Ancient Silver Tetradrachm from Eastern Europe: Celtic Imitation of Philip II of Macedon (about 2,200 years ago)
This silver coin was made in the 2nd century BC in what is now Austria-Slovakia by Celtic tribes copying the famous coins of Philip II of Macedon (Alexander the Great's father). These weren't forgeries but local adaptations that developed their own unique style while borrowing Greek prestige.
Coin Description:
Front side:
Diademed head facing right with distinctive features
Flattened "boxer's nose" and heavy, pronounced jawline
Royal headband shows this represents a king
Celtic artists gave it a rougher, more rugged appearance than the original refined Greek style
Back side:
Horseman riding left, shown only from the torso up in typical Celtic abbreviated style
Rider's hair forms three bands that combine into one decorative curl behind the head
Distinctive feature of this regional type
Technical Details:
Material composition: Silver with ancient patination
Denomination: Tetradrachm, approximately 23-25mm diameter
Catalog/reference numbers: OTA 469; KMW 1391; De la Tour 9907; Lanz 744
Certification/grade: Not specified
Date/period of minting: 2nd century BC, Burgenland-West Slovakian region by Celtic tribes
Historical Significance Paragraph: This coin shows how Greek monetary ideas spread into Celtic Europe through cultural exchange rather than conquest. Celtic tribes adopted Philip II's trusted coin designs around the 3rd-2nd centuries BC, creating legitimate local currency that borrowed Greek prestige while expressing their own artistic style. These coins served as everyday money in trade networks connecting Celtic settlements across Central Europe.
This silver coin was made in the 2nd century BC in what is now Austria-Slovakia by Celtic tribes copying the famous coins of Philip II of Macedon (Alexander the Great's father). These weren't forgeries but local adaptations that developed their own unique style while borrowing Greek prestige.
Coin Description:
Front side:
Diademed head facing right with distinctive features
Flattened "boxer's nose" and heavy, pronounced jawline
Royal headband shows this represents a king
Celtic artists gave it a rougher, more rugged appearance than the original refined Greek style
Back side:
Horseman riding left, shown only from the torso up in typical Celtic abbreviated style
Rider's hair forms three bands that combine into one decorative curl behind the head
Distinctive feature of this regional type
Technical Details:
Material composition: Silver with ancient patination
Denomination: Tetradrachm, approximately 23-25mm diameter
Catalog/reference numbers: OTA 469; KMW 1391; De la Tour 9907; Lanz 744
Certification/grade: Not specified
Date/period of minting: 2nd century BC, Burgenland-West Slovakian region by Celtic tribes
Historical Significance Paragraph: This coin shows how Greek monetary ideas spread into Celtic Europe through cultural exchange rather than conquest. Celtic tribes adopted Philip II's trusted coin designs around the 3rd-2nd centuries BC, creating legitimate local currency that borrowed Greek prestige while expressing their own artistic style. These coins served as everyday money in trade networks connecting Celtic settlements across Central Europe.
This silver coin was made in the 2nd century BC in what is now Austria-Slovakia by Celtic tribes copying the famous coins of Philip II of Macedon (Alexander the Great's father). These weren't forgeries but local adaptations that developed their own unique style while borrowing Greek prestige.
Coin Description:
Front side:
Diademed head facing right with distinctive features
Flattened "boxer's nose" and heavy, pronounced jawline
Royal headband shows this represents a king
Celtic artists gave it a rougher, more rugged appearance than the original refined Greek style
Back side:
Horseman riding left, shown only from the torso up in typical Celtic abbreviated style
Rider's hair forms three bands that combine into one decorative curl behind the head
Distinctive feature of this regional type
Technical Details:
Material composition: Silver with ancient patination
Denomination: Tetradrachm, approximately 23-25mm diameter
Catalog/reference numbers: OTA 469; KMW 1391; De la Tour 9907; Lanz 744
Certification/grade: Not specified
Date/period of minting: 2nd century BC, Burgenland-West Slovakian region by Celtic tribes
Historical Significance Paragraph: This coin shows how Greek monetary ideas spread into Celtic Europe through cultural exchange rather than conquest. Celtic tribes adopted Philip II's trusted coin designs around the 3rd-2nd centuries BC, creating legitimate local currency that borrowed Greek prestige while expressing their own artistic style. These coins served as everyday money in trade networks connecting Celtic settlements across Central Europe.
