Catalog
| Issuer | Skyros |
|---|---|
| Year | 485 BC - 480 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Didrachm (2) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 8.67 g |
| Diameter | 22.0 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered, Incuse |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) |
| Obverse description | Two long horned and bearded goats, opposed vertically, back to back, with their heads turned inwards and their legs extended. Between them, a five-lobed fig leaf |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Stellate design composed of a large central globule surrounded by four smaller ones and by two rays towards the upper left and lower right and two three-lobed fig leaves towards the upper right and the lower left. All within incuse square |
| Reverse script | |
| Reverse lettering | |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (485 BC - 480 BC) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 5584260180 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This silver didrachm, issued by the island polis of Skyros between 485 and 480 BC, marks a pivotal moment in Greek history. Situated in the Aegean, Skyros, though a minor power, navigated the immediate aftermath of the Persian Wars. Its coinage signifies economic autonomy and participation in the Hellenic trade network, reflecting early Classical city-state self-representation, preceding later Athenian influence.
Artistry: While specific design details are unprovided, typical Skyrian didrachms of this early Classical transitional period featured local emblems. The obverse likely depicted a standing goat, a symbol deeply associated with the island, rendered with nascent naturalism. The reverse typically presented a simpler design, perhaps an incuse square or an early civic device, indicative of evolving numismatic artistry. The engraver remains anonymous, as common for the era.
Technical/Grading: Weighing 8.67 grams and measuring 22.0 millimeters, this didrachm conforms to the Attic-Euboic weight standard. High points for wear, if depicting a goat, would include the horns, eye, and musculature. Technical strike qualities often show off-centring, particularly on the reverse, and varying strike pressure inherent to early minting. Flan quality might exhibit minor irregularities, yet silver purity would generally be high, reflecting early Greek monetary integrity.