Greek Coin: Gold Stater

Inv. No.: c012
Provenance: Philip II, King of Macedonia
Date: 348-336 B.C.
Weight: 8.51g
 
Obv.: Apollo, laureate.

Rev.: Charioteer, driving biga (a two-horse chariot); thunderbolt below.

Philip II, King of Macedonia.

Apollo hair is engraved in fine detail, and the reverse is characterised by vigorous action. Philip gold coins correspond with his grand vision of a pan-Hellenic empire. The obverse is a reference to the sanctuary at Delphi, the site of the famous oracle of Apollo. Philip presided over the games there in 346. As a result he gained powerful influence over Greek political affairs. The chariot reflects his successes in this regard, as well as at Olympia.

Comparanda:
Price, Plate XV, carries a striking enlargement of the obverse.

Price 55.