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KINGS of MACEDON. Philip II. 359-336 BC. AV Twelfth Stater (7.5mm, 0.71 g, 1h). Pella mint. Struck circa 345/2-340/36 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Thunderbolt; head of lion facing below. Le Rider Group I, 12 (D9’/R9); SNG ANS 209–15. Minor die wear, a little off center on reverse. Near EF.
The youngest son of King Amyntas III, Philip II was as a youth held hostage in Thebes, then the leading city of Greece. While there, he was taught by its famous leader, Epaminondas, in military tactics and diplomacy. After he was allowed to return to Macedon, he became regent for his infant nephew, Amyntas IV, the son of his brother Perdikkas III. Soon after, Philip managed to seize the kingdom for himself and soon expanded Macedonian control over the northern tribes. His future military successes were due to his introduction of the infantry phalanx, which was armed with the sarissa – a spear of about 18 feet in length.
Beginning about 359 BC, Philip's ambitions came into conflict with Athens, which saw itself as the center of Greek culture and democracy. The Athenian orator, Demosthenes, was the most vocal opponent of the Macedonian king, and delivered a series of damning orations, known as the Philippics, against the Macedonian king. The Athenians also sent military forces to assist Philip's opponents. Ultimately, at the Battle of Chaironeia in 338 BC, Philip defeated a coalition of Greek city-states (including Athens and Thebes). At this battle, Philip's son, Alexander (the future Alexander the Great), distinguished himself by routing the Greeks' right wing of cavalry. Now, in complete control of Greece, Philip sought to build a coalition with himself at its head for the purpose of launching an invasion against the Persian Empire. In 336 BC, while preparations for this invasion were still in their early stages, Philip was assassinated by one of his bodyguards, Pausanias of Orestis, and was succeeded by Alexander III.
The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 129 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 13-14 May 2025. This lot is in Session One, which will begin 13 May at 9 AM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.
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