Catalog
| Issuer | Kleonai |
|---|---|
| Year | 470 BC - 420 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Hemiobol (1⁄12) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 0.44 g |
| Diameter | 7.0 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered, Incuse |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | HGC 5#765, BCD Peloponnesos#1319 |
| Obverse description | Head of lion facing left |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Large K with curved arms. To the left, a central triangle in relief flanked by two sunken triangles. All within incuse square |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering | Κ |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (470 BC - 420 BC) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 6187601700 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This Hemiobol was issued by Kleonai, an independent city-state in Argolis, Peloponnesos, during the Early Classical period (470-420 BC). Strategically located, Kleonai maintained civic autonomy amidst the complex political landscape following the Persian Wars and preceding the Peloponnesian War. The minting of this fractional silver coinage underscores a functioning local economy, supporting daily transactions and regional commerce, reflecting the city's economic vitality and self-governance during a pivotal era in ancient Greek history.
Artistry: While the specific engraver remains anonymous, typical for ancient Greek civic issues, the coin's artistry aligns with the Early Classical stylistic school. Designs from Kleonai often feature a lion's head on the obverse, a powerful local emblem, rendered with developing naturalism characteristic of the period's transition from Archaic rigidity. The small 7.0 mm flan necessitated a compact and impactful design, focusing on essential details to convey civic identity effectively within the limited space.
Technical/Grading: Weighing a mere 0.44 grams, this Hemiobol represents a significant technical challenge for ancient minting. High-points for a typical Kleonaian lion's head motif include the mane, muzzle, and eye. Achieving a full, well-centered strike on such a diminutive flan was difficult; thus, off-center strikes and partial device impressions are common. Grading assesses clarity of central design elements, preservation of fine details, and overall completeness of the strike, considering the inherent production limitations.