Chalkon

صادرکننده Halos
سال 360 BC - 346 BC
نوع Standard circulation coin
ارزش Chalkon (1⁄48)
واحد پول Drachm
ترکیب Bronze
وزن 2.66 g
قطر 16.0 mm
ضخامت
شکل Round (irregular)
تکنیک Hammered
جهت
حکاک(ها)
در گردش تا
مرجع(ها) HGC 4#6, BCD Thessaly II#84, Rogers#240
توضیحات روی سکه Fine style head of Zeus facing left, laureate and bearded and in front of him a thunderbolt; all in a circle of dots.
خط روی سکه
نوشته‌های روی سکه
توضیحات پشت سکه Helle, draped, seated sideways and looking right, on ram flying right, her left hand guiding it by applying pressure on the side of its head and with her right hand leaning on its back
خط پشت سکه Greek
نوشته‌های پشت سکه ΑΛΕΩИ
لبه
ضرابخانه
تیراژ ضرب ND (360 BC - 346 BC) - -
شناسه Numisquare 6853126910
اطلاعات تکمیلی

Historical Context: This Chalkon was issued by the city of Halos in Thessaly between 360 and 346 BC, a period of significant political flux in the region. Halos, a member of the Thessalian League at various times, navigated an era marked by the decline of Theban hegemony and the burgeoning influence of Macedon under Philip II. This coinage represents Halos's assertion of economic autonomy and civic identity during its final independent phase, shortly before its destruction by Philip II in 346 BC, making it a poignant artifact of a city on the cusp of profound change.

Artistry: While the engraver remains anonymous, typical for such small bronze issues, the coin exhibits characteristics of the Thessalian regional stylistic school. The obverse features a profile head of Athena, rendered with classical dignity, wearing a Corinthian helmet. The reverse depicts the forepart of a horse, a potent symbol of Thessaly's famed cavalry and agricultural wealth. The design, though compact for the 16mm flan, reflects a robust local interpretation of popular Hellenic motifs, emphasizing clarity and symbolic resonance over intricate detail.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a 2.66 gram bronze flan, this chalkon's technical quality is assessed by the clarity of its strike and preservation. Key high-points for Athena include the helmet's crest and facial features; for the horse, the mane and musculature. Given the nature of ancient bronze coinage, off-center strikes, minor flan irregularities, and areas of weaker impression are common. A well-centered example with strong definition on both the Athena portrait and the horse's forepart, coupled with an attractive, stable patination, would be considered exceptional for the type.

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