Ancient Coin Stories

What is there to say about perhaps the greatest general in history? Although he ruled a scant thirteen years, he was never defeated in battle and he managed to conquer half the known world, and some of the unknown. He took down the largest empire at the time, then moved into India. His empire had profound effects from Italy to India for hundreds of years after his death.

I’ve read more about Alexander the Great than I have of any other historical figure. He was a complicated person, beyond courageous in battle, kind to those he subjugated, but also quick to judgement. He led many attacks in the front line, and more than a few battle was won by his taking no heed to danger. Multiple times he was wounded and feared killed.

It must have been difficult, though, leading an army who worshipped him, but also who didn’t agree with many of his ideals. Alexander truly wanted a meshing of the world, while most of his soldiers just wanted booty. As his campaign became ever longer, conspiracies came out for his death, and by the end Alexander was truly paranoid. He had already killed several of his closest generals and friends, including Parmenion, Philotas, and Kleitos the Black.

When I first started collecting coins, a tetradrachm from Alexander’s lifetime was one of my top targets. It took some time to achieve, as they always attract attention, but finally I won one. I now own two tetradrachms, two drachms, two units, and a rare diobol from his lifetime.

True to form, his monetary system lasted in parts of Greece and Asia Minor until over two hundred years after his death. The city of Alexandria was named by him, and still stands as a great city in Egypt.

Other lifetime coins of Alexander the Great.