Macedonian Drachm obverseObverse

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

$99.99$256.80$695.00

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

CountryGreece
Years Minted336–168
CompositionSilver
Weight4.3 g
Diameter18 mm
ShapeRound
EdgePlain

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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