Kings of Macedon – Alexander III “the Great” (336–323 BC)
Silver Drachm | Magnesia ad Maeandrum Mint
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Coin Details
•Kingdom: Macedon
•Ruler: Alexander III “the Great”
•Mint: Magnesia ad Maeandrum (Ionia, Asia Minor)
•Date: Circa 336–323 BC
•Denomination: Drachm
•Material: Silver (AR)
•Weight: 4.01 g
•Diameter: 17 mm
•Die Axis: 12h
•Condition: Good Very Fine
•Reference: Price 1931
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Obverse
Head of Herakles facing right, wearing the lion skin of the Nemean Lion.
Herakles, regarded as the divine ancestor of the Macedonian royal house, symbolizes strength, heroism, and divine protection, virtues closely associated with Alexander himself and his royal ideology.
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Reverse
Greek legend ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ (“of Alexander”).
Zeus seated left on a throne, holding an eagle and a sceptre, symbols of supreme authority and kingship.
In the left field appears a monogram, while below the throne is the head of a ram facing left—distinctive control marks identifying the Magnesia ad Maeandrum mint.
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Historical Significance
Alexander III of Macedon, known as Alexander the Great, was one of the most influential figures in world history. Through his military genius, he created an empire that stretched from Greece and Egypt to the borders of India, shaping the cultural and political landscape of the ancient world.
This drachm was struck at Magnesia ad Maeandrum, an important Ionian city that played a role in the production of Alexander’s silver coinage. Coins of this type were essential for trade and military payments, and they served as powerful instruments of royal propaganda, spreading Alexander’s image and authority across the Hellenistic world.
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Why This Coin Matters
•Authentic silver drachm issued during the age of Alexander the Great
•Struck at the historic Magnesia ad Maeandrum mint
•Rich mythological and divine symbolism
•Highly collectible example of Hellenistic Greek coinage
•A tangible artifact from one of the most transformative periods in ancient history
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Included with This Coin
✔️ Certificate of Authenticity & Provenance
✔️ Protective capsule or archival-quality holder
✔️ Handcrafted envelope made from traditional Amalfi paper, produced using pure cotton fibers following medieval techniques
✔️ Certificate envelope sealed with wax, bearing the official Numisnation logo