Macedon. Philip II, 359–336 BC, and posthumous. AV Stater

Macedon. Philip II, 359–336 BC, and posthumous. AV Stater, Pella, circa 340–328 BC (17 mm, 8.60 g). Obv. Laureate head of Apollo right. Rev. ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟY. Biga of horses prancing right, driven by a charioteer holding reins and kentron; below, trident. Refs: Le Rider pl. 60, 64; SNG ANS 145. The gold staters of Philip II are among the most celebrated and influential coinages of the Greek world. Struck in enormous numbers from the mid-4th century BC onwards, they quickly became a trusted international currency, circulating widely across the Mediterranean and into the Near East. The obverse depicts Apollo, patron god of Delphi, whose sanctuary was closely linked to Philip’s prestige after his victory at the Pythian Games. The reverse shows a biga of horses, recalling Philip’s triumph at Olympia in 356 BC when his team won the chariot race—a feat repeatedly celebrated on his coinage. The trident control symbol below further ties this issue to the mint of Pella. Posthumous issues of these staters, like the present piece, continued to be struck well into the reign of Alexander III and even beyond, testimony to the enduring strength of the type and its acceptance as a standard of trade. Their elegant style and brilliant metal quality ensured their place as one of antiquity’s most influential coinages, inspiring imitations from Gaul to India. Condition: Lustrous and sharply struck, with fine detail to Apollo’s portrait and the charioteer. Extremely Fine.