Alexander Coin Pendant

This silver tetradrachm was minted either during or just following the lifetime of Alexander III of Macedon (the Great). During Alexander’s conquest of Asia and the Persian Empire, he had so many troops and auxiliaries to pay, that he kept 20 mints in business. The obverse features the head of Heracles with the Nemean lion-skin over his head. Although Alexander didn’t necessarily want his portrait on his coinage—celators—or those who carved the coin molds—often depicted the features of Alexander in the features of Heracles. The reverse shows an enthroned Zeus, holding an eagle and a staff which is actually a string of thunderbolts.

Macedon. Silver tetradrachm of Alexander III. Obverse: Head of Heracles with Nemean Lion skin; Reverse: Zeus Enthroned with Eagle, 22kt gold mounting with olive leaf motif. Mounting designed by Valerie Jean Fairchild