Catalog
| Issuer | Kallatis |
|---|---|
| Year | 400 BC - 300 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Drachm (1) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Billon |
| Weight | 5.9 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Thickness | 1 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | AMNG I-I#202 |
| Obverse description | Head of Hercules right, wearing lion`s skin headdress |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Ethnic between bow in bow case and club and with a grain ear below |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering | ΚΑΛΛΑ |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (400 BC - 300 BC) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 2331475880 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This drachm from Kallatis, a Greek colony on the Pontic coast founded by Heraclea Pontica, dates from 400-300 BC. This late Classical to early Hellenistic period was dynamic for Black Sea trade and politics. Kallatis's coinage highlights its economic autonomy and importance as a trading hub. The billon alloy, a debased silver, reflects regional economic conditions and material availability, typical for circulation.
Artistry: The coin's design embodies late Classical Greek artistic traditions, favoring naturalism and expressive power. While no engraver is known, the style is Hellenic. The obverse typically features a robust Heracles head, wearing the Nemean lion's scalp, symbolizing strength and mythical patronage. The reverse often displays a grain ear, a potent symbol of agricultural abundance vital to Kallatis's economy, sometimes with Heraclean attributes like a club.
Technical/Grading: Struck on an 18 mm flan, weighing 5.9 grams, this billon drachm (AMNG I-I#202) exhibits typical ancient minting characteristics. High-points for wear include Heracles's hair, nose, chin, and the lion's mane. On the reverse, individual kernels of the grain ear are often susceptible to flattening. Technical strike qualities vary; off-centering or uneven strike pressure are common. The billon alloy can result in a less crisp strike than pure silver, though well-preserved examples retain significant detail.