Ancient Greek - Types of Alexander the Great - Kings of Macedonia - Philip III Arrhidaeus. Circa 323-317 BCE

Denomination:  AR Tetradrachm                                                         

Date:  Circa: 323-317 BCE               

Weight: 16.2 gm                                                                       

Mint: Babylon           

Grade:  NGC 8243481-001 - Ch F                                                 

Mount: 14K Gold with diamond accented bale

Description: KINGS OF MACEDONIA. Philip III Arrhidaios, 323-317 BC. Tetradrachm. Struck under Archon, Dokimos, or Seleukos I. Obverse: Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress. Reverse. Legend: ([BAΣIΛEΩΣ] – ΦΙΛΙΠΠOY). Zeus seated left on low throne, holding long scepter in his left hand and eagle standing right with closed wings in his right; to left, M; below throne, ΛΥ.  

History: Philip III Arrhidaeus (323–317 BC) was a king of Macedon, son of Philip II and half-brother of Alexander the Great. Originally named Arrhidaeus, he was proclaimed king after Alexander’s death but served as a figurehead with limited mental capacity, ruled by powerful regents like Perdiccas and Antipater during the Wars of the Diadochi. When Alexander the Great died on June 10, 323 BC a crisis ensued. Who would be Macedonia’s new king? Philip Arrhidaeus had to become the candidate even though he was mentally challenged. Alexander III's wife Roxana was pregnant and was waiting to give birth to their son.  He was to become the eventual heir to the throne and was to be named Alexander IV. It was decided that Philip III would reign as the appointed regent. He would be Philip III of Macedon in name only until the new Alexander IV would become old enough to rule. Philip III King of Macedon did not have a long-lasting reign. Only 6 years after becoming King he was murdered by Alexander III's mother

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