کاتالوگ
| صادرکننده | Sikyon |
|---|---|
| سال | 450 BC - 425 BC |
| نوع | Standard circulation coin |
| ارزش | Hemiobol (1⁄12) |
| واحد پول | Drachm |
| ترکیب | Silver |
| وزن | 0.33 g |
| قطر | |
| ضخامت | |
| شکل | Round (irregular) |
| تکنیک | Hammered, Incuse |
| جهت | |
| حکاک(ها) | |
| در گردش تا | |
| مرجع(ها) | BCD Peloponnesos#167 |
| توضیحات روی سکه | Dove standing left |
|---|---|
| خط روی سکه | |
| نوشتههای روی سکه | |
| توضیحات پشت سکه | Dove flying left with the letters E to upper left, H to lower left and all within incuse square |
| خط پشت سکه | |
| نوشتههای پشت سکه | |
| لبه | |
| ضرابخانه | |
| تیراژ ضرب |
ND (450 BC - 425 BC) - - |
| شناسه Numisquare | 6060308320 |
| اطلاعات تکمیلی |
Historical Context: This silver hemiobol from Sikyon dates to the mid-5th century BC, a period of profound change in the Greek world, spanning the prelude to and early phases of the Peloponnesian War. Sikyon, a prominent city-state in the northern Peloponnese, maintained its independence and economic vitality through trade and agriculture. The issuance of such small denominations reflects a sophisticated monetary economy, facilitating daily transactions for its citizens and visitors during a time of both artistic flourishing and political tension.
Artistry: The engraver of this hemiobol, though anonymous, worked within the burgeoning High Classical stylistic tradition, characterized by a move towards greater naturalism and refined detail. Typical Sikyonian hemiobols of this era feature the Chimaera, the city's mythological emblem, on the obverse – a complex beast rendered with surprising clarity despite the coin's diminutive size. The reverse commonly displays a flying or standing dove, often depicted with elegant simplicity, showcasing the engraver's skill in adapting intricate designs to a small flan.
Technical/Grading: Weighing 0.33 grams, this hemiobol is a testament to the precision of ancient minting. Key high-points for wear and strike quality would include the Chimaera's head, wings, and the scales or fur details, as well as the dove's head and feather articulation. A strong strike would exhibit full detail on both sides, with the devices centered on the flan. Given the small module, minor off-centering or areas of weakness are not uncommon, but well-preserved examples reveal the remarkable craftsmanship in these minute pieces.