Chalkon

Emittente Meliboia
Anno 352 BC - 344 BC
Tipo Standard circulation coin
Valore Chalkon (1⁄48)
Valuta Drachm
Composizione Bronze
Peso 2.48 g
Diametro 14.5 mm
Spessore
Forma Round (irregular)
Tecnica Hammered
Orientamento Variable alignment ↺
Incisore/i
In circolazione fino al
Riferimento/i BCD Thessaly II#446
Descrizione del dritto Head of nymph to right, wearing plain necklace and pendant earring; her hair decorated with a wheat diadem.
Scrittura del dritto
Legenda del dritto
Descrizione del rovescio Bunch of grapes and two vine leaves hanging from vine branch.
Scrittura del rovescio Greek
Legenda del rovescio ME Λ-I
Bordo
Zecca
Tiratura ND (352 BC - 344 BC) - -
ID Numisquare 6947589380
Informazioni aggiuntive

Historical Context: This chalkon was issued by Meliboia in Thessaly between 352 and 344 BC. A minor polis on the Pagasetic Gulf, Meliboia maintained autonomy to strike its own bronze coinage. This era saw the rise of Philip II of Macedon and shifting Thessalian League politics. Issuing small bronzes like this chalkon was crucial for local commerce, highlighting the city’s economic activity and Hellenistic participation.

Artistry: The chalkon's artistic execution follows the Late Classical/Early Hellenistic Greek style common in Thessaly. No specific engraver is known, but iconography would be simplified yet recognizable. Thessalian bronzes often feature local nymphs, deities like Zeus or Apollo, or heroes on the obverse. The reverse commonly displays an animal, such as a horse or bull, or a city symbol. The small 14.5 mm flan necessitated a compact design for legibility.

Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze at 2.48 grams, this chalkon

×