Alexander III 'the Great', c. 336-323 BC, KINGDOM OF MACEDON, AR Tetradrachm, NGC Ch F

Features of the Alexander III 'the Great', c. 336-323 BC, KINGDOM OF MACEDON, AR Tetradrachm, NGC Ch F:

• Denomination: Tetradrachm
• Metal: Silver
• Coinage Period: 336-323 B.C.
• Obverse: Heracles
• Reverse: Zeus holding eagle

Probably more than any ruler in history, Alexander III of Macedon truly deserved the title of Alexander the Great.  He was born in April, 356 B.C., the son of King Philip II.  Although Alexander is famous for being one of history's greatest military strategists and for conquering most of the known world, his greatness also stems from his honesty, humbleness, and intergrity, which he learned from his famous tutor, Aristotle. 

Alexander became king before he reached the age of twenty when his father was assassinated.  He immediately set out to put an end to the wars the Persians had been waging against the western world for over 200 years.  His goal was clear - to conquer the Persians in what he felt was going to be the "war to end all wars."  But being a student of Aristotle, he did not want to kill and plunder the enemy; rather, he wanted to treat the Persian people as his brothers and bring them a better life.

Alexander the Great died in June, 323 B.C., in Babylon from unknown causes.  After his death, his very incapable brother, Philip III, was declared his successor.  However, Alexander's generals fought over control of the vast empire for the next 40 years.

These coins were minted in an age (336-323 B.C.) when Alexander the Great ruled Macedon.  They are a tangible link to the history he carved.  Each coin has been certified by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation and come housed in their own museum grade holder.