Ira and Larry Goldberg Auctioneers
Auction 122 15-16 Jun 2021
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Macedonian Kingdom. Philip II. Gold Stater (8.61 g), 359-336 BC. Pella, ca. 323/2-315 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right. Reverse: ΦIΛIΠΠOY, Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving galloping biga right; below, bee. Le Rider 531-46 (unlisted dies); SNG ANS 180. NGC grade MS; Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5. Fine style, brushed. Estimated Value $4,000 - UP
While it is very clear that the reverse type of Philip II's tetradrachms specifically refer to the victory of his horse in the Olympic games of 356 BC, it is uncertain whether the reverse type of his gold staters should also refer to an Olympic victory. While he is known to have entered drivers and won the tetrippon (four-horse chariot race) in both 352 and 348 BC it is unclear whether he entered, let alone won the synoris (two-horse chariot race). It may be that the chariot type is simply another visual pun on his name, which in Greek literally means "lover of horses." Philip's staters were very popular and were known in common parlance as philippeioi ("Philips") and circulated widely beyond the borders of Macedonia. Indeed, they enjoyed such great popularity, that they continued to be struck long after his death and even after that of his son, Alexander the Great. They were so well-regarded by the Celts that they provided the typological model for most Celtic gold coins down to the Roman conquest of Gaul in the 50s BC.
*This coin contains the COIN WORLD PLUS sticker.
Purchased from Jonathan K. Kern 6-15-1993.
While it is very clear that the reverse type of Philip II's tetradrachms specifically refer to the victory of his horse in the Olympic games of 356 BC, it is uncertain whether the reverse type of his gold staters should also refer to an Olympic victory. While he is known to have entered drivers and won the tetrippon (four-horse chariot race) in both 352 and 348 BC it is unclear whether he entered, let alone won the synoris (two-horse chariot race). It may be that the chariot type is simply another visual pun on his name, which in Greek literally means "lover of horses." Philip's staters were very popular and were known in common parlance as philippeioi ("Philips") and circulated widely beyond the borders of Macedonia. Indeed, they enjoyed such great popularity, that they continued to be struck long after his death and even after that of his son, Alexander the Great. They were so well-regarded by the Celts that they provided the typological model for most Celtic gold coins down to the Roman conquest of Gaul in the 50s BC.
*This coin contains the COIN WORLD PLUS sticker.
Purchased from Jonathan K. Kern 6-15-1993.