Tetradrachm (Coin) Depicting the God Zeus
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
348-336 BCE, issued by King Philip II of Macedonia
This silver tetradrachm was minted in Pella, ancient Macedonia, between 348 and 336 BCE under the authority of King Philip II of Macedonia. The round coin measures 2.8 cm (1 1/8 in.) in diameter and presents imagery in relief on both sides.
The obverse features a profile portrait of the bearded god Zeus facing right, depicted with thick hair and a laurel wreath. The reverse depicts a horse walking toward the right with a youthful jockey mounted upon it. The rider holds a victory palm branch in hand, set against an inscribed background with Greek lettering and a symbol beneath the horse.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
Coins were used by ancient leaders to advertise victories in battle or athletic competitions. King Philip II (reigned 359–336 BCE), the father of Alexander the Great, issued this coin to celebrate his victory in the horse races at the Olympic Games, represented by the victory palm held by the jockey.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Silver
- Dimensions
- Diam.: 2.8 cm (1 1/8 in.)
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Greek; minted in Pella, ancient Macedonia
- Place recorded
- Pella
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Art Institute of Chicago collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Tetradrachm (Coin) Depicting the God Zeus
- Museum object number
- 1920.705
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Research required
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.