Chalkon - Diony...

Historical Context: This bronze chalkon was issued by the Ionian city of Priene in Caria, Asia Minor, during the Hellenistic period (240 BC - 170 BC). This era saw Priene navigating shifting allegiances between major Hellenistic kingdoms. While often under external suzerainty, Priene maintained civic autonomy, reflected in its local coinage. These issues served as essential currency for daily commerce and affirmed the city's identity, often featuring patron deities or significant civic symbols.

Artistry: The coin's name, "Diony...", strongly indicates a depiction of Dionysos, god of wine and revelry, a prominent deity. While the engraver remains anonymous, the artistry aligns with the Hellenistic stylistic school, characterized by greater naturalism and expressive portrayal of divine figures. The obverse typically features a youthful Dionysos head, possibly wreathed in ivy. The reverse would carry a civic emblem or an attribute related to the god, such as a thyrsus or kantharos, with the city's ethnic.

Technical/Grading: This small bronze chalkon, weighing 2.3 grams and measuring 13 millimeters, is typical for its denomination. For grading, key high-points on a Dionysos obverse include hair details, nose, and chin. On the reverse, the central device and legends are crucial. As mass-produced bronze currency, these issues frequently exhibit characteristic production flaws such as off-center strikes, uneven flans, and varying degrees of die wear, obscuring finer details. A well-centered strike with clear depiction of both designs is highly desirable.