CVC & Collectables presents a silver tetradrachm of Philip III Arrhidaeus, half-brother of Alexander the Great, struck at Arados (formerly attributed to Marathos) during the early Diadochi era. Issued shortly after Alexander’s death, this coin is a scarce R6 variety featuring traditional Macedonian iconography reinterpreted by a changing empire.
Coin Highlights:
- Issuer: Philip III Arrhidaeus, Kingdom of Macedon
- Date: 323–317 BC
- Mint: Arados (formerly Marathos)
- Reference: Price P162
- Denomination: Tetradrachm
- Composition: Silver
- Weight: ~17.2 g (typical for type)
- Grade: NGC CH F (Choice Fine)
Obverse:
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Design: Head of Herakles facing right, wearing lion skin headdress
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Symbolism: Herakles was revered as a divine ancestor of the Macedonian royal line, symbolizing power and heroism
Reverse:
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Legend: ΦIΛIΠΠOY right, BAΣIΛEΩΣ below
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Design: Zeus seated left on a backless throne, holding eagle and scepter; monograms IA (left) and AP (beneath throne)
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Style: Legs of Zeus shown parallel – a distinct die style from early Arados mint issues
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Attribution: Price P162; reattributed from Marathos to Arados by Houghton
Collectibility:
This scarce R6 issue is desirable for collectors of post-Alexandrian coinage or Macedonian tetradrachms. It offers historical depth, geographic interest, and a well-detailed Zeus reverse—a hallmark of Philip III’s transitional issues. The NGC CH F certification affirms both authenticity and solid preservation.
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