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Obol
| Issuer | Phokaia |
|---|---|
| Year | 521 BC - 478 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | 0.55 g |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| Technique | Log in to see details |
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| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | A quadripartite incuse square divided by a raised cross into four recessed compartments of roughly equal size, each containing irregular granular texturing resulting from the punch strike. The incuse design fills the majority of the reverse field and is characteristic of early Archaic Greek coinage struck by the hammered punch technique. No inscription or subsidiary devices are present. |
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| Edge | Log in to see details |
| Mint | Phokaia |
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| Additional information |
Phokaia's coinage was among the earliest struck in the Greek world, and the city's minters worked in an unusual tradition — electrum fractions dominated local production for generations before silver issues like this obol appeared. The switch reflects either shifting trade demands or metal availability pressures as Persian control over Ionia tightened following the failed Ionian Revolt of 499–494 BC, which devastated the region's economy and civic infrastructure.
The SNG von Aulock reference range spanning three catalog numbers suggests minor die variations across the archaic series rather than a single unified type.