How to Identify Macedonian Coins
Here it is a complete guide of Macedonian coin identification from Philip II to Alexander the Great coins.
Introduction: Why Macedonian Coins Are Often Misidentified
Macedonian coins are among the most famous ancient coins in the world — and also among the most frequently misidentified. Their Greek language, mythological imagery, and wide circulation often cause confusion with Greek civic coinage or later Hellenistic issues.
Yet Macedonian coinage follows clear, logical rules.
Once you understand authority, legends, types, metals, and symbols, identifying Macedonian coins becomes systematic rather than guesswork. This page is the master identification for Macedonian coinage on NumisHaven.
1. First Question: Is the Coin Macedonian?
Before naming a ruler or type, confirm whether a coin belongs to Macedon.
Common Macedonian Indicators
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Royal authority (king’s name present)
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Greek legends naming a ruler, not a city
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Gold and silver dominance
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Large-scale production and uniform types
If a coin lacks civic ethnics and instead names a king, Macedonian attribution is likely.
👉 Parent pillar:
/macedonian-coins/
2. Step One: Identify the Issuing Authority
Macedonian coins in this period fall into two primary royal authorities.
👑 Philip II of Macedon
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Name: ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ
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Zeus head and horseman imagery
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Gold staters and silver tetradrachms
👉 Pillar:
/philip-ii-macedon-coins/
👑 Alexander the Great
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Name: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ
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Herakles and Zeus types
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Massive mint network
👉 Pillar:
/alexander-the-great-coins/
Correctly identifying the ruler is the foundation of attribution.
3. Step Two: Read the Legend (Even Partially)
Macedonian coins use Greek legends.
Key Royal Forms
| Legend | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ | “Of Philip” |
| ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ | “Of Alexander” |
Even partial letters (ΦΙΛ… / ΑΛΕΞ…) are often enough when combined with type.
👉 Legend guide: Greek Coin Legends Explained
4. Step Three: Identify the Coin Type
Design is the fastest identifier.
Philip II Types
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Zeus head (obverse)
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Horseman or chariot (reverse)
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Olympic victory symbolism
Alexander Types
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Herakles in lion skin (obverse)
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Zeus seated with eagle (reverse)
Type consistency is one of Macedonian coinage’s defining features.
5. Step Four: Determine the Metal and Denomination
Gold
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Philip II gold staters
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Alexander gold staters (Athena / Nike)
Silver
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Tetradrachms (most common)
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Drachms
Bronze
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Local circulation
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Less standardized
Metal helps confirm function and period.
6. Step Five: Analyze Style and Fabric
Style Clues
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Facial proportions of Zeus or Herakles
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Rendering of hair and beard
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Letter shapes in legends
Fabric Clues
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Flan thickness
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Strike centering
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Surface quality
Style often confirms attribution when legends are worn.
7. Step Six: Look for Monograms and Symbols
Monograms are especially important for Alexander coinage.
They appear:
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beneath Zeus’ throne
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in left or right fields
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near the scepter
These marks allow:
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mint attribution
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relative dating
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lifetime vs posthumous distinction
👉 Dedicated pillar:
/alexander-tetradrachm-monograms/
8. Lifetime vs Posthumous Issues (Alexander)
Alexander coins were struck:
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during his lifetime
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for centuries after his death
Lifetime issues are scarcer and more desirable, but posthumous issues are historically valid and widespread.
Correct identification avoids mislabeling.
9. Common Identification Errors
❌ Assuming all Herakles/Zeus coins are Alexander
❌ Confusing Philip II horseman coins with civic issues
❌ Ignoring monograms
❌ Trusting dealer labels without verification
❌ Misidentifying successor issues as Alexander
Careful step-by-step analysis prevents most errors.
10. When Identification Remains Uncertain
Uncertainty is normal — even for experts.
Best practice:
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Record observable features
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Compare with references
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Avoid forced attribution
Accuracy matters more than certainty.
Final Thoughts: Logic Over Guesswork
Macedonian coins were designed to be recognizable, authoritative, and trusted. That same clarity allows modern collectors to identify them with confidence.
Follow the steps:
authority → legend → type → metal → style → monograms
Do that, and Macedonian coin identification becomes clear and repeatable.