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Diobol
| Issuer | Eion |
|---|---|
| Year | 480 BC - 470 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Diobol (⅓) |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | A large, deeply recessed square incuse punch divided into four roughly equal quadrants by raised ridges meeting at the centre, creating a characteristic mill-sail or quadripartite pattern. The surface within the incuse is granular and irregular, reflecting the primitive striking technique of early Greek hammered coinage. No legend or additional devices are present. This type of incuse reverse is typical of archaic Greek silver fractional coinage from the northern Aegean region during the early Classical period. |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
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| Edge | Log in to see details |
| Mint | Eion |
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| Additional information |
Eion was an Athenian-controlled emporion on the Strymon River in Thrace, a strategically vital staging post for Aegean trade and Macedonian frontier access. The city was taken by the Persians under Boeges during Xerxes' western campaign and held until 476 BC, when Cimon besieged it so relentlessly that Boeges burned his treasury, killed his family, and threw himself into the flames rather than surrender. Coinage from this narrow window — the years immediately following Athenian reoccupation — is exceptionally scarce by any measure.