Lot 169

Greek Alexander the Great Silver Drachm in Gilt Pendant

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Lot 169
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Greek Alexander the Great Silver Drachm in Gilt Pendant
Greek Alexander the Great Silver Drachm in Gilt Pendant
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Greek Alexander the Great Silver Drachm in Gilt Pendant

Estimate: $800 - $1,200

Current Bid: $400

(1 Bid)
by Artemis Fine Arts
June 5, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Ancient Greece, Hellenistic Period, ca. 4th to 3rd century BCE. A striking ancient Greek silver drachm, now preserved within a modern gold-plated nickel pendant, uniting classical iconography with wearable form. The obverse presents a finely worn but still legible portrait of Herakles (Hercules), shown in profile and clad in the lion skin, a deliberate association used by Alexander the Great to link himself with divine strength and heroic lineage. The reverse depicts Zeus enthroned, holding an eagle and scepter, symbols of sovereignty and divine authority. Though softened by circulation, the composition remains discernible, with the seated god rendered in a balanced, commanding posture typical of Alexander-era coinage. Such imagery reinforced the ruler's claim to power, placing him within the lineage of gods and mythic heroes. Size: 1" L x 0.7" W (2.5 cm x 1.8 cm); silver quality: 98.8%; weight: 4.2 grams

The coin has been set within a simple gold-plated nickel mount, transforming an object of ancient commerce into a pendant suitable for modern wear. The mounting frames the coin without obscuring its surfaces, allowing both sides to be appreciated while acknowledging its secondary life as jewelry. Both historical artifact and personal adornment, this piece carries the enduring presence of Alexander's empire, where political ambition, mythology, and artistry were struck together in silver and sent across the ancient world.

Provenance: ex-T.F. Holy Lands collection, formed since the 1960s

SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.

Item # 200961

  • Condition: Ancient coin set in a modern gold-plated nickel pendant to be wearable. New chipping to side of coin as shown, as well as surface wear and rubbing with softening to detail. Light patina in areas.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000