Alexander III The Great – Hand-Struck Silver Tetradrachm Replica (Bust of Herakles)

Mesembria, Nesebar Bulgaria today, was a Doric settlement on a Black Sea island just off mainland Thrace. Thrace was invaded by the Galatians in 279 B.C. Only the wealthy coastal cities, including Mesembria, withstood their attacks. Following that chaos, rule of Thrace was divided between many tribes. Philip V, 221 – 179 B.C., tried to regain control of the area for the Macedonian Kingdom, but his success was limited and short lived. Mesembria was taken by Mithradates VI in the First Mithradatic War and surrendered to Rome in 71 B.C. The city struck Alexandrine tetradrachms as early as 275 B.C., more than 50 years after Alexander’s death, and probably issued the very last Alexandrine tetradrachms struck anywhere, possibly under Roman rule as late as 65 B.C.

DESIGN:
Obverse side
Bust of Herakles right, wearing Nemean Lion skin, scalp over head, forepaws tied at neck
Legend:
Anepigraphic

Reverse side
Zeus Aëtophoros seated left on throne, right leg drawn back, eagle in extended right hand, long scepter vertical behind in left hand; Corinthian helmet in left field, ΔA under throne
Legend:
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY

Compare designs and mint varieties in our Alexander the Great tetradrachm replica collection.