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Obol
| Issuer | Cranii (Elis) |
|---|---|
| Year | 440 BC - 400 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| 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 |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Technique | Hammered, Incuse |
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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 occupying the full reverse field, formed by two perpendicular grooves crossing at the centre to create four recessed rectangular compartments of roughly equal size. This early incuse punch type is characteristic of archaic Greek coinage and reflects the primitive striking technique of the period, in which the reverse die was a plain punch pressed into the silver flan. The compartments show varying surface texture consistent with die wear and irregular flan preparation. No legend or subsidiary devices are present. |
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| Edge | Log in to see details |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | ND (440 BC - 400 BC) |
| Additional information |
Cranii was one of the four principal cities of Cephallenia, and its coinage was struck independently of the Elean federal issues despite the island's complex political relationship with Elis during the late fifth century. Obols of this weight class — well under half a gram — functioned as the lowest practical denomination in everyday exchange, changing hands for single portions of food or ferry tolls across the Ionian straits.
The Traité III and Pozzi-Boutin references place this among a narrow, well-documented series. Surviving examples are few.