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Oktadrachm - Za[...]
| Issuer | Abdera |
|---|---|
| Year | 500 BC - 475 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Deep quadripartite incuse square divided by a raised crossbar into four recessed triangular compartments of roughly equal size, each with a smooth, slightly concave surface. The incuse technique reflects the standard early Archaic die-and-punch method employed throughout the northern Aegean in this period. No legend or additional devices are present. The square is well-centred on the flan with sharp, clearly defined ridges along the dividing bars. |
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| Mint | Abdera, Thrace |
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| Additional information |
Abdera, the Thracian coastal colony founded (or re-founded, sources differ) by Teos refugees fleeing Persian expansion around 545 BC, began producing large silver oktadrachms almost immediately upon establishing itself. These heavy coins were minted to facilitate trade along the northern Aegean littoral, where Thracian silver resources were abundant and commercial exchange with the interior demanded high-value portable currency. The May reference corpus remains the primary scholarly framework for this series, with relatively few specimens attributable to the earliest emission groups.