KINGS OF MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’, 336-323 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 25 mm, 17.08 g, 11 h), Susa, struck under Koinos, circa 322-320 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress. Rev. [BA]ΣIΛEΩΣ - AΛEΞANΔPOY Zeus seated left on low throne, holding long scepter in his left hand and eagle standing right with closed wings in his right; to left, monogram; below throne, ΛA. Price 3846. A coin of great beauty, perfectly centered, very well struck and of exceptionally fine style. Good extremely fine.
Aside from its superb condition, what makes this coin quite exceptional is the astounding artistry of the die engraving. The style is distinctively Eastern, with the typical rounded head of Herakles that is perfectly adjusted to the flan and carries a flamboyant hairstyle. The reverse, on the other hand, offers us a splendid, naturalistic rendering of the King of the Gods, whose posture and facial expression show an authority and serenity that is both powerful and awe-inspiring.