Tetradrachm of Philip V

Tetradrachm of Philip V

Silver

Obv.: Macedonian shield; in the centre, the head of Philip as the new Perseus, wearing a winged helmet that terminates in the forepart of a griffin, a sickle behind.<br />Rev.: Club, with legend above reading <em>BASILEOS</em> (king) with a monogram above the text. Below the club, a legend reading <em>PHILOPPOU</em> (of Philip); with two monograms below. All within an oak wreath. <br />Significance: The coin reflects Philip's Roman connections only in a minor detail: the winged helmet, crowned with the forepart of a griffin, resembles that depicted on the head of Roma on Roman <em>denarii </em>(silver coins). As for the portrait on the shield, Philip's son was called Perseus. The club on the reverse is that of Hercules. The oak wreath symbolises Zeus. The griffin, a hybrid animal, unites the terrestrial strength of the lion with the celestial energies of the eagle. This appears to be the image of himself that Philip wished to project on his coins.

Macedonian

Purchased from B. A. Seaby Ltd, London, with funds donated by Mrs B. Fletcher, Brisbane, 1990.

221 - 179 BC

4.3 mm x 33.6 mm

C.026