Stater

Historical Context: Alyzia, a significant coastal city in Akarnania, issued this silver stater during a pivotal period of geopolitical transition following the death of Alexander the Great. Between 330 and 280 BC, many Greek city-states, including Alyzia, navigated the complex landscape of emerging Hellenistic kingdoms, striving to maintain their autonomy. The issuance of its own coinage, particularly this stater, served as a potent declaration of Alyzia's sovereignty and facilitated its robust maritime trade and economic activities, underscoring its strategic importance in the Ionian Sea and its regional influence.

Artistry: Artistically, this stater embodies the refined naturalism characteristic of late Classical to early Hellenistic Greek numismatic art. While the specific engraver remains anonymous, the craftsmanship is evident in the dynamic depiction of Pegasus, typically shown flying left with a pointed wing, on the obverse. The reverse consistently features a dignified head of Athena, often wearing a Corinthian helmet with a prominent crest, rendered with classical proportions and subtle detailing. This design reflects the prevailing stylistic trends of the period, emphasizing clarity, balance, and a lifelike quality.

Technical/Grading: This silver stater, weighing 8.74 grams and measuring 22 millimeters, represents a standard denomination for the Akarnanian region. Key high-points for assessing strike and wear include the tips of Pegasus's wings and hooves, and on Athena, the crest of her helmet, her eye, and the subtle contours of her facial features. A premium example will exhibit a full, centered strike with complete detail on both sides, free from significant die wear, flan imperfections, or off-center striking, which are common considerations for ancient coinage of this era.