Alexander the Great's heritage is extensive. His successors and their monarchies extended the influence of Greece, its language, Greek culture, and government for more than 300 years, during a period called the Hellenist Period. New cities enhanced trade, commerce, government, and education of the post-Alexander Greek world. Athens was the seat of higher education, however Alexandria arguably was the second most important center of learning. The island of Rhodes boasted a famous finishing school for politics and diplomacy, and Pergamon became a major literary center. Antioch became a new metropolis and center of learning, and during this time Selucia replaced Babylon as a metropolis of the lower Tigris.” Upon his death in June 323 B.C., Alexander the Great gave each of his four closest companions a portion of his empire. In our historic coin collection, the following show the territories, recipients, and early coins issued by the new rulers for the following territorial dominions. The Kingdom of Macedonia and Greece Recipient - Kassander (319 to 297 B.C.) Alexander's general received his leader's kingdom. Coin - Silver tetradrachm of Alexander the Great. During Alexander rule, he claimed patrimonial descent of Hercules. On his coins, Alexander portrayed himself as young Hercules. Kassander continued to issue the coins of his predecessor. Obverse: Alexander portrayed as young Hercules facing right clad in lions skin. Reverse: Zeus enthroned left holding eagle and scepter. (Sear: 6712) The Kingdom of Trace and most of Asia Minor Recipient - Lysmachos (323 to 281 B.C.), bodyguard and confident to Alexander. Early Coin - Silver tetradrachm of Lysmachos. Obverse: The head of Alexander wearing the Egyptian horn of Ammon. Reverse: Shows Athena enthroned left holding Nike and resting left with arm on shield with spear resting against her. (Sear: 6813) The Ptolomeic Kingdom of Egypt, Palestine, Cilicia, Petra Recipient - Ptolomy I, Soter (302 to 283 B.C.) a former general of Alexander. Early Coin - Silver tetradrachm of Ptolomy I. Obverse: Head of Alexander facing right with horn of Ammon clad in elephant skin with aegis. Reverse: Shows Athena advancing right hold shield and spear. (Sear: 7747) The Seleucid Kingdom and the rest of Asia, Syria, Babylon, Persia, and India Recipient - Seleucus I Nicator (312 to 280 B.C.), a general to Alexander. Early Coin - Silver Tetrachloride of Seleucus I. Obverse: Head of Alexander portrayed as a young Hercules wearing a lion skin. Reverse: Shows Zeus enthroned left holding and eagle and scepter. (Sear 6829)

Coins on 5 x 7 Display Card, In Protective Sleeve and Suitable for Framing. Made in the USA