Greece, Macedonia, Philip II of Macedon, Stater

Very nice specimen of stater Philip II, father of the founder of the Macedonian empire, Alexander the Great. Le Rider distinguishes several tridents from both Pella and Amphipolis. We could not find the stamps used to mint this coin in the Le Rider, but based on the style of the coin, it can be assumed that it is from Amphipolis.

Greece

Macedonia, Philip II of Macedon (359–336 BC), Stater 340–328 BC, Amphipolis mint

Obverse: Apollo head right, in a laurel wreath

Reverse: rider in biga to the right, below the trident, ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ in exerque

Weight 8.5 g

Philip II was the youngest son of Amyntas III and Eurydice, he was born in 383 or 382 BCE and was only the third son of the royal couple. He had practically no chance of becoming the king of Macedonia in the future. Meanwhile, it turns out that he is one of the most underrated figures of the ancient world. The king, who on his own arms pulled the country out of ruin and strengthened its position, preparing it for conquests, among others Persia. Philip was an outstanding commander and an excellent reformer. TheoPomp of Chios wrote about him with great respect and appreciation "Europe never gave birth to a husband like Philip the son of Amyntas."