Obol

Historical Context: This silver obol, issued by the island polis of Tenedos between 525 and 490 BC, dates to the Late Archaic period, a pivotal era of Aegean economic expansion. Tenedos, strategically near the Hellespont, controlled vital Black Sea trade routes. The city-state, governed by a civic administration rather than a monarch, issued this small denomination coinage reflecting its sophisticated commercial activities. The distinctive double-axe motif, often linked to the mythical founder Tennes, became an enduring symbol of Tenedian identity and authority on its coinage.

Artistry: The obol's design exemplifies the Archaic Greek stylistic school, known for powerful symbolism preceding Classical naturalism. The anonymous engraver rendered the obverse with a janiform head, commonly interpreted as male and female deities or Tennes, characterized by frontality and schematic features. The reverse invariably displays the iconic double-axe (labrys), often within an incuse square, serving as a potent emblem of Tenedos, reflecting its civic identity and possible cultic associations.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a small silver flan (9.5 mm, 0.55 grams), this obol exhibits typical Archaic manufacturing. Key high-points for wear or strike assessment include the foreheads and noses of the janiform heads, and the sharp edges of the double-axe blades. Manual striking often causes variations in centering and pressure; a strong strike shows full detail on both faces, with a well-defined reverse incuse square. Minor flan irregularities or slight off-centering are common for issues of this antiquity.