KINGS OF MACEDON. Philip II, 359-336 BC. Stater (Gold, 19 mm, 8.56 g, 12 h), Magnesia on the Maeander, struck under Menander or Kleitos, circa 323-319. Laureate head of Apollo to right. Rev. ΦΙΛΙΠΠOY Charioteer driving biga to right, holding goad in his right hand and reins in his left; below the horses, cornucopiae and monogram. Le Rider -. Thompson, Philip, p. 58, -, cf. 6 (no monogram). SNG ANS -, cf. 316 (no monogram). Very rare and of great numismatic interest. Minor marks and the reverse struck a little bit off center from a slightly worn die, otherwise, about extremely fine.



Die comparisons show that the reverse die of this remarkable coin was re-engraved twice. The first version (Triton XV (2012), 1118) bore a tripod as its control symbol, which was later removed and replaced by a thyrsos (Roma XV (2018), 109). On our specimen, this too was reworked - into a cornucopiae with a monogram beneath. The re-engraving of dies is occasionally attested in antiquity, though it remains a little-studied phenomenon. A case such as this, in which three different symbols and an additional monogram are recorded for the same reverse die, is undoubtedly exceptional and likely reflects a reorganization within the mint.