Macedonian Coins - Numis Don

🟠

WHAT ARE MACEDONIAN COINS?

Royal vs civic coinage and Macedonian historical significance

Definition & Historical Role

Macedonian coins are the royal currency issued by the Kingdom of Macedon from approximately the 5th century BC to 168 BC, culminating in the Roman conquest. These coins represent a fundamental shift from Greek civic coinage to imperial royal currency that would dominate the Hellenistic world.

Macedonian Royal Coinage

Issued in king's name (ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ)
Imperial tools for conquest and administration
Standardized across expanding territory
Military payment and propaganda vehicle

Greek City-State Coinage

Issued by independent cities (Athens, Corinth)
Local trade and civic pride focus
Variable standards and designs
Regional circulation patterns

Timeframe Focus: c. 5th Century BC → 168 BC

c. 500 BC Early Macedonian tribal issues

359-336 BC Philip II monetary revolution

336-323 BC Alexander's global coinage

323-168 BC Posthumous & successor issues

168 BC Roman conquest ends Macedonian coinage

What Collectors Mean by "Macedonian Coins"

👑

Kings of Macedon

Argead dynasty coinage from Alexander I through Perseus

⚔️

Philip II Issues

Gold staters and silver tetradrachms with horseman motifs

🌍

Alexander Issues

Lifetime and posthumous coins with Herakles/Zeus design

🏛️

Antigonid Macedonia

Shield bronzes and royal coinage after Alexander's empire

Related Resources

Greek Coins Hub Greek Coin Identification Guide Greek Coin Legends Explained Greek Coin Symbols Meanings

🟠

MACEDON BEFORE PHILIP II (EARLY KINGDOM COINAGE)

Tribal origins to early royal coinage

The Foundations of Macedonian Coinage

Before Philip II transformed Macedonian coinage into an imperial tool, early Macedonian kings issued limited coinage that reflected their northern Greek heritage and tribal origins.

Regional Style

Thick flans: Chunky, irregular planchets
Local engraving: Cruder, more provincial style
Northern influences: Balkan and Thracian elements
Limited output: Small mintages for local use

Greek + Balkan Fusion

Greek influence: Adopted Greek weight standards
Balkan character: Local symbols and motifs
Royal authority: Early expressions of kingship
Tribal identity: Argead dynasty symbols emerge

⚠️

Why Early Macedonian Types Are Scarce & Harder

Early Macedonian coinage is significantly rarer than Philip II and Alexander issues. Limited production, metal recycling, and lower survival rates make these coins challenging for collectors. Many early types are known only from a few specimens in museums.

What to Record When You Find One

⚖️

Exact Weight

Record to nearest 0.01g. Early weights can vary significantly from later standards.

🔧

Fabric Characteristics

Note flan shape, thickness, edge treatment, and any unusual features.

📍

Symbol Placement

Document exact position of symbols relative to legend and main design.

🟠

METALS & DENOMINATIONS (CORE SYSTEM)

The Macedonian monetary system that funded an empire

The Macedonian Metal Hierarchy

Macedonian coinage operated on a three-metal system, each serving distinct economic and military functions.

🥈

Silver

Trade & Empire Currency

Tetradrachm

Weight: 16.9-17.2g
Function: Major trade, military pay
Role: Became international standard

Drachm

Weight: 4.2-4.3g
Function: Smaller transactions
Role: Daily commerce fraction

Didrachm

Weight: 8.5-8.6g
Function: Intermediate value
Role: Less common, special issues

Evolution: Macedonian silver evolved from regional currency to empire-wide standard under Alexander

🥇

Gold

Military & Prestige

Philip II Gold Stater

Weight: 8.6g
Function: Military payments
Revolution: Funded professional army

Alexander Gold Staters

Weight: 8.6g
Function: Prestige, diplomacy
Competition: Challenged Persian darics

Source: Mount Pangaeus mines captured by Philip II provided unprecedented gold supply

🥉

Bronze

Local Circulation

Shield Coins

Motif: Macedonian shield
Function: Local market use
Common: Abundant but often misidentified

Typical Motifs

• Shield (Macedonian type)
• Helmet (infantry symbol)
• Club (Herakles' weapon)
• Thunderbolt (Zeus' power)

