Let The Spotlight Fall On The Macedonian Kingdom, September 3

Heritage Auctions - Explore ancient Macedonian coinage in our September 3 Spotlight: Macedonian Kingdom Ancient Coins Showcase Auction, unveiling numismatic offerings spanning pivotal moments in the kingdom's history. The minor Macedonian kingdom rose to prominence under the visionary leadership of Philip II, whose military and diplomatic acumen laid the foundation for his son, Alexander the Great. Witness the emergence of Macedonian coinage as a powerful tool of propaganda and statecraft, reflecting the kingdom's growing influence across the Greek world. This auction features a captivating array of coins from Alexander's empire, each bearing distinct iconographical motifs and regional influences. Beyond the Argead dynasty, we offer coinage from later periods of Macedonian history, culminating in its transition into a Roman province, allowing exploration of the evolving political landscape through the coins' narratives.


MACEDONIAN KINGDOM. Philip II (359-336 BC). AV stater (18mm, 8.61 gm, 4h). NGC MS 5/5 - 4/5. Posthumous issue, Pella, ca. 323-315 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / ΦIΛIΠΠOY, charioteer driving biga galloping right, kentron in outstretched right hand, reins in left; trident head right below horses. Le Rider, pl. 69, 505-508. SNG ANS 8, 144-154. HGC 3, 846. Struck with bold precision on silky surfaces, this piece is enveloped in a warm amber hue.

One of the outstanding coins up for auction is a bold AV stater of Philip II, graded MS 5/5-4/5 by NGC. This posthumous issue was struck c. 323-315 BC. Philip II, who ruled from 359 to 336 BC, was a transformative figure in ancient Macedonian history. Ascending to the throne in a fractured and vulnerable Macedonia, he initiated crucial military reforms that turned the Macedonian army into a formidable force, introducing innovations like the sarissa and fostering discipline and training. Through a combination of diplomacy and military campaigns, he expanded Macedonia's territorial reach, unifying disparate regions under his rule. His crowning diplomatic achievement was the formation of the League of Corinth in 337 BC, a coalition of Greek city-states that backed his planned invasion of the Persian Empire. Unfortunately, his reign was cut short when he was assassinated in 336 BC during a celebration. Nevertheless, his legacy endured as his military innovations and diplomatic successes provided the foundation for his son, Alexander the Great, to embark on a remarkable era of conquest and empire-building.

Take a look at the wide variety of coins on offer in this auction:

EASTERN EUROPE. Uncertain Celtic Tribe. Ca. 3rd-2nd centuries BC. AR tetradrachm. NGC AU 5/5 - 2/5, test cut
THRACE. Mesambria. Ca. 280-225 BC. AR tetradrachm. NGC Choice AU 5/5 - 4/5
CARIAN ISLANDS. Rhodes. Ca. 205-190 BC. AR/AE fourree tetradrachm. NGC AU 4/5 - 3/5, core visible, brushed
LYCIA. Phaselis. Ca. 218-185 BC. AR tetradrachm. NGC Choice AU 5/5 - 5/5
MACEDONIAN KINGDOM. Alexander III the Great (336-323 BC). AV stater. NGC Choice AU 5/5 - 3/5, brushed. Posthumous issue, Babylon, ca. 317-311 BC
MACEDONIAN KINGDOM. Philip III Arrhidaeus (323-317 BC). AR drachm. NGC MS 5/5 - 4/5. Colophon, ca. 323-319 BC
MACEDONIAN KINGDOM. Antigonus II Gonatas (277/6-239 BC). AR tetradrachm. NGC XF 3/5 - 5/5. Amphipolis, ca. 274/1-260/55 BC
MACEDON UNDER ROME. First Meris. Ca. 167-148 BC. AR tetradrachm. NGC Choice VF 5/5 - 2/5, edge bend