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Hemiobol
| Issuer | Argilos |
|---|---|
| Year | 500 BC |
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| Value | Log in to see details |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| Technique | Hammered, Incuse |
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| Obverse description | Forepart of a winged horse (Pegasus) advancing to the right, rendered in archaic style with summary but vigorous detail. The wings are raised and the forelegs are extended in a galloping pose. The figure occupies the majority of the flan, which bears a beaded border visible along portions of the coin's periphery. The relief is bold for the small module, consistent with early fifth-century BC Greek coinage of the Thraco-Macedonian region. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Quadripartite incuse square divided by a raised cruciform ridge into four recessed rectangular compartments, each with a striated or granular texture. This shallow mill-sail incuse pattern is characteristic of early archaic coinage from the Thraco-Macedonian area, serving as the functional countermark of the anvil die. The incuse is well-centred on the flan with crisp angular divisions. |
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| Additional information |
Argilos was a Greek colony on the Strymonic Gulf in Thrace, founded by settlers from Andros in the seventh century BC. It sat astride key overland routes to the silver-rich mines of the Pangaion hills, which likely explains why even the smallest fractional denominations were struck in silver here. The city later betrayed Athenian interests during the revolts of the 420s BC, aligning with Brasidas — a reminder that its political loyalties were always shaped by geography and trade rather than Hellenic solidarity.