Alexander III “The Great” AR Tetradrachm – Sidon Mint

Ancient Greek – Alexander III ‘The Great’ Silver Tetradrachm

RY 20 of Abdalonymos

Obv: Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress.

Rev: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, Zeus seated left on low throne, holding long scepter in his left hand and eagle standing right with closed wings in his right; to left, Y; below throne, ΣΙ.

314/313 BC. · Sidon Mint · Price 350b

17.2g ·  28mm

Abdalonymos of Sidon became king in 332 BCE after Alexander the Great’s conquest of the city. Despite being of noble lineage, he was living in poverty as a gardener when Alexander’s general, Hephaestion, selected him for the throne based on his reputation for integrity. Alexander, impressed by his humility and character, appointed him as king, believing true nobility lay in virtue rather than wealth. Abdalonymos then ruled Sidon under Macedonian influence.