Alexander the Great-era silver coin from 323 BC up for sale in Australia: Check how much it costs

The 25-mm silver coin was minted in Babylon and features Herakles on one side and Zeus holding an eagle on the other, with Greek inscriptions naming Alexander. By CNBCTV18.com August 18, 2026, 12:00:36 AM IST (Published)

A silver coin from the era of Alexander the Great is up for sale in Australia, drawing attention from collectors of ancient currency and historical artefacts. The rare artefact, listed on Rare Coins Melbourne, is priced at $2,150 (approximately ₹2.05 lakh). Graded as almost Extremely Fine (aEF), the single available coin features sharp details along with an attractive natural toning.

Dating back to 323–317 BC, this coin belongs to the Macedonian region under the Babylon mint. The obverse showcases the head of Herakles facing right, wearing his iconic lion-skin headdress. The reverse depicts Zeus seated on a backless throne, holding an eagle in his outstretched right hand, with Greek inscriptions (BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔΡOY)

The silver coin measures 25 mm in diameter and weighs 17.19 grams.

It was previously part of a private collection and acquired from Kunsthandel Mike Zilverberg in Amsterdam. Silver tetradrachms struck during and immediately following Alexander the Great’s reign served as the standard international currency across his vast empire, spanning Greece, Persia, and parts of India.

As noted by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Alexander claimed descent from Herakles, while Zeus represented a universal symbol of authority across the Greek world. Following Alexander’s death in 323 BC, his generals and successors continued minting coins in his likeness to maintain economic stability throughout the ancient world.

Coins from this specific era are highly sought after due to their artistic mastery and military symbolism. The Babylon mint held strategic importance during Alexander’s campaigns, making coins produced there during the early Hellenistic period key items for museum-grade collections. Silver tetradrachms of this standard were widely used to pay soldiers, fund massive trade networks, and secure alliances across continents.

For collectors and antiquities investors, its condition makes it a compelling addition to an ancient coin portfolio. It also offers a rare connection to the political and military world that shaped the ancient Mediterranean. (Edited by : priyanka deshpande)