How to tell if your Alexander the Great Coin is Lifetime or Posthumous

Relevant Links mentioned in this video:
Video guide on how to Read Ancient Greek Coins: • Ancient Coins: How to ...
PELLA coin database: numismatics.org/pella/?lang=en
SELEUCID COINS database: numismatics.org/sco/?lang=en
Coins of Alexander the Great are very common and one of the most popular types of Ancient Coins on the market. They are full of historical significance and have gorgeous art. However, most of the coins made on Alexander's name are actually posthumous. How can you tell them apart? In this video we will learn how to catalogue and identify your coin.
Special Thanks to Damian Salgado from Numischannel for the knowledge and support in making this video possible, subscribe to his channel: / @numischannel
Recommended Literature
100 Greatest Ancient Coins - amzn.to/3hKz1o4
The Handbook of Ancient Greek and Roman Coins - amzn.to/3iTB1vv
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Leuchturm Coin case S6 - amzn.to/3aAZTFu
All images featured on PELLA and SCO belong to the American Numismatic Society, and are reproduced here under Creative Commons and Fair Use laws and regulations.

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Would you like to support the channel and my work? Consider buying some channel Merch! You get a cool T-Shirt or Mug and you help me make more Ancient Numismatic content. Thank you! leob.creator-spring.com/

[@martyjewell710]

Shirt ordered!

[@ikeepa9659]

As a coin collector and the owner of an Alexander the Great coin. This will be helpful, Thanks!

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

I am very glad to help any fellow numismatist, hope this video makes your life easier :)

[@Mattdewit]

Another database I can recommend is the Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum (SNG) created by the British acadamy. I would also advise people to buy the holy bible of Ancient coins: The Oxford Handbook of Greek and Roman Coinage.

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

The Oxford handbook is spectacular, indeed a very good recommendation. The Sylloge Nummorum can be quite hard for beginners, but it is also a good reference source.

[@DwarffHunter]

I learn so much with each video. Thanks!

[@Matts_Ancient_Coins]

Great video idea! I did not understand this when I bought my first Alexander the Great coin. Very helpful video for collectors.

[@lonnielisser9783]

I had the chance to get my first Alexander the Great coin and was so excited that around the same time you came out with this video. The timing couldn’t have been any better. After watching your video I got to working on researching as much as possible before acquiring this coin. I checked out the Price guide and was a little overwhelmed by the amount of information given there. I also checked out PELLA like you advised and had a better experience there. I was able to find the coin, a silver Drachma, a posthumous minting, from Lampsacus dated between 310 BCE - 301 BCE. If it wasn’t for you and your very informative videos, I never would have been able to study and learn more about this coin and the history behind it. Thank you so very much for all you do and please continue to teach us what you can. I am hooked like a fish here and will always be a subscriber. Thank you again. 😊

[@lonnielisser9783]

Oops, forgot to tell you, it’s a Price 1385. Thank you so much ☺️

[@thestephensons4520]

Thanks for posting this! I had most of the information, but was able to use Pella to confirm that mine was posthumous from the Taos mint (Price 2279). I didn’t have the catalog reference before.

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Great to know! Good job identifying it :)

[@officeguy3]

Fantastic video. Great information for the collector. Mine is a Price 1531, Antigonos I, 310-301BC minted in Abydos. I had purchased a lifetime drachm in 2022, but it was stolen in transit. Love your videos.

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Too bad for your lost coin! :( Hope you got a refund on it

[@christopherevans2445]

Sadly the only one I have is a posthumous version. Thanks for another good episode

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Even if posthumous, it is still a lovely piece of history :)

[@christopherevans2445]

@@ClassicalNumismatics yes, using this video I learned it was from the kolophon mint 310-301bc. I have more appreciation for it now thanks

[@jedkrantz7003]

interesting, clear, and very informative as usual. Bravo!

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@andrewf4546]

Excellent video. This is what I've been waiting for! Edit: Another thing I was taught is if Zeus's legs are crossed it is "most" likely not a lifetime issue.

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Yes, thats a good rule of thumb, but its not a panacea, there are posthumous issues with Zeus' legs uncrossed.

[@Anders_Lund]

I found mine. A price 29 from the mint in Amphipolis, 336 BCE - 323 BCE. Lifetime and in my mind, the coin looks very good. Thank you for making this video that let me find out more about my Alexander coin

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Good job identifying it! :)

[@colbystearns5238]

I bought for myself a posthumous drachm when I was first starting to collect ancient coins and then my dad gave me a necklace of an actual lifetime tetradrachm as a college graduation gift. :)

[@Vicesca]

The Alexander&Drake?

