1/3 Siglos - Nikodamos

Historical Context: This 1/3 Siglos was issued under King Nikodamos of Salamis, Cyprus, between 460 and 450 BC. Salamis, a dominant city-kingdom, navigated the complex geopolitical landscape of the Eastern Mediterranean, balancing influence from the Achaemenid Persian Empire and the Athenian League. Issuing silver coinage asserted Nikodamos's sovereignty and economic independence, crucial for trade and local administration. This denomination, likely linked to a local or Persian weight standard, facilitated commerce across the island.

Artistry: While the engraver remains anonymous, this coin exemplifies early Classical artistic trends in Cypriot numismatics. Designs, typically featuring local deities or significant symbols, often blended Greek stylistic elements with indigenous or Near Eastern iconography. The artistry aimed for dignified, formal representation, characteristic of the transition from Archaic stiffness towards nascent naturalism. The 21 mm flan allowed for detailed rendering of motifs, reflecting the city's cultural identity and evolving aesthetic standards.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, this 3.2-gram 1/3 Siglos is evaluated on strike quality, centering, and detail preservation. High-points for typical designs, such as a prominent head or animal, include highest relief areas like hair, facial features, or musculature. A well-struck example exhibits sharp definition on these elements, with minimal die wear. The flan, often irregular due to early minting techniques, should ideally show the full design without significant off-striking, ensuring legibility and integrity of the central motif.