Phokis struck these drachms under extraordinary duress. The Third Sacred War (356–346 BC) had left the Phokian league in control of Delphi and, critically, its treasury — one of the ancient world's great concentrations of accumulated dedications and votive wealth. To fund mercenary armies against the Boiotian and Macedonian coalition, Phokian generals melted down sanctuary offerings on a scale that scandalized the Greek world, converting sacred silver into military coinage. This issue dates to the war's final years, when Phokian resistance was collapsing under pressure from Philip II.
The league was dissolved in 346 BC and assessed a massive indemnity by the Amphictyonic Council.
Phokis struck these drachms under extraordinary duress. The Third Sacred War (356–346 BC) had left the Phokian league in control of Delphi and, critically, its treasury — one of the ancient world's great concentrations of accumulated dedications and votive wealth. To fund mercenary armies against the Boiotian and Macedonian coalition, Phokian generals melted down sanctuary offerings on a scale that scandalized the Greek world, converting sacred silver into military coinage. This issue dates to the war's final years, when Phokian resistance was collapsing under pressure from Philip II.
The league was dissolved in 346 BC and assessed a massive indemnity by the Amphictyonic Council.