Rare Macedonian Bronze “The Shield of Alexander's Brother” — Royal Coin Amulet, 18.25mm, 4.87g (No reserve price)
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€ 3
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 200 - € 250
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A bronze ancient Greek coin amulet from circa 182–149 BC, titled “The Shield of Alexander's Brother” — Royal Coin Amulet, 18.25 mm and 4.87 g, attributed to King Philip III Arrhidaios of Macedon, featuring a Macedonian shield with Herakles on the boss and an elephant on the reverse, now mounted as a wearable pendant and acquired from an auction house in 2025 from the Netherlands, with a good, original condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
An intriguing ancient Greek bronze coin amulet attributed to King Philip III Arrhidaios, the half-brother and successor of Alexander the Great, featuring the powerful Macedonian shield and an unusual elephant design.
The obverse presents a traditional Macedonian shield, its central boss decorated with the head of Herakles, the legendary Greek hero associated with extraordinary strength, courage and divine protection.
The reverse is attributed to an elephant walking right — an especially evocative image recalling the exotic lands, military expeditions and extraordinary eastern conquests associated with Alexander the Great.
Historical Significance — The Brother of Alexander the Great
Philip III Arrhidaios was the son of King Philip II of Macedon and the half-brother of Alexander the Great.
Following Alexander's death in Babylon in 323 BC, Philip III ascended the Macedonian throne during one of the most turbulent chapters of ancient history.
His reign witnessed the struggle among Alexander's generals for control of the vast empire, marking the beginning of the Hellenistic successor kingdoms.
Symbolism — The Shield, Herakles and the Elephant
The Macedonian shield represents military courage, royal authority, protection and the formidable warrior tradition of ancient Macedonia.
Herakles, celebrated for his legendary twelve labours, symbolises exceptional strength, endurance and triumph over adversity.
The elephant evokes immense power, wisdom and the distant eastern territories encountered during Alexander's campaigns.
Together, these images create a fascinating symbolic connection between royal Macedonian heritage and the extraordinary legacy of Alexander the Great.
A Wearable Piece of Hellenistic History
The bronze coin displays an irregular ancient-style flan, textured surfaces and attractive greenish-brown patination.
Suspended from a silver-coloured ring and chain, it becomes a distinctive historical pendant, combining ancient royal imagery with the timeless symbolism of courage, strength and protection.
An appealing collectible for enthusiasts of Alexander the Great, Macedonian history, ancient Greek coins and symbolic jewellery.
An intriguing ancient Greek bronze coin amulet attributed to King Philip III Arrhidaios, the half-brother and successor of Alexander the Great, featuring the powerful Macedonian shield and an unusual elephant design.
The obverse presents a traditional Macedonian shield, its central boss decorated with the head of Herakles, the legendary Greek hero associated with extraordinary strength, courage and divine protection.
The reverse is attributed to an elephant walking right — an especially evocative image recalling the exotic lands, military expeditions and extraordinary eastern conquests associated with Alexander the Great.
Historical Significance — The Brother of Alexander the Great
Philip III Arrhidaios was the son of King Philip II of Macedon and the half-brother of Alexander the Great.
Following Alexander's death in Babylon in 323 BC, Philip III ascended the Macedonian throne during one of the most turbulent chapters of ancient history.
His reign witnessed the struggle among Alexander's generals for control of the vast empire, marking the beginning of the Hellenistic successor kingdoms.
Symbolism — The Shield, Herakles and the Elephant
The Macedonian shield represents military courage, royal authority, protection and the formidable warrior tradition of ancient Macedonia.
Herakles, celebrated for his legendary twelve labours, symbolises exceptional strength, endurance and triumph over adversity.
The elephant evokes immense power, wisdom and the distant eastern territories encountered during Alexander's campaigns.
Together, these images create a fascinating symbolic connection between royal Macedonian heritage and the extraordinary legacy of Alexander the Great.
A Wearable Piece of Hellenistic History
The bronze coin displays an irregular ancient-style flan, textured surfaces and attractive greenish-brown patination.
Suspended from a silver-coloured ring and chain, it becomes a distinctive historical pendant, combining ancient royal imagery with the timeless symbolism of courage, strength and protection.
An appealing collectible for enthusiasts of Alexander the Great, Macedonian history, ancient Greek coins and symbolic jewellery.
Details
Culture
Rare Macedonian
Century/timeframe
circa 182-149 BC,
Name of object
“The Shield of Alexander's Brother” — Royal Coin Amulet, 18.25mm, 4.87g
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2025
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
2025
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
