Denomination: 1/5 of a tetradrachm or tetrobol (4/5 drachm)

Period: Reign of Philip II or posthumously thereafter during the Wars of the Diadochi

Date: c315-294BC

Origin: Amphipolis mint, Macedon

Condition: AVF a little porosity

Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo, right

Reverse: Youth on horseback, PHILIPOY (belonging to Philip) in Greek lettering above, tripod monogram below horse

Size and Weight: 14mm, 2.22g

References: Le Rider pl 48, 13

Features and Provenance: Like his son, Alexander the Great, that succeeded him, Philip's goal was the conquest of the Persian Empire. Having made himself master of Greece by a combination of diplomacy and force, his aims were thwarted by an assassins sword. But in a way he attained his lasting legacy through his coinage. Our example was struck probably after his death, but extends the pattern produced during his lifetime, showing the iconic head of Apollo on the obverse and a horseman on the reverse. For some reason this type resonated through the lands and was imitated from country to country. By the time it reached the Celts in Britain it had devolved to a few unrecognisable lines and a stylised horse. Our example is a rare type with a laureate head of Apollo rather than usual basic headband called a taenia.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear, all parts of legend etc present, visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief, all parts of legend etc present, but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible