Kingdom of Macedon Alexander the Great AR Drachm 336-323 BC NGC Ch XF

This silver drachm was struck in the name of Alexander III of Macedon, known to history as Alexander the Great, during or shortly after his reign from 336 to 323 BC. The coin represents an early posthumous issue from the vast Alexandrine coinage system that continued for decades following his death. Alexander's conquest of the Persian Empire created the largest realm the ancient world had yet seen, and his standardized coinage circulated from Greece to India, facilitating trade and projecting imperial power. This drachm is certified by NGC Ancients as Choice Extremely Fine, confirming its authenticity and exceptional preservation for a coin over two millennia old.

The obverse displays the youthful head of Heracles facing right, adorned with the skin of the Nemean lion, a symbol of strength and divine lineage that subtly associated Alexander with the mythic hero. The portrait is well-struck with bold definition in the facial features, the curling locks of the lion's mane, and the tied paws beneath the chin. The reverse depicts Zeus seated left on a throne, holding an eagle in his extended right hand and a scepter in his left, with the legend ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ (of Alexander) to the right and a monogram below the throne. The figure of Zeus is cleanly rendered with strong relief, and the devices are well-centered on a rounded flan typical of the period.

This example is graded NGC Ancients Choice Extremely Fine, reflecting light wear on the high points of Heracles' cheek and Zeus's knee, while retaining sharp detail throughout the design. The surfaces show an attractive silver-gray patina with hints of toning in the recesses, and the strike is even with no significant flatness. Alexandrine drachms are highly sought after by collectors of ancient Greek coinage, forming a cornerstone of any collection focused on the Hellenistic period or the legacy of Alexander. The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.