© British Museum
© British Museum
Drachm In the name of Alexander III; Abydos 310 BC - 301 BC
| Silver | 4.16 g | 17 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 | 4.16 g |
| Diameter | 17 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#398578 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Zeus seated on stool-throne left, eagle on outstretched right hand, sceptre in left hand; in left field monogram and prow of galley right, below throne caduceus.
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) even though he was not yet born at the time the coin was minted. This is because the ancient Macedonians believed that the king's name had to be included on the coinage, even if the king was not yet alive or in power. This practice was a way of legitimizing the coinage and solidifying the connection between the ruler and the people.
