The Neale Collection of Ancient Greek Coins

Greek Coinages, KINGDOM OF MACEDONIA, Philip III Arrhidaios (323-317): Stater, struck at Kolophon, Ionia, c. 322-319

Obverse: portrait of Alexander the Great right, in the guise of laureate Apollo

Reverse: φιλιππου: biga galloping right, charioteer holding kentron and reins; delphic tripod below

Metal: gold; Attic weight standard; 8.74g/12h

References: Thompson Philip 12; Kunstfreund 232; Ashmolean 2456

Condition: Better than extremely fine, sharply struck and with considerable mint lustre; a beautifully preserved coin, carrying a superb portrait £8,000-£12,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Neale Collection of Ancient Greek Coins.

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Collection

Sutton Place Collection [purchased from Robert Haber in the 1990s]
CNG Triton XXIII, New York, 14 January 2020, lot 216

Struck at the very beginning of the Hellenistic Age, this coin represents a major milestone in the development of Western numismatic art. The types are essentially the same as those employed by Alexander’s father, Phillip II, with divine head right on obverse and racing biga on reverse. However, the former has been subtly modified. The subject, which was once an formalised head of Apollo, has now become distinct and individualistic. Note the heavy brow, deep-set eyes, the prominent jaw, and scowl of the lips. Most of all, note the coiffed hair, with prominent curls falling over forehead. We have here a portrait of Alexander the Great (albeit disguised as Apollo). Its appearance ushers in the Hellenistic period and a programme of royal portraiture in spectacular fashion.