I actually bought this one a good long while ago, but wanted to wait for the opportune moment. As opposed to the lots I bought to flip for profit, this one was for me
Long ago, as I was becoming acquainted with world history, I of course became acquainted with Alexander the Great, arguably one of the most important figures in Western history. I was fascinated with old coins (my oldest at thr time being a 1944 penny) and drooled over the illustrations of his nice, big tetradrachms. It was at the top of my wish list when I wandered over here over two years ago, but I never could pull the trigger on the price.
Earlier this year, I did some research and then started on my research, resolving to get a lifetime Alexander tetradrachm, reasonably free of imperfections, and of course a strong portrait was a must! This was my selection, after much deliberation:
Alexander III "The Great" 336-323 BC
AR Tetradrachm, lifetime issue (327-323 BC)
Tarsus mint (southern Turkey)
Head of Herakles right in lion skin
Zeus seated left, holding eagle and scepter, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ behind
Left field: Plough
Cluster of grapes beneath chair, two pellets above strut
Price 3027
In addition to having a really cool looking mint mark, Tarsus was the site of a major Achaemenid treasury, so when it fell to the Greek armies, it helped significantly to pay mercenaries to further the campaign into India. While common, I believe these are among the more desired of Alexander's lifetime issues. These coins are struck in DEEP relief!
Thanks for looking, and feel free to chip in with your own Alexander III coins!
Posted 12/26/2017 10:49 pm
great strike!
and 
