Macedon, Alexander Ii Tetradrachm, 336-323 Bc.

Silver Tetradrachm with bust of Herakles with Nemean Lion skin over his head on obverse and a seated Zeus holding a scepter in one hand and an eagle on the other, bearing greek “BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY” (translation: King Alexander), measuring at 27.66mm (w) x 26.76mm (h) and weighing at 17.1 grams.

Footnote: Alexander the Great of Macedon reigned from 336BC until his death in 323BC. He was the son of King Philip II of Macedon, and was most known for his exceptional military strategies which allowed him to expand on his father’s conquest of uniting Greek city states and build the largest empire of the ancient world. 

Herakles was given 12 labors to complete in punishment for killing his wife and his children, which occurred because the Goddess Hera made Herakles lose his mind. Once he was awoken from the rage, he sought repentance and was forced to serve Eurystheus, King of Mycenae who gave him the twelve labors to complete. The first labor he was given was to kill the Nemean lion, whose skin he wore about completion of the task, which is featured on the obverse of the coin.