[@danphelps3583]

Was able to finally identify my drachma. THANK YOU! It is Price 2090 from the Miletus mint - 325-323 BCE. Is there any site that mentions rarity? Mine is rather circulated.

[@martyjewell710]

Again you put out a amazing video! So informative and entertaining. I used your information and links right after watching and was successful in identifying my drachm. Its Price 1501, from Abydus (cool location) and minted from 328 - 323BC so within his last 6 years of life. Again thank you my mentor! (Definitely will buy some more merchandise from you. Love my owl shirt.

[@christopherevans2445]

I believe you're right. He is sort of becoming a mentor to a lot of us I think? Great content and what us Numismatics who are willing to learn and be wrong

[@BopWalk]

I had a lifetime Drachma of Alexander and I'm still sad that I sold it out of desperation 😢

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Remember this is a hobby, buying coins should never put you in an uncomfortable financial position. In any case, the most important thing is your well-being. Once you can afford it again, there will most likely be a lot of lifetime drachmae out there for you to get.

[@rolandnyc4938]

I took a pause from collecting in 2023. A lifetime issue Tetradrachm would be a great place to start again. This video will be very helpful. Thank you.

[@nickking8994]

Several posthumous coins are in my collection, and one lifetime. I really appreciate your videos as they make me return to my coins whenever I watch them. Cheers!

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@dontcensormebro3217]

With the Pella Database you linked, I was able to narrow my Tetradrachm to Price 3560 or 3562. It's hard to tell, but I believe it's a 3560. It really doesn't matter, as it's lifetime either way. It's NGC Certified (so at the very least not a fake), and it has the open legs and no text at the bottom. Finding out that the three vertical lines underneath Zeus' chair was called a "monogram" was the key for me to really narrow down the search. Great Video, btw.

[@haltersweb]

Your knowledge is growing daily and we are the beneficiaries. Thank you!

[@ericcasagrande]

Just wanted to thank you for such an obviously needed instructional video!!

[@maxiewawa]

It's amazing to think that someone could have held those coins in their hand and said, in all seriousness "oh yes, that looks just like him." And you have to imagine that Alexander himself held one, and examined it, right? If someone makes a portrait of another person of course they're going to show that person. Especially if they're in a position of authority.

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Alexander definitely had a say on the picking of this design!

[@gordongrant408]

Thanks Leo ,you have incredible knowledge on very complicated subjects 👍🧐🧐

[@TheScimitar2]

Thank you for this excellent information and reference. I've determined that the Alexander Tetradrachm i have is of a very early posthumous issue from the Amphipolis mint. 323 BC - 320 BC. Price 113. Though the website did not indicate by who, I'm guessing Alexander's regent in Macedon, Antipater.

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Cool! Good job identifying it. And your guess is reasonable, it might have been Antipater

[@bmi696-nw6lu]

Fantastic video for beginners!

[@divernumis]

Very interesting!

[@glasgowjohn6372]

As always, a brilliant presentation for the less knowledgeable collector. I'm lucky to have three,( from the same hoard, not in good condition). I'll take the liberty of downloading this talk, with thanks.

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Feel free to download it and show for everyone you think would get value from this tutorial :) If you would be so kind to just mention my channel when you do so, Id be grateful

[@Mike_of_the_Sonora]

another awesome video! i will be using this as a resource when i get any Alexander coins ( or otherwise) thank you my friend!

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Great! Glad to help

[@homerj806]

Again thank you for the link. This is an update to my previous post on my Alexander tetradrachm. Even with the corrosion damage to the left of the reverse I used the mark underneath the throne to determine that it is posthumous between 323-317 BCE from the city of Myriandrus.

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Thats awesome. Good job identifying it!!

[@grechka666]

Thank you for this video. With your hints, I managed to identify my drachma as Price 1919. I hope 325-323 BCE means a lifetime issue.

[@LongLivedCoins]

Much love

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Roman version coming soon!

[@LongLivedCoins]

@@ClassicalNumismatics Sweet, love the channel

[@briank7936]

That Price 78 is so hilarious. I cant find one for myself to buy. The search continues. I blame you for me buying an Athenian Owl this month. Your videos are a wealth of knowledge. Thank you.

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

You cant go wrong with an Owl :)

[@charlesadkins7067]

great coin

[@pinchevulpes]

life dream is to purchase a gold stater of Alexander or coin and pass it on to my kids

[@redw0lf848]

So if Price attributes a date 326-323 does that mean lifetime?

[@dontcensormebro3217]

Yes.

[@janiskar7892]

📽️👍👍👍👍👍👌

[@philipargo]

I imagine the looks I get from LCS owners and employees when I request only coinage containing images of a phallus. That's going to be fun.

