Catalog
Æ - Onomarchos
| Issuer | Federal Coinage of Phokis |
|---|---|
| Year | 354 BC - 352 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| 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 |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | Facing bull's head rendered in high relief, occupying the full field of the coin. The animal is depicted frontally with prominent horns curving outward and large almond-shaped eyes set to either side. A sacrificial fillet is tied around the head, its ends falling to either side of the muzzle, identifying the bull as a consecrated offering. The modelling is bold and somewhat schematic, characteristic of Phokian bronze coinage of the mid-4th century BC. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Log in to see details |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Plain |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | Log in to see details |
| Additional information |
Onomarchos commanded Phokis during the Third Sacred War after seizing power following his brother Philomelos's death at the Battle of Neon in 354 BC. He was the first Greek general recorded to have used artillery — catapults and siege engines — in pitched battle, funded directly by the plundered treasury of Delphi. The federal coinage issued under his authority was itself an act of sacrilege by Greek standards, as the silver financing his campaigns was being melted down from temple dedications.
He died at the Battle of the Crocus Field in 352 BC, defeated by Philip II of Macedon, and was reportedly crucified posthumously.