MACEDON. Kingdom of Macedon. Archelaos, 413-400/399 B.C. AR Oktadrachm (28.10 gms), Aigai Mint, ca. 492-480/79 B.C. NGC EF, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 3/5.

HGC-3.1, 753; SNG ANS-1; AMNG-III, p. 49, 7 (Bisaltai); Boston MFA-617 (Bisaltai). Obverse: Horseman, wearing chlamys and petasos, and holding two spears, standing right behind horse advancing right; Reverse: Quadripartite incuse square. A charming example of this large, somewhat crude, and always enigmatic denomination, which had traditionally been attributed to the Bisaltai--a powerful Thraco-Macedonian tribe. More recent scholarship, however, instead points toward an attribution to Alexander I of Macedon, with this issue serving as a trade coinage with his allies in battle against the Persians. RARE and ever-desirable, especially this pleasing.