KINGS of MACEDON. Archelaos. 413-400/399 BC. AR Stater (21mm, 9.91 g, 12h). Aigai mint. Good VF.

CNG Feature Auction 132
Lot: 208. Estimated: $ 1 000

Greek, 12h, Coin-in-Hand Video, Silver

Sold For $ 1 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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KINGS of MACEDON. Archelaos. 413-400/399 BC. AR Stater (21mm, 9.91 g, 12h). Aigai mint. Head of Apollo right, with short hair, wearing tainia / Horse advancing right, trailing rein, in linear square within shallow incuse square. Westermark, Staters, Group II, Series 2, dies O69/R– (unlisted rev. die); AMNG III/2, 3; HGC 3, 795. Toned, a little porosity. Good VF.

Archelaos was one of early Macedon's most capable kings. His reign saw major changes to state administration, the organization of the kingdom's military, and significant developments in commerce that helped stabilize the kingdom's finances. Perhaps the most important event of his reign was a rapproachment with Athens, historically an opponent to the Macedonian kings. In 413 BC, Athens suffered a devastating defeat at Syracuse that destroyed most of its fleet of ships. Amphipolis had provided Athens with timber for shipbuilding, but the Athenians lost control of the city to Macedon in 424 BC. Rather than see the Athenians struggle to rebuild, Archelaos used this as an opportunity to normalize relations with Athens as an equal power, and supplied them with the timber they required. This single act greatly enriched his kingdom, and ingratiated Archelaos with the Athenians such that they honored him and his family with the titles of proxenos and euergetes. Other significant events were his relocation of the Argead capital from Aigai to Pella, and the expansion of trade with various cities in Greece. This trade greatly increased the influence of Hellenic culture in Macedon, and many Greek artists, poets, musicians, and tragedians were brought to Archelaos' court. Archelaos was murdered in 399 BC, but the sources differ on the circumstances.

The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 132 lots will be determined at the live online sale that will be held on 18-19 May 2026.

CNG Feature Auction 132 – Session One – Lot 1-318 will be held Monday morning, 18 May 2026 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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