Catalogue
| Émetteur | Olympia |
|---|---|
| Année | 432 BC - 420 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | Hemidrachm (1/2) |
| Devise | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Poids | 2.65 g |
| Diamètre | 15.0 mm |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | BCD Olympia#55, Seltman Temple#14 |
| Description de l’avers | Eagle standing right on Ionic column capital, head left |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | |
| Légende de l’avers | |
| Description du revers | Thunderbolt, with volutes above and wings below. F-A across field and all within incuse circle |
| Écriture du revers | Greek |
| Légende du revers | F A |
| Tranche | |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
ND (432 BC - 420 BC) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 8097368890 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: This silver hemidrachm, struck by Olympia between 432 and 420 BC, corresponds to the 87th-90th Olympiads. This era occurred during the tumultuous Peloponnesian War. Olympia, a sacred Panhellenic site, maintained neutrality, hosting the Olympic Games without interruption. The coinage primarily facilitated commerce for the vast influx of athletes, pilgrims, and spectators. Its issuance underscores Olympia's enduring religious and cultural significance, reflecting the economic activity generated by these quadrennial festivals.
Artistry: The stylistic school is firmly rooted in the Early to High Classical period, characterized by burgeoning naturalism and refined execution, even on smaller denominations. While no specific engraver is attributed, the anonymous master craftsman adhered to Olympia's established iconography. Typical designs feature the laureate head of Zeus, the sanctuary's supreme deity, on the obverse, often depicted with a majestic and benevolent expression. The reverse commonly displays an eagle, sacred to Zeus, or a thunderbolt, symbolizing his power, rendered with precision.
Technical/Grading: Weighing 2.65 grams and measuring 15.0 millimeters, this silver hemidrachm exhibits typical specifications for its denomination. Key high-points susceptible to wear include Zeus's highest hair strands, nose tip, and the eagle's breast feathers. Strike quality often varies; some examples show excellent centering and full detail, while others display minor off-centering or slight die wear. Flan shape is generally round, though minor irregularities are common. The metal quality is typically good silver, consistent with Olympian issues.