Drachm

Historical Context: This silver drachm from Chersonesos in Caria, dated 480-450 BC, places it in the Early Classical period, post-Greco-Persian Wars. Chersonesos, a minor city in southwestern Anatolia, maintained local autonomy within the Persian satrapy of Caria. Its coinage signifies a vibrant local economy and cultural ties to the Greek world. The 5.76g weight, approximating a light Aeginetan standard, suggests integration into regional trade networks, facilitating commerce with other Greek or Carian entities amidst shifting power dynamics.

Artistry: The specific engraver for this civic issue remains anonymous, typical for minor Carian mints of this era. Stylistically, it embodies the Early Classical Greek tradition, displaying nascent naturalism evolving from Archaic formality. Common obverse motifs for Carian coinage include animal protomes—such as a lion's head or forepart, or a bull—rendered with robust, if generalized, detail. The reverse typically features an anepigraphic incuse square, sometimes with a simple geometric pattern, indicative of earlier numismatic development.

Technical/Grading: Optimal grading requires strong strikes on the highest relief points. On the obverse, this entails crisp definition of the animal's features: mane, snout, or horns, and any facial musculature. The reverse incuse square should be well-formed and distinct. Important considerations include overall flan integrity, often irregular for this period and region, and the centering of the design. The 5.76g weight and 16.5mm diameter are standard for this specific coin type.