A silver tetradrachm of Alexander the Great (356-323 B.C.)

A silver tetradrachm of Alexander the Great (356-323 B.C.)

Code: 1987

SOLD
Description: A silver tetradrachm of Alexander the Great (356-323 B.C.) with profile of Herakles facing right wearing lion’s skin headdress on the obverse, and Zeus sitting on throne, facing left, with one leg behind the other, holding a scepter and eagle on the reverse.  A lighthouse and X in the field with the inscription ALEXANDROU (of Alexander), probably a posthumous issue. Some wear and tarnishing but overall a nice coin.

Size: 28 mm/1.1 ins. across and weighing 15.8 grams

Culture: Greek

Provenance: From the estate of a deceased London collector.

Background: The collector, who worked as a buyer for Fortnum and Mason, Piccadilly, London, built up a fine collection of coins and antiquities purchased from leading London dealers.