EGYPT, Alexander III ‘the Great’, 336-323 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 26mm, 17.26 g 11), Memphis, c. 332-323. 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, in his right, eagle standing right with closed wings; to left, rose; below throne and to right, ΔΙ Ο. Price 3971. A remarkably fine example of this desirable type. Toned and of the finest style. Some flatness and minor scratches on the reverse, otherwise, extremely fine.

From the Stoecklin Collection, bought from Bank Leu in Zürich.

This was one of the earliest issues of Alexander struck in Egypt and it is the ancestor of all subsequent Ptolemaic coinage. These early issues are well known because of their outstanding style. For other early examples from Memphis, see lots 94 and 95 above.