Gold Stater, Silver Drachm and Tetradrachm
ca. 336 – 323 BC
Gold Stater
NGC Ch AU
Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5
Silver Tetradrachm
NGC Ch AU
Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5
Fine Style
Silver Drachm
NGC MS
Strike 4/5, Surface 5/5
Considered one of the greatest military commanders in history, Alexander was born in 356 BC in Pella, Macedonia. He was the son of King Phillip II and Queen Olympias, who claimed she was impregnated by Zeus (actually, it was by Phillip). From childhood, Alexander displayed exceptional leadership qualities, and he was imbued by his tutor Aristotle with a thirst for knowledge in philosophy, literature and the arts. Alexander considered his lineage divine (like his mother did) and linked his bloodline to Achilles and Hercules.
After ascending to the throne following his father’s assassination in 336 BC, Alexander consolidated his empire of Greek city states and began his military campaign against Darius III and the Persian Empire. He decisively defeated Darius at the battle of Guagamela, and took over Babylon and Susa with little resistance. With the fall of Persia, Alexander had available vast amounts of silver and gold available from the depositories of Susa and Persepolis, and some of this output was utilized for the production of silver drachms and gold staters like the ones on offer here today.
Alexander was succeeded as king by by his half brother, who ruled as Phillip III.
The Alexander the Great type collection is on offer here for: $18,975