Image: Wikimedia Commons · The government of the Kingdom of Macedonia. · Public domain
Macedonian Drachm
Greece
336–168
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Market Price Range
Based on 5 eBay listings · Prices vary by grade and condition
Estimated Melt Value
$10.06
Based on Silver spot price ($80.83/oz) · 90.0% purity · 4.3g
Updated 12:11 AM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | Greece |
| Years Minted | 336–168 |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 4.3 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Plain |
Design
Obverse
Typically features a portrait of Alexander the Great or a successor ruler, often wearing a diadem or lion skin.
Reverse
Usually depicts a Macedonian shield, a seated figure such as Zeus, or symbolic elements like an eagle or thunderbolt.
History & Notable Facts
The Macedonian drachm often depicted the head of Herakles on its obverse, a clever nod to Alexander the Great's claimed divine heritage that his successors exploited for legitimacy. This wasn't mere decoration; it helped unify a fracturing empire through pocket-sized propaganda.
These silver coins were struck by Alexander's heirs from 336 to 168 BC, as generals like Ptolemy and Seleucus vied for power. Designs varied by mint, with reverses showing eagles or thunderbolts to symbolize Zeus, Alexander's supposed father. Not all issues are well-documented, though; many details about specific workshops have been lost to time.
Collectors might quibble over authenticity, but I've seen enough fakes to know the real ones hold their value quietly. As for mintage, no one kept precise counts back then.
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