• Alexander the Great Keychain

Alexander the Great Keychain

£2,850
Alexander the Great Keychain
Alexander the Great Keychain
Alexander the Great Keychain
Close
Details
Authentic Macedon silver drachm coin set in sterling silver. Handmade in Rome.
History

The coinage of Alexander the Great, particularly the silver drachma, often depicted him with a lion scalp, symbolising his strength and heroic conquests. These coins were crucial in spreading his image and influence across his vast empire.

Alexander, succeeding his father King Philip II at just 20, led Macedon to unprecedented victories, conquering Persia, Egypt, the Middle East, and parts of Afghanistan and India. Beyond expanding his domain, he aimed to unify his empire's diverse cultures, fostering the Hellenistic Age, a period marked by significant achievements in art, literature, science, and numismatics.

His coins depicted him as Heracles (Hercules to the Romans), wearing a lion scalp, symbolising the hero's slaying of the Nemean Lion, the first of the 12 Labours. The reverse featured Zeus, the supreme Greek god, seated on a decorated throne, holding a sceptre and an eagle, symbolising divine strength and authority. The inscription “ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ” (Of King Alexander) reinforced Alexander's divine association and legitimised his rule. These coins not only facilitated economic unity but also served as powerful propaganda, promoting his image throughout the ancient world.

The coins of Alexander the Great are tangible pieces of history, offering a glimpse into his life, power, and legacy. They serve as a portal to the early days of civilisation, showing how the past informs the present and future.

Measurements

Coin Ø 16-20mm

Delivery

Free worldwide delivery is available on all orders over £1500 / €1800.

You may return or exchange all mainline products ordered within 14 days of receipt of the goods.

View our FAQs for more information

Care

Each ancient coin and artefact used in our jewellery has been restored and professionally stabilised to ensure it can be enjoyed for lifetimes. Patina, the natural toning and oxidation on silver, bronze, and copper coins, is not dirt; it is a protective layer formed over hundreds of years, adding to the coin’s unique history. Conservation efforts aim to stabilise and preserve these valuable patinas whenever possible. Silver naturally tones over time, developing a soft to deep grey with brighter highlights on raised surfaces. This toning is highly coveted, adding a touch of age and beauty to the coin’s details that only time can provide.

View our CARE recommendations

Alexander the Great Keychain
Alexander the Great Keychain
Alexander the Great Keychain
Alexander III ‘The Great’
Alexander III ‘The Great’
(DRACHM)
The coinage of Alexander the Great, particularly the silver drachma, often depicted him with a lion scalp, symbolising his strength and heroic conquests. These coins were crucial in spreading his image and influence across his vast empire.
Silver
Silver
(STERLING)
Silver's chemical symbol, Ag, is derived from the Latin word for silver, argentum, comparable to the Ancient Greek ἄργυρος (árgyros). Silver has a white, shiny appearance and is traditionally associated with the Moon or the goddess Artemis (Diana to the Romans).
Alexander III ‘The Great’
Alexander III ‘The Great’
(DRACHM)
The coinage of Alexander the Great, particularly the silver drachma, often depicted him with a lion scalp, symbolising his strength and heroic conquests. These coins were crucial in spreading his image and influence across his vast empire.
Silver
Silver
(STERLING)
Silver's chemical symbol, Ag, is derived from the Latin word for silver, argentum, comparable to the Ancient Greek ἄργυρος (árgyros). Silver has a white, shiny appearance and is traditionally associated with the Moon or the goddess Artemis (Diana to the Romans).