Obol

Historical Context: This silver obol, issued by the Boeotian city of Koroneia between 400 and 350 BC, originates from a period of significant geopolitical flux in ancient Greece. Following the Peloponnesian War, the Boeotian League, with Thebes at its head, experienced a resurgence of power, particularly during the mid-4th century BC under figures like Epaminondas. Koroneia, a vital member of this league, utilized fractional coinage like this obol to facilitate daily commerce within its agrarian economy and broader regional trade networks, reflecting its ongoing autonomy despite the league's influence.

Artistry: While no specific engraver is attributed to this minute coin, its design adheres to the Late Classical Greek stylistic school, characterized by a move towards greater naturalism while retaining idealized forms. The obverse typically features a finely rendered facing head of Hera, often adorned with a polos, a challenging motif for such a small flan. The reverse commonly depicts a single grain ear, a clear symbol of Koroneia's agricultural prosperity and perhaps a local cultic association, executed with remarkable detail given the coin's diminutive size.

Technical/Grading: Weighing 0.68 grams and measuring 10.0 millimeters, this obol represents a fractional denomination often struck with less precision than larger issues. For optimal grading, collectors seek a well-centered strike, ensuring the full depiction of Hera’s facial features—particularly the nose and hair—and the entire grain ear on the reverse. High points include Hera’s polos and the individual kernels of the grain ear. Due to the small flan size, minor off-strikes or die wear are common, making examples with strong, complete strikes highly desirable.