CNG 103, Lot: 125. Estimate $300. Sold for $525. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28.5mm, 17.19 g, 2h). Contemporary imitation of Sidon mint issue. Uncertain mint in the east. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; Π in left field, ΣI below throne. For prototype, cf. Price P177. Good VF, toned. High relief.

From the collection of Will Gordon.

This coin is a very high quality imitation that would likely pass for an official issue. It’s true origin is only betrayed by the unusual obverse style that is aberrant for Sidon and the minor errors in Philip’s name. The deeply concave reverse suggests a mint in the east, perhaps in Persis.