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

🍆👀

[@user-mm8vw1ow1x]

You got any of them... penis coins?

[@wadeng3410]

I have a drachm of alexander that has no RF or LF but only a lyre under Zeus chair. Pr 1768 has the Lyre as LF -the closest I can find. Any ideas ? thanks

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

You should probably check out Pella, start with anything related to a Lyre, a Kithara, and any ancient string instruments. You shouldnt have too much trouble finding it.

[@wadeng3410]

​@@ClassicalNumismatics BTW - thanks for the channel, hrs and effort to produce videos of high quality content. I'm really enjoying expanding my knowledge. That said - I searched Pella / Mantis and Numista and can narrow it down to 2 similar coins. Lyra is in LF for both. Re-did the search with Lyra beneath Zeus chair - nothing found. (options ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, drachm, lyre under zeus seat.) (lyre is the only musical instrument listed in pella). How can I tell if I have a imitation and not an original ? I see some auctions have imitation alexander (minted in eastern empire).

[@wadeng3410]

I have a Pr 2949 which shows mint date 325 BC - 320 BC. So I assume it can be but not definitely a lifetime issue ? How else can I tell. I also have a Pr 164 which overlaps 323 BC. How do I differentiate when its close ?

[@Happyorigins]

I just bought a cleaned Alexander coin on eBay , does the coin being cleaned lower he value)

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

All ancient coins have been cleaned. Dont worry, it does not

[@Happyorigins]

@@ClassicalNumismatics oh ok , thank you so much ! I’ve just recently started collecting coins and I have been buying on Heritage and CNG , I’m new to collecting and I ran into your channel , I have watch so many of your videos they are very informative . Thank you so much for making them. .I bought a Cecilia , tarsus , Guardian III coin AD 238-244 is this a good coin ?

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Watch out for Heritage, in my opinion the prices there are completely crazy. CNG is fine :) Yeah, of course, the coins you mentioned are perfectly fine and very interesting. Now you need to do some research on them, find out about their historical context, and based on that you could expand your collection and find a nice collecting niche. Good luck!

[@Happyorigins]

@@ClassicalNumismatics thank you , how do you find the value of the coin your bidding on so you know the max you should pay ? Sometimes they have a value price on the auction house but is that accurate in your opinion! ?

[@nikmasters5793]

Some times a patina gives a extra boost to the appearance of the coin (especially in bronze. copper coins) and also give a extra plus to his authenticity. I would not clean a ancient coin, remember these coins are about 2000 years old.

[@dennisbettencourt1213]

Have you ever seen or heard of one of these struck in gold? I have recently found one and had it looked at by a local coin grader. He’s not an ancient expert but it tested 90% real regarding gold and looks authentic. It weighs 12.8 grams.

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

I would be highly suspicious of this coin. The gold staters struck under Alexander had a different design, and for the attic standard used by Alexander and his successors, its weight was around 8.5 grams

[@dennisbettencourt1213]

@@ClassicalNumismatics That was my fear, thank you

[@dennisbettencourt1213]

@@ClassicalNumismatics Any ideas on what the best way to authenticate this coin?

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

@@dennisbettencourt1213 Have it looked at by a reputable coin shop that sells ancient coins.

[@Skibbityboo0580]

I have one with the royal title "βασιλεύς" under Zeus, what looks like to be a Lambda in the left field, and a Delta under Zeus's thrown. How can I use that to refine my search in the database?

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

If you watch the video on its entirety and actually take some time exploring the many resources I made available to you, you should be able to find it out.

[@Skibbityboo0580]

@@ClassicalNumismatics I will do my best, thanks for the help!

[@TieisAwsom]

Mine's a bit hard to tell whether it was lifetime or posthumous, considering it's a counterfeit lol

[@richestmanintatooine7131]

I don't know where to get a lifetime issue.

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

At any place that sells ancient coins, you just need to be able to tell them apart.

[@impaugjuldivmax]

"greek conqueror" macedonians ready to spam this board with lots of poop animation

[@ioanniskoletis8300]

A corinthian helmet is not a greek helmet for you? LOL Macedonians are Greeks. All know that, in all videos, like this one. Do you mean SlavoMacedonians?

[@DiggingNorway]

Legs crossed (posthumous), or not crossed (lifetime), that is the give-away (I was thaught)

[@Rachturne]

Not that simple.

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

This is an oversimplification, at first I used to say that as well, but there are quite a few case of late lifetime issues with legs crossed and posthumous coins with straight legs.

[@user-nm7ww5yz5y]

A good rule of thumb is if Zeus legs are crossed its posthumous if not life time

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

The problem lies in the transitional period right after his death. There are quite a few early-posthumous types with uncrossed legs.