Alexander III the Great AR Drachm, Sardis Mint, 336–323 BC Issue
Detailed Academic Description
State: Kingdom of Macedon
Ruler: Alexander III of Macedon (Alexander the Great)
Date: 336–323 BC
Mint: Sardis (Lydia)
Denomination: Drachm
Material: Silver (AR)
Diameter: 16 mm
Weight: 4.13 g
Die axis: Not determined
Grade: Very Fine (VF)
Obverse:
Head of Heracles facing right, wearing a lion skin; facial features are partially worn, with some details of the lion’s mane still visible.
Reverse:
Zeus Aëtophoros seated left on a throne; holding an eagle in the right hand and a sceptre in the left. To the right, vertical legend: “ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ”. The reverse surface shows noticeable granularity and wear; finer details of the throne and secondary elements are partially lost. Indistinct relief traces are visible in the left field but cannot be definitively identified.
Rarity
Coins of this type struck at Sardis during the reign of Alexander III are classified as common issues within the Alexandrine coinage series and are widely represented in numismatic collections and academic references.
Condition (Grade)
This specimen corresponds to Very Fine (VF):
-
overall surface wear
-
main types clearly identifiable
-
legend partially preserved
-
finer details worn smooth
Patina and Surface
The coin exhibits a light silver-grey tone with areas of matte granularity. Signs of natural wear and microporosity typical of ancient silver are present. No pronounced colored patina is observed.
Historical Note
Alexander III of Macedon (356–323 BC), known as Alexander the Great, was king of Macedon from the Argead dynasty. During his reign, he created one of the largest empires of the ancient world, extending from the Balkans to India. His coinage system became one of the most influential in antiquity and continued to be used by his successors (the Diadochi) after his death.