Macedonian Kingdom. Philip II. Silver Tetradrachm (14.47 g), 359-336 BC. Amphipolis, ca. 342/1-329/8 BC. Laureate head of Zeus right. Reverse: ΦIΛIΠ-[Π]OY, youth on horseback right, crowning horse with palm; below horse's belly, bee; below horse’s raised foreleg, stern. Le Rider 489 (D238/R437); SNG ANS 560-5. Attractive light cabinet tone. NGC grade Ch XF; Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Estimated Value $2,000 - UP
The reverse type of this tetradrachm is of great historical importance because it represents a notable incident that is recorded in the life of Philip II. In 356 BC, a horse that the Macedonian king had entered in the 106th Olympic games was victorious. This coin depicts this winning horse along with its diminutive jockey holding the palm branch of victory. The type is also notable as a punning symbol to represent the king’s name. Philip literally means "lover of horses" in Greek.The tetradrachms of Philip II circulated in Macedonia as well as beyond the borders of the kingdom, particularly to the north, where they were popular with a variety of Thracian, Dacian and Celtic peoples. They inspired numerous Celtic and other imitative issues and were often the preferred coinage of mercenaries outside of the Macedonian kingdom. Due to their wide circulation and special popularity in some regions, the tetradrachms of Philip II continued in production long after Philip, and even his son Alexander the Great, were dead.
Purchased from Edward J. Waddell 8-15-1996.