Drachm

Historical Context: This silver drachm originates from Apollonia Pontika, a significant Greek colony on the Thracian coast of the Black Sea (modern Sozopol, Bulgaria), dated 425-375 BC. This period represents the zenith of Classical Greek influence, with Apollonia Pontika serving as a vital maritime trade hub across the Pontus Euxinus. The city’s strategic location and economic prowess are evident in its autonomous coinage, issued to facilitate commerce and assert civic identity amidst regional influences.

Artistry: The numismatic artistry of Apollonia Pontika during this era typically features a potent facing Gorgoneion on the obverse, a powerful apotropaic symbol rendered with stylized intensity, characteristic of late Classical Greek aesthetics. The reverse commonly displays an anchor, directly alluding to the city’s maritime importance, often accompanied by a crayfish and the initial 'A'. While specific engraver signatures are unknown for this issuer, the dies exhibit a consistent local stylistic interpretation, blending widespread Greek iconography with regional distinctiveness, typical of Hellenic colonial mints.

Technical/Grading: For this type (SNG Copenhagen#451), critical grading points include the sharpness and completeness of the Gorgoneion’s facial features—eyes, nose, mouth, and serpentine hair—on the obverse. On the reverse, clarity of the anchor's flukes and stock, along with the precise rendering of the crayfish and 'A', are paramount. Given the small 13.0 mm flan, well-centered strikes with full motifs are highly prized. The standard 3.75 gg weight provides a baseline for evaluating planchet integrity and wear.