As far as military figures are concerned, Alexander the Great is considered to be one of the greatest in history. Alexander the Great coins show his worth not just in terms of Greek wealth at the time; they also demonstrate worth of a single person in extending an empire. Coins have turned up all over the lands Alexander once conquered, just as he himself showed his face in those same lands.
Money came in various forms. One is the gold coin, another bronze. Silver items have also be found by collectors and curators, often in amazingly good condition. One face connects them all.
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Each of these three is slightly different from the others, though. For one thing, gold examples showed the mighty leader wearing a helmet. Greek mythological figures were commonly depicted on the reverse, or sometimes an eagle would appear instead.
One might think fraudulent coinage to be a modern problem only. In fact, counterfeiters were working in the ancient world too, without hi-tech advantages to ensure professional-looking replication or computerized sophisticated checking measures to halt their progress and bring crooks to justice. The biggest difference is that historical fraud is of great interest to interested parties today, after two thousand years, and no longer an object of judicial pursuit.
Collectors can admire coins from throughout the era of Alexander. Be warned, however, that this reign was short. He died in his thirties. Meanwhile, money was still minted bearing his image after the military master died. You might also find examples turned into a set of regal-looking earrings, a pendant or ring.
Art enthusiasts should spend some time exploring the detail of those best-preserved examples. Though many have worn away, artists who rendered these articles must have been highly skilled. Locks of hair, muscles, eyes, facial features: all have been created with a keen eye and precise hand, yet without modern technology to help.