MACEDON. Koinon of Macedon. Pseudo-autonomous issue, Time of Gordian III, 238-244. Triassarion (Copper, 27 mm, 13.44 g, 2 h), Beroia. AΛEΞANΔΡOΥ Diademed head of Alexander the Great to right, with hair drawn backwards as if flowing in the wind. Rev. KOINON MAKEΔΟΝΟΝ Β NEΩ Alexander standing to right, taming Bucephalas rearing left. AMNG III 640. SNG Cop 1352, 1357-8 var. Attractive with clear details and a powerful depiction of one of the famous deeds of Alexander. Has once been cleaned, otherwise, about very fine.

From a European collection, ex Obolos 7, 9 July 2017, 435.

How did the youthful Alexander manage to not only tame the fierce Thessalian horse and make his father Philip pay 13 talents (!) for the pleasure? He just turned Bukephalus's head towards the sun, as shown in this coin, causing the horse to see his own shadow, thus terrifying him. Philip was delighted and exclaimed, "Zounds, Alexander, I didn't know you had so many talents!!" To which Alexander replied, "Thirteen to be sure, Pop".