Legacy in the Shadow of Empire
Alexander Commemorative Tetradrachm Pendant
In the wake of Alexander the Great's death in Babylon, his empire trembled but his image endured. This pendant holds a rare silver tetradrachm struck between 323 and 320 BCE by his half brother Philip III, a coin born not of conquest, but of commemoration.
On the obverse, Herakles appears in lion skin helm the image of strength, divinity, and kingship Alexander claimed as his own. It is not merely a likeness; it is a symbol, forged to preserve the face of a ruler now mythologized.
The reverse presents Zeus enthroned, eagle in hand and scepter raised the divine authority that sanctioned empire. The name of Philip III runs boldly down the side: a new king beneath the shadow of a greater one.
This pendant is not simply adorned, but enthroned. A polished ring of deep black onyx frames the coin like a funeral wreath, set in thick 18K rose gold and lit with bright tsavorite accents. The result is regal, reverent echoing both death and deification.
Details
Period: 323–320 BCE
Mint: Babylon, Macedonian Kingdom
Issuer: Philip III Arrhidaeus Coin
Type: Silver tetradrachm (Alexander commemorative issue)
Obverse: Herakles in lion-skin helmet (portrait of Alexander)
Reverse: Zeus seated, eagle & scepter; "AY" below throne; inscription “ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ” (of King Philip)
Setting:
18K rose gold (solid, thick bezel)
Natural black onyx inlay (2.46g)
Natural tsavorites (green garnet)
• 4 × 0.9mm
• 10 × 1.0mm
• 14 × 1.3mm
• 4 × 1.4mm
• 9 × 1.5mm
• 4 × 1.7mm
Coin Weight: 17.19g
Total Weight: 34.68g
Dimensions: 51mm (height with bail) × 38.92mm (width) × 6.21mm (thickness)
Uniqueness: One of a kind; museum-grade condition
