerors
•Strong mythological and divine symbolism
•Museum-grade ancient artifact transformed into wearable jewelry
•Each piece is unique and historically irreplaceable
This pendant is not merely jewelry—it is a tangible link to the ancient world and the legacy of Alexander the Great.