NGC Certified Philip III Arrhidaios Silver Drachm, Kolophon Mint, 323–319 BC

General Characteristics

State: Kingdom of Macedon

Common Name of the Ruler: Philip III Arrhidaios

Full Academic Name: Philip III Arrhidaios (Philippus III Arrhidaeus, Φίλιππος Γ΄ Ἀρριδαῖος), King of Macedon

Reign: 323–317 BC

Denomination: Silver Drachm (AR Drachm)

Metal: Silver (AR)

Mint: Kolophon, Ionia, Asia Minor

Date of Issue: 323–319 BC

Issue Type: Early posthumous issue struck in the name and types of Alexander III the Great during the reign of Philip III Arrhidaios.

Weight: 4.30 g

Diameter: 17.4 mm

NGC Grade: VG (Very Good)

Surface Designation: Brushed, indicating evidence of historical mechanical surface brushing officially noted by NGC.

Certification: NGC Ancients

NGC Certification Number: 8560159-014

Reference Catalogues:

• Price 1759
• Müller 317
• SNG Copenhagen 950

Rarity: Scarce (S).

According to the standard academic reference The Coinage in the Name of Alexander the Great and Philip Arrhidaeus by Martin Price, this Kolophon issue belongs to the Scarce category among the early posthumous Alexandrine coinage. Compared with the extensive issues of Amphipolis, Babylon and several other major mints, this emission is encountered considerably less frequently and remains highly desirable among collectors and specialists in Hellenistic numismatics.

Description

Obverse

Head of Herakles facing right, wearing the skin of the Nemean Lion. This iconic portrait derives from the monetary reform of Alexander III the Great and represents one of the most recognizable artistic types of ancient Greek coinage, symbolizing strength, divine ancestry, and legitimate royal authority.

Reverse

Zeus Aëtophoros seated left upon a throne, holding an eagle in his extended right hand and a long royal sceptre in his left. The legend ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ ("Of Alexander") appears in the right field. A six-pointed star occupies the left field, while a spearhead appears in the outer right field. These control symbols securely identify the coin as Price 1759, struck at the mint of Kolophon.

Historical Background

Philip III Arrhidaios (c. 359–317 BC) was the son of Philip II of Macedon and the half-brother of Alexander III the Great. Following Alexander's death in June 323 BC, Philip III was proclaimed King of Macedon together with the posthumously born Alexander IV, the son of Alexander the Great and Roxane.

Because Philip III lacked the ability to exercise independent rule, real political authority remained in the hands of successive regents and the leading Diadochi. Nevertheless, silver coinage continued to be struck exclusively in the name of Alexander III the Great, whose prestige and legitimacy remained the principal symbol of royal authority throughout the former Macedonian Empire.

Coins of this series represent the earliest posthumous Alexandrine issues and constitute historically important evidence for the beginning of the Hellenistic age following Alexander's death.

Preservation, Patina and Collectability

This specimen has been professionally authenticated and encapsulated by NGC Ancients, one of the world's leading independent grading and certification services for ancient coins.

The coin is preserved in its original NGC holder with the certified grade VG (Very Good) under certification number 8560159-014, ensuring authenticity, professional attribution, and long-term preservation.

The surfaces retain a natural silver appearance with remnants of delicate cabinet toning developed during centuries of preservation. Localized traces of historical mechanical brushing correspond to the certified Brushed designation assigned by NGC. Despite this surface characteristic, the principal design elements, inscription, and mint control marks remain clearly identifiable, fully corresponding to this important early posthumous Kolophon issue.

Its certified authenticity, complete scholarly attribution, recognized NGC certification, and association with the earliest posthumous coinage struck in the name of Alexander the Great make this specimen an attractive acquisition for advanced collectors of ancient Greek and Hellenistic numismatics.