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Lot number: 26375-17868

Gold pendant (14 ct) with original silver drachm in the name of Alexander III 'the Great', 336-323 B.C.E.

Sold for: $1,250

Gold pendant (14 ct) with original silver drachm in the name of Alexander III 'the Great', 336-323 B.C.E.
Hellenistic Era 336-63 BCE.
Alexander the Great ruled from 336-323. He brought together Classical civilisation and the cultures of the Ancient Near east. For example Alexandria, named after him, was the seat of the god Zeus-Serapis, combining the Greek father of the gods with the Egyptian Serapis. The Hellenistic culture was favoured by the priestly classes in the young Hasmonean kingdom and this was the cause of a series of conflicts approaching the dimensions of civil war within the Jewish people.
In a midrash it is related that Alexander intended to besiege Jerusalem. On the way he encountered Shim’on Hatzaddik, the head of the Sanhedrin, who is famous for saying, “On three things the world stands, Torah, Work and Charity”. Shim’on Hatzaddik overwhelmed him by his dignified bearing that he said, he gave up on his plans to conquer Jerusalem. Shim’on, in turn, said that all the Jewish boys born in the coming year would be called Alexander.

Size: 3.0 X 2.1 centimeter approximately.
Total weight (the pendant and the coin): 8.2 grams approximately.
The item includes an elegant certificate of authenticity.

DESCRIPTION
A silver drachm in the name of Alexander III 'the Great' (336-323 B.C.E.).
Obv: Head of Hercules facing right, wearing the scalp of the Nemean lion right.
Rev: Zeus enthroned left holding eagle and scepter. Around, Greek inscription AΛEΞANΔPOY ('of Alexander'). In left lower field bell like device as mintmark.

Weight:  8.2 gr
Measurement:  2.1 x 3 cm