Busacca Gallery

MACEDON, ALEXANDER III, THE GREAT, 336-323 BC. AR Tetradrachm. 27 mm., 17.03 g. Bust young Herakles r./Zeus enthroned with eagle and scepter. EF. This beautiful and very collectible coin is valued at over $2,000, and we will verify its availability upon your price inquiry. At BusaccaGallery.com, we vet all customers for transactions over $5,000 to ensure a secure and satisfactory experience for both parties. Macedon, an ancient kingdom located in the northern Greek peninsula, rose to prominence under the Argead dynasty. Its most famous ruler, Alexander III, known as Alexander the Great, reigned from 336 to 323 BCE. Born in 356 BCE in Pella, the capital of Macedon, Alexander was the son of King Philip II, who had significantly expanded and unified the kingdom. Educated by the philosopher Aristotle, Alexander was well-prepared for leadership. After his father’s assassination, he ascended to the throne and quickly demonstrated his military genius by consolidating his power and suppressing rebellions. Alexander embarked on a campaign of unparalleled conquest, aiming to expand Macedonian influence across the known world. In 334 BCE, he crossed into Asia Minor and began his legendary campaign against the Persian Empire, achieving decisive victories at battles such as Issus and Gaugamela. His conquests extended from Greece through Asia Minor, Egypt, Persia, and as far as the Indus River in India. This vast empire spread Hellenistic culture and marked the beginning of a new era in the ancient world. Despite his untimely death at the age of 32 in 323 BCE in Babylon, Alexander's legacy endured. His empire fragmented among his generals, but the cultural and political impacts of his conquests resonated throughout history, leading to the Hellenistic period, where Greek culture mingled with those of the East. Alexander the Great remains one of history's most celebrated military leaders and a symbol of the spread of Greek civilization.

The history of collecting ancient Greek coins, particularly those bearing the likeness of Alexander the Great, has fascinated numismatists and historians for centuries. These coins, often featuring Alexander's portrait and symbols like the Greek god Zeus or the winged horse Pegasus, were minted during and after his reign, serving as powerful propaganda tools that reinforced his divine status and widespread influence. The allure of these coins lies not only in their historical significance but also in their artistry and the connection they offer to the ancient world. Over time, they have become highly sought-after collectibles, prized for their rarity, beauty, and the legacy of one of history's greatest military leaders. Collectors and scholars alike value these coins for their ability to provide insights into the economic, cultural, and political dynamics of Alexander's empire, making them timeless treasures of the ancient world.