Collection Item – Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

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Coin, silver tetradrachm, Alexander the Great; Late 4th Century BC; 202.06.4

From:UC Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

Name/TitleCoin, silver tetradrachm, Alexander the Great

About this objectThis tetradrachm was minted in the Syrian city of Damascus, which Alexander the Great conquered in 333 BC during his military campaign in Asia. The city subsequently became Hellenised and remained as such for a thousand years until Christianity predominated in the fourth century AD.

The obverse side of the coin depicts a young, beardless Heracles wearing a lion skin. Heracles’ facial features are remarkably similar to those of Alexander, which suggest an assimilation of the two heroes’ identities. Like this youthful Heracles, Alexander achieved much from a young age, having ascended to the Macedonian throne by the age of 20 and conquering much of the western world by 30. The depiction of Heracles on Alexander coins may also reference the fact that Alexander’s ancestors on the side of his father, Phillip II, claimed descent from the mythical hero.

The reverse side of the coin depicts the Zeus, whom Alexander claimed at one time to be his real father, seated holding a sceptre and eagle – both symbols of Zeus’ supreme power. Note the half body of a ram underneath the eagle; this may represent the energy or sexual power that images of rams, bulls or lions tended to symbolise in art.

Date MadeLate 4th Century BC

PeriodLate Classical

Place MadeSyria

Place NotesDamascus Mint

Medium and MaterialsMetal; Silver

Inscription and MarksInscription, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ (ALEXANDROU), and Damascus mint initials, ΔΑ (DA), on reverse side

TechniqueStriking (metalworking)

TechniqueInscriptions

MeasurementsWeight 17.22g
Diameter ca. 24mm

Subject and Association KeywordsAnimals in art

Subject and Association KeywordsInscriptions, Greek

Subject and Association KeywordsGods in art

Subject and Association KeywordsArt and mythology

Named CollectionThe James Logie Memorial Collection, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Credit LineDonated by Rosemary Tredgold, in thanks to Kate and Sam Adshead, 2006

Object TypeExchange Media

Object number202.06.4