Alexander the Great Babylon Decadrachm Replica | Hand-Struck Silver Coin

Why collectors buy this piece

• Inspired by an exceptionally rare silver denomination issued during Alexander’s lifetime
• Features the distinctive Herakles portrait wearing the Nemean lion’s skin
• Reproduces Zeus holding an eagle and sceptre, with Alexander’s name in Greek
• Represents the Babylon issue catalogued as Price 3600
• Substantial sterling silver weight of more than 40 grams
• Faithfully reproduced using traditional hand-striking methods in sterling silver
• Individually hammered, giving each replica its own surface character and outline

Best suited for collectors interested in Alexander the Great, Greek mythology and large silver denominations.

Overview & Craftsmanship

This Alexander the Great Babylon decadrachm replica is individually hand-struck in solid sterling silver. Its broad surface gives prominence to Herakles’ facial features, the lion-skin headdress and the seated figure of Zeus.

The reverse carries ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, meaning “of Alexander,” with a control monogram above M beneath the throne. These details connect the design to the ancient silver issue catalogued as Price 3600.

Each replica is hammered individually, producing small differences in relief, centering, edge shape and surface texture. Its substantial weight makes it a distinctive addition to a collection or display of Greek coin replicas.

Historical & Numismatic Background

• Alexander III of Macedon, known as Alexander the Great, reigned from 336 to 323 BC.
• The ancient Price 3600 decadrachm is dated circa 325–323 BC and conventionally attributed to Babylon.
• A decadrachm, also spelled dekadrachm, represented ten drachms—two and a half times the denomination of a tetradrachm.
• The obverse depicts Herakles wearing the skin of the Nemean lion, an attribute of the hero.
• Zeus appears on the reverse holding an eagle and sceptre, familiar symbols of his divine authority.
• The inscription ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ identifies the coinage as issued in Alexander’s name.
• The purpose of these exceptionally rare large silver issues remains debated; their proposed use as royal presentation gifts is unproven.

Numismatic References:

References for the ancient issue represented:

– Martin Price, The Coinage in the Name of Alexander the Great and Philip Arrhidaeus (1991), no. 3600

– American Numismatic Society, PELLA — Price 3600

– Numismatica Ars Classica 72 (2013), lot 344 — published comparative specimen

– Roma Numismatics XXV (2022), lot 275 — comparative specimen and auction result

Technical Details & Variations

Type: Alexander the Great Babylon decadrachm replica

Denomination represented: AR Decadrachm — ten drachms

Mint: Babylon mint

Era represented: Circa 325–323 BC

Material: Sterling silver (925)

Weight: approx. 41-42 g

Dimensions: approx. 35-36 mm

Manufacturing method: Hand-struck (hammered)

Obverse: Bust of Herakles right, wearing lion’s skin
Legend:
Anepigraphic

Reverse: Zeus seated left on a throne, holding an eagle on his extended right hand and a sceptre in his left; monogram M below throne
Legend:
AΛEΞANΔPOY

Measurements are approximate. Individual strikes may vary slightly in weight, diameter, centering, relief, and surface appearance.

Intended Use

Suitable for:

– collections of ancient Greek coin replicas

– historical and educational displays

– study of Alexander’s coinage and Greek mythology

– distinctive gifts for coin collectors and history enthusiasts

Replica Disclaimer

This item is a hand-struck sterling silver replica inspired by ancient Greek coinage. It is not an original ancient coin.

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