© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Drachm In the name of Alexander III; Colophon 323 BC - 319 BC
| Silver | 4.0 g | 17 mm |
| Issuer | Kingdom of Macedonia |
|---|---|
| King | Philip III Arrhidaeus (323 BC - 317 BC) |
| Regent | Antipater (321 BC - 319 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 323 BC - 319 BC |
| Value | Drachm (1) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 4.0 g |
| Diameter | 17 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#62176 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 77% |
Reverse
Zeus seated on stool-throne left, eagle on outstretched right hand, sceptre in left hand; in left field corn grain to right and in right field spear head.
Script: Greek
Lettering: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ
Translation: Alexander (III, the Great)
Interesting fact
The Drachm coin was used during the reign of Alexander the Great's father, King Philip II of Macedon. It was minted in the city of Colophon, which was an important center for trade and commerce in the ancient world. The coin features an image of a youthful Alexander III on one side and an image of Zeus on the other, signifying the divine right of the Macedonian kings to rule. The coin was used for everyday transactions and was also used to pay soldiers and mercenaries. It's fascinating to think that this coin was used during a time of great expansion and conquest for the Macedonian Empire, and that it has survived to this day as a piece of history.
