A Philip of Macedonia coin featuring a Herakles (Hercules) portrait is a genuine ancient artifact that highlights the symbolic and religious traditions of Macedon. Coins struck under rulers such as Philip II and Philip V often depicted the head of Herakles wearing a lion-skin headdress, a classic iconography symbolizing strength, heroism, and divine favor. This portrait is not only representative of Herakles as a mythological hero but also ties the Macedonian royal house to claims of divine ancestry through Herakles, which was important for legitimizing their rule.​

The use of Herakles’ portrait predates the reign of Alexander the Great and was consistently employed on Macedonian coinage both before and after his era. The style typically features Herakles facing right, sometimes with striking naturalism and youthful vigor, making these portraits among the most beautiful of ancient Greek coins. While later coinage would sometimes blur lines—especially with successors adopting Alexander’s features—on coins of Philip II and other Philips, the intent was to celebrate the hero Herakles rather than offer a literal portrait of the king himself.​

The British Museum and various reputable ancient coin dealers confirm the authenticity of such types, with inscriptions naming Philip (ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ or PHILIPPOY) and showing the heroic image on the obverse. These coins were struck in both silver and bronze denominations and circulated widely across the Hellenistic world, prized today for their artistry and historical depth.​

Collectors value these coins both for their craftsmanship and their connection to the mythology and history of ancient Macedonia. The depiction of Herakles wearing the lion-skin headdress remains one of the most iconic images in ancient numismatics, reflecting both religious reverence and royal propaganda of the Macedonian house. A certified genuine example is a centerpiece in any collection of Greek or Macedonian antiquities.