Obol

Historical Context: This silver Obol, struck by the city of Mallos between 440 and 390 BC, emerges from a pivotal era in ancient Cilicia. Mallos, a significant coastal city in the region, operated under the nominal suzerainty of the Achaemenid Persian Empire but often enjoyed considerable autonomy, especially in its internal affairs and coinage. This period, coinciding with the height of the Classical Greek world, saw Mallos flourish as a trading center. The issuance of this small denomination coin underscores the city's active participation in regional commerce and its need for practical currency for daily transactions, reflecting its economic vitality and independence in monetary policy.

Artistry: While specific engravers for such small denominations are rarely known, the artistry of this Obol aligns with the Late Classical Greek stylistic school prevalent in Asia Minor. Coinage from Mallos during this period often features local deities or heroic figures, frequently Herakles, or symbols like a winged figure or an eagle, reflecting a blend of Greek and local Anatolian iconography. The design would have aimed for a degree of naturalism and expressive detail, characteristic of the era, despite the diminutive flan size. The skill of the mint artisans would be evident in their ability to render complex motifs within an 8.0 mm diameter.

Technical/Grading: Given its minute dimensions (0.71 gg, 8.0 mm), the technical strike quality of this Obol is a critical factor for grading. High points on such a coin would typically include the most raised features of the central design, such as a deity's facial features, hair, or musculature, or the intricate details of an animal motif. A well-struck example would exhibit full detail on these areas, with minimal flatness or weakness. Due to the small, often irregular flans and manual striking methods, off-centering and partial strikes are common, making examples with a strong, centralized strike across all primary design elements highly desirable.