Æ

Historical Context: Chersonesos, a vital Greek colony on the Tauric Chersonese (modern Crimea), flourished as a democratic polis during the late Classical period (375-350 BC). This era marked a peak in its economic and political autonomy, driven by extensive Black Sea trade. The issuance of Æ coinage, like this piece, underscores Chersonesos's robust civic administration and its need for stable currency, reflecting its independent economic identity amidst interactions with neighboring Scythian tribes.

Artistry: The artistic execution of Chersonesean bronzes from this period, while not attributed to individual engravers, reflects the prevailing Classical Greek aesthetic adapted to local civic iconography. Given the small 13mm module, designs were necessarily compact yet potent. Common obverse types include the head of the city's patron goddess, Artemis Parthenos, or a bull. The reverse often features a civic emblem like a club or bow, rendered with a directness characteristic of utilitarian fractional coinage.

Technical/Grading: This copper Æ, weighing 2.34 grams and measuring 13mm, represents a typical fractional denomination. For grading, high-points prone to wear include the highest relief areas, such as a deity's hair or facial features, or an animal's musculature. Technical strike quality often varies; examples with a full, centered strike and well-defined details are prized. Preservation depends on environmental factors, with desirable examples exhibiting an attractive, stable patination, free from significant corrosion.