Challenge: Macedonian bronzes are common but frequently misattributed due to simple designs

🟠

WEIGHT STANDARDS & WHY THEY MATTER

The numismatic evidence that doesn't lie

Why Weight Matters More Than Diameter

🎯

Diagnostic Clue

Weight reveals more about authenticity and origin than diameter or appearance

📊

Standardization Evidence

Macedonian royal mints maintained consistent weights across vast territories

🔍

Attribution Tool

Weight helps distinguish between Macedonian royal issues and imitations

Macedonian Alignment with Greek Standards

Denomination	Metal	Expected Weight	Standard	Tolerance
Gold Stater	Gold	8.6g	Attic	±0.2g
Tetradrachm	Silver	17.2g	Attic	±0.3g
Drachm	Silver	4.3g	Attic	±0.1g
Bronze Unit	Bronze	5-8g	Local	Variable

How Weight Helps Separate Issues

1

Macedonian Royal Issues

Consistent Attic standard weights (tetradrachms ~17.2g). Well-controlled mints show minimal variation.

2

Alexander "Imperial" Issues

Standardized across empire. Slight regional variations but generally within 10% of standard.

3

Later Hellenistic Issues

More weight variation as standards decline. Post-200 BC issues often lighter.

Red Flags in Weight

Too light: May indicate wear, test cut, or modern fake
Too heavy: Could be tooled, double-struck, or cast copy
Wrong standard: Non-Attic weight suggests different origin
Inconsistent: Same type varying >20% indicates problems

🟠

MACEDONIAN ICONOGRAPHY (THE KINGDOM'S VISUAL LANGUAGE)

Symbols of power, legitimacy, and conquest

The Visual Vocabulary of Macedonian Kingship

Macedonian coinage communicates royal authority through a carefully curated set of images and symbols that evolved from Philip II through the Hellenistic period.

⚡

Zeus Imagery

Meaning: Divine authority, king of gods = king of men

Forms: Zeus head, thunderbolt, eagle, enthroned Zeus

Evolution: Becomes standard Alexander reverse type

🐎

Horses & Cavalry

Meaning: Macedonian military superiority, Philip's identity

Forms: Horseman, biga (two-horse chariot), single horse

Evolution: Philip's signature motif, continues in later coinage

🦁

Herakles

Meaning: Strength, divine ancestry of Argead dynasty

Forms: Lion skin head, club, hero portrait

Evolution: Becomes Alexander's standard obverse type

🛡️

Military Motifs

Meaning: Macedonian military power, victory

Forms: Shields, helmets, trophies, Nike figures

Evolution: Prominent on Antigonid bronzes and later issues

Symbol Evolution: Philip → Alexander → Successors

Philip II Era

Focus: Cavalry dominance, royal authority

Key Symbols: Horseman, Zeus head, biga

Message: Military innovation, kingdom expansion

Alexander Era

Focus: Divine right, imperial unity

Key Symbols: Herakles, enthroned Zeus

Message: Heroic kingship, global empire

Successor Era

Focus: Legitimacy, military continuity

Key Symbols: Shields, portraits, victory motifs

Message: Inherited authority, Macedonian identity

🟠

LEGENDS & INSCRIPTIONS (HOW MACEDONIAN COINS "SAY" WHO THEY ARE)

Reading the royal messages in Greek letters

The Language of Macedonian Authority

Macedonian coin legends are short, forceful declarations of royal identity. Unlike verbose city-state inscriptions, they focus on king's name and authority.

Macedonian Legend Style

Short: Usually just king's name in genitive
Forceful: Declarative, not descriptive
Political: Assertion of royal authority
Consistent: Standardized across empire

Key Grammar Patterns

-ΟΥ suffix: Genitive "of [king]" (ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ = of Philip)
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ: "of the king" (used with name)
No titles: Rarely "king" - name implies kingship
Abbreviations: Common on smaller coins

Core Macedonian Royal Legends

ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ

"of Philip"

Philip II and Philip III Arrhidaeus

ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ

"of Alexander"

Alexander III the Great (and posthumous)

ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΟΥ

"of King Antigonus"

Hellenistic successor kings

Monograms & Control Marks

Why They Exist

Mint officials needed to track production batches, ensure quality control, and prevent theft. Each symbol represents a specific official, workshop, or time period.

