The New York Sale
Auction 42 9 Jan 2018
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Macedonian Kingdom. Philip II. Gold Stater (8.47 g), 359-336 BC. Pella, ca. 340-328 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right. rev. ΦIΛIΠΠOY in exergue, charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving galloping biga right; below, kantharos. Le Rider 133 ff (uncertain dies); SNG ANS 138. Expressive portrait of fine style. Well struck and perfectly centered. Matte-like luster. Nearly Mint State. Estimated Value $3,000
From the Dionysus Collection.
The popular gold coinage of Philip II ultimately derived its obverse image of Apollo from the coinage of the Chalkidian League, an important Greek federal state in southern coastal Macedonia that he conquered in 348 BC. The type may have been intended to refer to Philip's status as leader of the Amphiktyonic League of Delphi - Apollo's most famous sanctuary in Greece - or to cast him in a more general panhellenic light in preparation for his projected war against the Achaemenid Persian Empire. The biga reverse type probably refers to the victory of Philip's chariot in the synoris event in the Olympic games of 352 BC. The Macedonian king was fond of commemorating his Olympic victories on his coins. His horse-and-jockey tetradrachms also celebrate the victory of his horse in the keles event of the Olympic games in 356 BC.
From the Dionysus Collection.
The popular gold coinage of Philip II ultimately derived its obverse image of Apollo from the coinage of the Chalkidian League, an important Greek federal state in southern coastal Macedonia that he conquered in 348 BC. The type may have been intended to refer to Philip's status as leader of the Amphiktyonic League of Delphi - Apollo's most famous sanctuary in Greece - or to cast him in a more general panhellenic light in preparation for his projected war against the Achaemenid Persian Empire. The biga reverse type probably refers to the victory of Philip's chariot in the synoris event in the Olympic games of 352 BC. The Macedonian king was fond of commemorating his Olympic victories on his coins. His horse-and-jockey tetradrachms also celebrate the victory of his horse in the keles event of the Olympic games in 356 BC.