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Diobol
| Issuer | Thasos |
|---|---|
| Year | 500 BC - 463 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Silver |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| Technique | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Quadripartite incuse square divided into four recessed triangular sections by raised diagonal and horizontal bars, characteristic of early archaic Thasian coinage produced by the punch technique. The deeply impressed square fill the entire reverse field, with no legend or additional decorative elements present. |
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| Edge | Log in to see details |
| Mint | Thasos |
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| Additional information |
Thasos built its archaic monetary economy almost entirely on two resources: the silver mines of the Thracian mainland, which the island controlled across the straits, and a wine trade significant enough that ancient sources specifically mention Thasian vintages commanding premium prices throughout the Aegean. The diobol served the small-denomination end of that commerce. Persian pressure on Thrace during the early fifth century repeatedly threatened Thasian access to those mainland mines, making the continuity of this coinage a minor political achievement in itself.
The SNG Copenhagen specimens (191–194) represent the primary reference grouping for die study of this type.