Hemidrachm Tegea

Historical Context: The Hemidrachm of Tegea, struck between 465 and 460 BC, emerges from a pivotal era in Greek history. Issued by the Arcadian League, a confederation of Peloponnesian city-states, this coin reflects a period following the Persian Wars and preceding the Peloponnesian conflict. Tegea, a prominent Arcadian city, played a crucial role, often balancing alliances. The issuance of this silver coinage signifies the League's growing economic autonomy and political assertion, underscoring its collective identity in the broader Hellenic world.

Artistry: While the specific engraver remains anonymous, this hemidrachm exemplifies the nascent Early Classical or Severe Style prevalent during this transitional period. This artistic movement moved away from Archaic rigidities towards greater naturalism and idealized forms, though still retaining solemnity. Arcadian coinage frequently featured local deities or symbols, such as Zeus Lykaios, Pan, or Artemis, reflecting the region's strong religious traditions. The design would have been rendered with a refined simplicity characteristic of the Severe Style.

Technical/Grading: This silver hemidrachm, weighing 3.02 grams, adheres to the regional weight standard for Arcadian issues. Typical strike qualities for this period often include broad, somewhat irregular flans and variable centering, reflecting the hand-striking process. High points of the design, such as hair, facial features, or deity attributes, would be the first areas to show wear. A well-preserved example exhibits strong detail in these areas, with a crisp strike and minimal die wear.