How to Use Them

Control marks help date coins, identify mints, and attribute to specific magistrates. They're essential for advanced collecting and die studies.

Common Control Mark Types

Μ

Mint abbreviation

𐌙

Magistrate monogram

★

Macedonian star

Α

Year or series mark

Collector Tips for Reading Legends

🔍

Start with Obvious Letters

Look for Φ (phi), Α (alpha), Λ (lambda) - distinctive Greek letters

🔄

Check Both Sides

Legends may be split between obverse and reverse

📏

Consider Coin Size

Small bronzes often have abbreviated or partial legends

🟠

PHILIP II (359–336 BC): THE MONETARY REVOLUTION

How one king transformed coinage and funded an empire

The Architect of Macedonian Power

Philip II didn't just create a powerful army - he created the financial system to pay for it. His coinage reforms provided the economic foundation for Macedonian expansion.

Why Philip II's Coinage Changes Everything

💰

Gold Revolution

Captured Mount Pangaeus mines (357 BC) gave Macedon unprecedented gold supply for staters

⚔️

Military Economy

Standardized coinage allowed regular army payments, creating loyal professional soldiers

🌍

Trade Dominance

High-quality silver tetradrachms displaced Athenian owls in Aegean trade networks

Iconic Philip II Coin Types

Gold Stater

Prestige Currency

Obverse: Apollo laureate head
Reverse: Biga (two-horse chariot)
Weight: 8.6g
Legend: ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ
Significance: First Macedonian gold to achieve international acceptance

Silver Tetradrachm

Trade Standard

Obverse: Zeus laureate head
Reverse: Youth on horseback
Weight: 17.2g
Legend: ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ
Significance: Dominated Aegean commerce

The Famous Horse/Horseman Types

Cavalry Messaging

The horseman motif celebrated Philip's revolutionary Companion Cavalry, which became the hammer of Macedonian armies.

Victory Symbolism

Horses represented speed, power, and military success - key themes in Philip's rise to dominance.

Panhellenic Prestige

Horse imagery connected to Olympic games and aristocratic values, elevating Macedonian status.

Philip II Identification Checklist

Common Legends: ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ (full or abbreviated)

Typical Motifs: Horseman, Zeus head, biga, Apollo

Weight Standards: Tetradrachm ~17.2g, stater ~8.6g

Control Marks: Monograms often in exergue or field

How to Record Philip II Coins

1

Weight & Diameter

Record exact weight (0.01g precision) and maximum diameter

2

Legend Details

Note completeness, letter forms, any abbreviations

3

Control Marks

Draw or describe monograms, symbols, their positions

4

Style Characteristics

Describe portrait style, fabric, centering, edge details

🟠

ALEXANDER THE GREAT (336–323 BC): WORLD COINAGE BEGINS

The birth of international currency

The First Global Currency

Alexander didn't just conquer an empire - he monetized it. His coinage became the dollar of the ancient world, accepted from Greece to India for centuries after his death.

Why Alexander Coinage Becomes the Ancient Global Standard

🏛️

Imperial Scale

Dozens of mints from Macedonia to Babylon produced identical coins

⚖️

Consistent Quality

Standard weight (Attic standard) and good silver inspired trust

💂

Military Circulation

Army payments spread coins across three continents

The Core Alexander Tetradrachm Design

Obverse: Herakles in Lion Skin

Symbolism: Heroic ancestry, strength, divine right
Style: Often portrait-like, may resemble Alexander
Variations: Youthful to mature, various hair treatments
Consistency: Remarkably stable across mints

Reverse: Zeus Enthroned

Symbolism: King of gods = Alexander as supreme ruler
Attributes: Scepter, eagle, sometimes Nike figure
Legend: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ always to left
Control Marks: Below throne or in field

Lifetime vs Posthumous Issues

Lifetime Issues (336–323 BC)

Mints: Mainly Amphipolis, Pella, Asian mints after 333 BC
Style: Classical, fine engraving, high relief
Rarity: Much scarcer than posthumous
Value: Significant premium over posthumous
Identification: Requires expert attribution

