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Lansky Auction 3 5 Jan 2021
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Macedon. Philip II. Pella. 342-336 BC. AR Tetradrachm (14.45g, 1h). SNG ANS 385; Le Rider 280. Old cabinet tone. Insignificant double strike on reverse. Wonderful portrait of superb style. Choice extremely fine. From the Sadijas collection; Tradart 1998 (8) lot 48
"Philip took care to have his victories at Olympia engraved upon his coins" said Plutarch (4.9). Used to advertise victories at Olympia and other games, he displayed his synoris (two-horse chariot race) victories on gold coins and his keles (horseback race) victories on silver coins. It was a double triumph for Philip because he not only won the race but, more importantly, he had been admitted to the games as a true Greek; indeed a barbarian, as many enemies called him, was note eligible.
"Philip took care to have his victories at Olympia engraved upon his coins" said Plutarch (4.9). Used to advertise victories at Olympia and other games, he displayed his synoris (two-horse chariot race) victories on gold coins and his keles (horseback race) victories on silver coins. It was a double triumph for Philip because he not only won the race but, more importantly, he had been admitted to the games as a true Greek; indeed a barbarian, as many enemies called him, was note eligible.