Catalogue
| Émetteur | Arcadian League |
|---|---|
| Année | 470 BC - 465 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | Hemidrachm (1/2) |
| Devise | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Poids | 2.83 g |
| Diamètre | 14.0 mm |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered, Incuse |
| Orientation | |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | Williams,Confederate#40, BCD Peloponnesos#1398 |
| Description de l’avers | Zeus Lykaios seated facing on low throne, his head to left, holding long scepter in his left hand and with eagle flying off his right. |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | |
| Légende de l’avers | |
| Description du revers | Head of Kallisto right, wearing tainia, within incuse square |
| Écriture du revers | Greek |
| Légende du revers | Α P |
| Tranche | |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
ND (470 BC - 465 BC) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 1752977490 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: This Hemidrachm of Kleitor, issued by the Arcadian League between 470 and 465 BC, emerges from a pivotal post-Persian Wars era. The Arcadian League represented a significant federal union of Peloponnesian city-states, asserting collective identity and autonomy amidst Spartan dominance. Kleitor, a prominent Arcadian city, participated in this federal coinage, symbolizing the League's burgeoning political and economic influence and a unified Arcadian presence during regional reorganization.
Artistry: Lacking a known engraver, this coinage exemplifies the Early Classical or Severe Style. Artistry moved beyond Archaic rigidity towards greater naturalism, characterized by gravitas and idealized forms. For small denominations like the hemidrachm, designs were compact, focusing on clear, iconic representations of local deities, nymphs, or federal symbols, executed with robust simplicity reflecting practical minting demands and emerging aesthetic sensibilities.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, weighing 2.83 grams and measuring 14.0 millimeters, this hemidrachm is typical for its denomination. Given its small flan, achieving a perfectly centered and full strike was often challenging. Collectors should seek strong detail on central motifs, representing the die's highest points. Common characteristics include minor off-centering, areas of flatness from insufficient striking pressure, or incomplete flan coverage. A well-preserved example with clear design elements and minimal die wear is highly desirable for this regional federal issue.