ALEXANDER THE GREAT
Image courtesy Stack's Rare Coins
Want to know what Alexander the Great looked like? Here is his portrait. After Alexander died, several of his generals took over pieces of his kingdom. One of these generals, named Lysimachos, became king of Thrace, located on the Greek mainland. He advertised his right to kingship through his coinage which basically says, "See? I am the successor of Alexander!" This is the first coin known to show a living person.
Ancient coinage dies were carved by hand, using crude tools and the bare eyeball (the magnifying glass would not be invented for another 1500 years or so). Even with these difficulties, the wonderful detail and artistry in these coins is astounding!
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