World and Ancient Coins
ASI has created the World and Ancients Program to showcase foreign minted numismatic coins that we believe demonstrate real collectible value to our clients. Because these coins were not minted in the U.S., we do not consider them to be a part of our Spotlight Program, however, we wanted to find a way to highlight ancient and foreign-minted coins that we believed would also be of interest to our clients.
To see past World and Ancients offers, click here.
November Ancient Coin
Hold 2,300 Years of Silver History in Your Hand
By Patrick Richey
When we talk about ancient history, a few iconic names with important coinage come to mind; Cleopatra, Marc Antony, Julius Caesar, Darius, but none are as recognizable as that of the Macedonian military master Alexander III “The Great”.
The son of Philip II, Alexander (356–323 BC) was a student of Aristotle until the age of 16 and inherited a powerful army at the age of 20 upon his father’s assassination. Throughout his 20’s he spent the majority of his time away from his Kingdom, expanding it.
His legacy is that of an undefeated leader and military genius, despite multiple encounters in which he found himself outnumbered. His mother encouraged him from birth that his mission was to defeat the Persian Empire, and much of his early military success was in defeating King Darius III. By the age of 30 he conquered much of the World that was known to him, and as quick as he dominated that world, he died at the age of 32.
Among the most popular coins struck during Alexander’s reign, silver tetradrachms were minted in great numbers, likely to pay for his vast military conquests. While low-grade examples can be found with relative ease, AU and Mint State pieces are always in high demand.
About the Coin Design
Obverse: Head of Heracles (son of Zeus, also known as Hercules) faces right, wearing lion skin headdress, paws tied before
Reverse: Reads "ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ" (translation: Alexander), Zeus seated left on backless throne, right leg drawn back, feet on stool, eagle in right hand, scepter in left; rose in left field, "ΔI-O" below strut and in inner right field.
NGC Census Data – Out of 4,589 pieces, only 238 have achieved Mint State grade, with only two total graded finer!
Today’s Offer
This month’s selection is the first of our ancient offerings. For less than $1,200, you can hold 2,300 years of silver history in your hand, struck in high relief! The Alexander the Great silver tetradrachm is an incredible piece of history, and a foundation piece for every ancients collection.
• We have just six (6) coins available in Choice AU grade for $899 each.
• We have just four (4) coins available in MS grade for $1,199 each.
As with our Spotlight Program, the process of finding, selecting, and obtaining coins for this program takes months of work and effort before an offer is released to you. All coins come slabbed and graded.
This small, exclusive offering will not last long, and we encourage you to take a serious look at any coins that catch your eye, as they are unique and may go quickly. Call us at 800-831-0007 or email at infoasi@assetstrategies.com.