Stater

Emittent Kroton
Jahr 500 BC - 480 BC
Typ Standard circulation coin
Nennwert Stater (3)
Währung Achaean drachm
Material Silver
Gewicht 7.90 g
Durchmesser 23 mm
Dicke
Form Round (irregular)
Prägetechnik Hammered, Incuse
Ausrichtung Medal alignment ↑↑
Stempelschneider
Im Umlauf bis
Referenz(en) HN Italy#2090 3#251 , Hunterian#3 , Jameson#418
Aversbeschreibung Tripod, legs surmounted by wreaths and terminating in lion`s feet, set on basis of three lines, the center dotted; crab to left, ϘΡΟ to right.
Aversschrift Greek
Averslegende ϘΡΟ
Reversbeschreibung Incuse tripod as obverse, but wreaths in relief, and serpents in relief rising from middle foot; octopus to left; to right, outline of dolphin upward.
Reversschrift
Reverslegende
Rand
Prägestätte
Auflage ND (500 BC - 480 BC) - -
Numisquare-ID 4157229990
Zusätzliche Informationen

Historical Context: This silver stater, issued by the powerful Achaean city-state of Kroton in Magna Graecia (500-480 BC), marks a period of significant prosperity. Renowned for its athletes and Pythagorean school, Kroton dominated southern Italy after its 510 BC victory over Sybaris. This coinage was a crucial instrument of trade and a potent symbol of Kroton's sovereignty and economic might during its Archaic zenith, preceding later regional conflicts.

Artistry: The stater's design exemplifies the evolving Archaic Greek style, robust yet stylized. While the engraver remains anonymous, typical for this early period, the obverse prominently features Apollo's iconic tripod, alluding to Kroton's mythological foundation and Delphic oracle veneration. This sacred implement is often rendered with meticulous detail, sometimes with a heron or ethnic. The reverse frequently displays an incuse version of the obverse, a characteristic feature of early Magna Graecian coinage, or occasionally a smaller symbolic animal.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a broad, thin flan typical of Achaean issues, this 7.90 gram, 23 mm silver stater reflects its era's technical qualities. Key high-points for wear include the tripod's legs, bowl, and any decorative elements. Strike quality varies, though good centering is common. The incuse reverse, an archaic feature, can sometimes present with a less defined impression than the obverse. Metal purity is generally high, reflecting meticulous Greek minting standards.

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