Posthumous Issues (323–c. 250 BC)

Mints: Dozens across former empire
Style: Variable, often cruder, lower relief
Rarity: Common (millions struck over century)
Value: Generally affordable
Identification: By mint marks and style

Why Legends Stay Stable But Symbols Change

👑

Legitimacy Politics

Successors needed Alexander's name for authority long after his death

💰

Market Confidence

Traders trusted "Alexander" coins more than new royal names

🏭

Mint Continuity

Existing dies and expertise favored continuing established type

Instead of changing legends, mints added control symbols (monograms, letters, small figures) to track production and assert local authority.

🟠

POSTHUMOUS ALEXANDER COINS (EMPIRE WITHOUT THE EMPEROR)

Why Alexander's name lived on in metal

The Currency of a Ghost Empire

For nearly a century after Alexander's death, his successors continued minting coins in his name - not out of reverence, but because his coinage had become the economic foundation of the Hellenistic world.

Why Successors Minted Alexander's Name

⚖️

Legitimacy Politics

Claiming connection to Alexander validated their rule in fragmented empire

💰

Economic Continuity

Merchants and markets trusted "Alexander" coins more than new names

🔄

Practical Convenience

Existing dies, expertise, and systems favored continuing production

Key Attribution Clues for Posthumous Coins

Field Symbols

Added below throne or in exergue identify specific mints and periods

Monograms

Complex ligatures represent mint officials, magistrates, or workshops

Style Shifts

Gradual artistic changes help date coins within posthumous period

How to Avoid Misattributing "Alexander-Style" Coins

⚠️

Not All Herakles/Zeus Coins Are Alexander

Many cities and kings copied the popular design. Check legend carefully.

⚠️

Look Beyond the Design

Weight, fabric, and style often reveal true origin more than images alone.

⚠️

Consider Chronology

Alexander types minted after 250 BC are usually imitations, not posthumous.

Dating Posthumous Alexander Coins

1

Identify Mint

Use field symbols and monograms to determine mint location

2

Analyze Style

Compare portrait style, letter forms, and fabric to dated examples

3

Check Control Marks

Some monograms represent specific years or magistrates

4

Consult References

Use Price's "Alexander the Great Coinage" or similar catalogues

Collector Tip

Posthumous Alexander tetradrachms offer affordable entry to Macedonian collecting. Focus on examples with clear mint marks for better attribution and historical context.

🟠

MACEDONIAN SUCCESSORS & DYNASTIES (ANTIGONIDS & BEYOND)

Macedonia after Alexander - maintaining identity in a fragmented world

The Macedonian Legacy Continues

After Alexander's empire fractured, Macedonia itself became a kingdom again under the Antigonid dynasty, maintaining distinctive coinage that balanced Macedonian tradition with Hellenistic innovation.

Antigonid Macedonia as a Kingdom

Historical Context

277-168 BC: Antigonus II Gonatas establishes dynasty after decades of conflict among Alexander's successors. Macedonia becomes a regional power again.

Coinage Characteristics

Returns to distinct Macedonian symbols (shields, helmets) while adopting Hellenistic portrait conventions for kings.

Macedonian Shield Coins

🛡️

Iconic Symbol

The Macedonian shield becomes primary obverse type on Antigonid bronzes, asserting military identity.

⚔️

Military Imagery

Reverse designs feature clubs, helmets, thunderbolts - all connected to Macedonian military tradition.

Comparing Macedonian with Other Successor Kingdoms

Seleucids

Portraits: King on obverse
Reverse: Apollo, anchor symbols
Difference: More Persian influence, less Macedonian tradition

Ptolemies

Portraits: Ptolemy I as Alexander
Reverse: Eagle, Egyptian symbols
Difference: Strong Egyptian integration, different weight standard

Lysimachus

Portraits: Alexander with horn of Ammon
Reverse: Athena, lion
Difference: Alexander portrait becomes divine ruler image

When Macedonian Coinage Becomes "Macedon Again"

c. 280 BC

Antigonus II Establishes Control

Begins issuing coins with Macedonian shield types, asserting traditional identity

c. 250 BC

Distinct Antigonid Style Emerges

Royal portraits appear alongside traditional Macedonian military symbols

c. 200 BC

Full Macedonian Renaissance

Coinage clearly distinguishes Macedonia from other Hellenistic kingdoms

Collector Perspective

Antigonid coinage offers a fascinating blend: traditional Macedonian symbols meet Hellenistic royal portraiture. Shield bronzes are affordable and iconic, while royal portrait tetradrachms represent advanced collecting.

