Catalog
| Issuer | Arcadian League |
|---|---|
| Year | 430 BC - 420 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Hemidrachm (1/2) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 2.92 g |
| Diameter | 14.0 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered, Incuse |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Williams,Confederate#304 var., BCD Peloponnesos#1465, BMC Greek#45 |
| Obverse description | Zeus Lykaios seated left, holding scepter and thunderbolt. To the left an eagle flying right |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Head of Kallisto left, hair in sakkos and within incuse square |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering | A P K A |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (430 BC - 420 BC) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 4643688500 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This silver hemidrachm from Mantineia, issued by the Arcadian League between 430 and 420 BC, falls within the tumultuous Peloponnesian War. Mantineia, a prominent Arcadian city-state, actively participated in the League, navigating complex alliances and rivalries, notably with Sparta. This coinage signifies the League's collective economic autonomy and its need for a stable currency to support military and trade operations, asserting its unified identity during widespread Greek conflict.
Artistry: While the engraver remains anonymous, this hemidrachm exemplifies the High Classical style of Greek numismatic art. Typical Arcadian League designs feature a local deity or nymph, rendered with the period's increasing naturalism and refined detail. Despite the small flan, master die-sinkers achieved idealized beauty and balanced composition, transcending archaic stiffness. The artistry effectively conveyed the solemnity and divine presence central to Arcadian religious iconography.
Technical/Grading: Weighing 2.92 grams and measuring 14.0 millimeters, this silver hemidrachm represents a carefully calibrated denomination. For grading, key high-points include the highest relief areas of any depicted hair, facial features, or drapery on the obverse, and central elements of the reverse device. Technical strike quality often varies; collectors should assess centering, strike sharpness, and flan quality. A well-struck example exhibits crisp details, indicative of a fresh die and skilled striking.