Breaking the top 50, our next blog entry focusing on Whitman Publishing’s third edition of the 100 Greatest Ancient Coins takes a closer look at a coin that existed in a land that once stood alone. A rebellious group, this new monarchy would create an ancient world coin that most likely produced fewer than 50 coins, according to author Harlan J. Berk. Let us continue our look at this series, keeping in mind that the book presents the earliest coins first despite their rank among the top 100.
#49 – Alexander I of Macedonia Octodrachm (Greece – 492-480 BC)
Although now an area in northern Greece, Macedonia was once a separate land that was greatly influenced by the culture of Greece. However, Macedonians spoke a different language and were behind the Greeks in some areas of life. Macedonia was surrounded by barbarous tribes who were involved in frequent wars. They were also cut off from Greece’s coast. Even the nobility of Macedonia was considered violent and often at war with one another, only unifying in opposition to the growth of a national monarchy.
Around 500 BC, a Macedonian monarchy started to develop, and the land became united. However, a new power would also start to emerge: Persia. In 492 BC, the Persians became dominant in military power, and Alexander I was forced to work with them and pay tribute. He still tried to maintain his autonomy throughout though.
During this time, Alexander I had the octodrachm struck. It was this coin, according to Berk, that was used as payment to the Persians. The obverse features a horseman holding two spears and standing tall beside his steed. The design and subject matter relate to the tribal coinage of groups like the Edones and Bisaltai. It was those groups that the octodrachm was attributed to. Alexander’s later coin issues bore his name and have a more advanced style. The reverse is a textured square that is incused into quarters. Berk states that most likely there were no more than 50 of these coins recorded.