Alexander the Great Tetradrachm

Explore Alexander the Great tetradrachm replicas in hand-struck sterling silver. Compare the Herakles and Zeus designs of Memphis, Mesembria and Odessos, then choose the portrait, reverse details and finish that appeal to you. Every coin in this collection is a reproduction inspired by ancient coinage, not an original ancient coin.

Shop Alexander tetradrachm replicas

Open a product to see both sides, its measurements and current availability. Each piece is individually struck by hand, so the shape, centering and surface can vary between examples.

Also explore our additional Odessos tetradrachm variant and Herakles and Zeus tetradrachm with an arrow symbol (CSGT0031).

What is an Alexander the Great tetradrachm?

A tetradrachm was a silver denomination worth four drachms. Alexander III of Macedon used the Attic weight standard, with a tetradrachm of approximately 17.2 grams. These coins helped finance his armies and circulated across the territories connected by his conquests. The Kelsey Museum’s introduction to Alexander’s coinage explains this monetary system and its continuation under his successors.

The name describes a large family of issues, not one identical coin. Different mints used related designs with their own symbols, letters and artistic styles. Ancient examples vary in weight and diameter; the measurements of our replicas are listed on their individual product pages.

Herakles, Zeus and the Greek inscription

The familiar design pairs Herakles wearing the Nemean lion’s skin on the obverse with Zeus seated, holding an eagle and sceptre on the reverse. Herakles is the figure identified on this coin type; the lion-skin head should not automatically be described as a literal portrait of Alexander. This iconography is recorded in the British Museum’s collection catalogue.

The reverse commonly bears ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, meaning “of Alexander.” Some issues also include ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ, forming “of King Alexander.” Small symbols and monograms beside Zeus or beneath his throne help distinguish the varieties. Compare the reverse as carefully as the portrait when choosing a replica.

Lifetime and posthumous issues

A lifetime issue was struck while Alexander was alive; a posthumous issue was struck after his death in 323 BC. Successor rulers and cities continued producing coins in his name long afterwards. A coin bearing Alexander’s name therefore does not, by itself, establish a lifetime date.

Attribution depends on the complete combination of design, symbols, inscriptions and reference evidence. The American Numismatic Society’s PELLA catalogue covers both royal and posthumous coinages, using Martin Price’s reference numbers for the Alexander series. For our reproductions, historical dates describe the ancient type represented, not the age of the replica.

Choosing between Memphis, Mesembria and Odessos

Memphis: the Egyptian connection

The Memphis tetradrachm replica offers the classic Herakles and Zeus pairing with a rose symbol on the reverse. It is a useful starting point if Alexander’s connection with Egypt is what draws you to his coinage.

Mesembria: compare the helmet and monograms

Our Mesembria selection includes several posthumous varieties. Look for the small Corinthian helmet beside Zeus, then compare the accompanying letters and monograms. Start with the Mesembria tetradrachm replica with XP and KO controls or the Mesembria variety with ΔA beneath the throne.

Odessos: the Black Sea connection

Odessos is present-day Varna, the city where CoinAntix is based. Explore the Odessos Herakles and Zeus replica alongside the Lakon variety. Their differences in portrait treatment and reverse lettering make them rewarding pieces to compare.

Hand-struck sterling silver

These Alexander tetradrachm replicas are made in solid sterling silver and struck individually by hand. Small differences in the flan, strike and finish give each piece its own appearance. Consult the individual listing for dimensions, photographs and whether it offers the pictured coin or another hand-struck example.

A replica offers a way to handle and study the design, build a themed display or give a historically inspired gift. It should always be identified as a reproduction, not presented as an ancient find.

Other Alexander the Great coin replicas

Explore a different scale or design with our Alexander hemidrachm and decadrachm replicas. These related pieces are separate denominations from the tetradrachms featured above.

The Alexander hemidrachm replica presents Herakles and Zeus in a smaller format. The Babylon decadrachm replica carries the familiar pairing on a larger coin, while the Porus decadrachm replica features the distinctive horseman and elephant scene associated with Alexander’s Indian campaign. Open each listing to compare its dimensions and photographs.

Explore more Greek coin replicas

Browse the wider Greek tetradrachm collection, discover other ancient Greek coin replicas, or read our introduction to the Greek tetradrachm.