Didrachm

Emittente Skyros
Anno 485 BC - 480 BC
Tipo Standard circulation coin
Valore Didrachm (2)
Valuta Drachm
Composizione Silver
Peso 8.67 g
Diametro 22.0 mm
Spessore
Forma Round (irregular)
Tecnica Hammered, Incuse
Orientamento
Incisore/i
In circolazione fino al
Riferimento/i
Descrizione del dritto 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
Scrittura del dritto
Legenda del dritto
Descrizione del rovescio 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
Scrittura del rovescio
Legenda del rovescio
Bordo
Zecca
Tiratura ND (485 BC - 480 BC) - -
ID Numisquare 5584260180
Informazioni aggiuntive

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.

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