🟠

MACEDONIAN BRONZE COINS (THE UNDERRATED FIELD)

Affordable history in copper alloy

Why Bronzes Confuse Collectors

Macedonian bronzes are abundant, affordable, and historically fascinating - yet they're often overlooked or misattributed due to their simple designs and frequent lack of clear legends.

Common Bronze Types and Symbols

🛡️

Shield Types

Macedonian shield on obverse, various reverses (club, helmet, thunderbolt)

👑

Royal Types

Kings' portraits or names, often with Macedonian symbols

⚡

Symbol Types

Standalone symbols (star, thunderbolt, eagle) without clear attribution

Legend Patterns and Abbreviations

Full Royal Legends

Example: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΠΕΡΣΕΩΣ
Period: Later Hellenistic (Antigonid kings)
Rarity: Less common on bronzes

Abbreviated Legends

Example: ΒΑΣ (for ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ)
Period: Common on smaller bronzes
Challenge: Requires context for full reading

Monograms Only

Example: Complex ligature without letters
Period: Various, especially civic issues
Solution: Match to known monogram references

How to Attribute Bronzes with Partial Legends

1

Identify Visible Letters

Even 2-3 clear letters can narrow attribution significantly

2

Match Symbol Combinations

Specific shield designs with particular reverse symbols indicate specific issues

3

Consider Size and Weight

Module size and weight ranges help date and attribute anonymous bronzes

4

Consult Reference Works

Use specialized bronze catalogues (e.g., AMNG, SNG) for comparisons

What Makes Certain Bronzes Rare

Mint + Series Combinations

Bronzes from certain mints in specific series are much scarcer than others

Symbol Combinations

Particular obverse/reverse symbol pairs may indicate rare issues

Condition Rarity

Bronzes in fine condition with clear legends are rarer than silver equivalents

Collector Tips for Macedonian Bronzes

Start with shield types: Most recognizable and affordable
Focus on condition: Seek examples with clear symbols and legends
Learn the symbols: Macedonian shield variations indicate different periods
Consider groupings: Collect by king, mint, or symbol type
Document everything: Weight, diameter, all visible details

🟠

COLLECTING MACEDONIAN COINS (BEGINNER → ADVANCED)

Practical paths for building a Macedonian collection

From First Coin to Advanced Collection

Macedonian coinage offers collecting opportunities at every level, from affordable bronzes to premium gold staters. Here's how to build a meaningful collection.

Best Beginner Entry Points

🌍

Common Alexander Tetradrachms

Price Range: $200–$500
Why Start Here: Iconic type, abundant supply, easy to research
Focus: Posthumous issues with clear details and mint marks
Goal: Understand basic attribution and style

Easy

🐎

Philip II Silver

Price Range: $300–$800
Why Start Here: Historical importance, beautiful artistry
Focus: Tetradrachms with clear horseman reverse
Goal: Appreciate pre-Alexander Macedonian coinage

Medium

🛡️

Identifiable Bronzes

Price Range: $50–$200
Why Start Here: Most affordable, often in good condition
Focus: Antigonid shields with clear types and legends
Goal: Learn bronze attribution and Macedonian symbols

Easy

Themed Collection Routes

Philip → Alexander Story Set

Philip II silver tetradrachm
Philip II gold stater (or bronze alternative)
Alexander lifetime tetradrachm (or early posthumous)
Posthumous tetradrachm from different mint
Antigonid bronze (Macedonia after Alexander)

Educational Value: Shows evolution of Macedonian coinage

Macedonian Gods & Symbols

Zeus (Philip/Alexander obverses)
Herakles (Alexander obverse)
Apollo (Philip gold staters)
Athena/Nike (later Hellenistic issues)
Macedonian star/sunburst symbol

