Lot 4052
Macedonian Kingdom. Philip III, Arrhidaios, 323-317 BC. Gold Stater (8.6 g) minted at Babylon, ca. 323-320 BC. Struck under Perdikkas. Head of Athena right wearing helmet adorned with a coiled serpent. Reverse: Nike (Victory) standing left, holding wreath in outstretched right hand and stylis in left; ΛY below left wing; M below right wing. Price 178. Interesting Athena profile. Sharp and well-centered type. Extremely Fine.
Following the sudden and unexpected death of Alexander the Great at Babylon in 323 BC, the late king's generals decided to place on the throne Alexander's half-brother Philip III, Arrhidaios together with Alexander IV, the infant son of Alexander and Roxane. Feeble-minded, Arrhidaios posed no political threat to the generals who were thus free to divide Alexander's empire between them. The late king's coin types were left unchanged, though on some issues the name of Philip replaced that of Alexander. Arrhidaios was ultimately murdered in 317 BC, the victim of Alexander the Great's mother Olympias, while Alexander IV was executed by Kassander in 309 BC.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000.
The Hunter Collection.
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| Realized $5,750 |
