Macedonian Kingdom. Philip II. Silver Tetradrachm (14.35 g), 359-336 BC. Pella, ca. 323/2-315 BC. Laureate head of Zeus left. Reverse: ΦIΛIΠΠOY, youth on horseback right, holding palm branch; below, Θ. Le Rider plate 19 #440, D231; A masterpiece! Fine style portrait struck in high relief. Lustrous and lightly toned. NGC grade AU*; Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Fine style. Estimated Value $10,000 - 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.
Ex Sotheby's (12 December 1994), 15 Ex The Century Collection.