Artistic Focus: Divine imagery and symbolism

Cavalry & War Imagery

Philip II horseman reverse
Alexander coins with cavalry-related symbols
Shield types (Antigonid military emphasis)
Helmet/weapon bronzes
Victory (Nike) types

Thematic: Macedonian military dominance

Storage, Handling, and Cataloging

📦

Storage Solutions

Mylar flips: Acid-free, clear viewing both sides
Archival trays: For larger collections, organized by type
Climate control: Stable temperature and humidity
Avoid PVC: Causes green corrosion on bronze

👐

Handling Guidelines

Clean hands: Or wear cotton gloves
Hold by edges: Avoid touching surfaces
Soft surface: Pad when examining coins
Never force: Coins into holders

📝

Cataloging Fields

Attribution: King, type, catalog reference
Physical: Weight, diameter, condition grade
Provenance: Purchase source, price, date
Photos: Both sides, scale reference

Advanced Collecting Paths

Mint Specialization

Advanced

Collect Alexander tetradrachms from specific mints (Amphipolis, Babylon, etc.) by monogram identification. Study regional style variations.

Die Studies

Expert

Identify coins struck from same dies, reconstruct mint output sequences, study engraver hands and artistic development.

Hoard Analysis

Research

Study groups of coins found together, understand circulation patterns, dating evidence, and historical context of discoveries.

Collection Building Tips

Start with a focus: Don't try to collect everything at once
Quality over quantity: One well-attributed coin is better than several mysteries
Document everything: Keep detailed records from day one
Learn continuously: Read, study museum collections, join forums
Buy from reputable sources: Established dealers with guarantees

🟠

LEGACY OF MACEDONIAN COINAGE

How Macedonian coins changed history and continue to captivate collectors

Enduring Influence Across Centuries

Macedonian coinage didn't just fund an empire - it created patterns that would influence Mediterranean money for a millennium and establish collecting traditions that continue today.

🏛️

Blueprint for Hellenistic Kingship Coinage

The Macedonian model of royal coinage (king's name, standardized designs, control marks) became the template for all Hellenistic kingdoms. Seleucids, Ptolemies, and Attalids all followed Macedonian patterns.

⚔️

Influence on Roman Systems

Roman republican coinage adopted Macedonian weight standards. Imperial Rome continued the royal portrait tradition. The denarius system owes much to Macedonian tetradrachm precedent.

👑

Medieval Continuations

Byzantine gold solidus maintained weight stability pioneered by Macedonian gold. Medieval kings used coinage for propaganda just as Macedonian rulers had.

Why Macedonian Coins Are Evergreen for Collectors

📜

Historical Weight

Direct connection to Philip, Alexander, and world-changing events. These coins paid the army that conquered Persia.

🎨

Artistic Beauty

From classical Zeus heads to heroic Herakles portraits, Macedonian coin art represents peak Greek numismatic artistry.

🔍

Research Depth

Standard types with endless variations in style, mints, control marks. Something for every collector level from beginner to PhD.

💰

Accessibility

Unlike rare Athenian owls, common Alexander tetradrachms allow average collectors to own genuine history.

The Macedonian Numismatic Revolution

Macedonian coinage represents one of history's great monetary innovations. Philip II created a system that funded military expansion. Alexander turned it into a global currency. Their successors maintained the tradition for centuries, creating a legacy that shaped coinage from Rome to Byzantium.

"In their gold and silver, we trace the transformation of a regional kingdom into a world empire—and the birth of international currency. Each Macedonian coin is a fragment of that revolutionary story."

The Macedonian Legacy in Four Points

👑

Royal Coinage Model

Established king's name as primary identifier

🌍

International Standard

First currency accepted across three continents

⚖️

Weight Stability

Maintained consistent standards for centuries

🎨

Artistic Excellence

Set standards for royal portraiture and design

Start Your Macedonian Journey

Whether you begin with a simple bronze shield coin or aim for a gold stater, Macedonian coinage offers a direct connection to one of history's most transformative periods. The coins are waiting to tell their stories.

Browse Macedonian Coins Learn More About Greek Coins