Ancient Greek Macedon Amphipolis, Philip II (Alexander the Great's Father) Tetrobol, order c315-294BC

Denomination: 1/5 of a tetradrachm or tetrobol (4/5 drachm)
Period: Reign of Philip II or posthumously thereafter during the Wars of the Diadochi
Date: c315-294BC
Origin: Amphipolis mint, Macedon
Condition: AVF a little porosity
Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo, right
Reverse: order Youth on horseback, PHILIPOY (belonging to Philip) in Greek lettering above, tripod monogram below horse
Size and Weight: 14mm, 2.22g
References: Le Rider pl 48, 13
Features and Provenance: Like his son, Alexander the Great, that succeeded him, Philip's goal was the conquest of the Persian Empire. Having made himself master of Greece by a combination of diplomacy and force, his aims were thwarted by an assassins sword. But in a way he attained his lasting legacy through his coinage. Our example was struck probably after his death, but extends the pattern produced during his lifetime, showing the iconic head of Apollo on the obverse and a horseman on the reverse. For some reason this type resonated through the lands and was imitated from country to country. By the time it reached the Celts in Britain it had devolved to a few unrecognisable lines and a stylised horse. Our example is a rare type with a laureate head of Apollo rather than usual basic headband called a taenia.