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Hemidrachm - 91st-94th Olympiad
| Issuer | Olympia |
|---|---|
| Year | 416 BC - 404 BC |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | SNG Copenhagen#369 |
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|---|---|
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| Reverse description | A stylized floral or fleur-de-lis motif occupies the central field, rendered as an elongated vertical element with leaf-like projections curling symmetrically to either side, evoking the thunderbolt or a palmette device associated with the sanctuary of Zeus at Olympia. The design is enclosed within a circular arrangement of undulating tendril-like forms. The Greek letter alpha (A) appears to the right of the central device, serving as a control mark or magistrate's initial. |
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| Edge | Plain |
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| Additional information |
Olympia's coinage was tied directly to the quadrennial festival cycle, with hemidrachms like this one struck specifically to facilitate transactions during the Games rather than for general monetary circulation. The 91st through 94th Olympiads span one of the most turbulent periods in Greek history — the catastrophic Sicilian Expedition of 415–413 BC devastated Athenian power, and the final Olympiad in this range coincides almost exactly with Athens' surrender to Sparta in 404 BC. That Olympia continued striking coinage through this upheaval reflects the sanctuary's carefully maintained neutrality.