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Drachm
| Issuer | Aegina |
|---|---|
| Year | 550 BC - 525 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | 5.99 g |
| 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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| 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 | Deeply recessed incuse square divided into eight triangular compartments by a raised mill-sail or skew pattern of intersecting ridges, creating a striking geometric design characteristic of early Greek hammered coinage. The incuse is sharply cut and nearly square in outline, occupying the full reverse field. The raised ridges meet at a central point, forming a windmill or star-like motif. No legends or inscriptions are present. |
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| Edge | Log in to see details |
| Mint | Aegina |
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| Additional information |
Aegina's drachms were among the first struck silver coins to circulate across the Aegean basin, predating Athenian owls and serving as the dominant trade currency throughout the eastern Mediterranean during the sixth century. The island's commercial reach — built on maritime trade rather than military power — gave these coins a penetration into foreign markets that few poleis could match. Herodotus records Aeginetan weights being used as a reference standard in transactions far beyond Greek territory.
The "Aeginetan standard" of roughly six grams per drachm became a competing benchmark against the Euboic-Attic standard for generations.