Silver tetradrachm with head of Alexander as Herakles
Silver tetradrachm with head of Alexander as Herakles
Place of OriginGreece, Amphipolis
Dateabout 320-319 BCE
DimensionsDiam: 1 1/8 in. (2.8 cm)
MediumCoin; Die-stamped silver.
ClassificationMetalwork
Credit LineGift of Carl B. Spitzer
Object number
1934.12
Not on View
DescriptionObverse: head of Alexander as Herakles; Reverse: Zeus seated with eagle and staff.
Label TextAlexander the Great, the Macedonian king who created one of the largest empires of the ancient world by the time he turned 30, is represented on these coins wearing the characteristic Herakles lion skin. Herakles represented an ideal to the Greeks—a society that valued strength, courage, and victory—and Alexander wished to associate himself with these positive traits. Although separated by over a century, these two silver coins help illustrate the prevalence of the Herakles myth in Greek society, as well as the enduring influence of Alexander.Comparative ReferencesSee also Newell, Ed. T., "Numismatic notes and monographs no. 19," Alexander Hoards, Demanhur, 1905, no. 1538, pl. II, 4, p. 31.
cf. Kraay, Colin and Max Hirmer, Greek Coins, London, 1966, p. 349.
early 2nd century BCE
321-281 BCE
about 334-300 BCE
about 125 BCE
about 333 BCE
about 333 BCE
about 333 BCE
Ptolemaic Dynasty, 305-283 BCE
68-54 BCE
about 92 BCE
about 94 BCE
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