Alexander the Great died in 323 BC, and this silver drachm left the dies during his lifetime rather than in the posthumous series that followed. NGC also flagged it Fine Style, a designation reserved for coins from dies cut by the finest engravers of the period. Drachms of this type paid the armies that carried Macedonian rule from Greece toward the Indus, and they became common currency across the ancient world. Lifetime pieces in Fine Style with full Mint State detail are the ones advanced collectors of the series chase hardest.

The obverse carries the head of young Heracles facing right, wearing the lion skin headdress knotted at the neck, with the mane cut in deep individual locks. Many collectors read Alexander's own features into the portrait, and the engraving here is sharp enough to study closely. On the reverse Zeus sits on a backless throne, holding an eagle on his outstretched right hand while a long scepter rises behind his shoulder. A monogram sits in the left field below the eagle, and the dotted borders stay nearly complete on both sides.

NGC graded this drachm Choice Mint State with a Strike of 5/5 and a Surface of 4/5, along with the Fine Style notation. The surfaces keep bright original luster, while the lion skin and the torso of Zeus show no trace of circulation wear. Centering is strong, so the full design remains inside the borders on each side, and the 4.30 gram flan is well made. Combining a top strike score with Fine Style dies and this level of preservation puts the coin well above the typical survivor. A welcome addition to any collection of ancient Greek silver or Macedonian royal coinage.

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336-323 BC Alexander the Great Silver Drachm Lifetime Issue NGC Choice Mint State Fine Style 5x4