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Philip gold stater - Colophon mint (Obv)

tunaonrye0

By tunaonrye0

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MACEDONIAN KINGDOM, PHILIP III AV Stater (8.63 gm) Colophon, c. 323–315 B.C. Laureate head of Apollo right. Thompson, Studia Naster, pl. vi, 12 (same obverse die). With an extraordinarily realistic head of Apollo on the obverse, surely with the features of Alexander the Great. Rare; Fleur de coin. Ex: Antiqua XV; March 2009 (cover coin) From a description of a similar coin in a past Leu sale: This coin is one of a very small group of staters struck in the name of Philip II which bear portraits of individuals rather than generic heads of Apollo. Most were struck during the latter half of the 4th century and the identities of the people portrayed are uncertain (Philip V, Nabis of Sparta and various unknown tyrants have been suggested). However, this piece, minted within a year of the death of Alexander III, and part of tight die-linked group from Colophon and Magnesia, surely bears a portrait of Alexander himself, and is one of the very earliest of all the portraits we have of him.

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4to2centophilia

Just an absolutely perfectly perfect coin.

 

The details of the laurel and hair, the strong features of the portrait and the frosty surfaces are remarkable.

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hieron
I love this coin type. It is a particularly nice style. These have a little die break aove the ear that causes an appearance of slight flattening. This coin has that but it is subtle and doesn't detract from the beauty of the coin. Congratulations on adding this wonderful coin to your collection. You are indeed a connoisseur. -c
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hummell
You sure it's not Phillip Arhideus? I doubt it's Philip the II mainly cause it was obviously struck after the death of alexander.
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tunaonrye0

Thanks to all for the compliments. The coin is indeed special. It still wasn't easy writing that check, even with the discount Steve provided me.

 

Clay... I think this coin is the twin of your piece! I always envied your stater. It's a privilege to have a coin that is essentially also in your collection. Perhaps you may know the answer to Hummell's comment, since your coin is described as being of Philip Arrhideus. All I know is that Cathy Lorber attributed my coin for Steve Rubinger, and I certainly defer to her knowledge and experience with such things.

 

Jim

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AlexB
Fantastic coin, and great example. These are surely Philip III issues given the dates though the style/theme of the reverse is of previous staters issued by Philip II. Guess it was easy just to reproduce with minor changes given the new King's name. I wonder if the head is Alexander (likely) or Philip III himself? This is a good contender for a propaganda piece and whether linking himself to Alexander (and Philip II) or showing himself, it works well! Didn't save him ultimately though....Brgds Alex
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hieron
I agree with those who say this coin was minted after Alexander's death under Philip Arrhidaeus. It's artistically unlike anything I've seen minted by Philip II, though I suppose it could be argued it is a posthumous Philip II under Alexander IV. All of these came from the same hoard, I think, and are from the same dies which is why your coin and mine look like twins. In fact they are twins and shared a pot in the ground for thousands of years. Both of our coins are from a somewhat early die state judging from the minimal loss of detail in the hair above the ear. This coin is such a beauty I think its artistic style will keep it in demand as long as people collect Greek gold. Congratulations again on a fine acquisition. -c
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Guest stretrader1649844045

Guest stretrader1649844045

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WOW!! Total beauty,Greek coinage has always been my favorite. Congratulations on an awesome addition to your collection.

 

"Fel Temp Reparto"

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tunaonrye0
I just read an attribution from another coin of this type, and it said that it was produced during the short reign of Philip III Arrhidaeus in the name of Philip II. I'm changing my attribution to Philip III.
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hummell

The portrait depicts Alexander the Great and the reason was propaganda. Just a try to establish the right to rule the empire.

I'll give you know a tip we archaeologists use, so we can understand if a bust belongs Alexander. You see the bundle of hair on top of the forehead that goes up?

This usually is the characteristic that gives it away. Especially later that the face of Alexander is given Apollonian characteristics.

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