MACEDON. Macedonian Tribes. Bisaltae. AR Octodrachm (28.21 gms), ca. 480-465 B.C.cf.Svoronos-pl. XI; BMC-unlisted; AMNG-unlisted; Raymond-unlisted. Bridled horse walking right, nude warrior standing right in background holding spears; Reverse: Shallow quadripartite incuse square. Good artistic style for type as the engraving was executed in a semi-realistic manner. Many Octodrachms in this series are engraved in a manner where the standing figure appears disjointed at the waist, with the legs engraved disproportionately ahead of the torso. This was likely done as the placement of the horses hind legs were located in the same positioning. These large Macedonian issues were likely produced in a different manner than that of most conventional ancient coinage. The Octodrachms of the Bisaltae as well as the Octodrachms of Alexander I and the Dodecadrachms of the Derrones were seemingly produced in a two part process. Flattening on the reverse would suggest the coins were struck with dies individually, rather than at the same time. The reasoning for this is most likely due to the coins massive size. The reverse design was the first to be struck onto the planchet, the coin would then be turned over and struck with the obverse design. Evidence of this can be seen on the coin offered here as there is some flattening to the inside of the incuse square. The reverse incuse design featured on this coinage would be purely ornamental rather than a function of pushing metal into the obverse die. The Dodecadrachms of the Derrones are perhaps the best example of this double striking method, as they display a Triskeles on the reverse which is predominantly found flattened or mashed as a result of the secondary strike. Well struck on a planchet of good sound metal.NGC AU, Strike: 4/5 Surface: 4/5.
