Eastern Europe Imitations of Philip II of Macedon AR tetradrachm

Celtic tetradrachms imitating those of Philip II of Macedon provide a fascinating testimony to the cultural and economic exchanges between the Greek world and the Celtic peoples. Struck between the 3rd and 1st centuries BC, these coins often reproduce the famous Greek design: the head of Zeus on the obverse and the horseman (either detailed or stylized) on the reverse. However, Celtic craftsmen, less attached to classical realism, gradually transformed these images into more abstract and symbolic forms, reflecting their own aesthetic sensibility. These tetradrachms served both as a means of trade and as symbols of prestige for local elites. Their study reveals a unique blend of Hellenic influences and Celtic creativity, marking an essential stage in the monetary history of Europe.