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Tertradrachm (Coin) Portraying Alexander the Great as Herakles

A work made of silver.
CC0 Public Domain Designation

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  • A work made of silver.

Date:

336-323 BCE

Artist:

Greek, minted in Amphipolis, Macedonia

About this artwork

The purpose of the first portrait coins was to identify the ruler. The front side became a mirror of the sovereign’s self-image. The back was often used to communicate the ruler’s accomplishments or intentions. The profile portrait was used because it suited the very shallow depth and limited surface of the coin. The tiny images were carved by engravers into bronze dies, one for the front and another for the back. The coins were then struck, one by one, in a process similar to how modern coins are created today.

Certainly the best-known face in antiquity was that of Alexander the Great (reigned 336–323 BCE), whose profile, seen in this coin here, graced coins for two hundred years. He collected the treasure of conquered kingdoms as he swept across the Near East, and with this rich booty he set up mints that produced coins bearing his portrait. The back (reverse) of this coin depicts the god Zeus draped and seated on a backless throne; in his extended right hand he holds an eagle, wings folded.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Arts of the Ancient Mediterranean and Byzantium

Culture

Ancient Greek

Title

Tertradrachm (Coin) Portraying Alexander the Great as Herakles

Place

Greece (Minted in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

336 BCE–323 BCE

Medium

Silver

Dimensions

Diam.: 2.7 cm (1 1/8 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of William F. Dunham

Reference Number

1920.708

IIIF Manifest  The International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) represents a set of open standards that enables rich access to digital media from libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural institutions around the world.

Learn more.

https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/181034/manifest.json

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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