© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Drachm In the name of Alexander III; Abydos 310 BC - 301 BC
| Silver | 4.14 g | 16 mm |
| Issuer | Kingdom of Macedonia |
|---|---|
| King | Alexander III the Great (336 BC - 323 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 310 BC - 301 BC |
| Value | Drachm (1) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 4.14 g |
| Diameter | 16 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#398569 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Zeus seated on stool-throne left, eagle on outstretched right hand, sceptre in left hand; in left field lion head left, below throne monogram.
Script: Greek
Lettering: AΛEΞANΔΡOY
Translation: Alexander (III, the Great)
Interesting fact
The Drachm coin was minted during the reign of Alexander the Great's father, King Philip III Arrhidaeus, and bears the name of Alexander III (Alexander the Great) who was still a prince at the time. This coin was minted in the city of Abydos, which was an important city in the ancient Kingdom of Macedonia. The fact that the coin bears Alexander's name even though he was not yet king suggests that he was already being groomed as a future ruler and that his father was promoting him as a way to solidify his own power and legacy.
