Ave!

Macedon, King Philip III, Silver Drachm, Zeus Reverse

Silver; 17mm/4.3gm    Sardes Mint, ca. 323-319 BC

Con/ Minor roughness on the obverse, otherwise, Good Very Fine.

Obv/ Head of Herakles right, wearing Nemean Lion skin, scalp over head, forepaws tied at neck.

Rev/ AΛEΞANΔPOY; Zeus Aëtophoros seated left on throne without back, nude to the waist, himation around hips and legs, right foot forward (Alexander the Great lifetime style), eagle in extended right hand, long scepter vertical behind in left hand; star above TI in left field.

FYI - "Zeus Aëtophoros" refers to a specific representation of the Greek god Zeus, meaning "Zeus the Eagle-Bearer" or "Zeus with the Eagle". It's a way of depicting him, particularly in ancient coins and artwork, where he's shown holding an eagle, a symbol associated with his power and authority. The term combines "aetos" (eagle) and "phoros" (bearer) to describe the god's connection to the eagle

Ref/ Price 88

Seller's Note/ Traditionally, coins naming Alexander have been attributed to Alexander III the Great, but the Alexander named on this issue was most likely his son Alexander IV.

This coin was struck shortly after the death of Alexander the Great in the name of his infant son, Alexander IV. Alexander IV and Philip III, Alexander's brother, were made joint kings after Alexander's death. Sardes struck coins in the names of both kings. Alexander IV was an infant and Philip was mentally disabled, neither king was capable of actual rule and both were selected only to serve as pawns to the regents power. Philip III was actually imprisoned. In 317, Olympias had Philip murdered to ensure sole rule by her grandson Alexander IV. But Alexander IV would never rule. In 311 B.C., he and his mother Roxana were executed by the regent Kassander.Yikes!