Apollo Gold Stater

Philip II, King of Macedonia and father of Alexander the great, was born in Pella in 382 BC. From 367 - 365 BC, Philip was a hostage in Thebes, and during that period he observed the military techniques of the greatest power in Greece. Philip became the greatest statesman and general of his time. He laid the foundation of the Macedonian military power employed by his son, Alexander the Great, to conquer and Hellenize the Middle East. This solid gold coin was struck with the image of the God Apollo under the power of Philip. The reverse shows a chariot and driver and the Greek inscription "of Philip". The Greek God Apollo is the God of the light and truth. He is one of the most important in the pantheon of Greek Olympian Gods. His twin sister, Artemis, is the Goddess of the moon, and Apollo is the God of the sun. He carries with him a quiver of fiery arrows as he drives his chariot across the sky. In addition to being the God of the sun, Apollo is associated with prophecy and truth, guiding the Oracle at Delphi in his temple.