Philip II of Macedon
King of Macedon, 359-336 BC

Silver tetradrachm (4-drachm piece), 24 mm, 14.1 grams.
Obverse:  Head of Zeus.
Reverse:  King Philip wearing a broad-rimmed hat on horseback.
Struck at the Pella mint, c.359-355 BC.
The reverse of this coin is thought to commemorate the victory of Philip's horse at the Olympic games.

Silver tetradrachm (4-drachm piece), 24 mm, 14.4 grams.
Same types as above.
Struck at the Amphipolis mint, c.355-348 BC.
The deep cuts on this coin are often seen on ancient precious metal coins, done to a coin to confirm that it is solid silver throughout.

Philip used his military and diplomatic skills to create a powerful unified state at home (359-353 BC).  Then he went on to make himself master of the whole of Greece.  Though rallied by the famous oratory skills of  Demosthenes, the forces of Athens were defeated decisively at the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BC.  After installing friendly governments in most cities and garrisons in some, Philip forced the Greeks to join in a Hellenic league that swore allegiance to him and his dynasty.

The planned Macedonian conquest of Persia, aborted by his assassination in 336 BC, was carried out by his son, Alexander the Great.

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