Catalog
| Issuer | Kos (Carian Islands) |
|---|---|
| Year | 470 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 3 Sigloi |
| Currency | Persic siglos/drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 16.44 g |
| Diameter | 26 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered, Incuse |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | BostonMFA#2014 , Traité II#1737 Fitzwilliam#4759 , Bement Cabinet#286 |
| Obverse description | Diskobolos, nude, hurling diskos right; tripod to left, ΚΟΣ to right. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Greek |
| Obverse lettering | ΚΟΣ |
| Reverse description | Crab in the centre of diagonally divided incuse square. |
| Reverse script | |
| Reverse lettering | |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (-470) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 3897969530 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This 3 Sigloi from Kos, dated 470 BC, places it in the Early Classical period, a time of significant growth for Greek city-states after the Persian Wars. Kos, a strategic Carian island, was a vital maritime trading center. The substantial 16.44-gram silver denomination signifies Kos's economic strength and active regional commerce, likely adhering to a widely accepted weight standard. This coinage reflects a period of prosperity and increasing influence for the island.
Artistry: The engraver remains anonymous, typical for early 5th-century BC issues. Stylistically, it embodies the Early Classical school's nascent naturalism. The obverse typically features a meticulously rendered crab, Kos's iconic emblem, depicted with anatomical accuracy and robust three-dimensionality. The reverse commonly shows the powerful club of Herakles, often with the ethnic KOΣ, executed with direct simplicity, underscoring its symbolic importance, reflecting local cults or mythic origins.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a broad, often irregular silver flan, the coin's technical execution is key. High-points for wear or weak strike include the crab's carapace and claw tips, and the club's prominent head. A well-struck example exhibits sharp detail in these areas. Original surfaces, free from post-mint damage, typically display an attractive natural patina. While centering varies, examples with full, well-defined devices and clear legends are highly sought for their historical and artistic integrity.