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Didrachm
| Issuer | Chios |
|---|---|
| Year | 490 BC - 435 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | 15.0 mm |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Deep quadripartite incuse square divided by a raised cruciform ridge into four recessed rectangular compartments of roughly equal size, characteristic of early archaic Greek coinage struck by the hammered incuse technique. The surface of each quadrant is rough and uneven, reflecting the direct impression of the reverse punch. No legend or device is present; the incuse square fills the entire reverse field within the irregular oval flan. |
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| Edge | Plain |
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| Additional information |
Chios was among the earliest Aegean island states to adopt a consistent silver coinage, and the didrachm series attributed to this period spans some of the most turbulent decades in Aegean history — including the Ionian Revolt's aftermath and the consolidation of the Delian League, which subjected Chios to Athenian financial pressure while the island retained enough autonomy to continue issuing its own silver. Mavrogordato's die study of Chian coinage remains the foundational reference, identifying discrete emission groups across roughly half a century of production.
The HGC 6#1118 attribution places this piece within a well-documented but not abundant series. Surviving specimens vary considerably in die alignment and flan preparation.