Greek silver tetradrachm in the name of Alexander III of Macedon, Hellenistic world
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 4th–3rd century B.C.
This Hellenistic-period silver tetradrachm is a significant example of ancient coinage issued in the name of Alexander III of Macedon. The reverse features the iconic seated figure of Zeus Aetophoros, shown in high relief with a frontal torso, nude to the waist, and wearing a himation over his lap.
He is depicted enthroned on a backless seat with turned legs, with one foot resting on a stool. His right arm is extended, supporting an eagle with folded wings, while his left hand holds a long sceptre. The Greek legend "ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ" is inscribed vertically in the right field. The coin is marked with control symbols, including the letter "Θ" in the left field and a monogram "A" beneath the throne, which served as mint or magistrate identifiers.
The broad, slightly irregular flan exhibits a soft grey patina with some lustre and minor circulation wear. Measuring 2.5cm in diameter and weighing 17g, this posthumous issue illustrates the standardized monetary types that facilitated trade across the Mediterranean and Near East for centuries following Alexander's death.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Weight
- 17g
- Diameter
- 2.5cm
- Material
- silver
Technical characteristics
- Issue type
- posthumous
- Denomination
- tetradrachm
Design
- Marks
- Θ in left field, A monogram beneath throne
- Reverse
- Zeus Aetophoros enthroned holding eagle and sceptre
- Inscriptions
- ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Recorded
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.