Phillip II of Macedon

Date359-336 B.C.

MediumGold

DimensionsDiameter: 5/8 inches (1.6 cm);
Weight: 8.607 grams;
Axis: 1:00

ClassificationsMetalwork

Credit LineGift of Robert E. Ostrander, Class of 1952, and Margaret Servello Ostrander

Terms

Metalwork
Gold
Coins
Gods
Greece
Mythology

Object number2000.024.004

Label CopyBRIEF DESCRIPTION This coin was made when Philip II was ruler of the kingdom of Macedon, in present day Greece. WHERE WAS IT MADE? This coin was made in Macedon, or Macedonia, an ancient kingdom in the northeastern part of present day Greece, ruled by Philip II, and then by his son, Alexander the Great. The map above shows the area of the kingdom of Macedon (highlighted in red) at the time of Philip II’s death in 336 BC. HOW WAS IT MADE? This coin was made by striking two metal dies, like stamps, onto either side of a heated gold metal blank (a round blank disk of gold). The dies were often made of bronze. The die for the obverse, or front side of the coin, (in this case, the side with the head of Apollo) was set in an anvil. The blank was set on the die, then the die for the reverse side was placed on top and struck with a hammer. This technique can rapidly produce multiple copies. WHY DOES IT LOOK LIKE THIS? Notice the head on the obverse (front) of the coin; it is of Apollo, Greek god of the sun. Philip II identified with Apollo, and had consulted his famous oracle at Delphi. The reverse shows a biga—a chariot drawn by two horses—which may allude to Philip II’s victory in the chariot races of the Olympic Games at Delphi in 346 BC. Earlier versions of this coin (prior to ca. 345 BC) show a rider on horseback, rather than a biga, on the reverse. In the exergue is written PHILLIPOY in Greek, meaning “of Philip.”

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