KINGS OF MACEDON. Philip II, 359-336 BC. Stater (Gold, 17 mm, 8.58 g, 8 h), Amphipolis (?), struck under Philip III or Kassander, circa 323/2-315. 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, diademed kausia and K. Le Rider 242 (D101'/R190'). SNG ANS 273 (same obverse die). Very rare. Of excellent style and with a very interesting reverse symbol. Traces of mounting and with some scratches, otherwise, good very fine.


The very rare symbol on this attractive stater depicts a kausia, the characteristic Macedonian felt cap. Flat and beret-like in form, it could be lavishly ornamented among the aristocracy and functioned as a marker of status. Especially noteworthy is that the kausia was engraved over an earlier symbol - a tripod - whose feet are still just discernible. Le Rider already observed this and labelled the dies R190 (with tripod) and R190′ (with kausia).