Stater - 78th-80th Olympiad

Emitent Olympia
Rok 468 BC - 460 BC
Typ Standard circulation coin
Nominał 1 Stater = 3 Drachm
Waluta Drachm
Skład Silver
Waga 11.80 g
Średnica 19.5 mm
Grubość
Kształt Round (irregular)
Technika Hammered
Orientacja
Rytownik(zy)
W obiegu do
Źródło(a) HGC 5#288
Opis awersu Eagle flying left, wings spread above and below, grasping serpent in its beak and talons
Pismo awersu
Legenda awersu
Opis rewersu Vertical thunderbolt with wings above and volutes below, A F flanking and all within incuse circle
Pismo rewersu Greek
Legenda rewersu
Krawędź
Mennica
Nakład ND (468 BC - 460 BC) - -
ID Numisquare 9457601510
Dodatkowe informacje

Historical Context:This silver stater, issued by Olympia between 468 and 460 BC, coincides with the 78th-80th Olympiads. This Early Classical period saw Greece flourish post-Persian Wars, fostering a Panhellenic spirit centered on the Olympic Games. Olympia, a sacred site, struck these coins primarily for commerce and offerings during the massive influx of visitors, highlighting its profound cultural and economic role in the ancient Greek world.

Artistry:The stater's artistry reflects the Early Classical style, transitioning from Archaic rigidity towards naturalism. While engravers are unknown, designs feature iconography central to Zeus, Olympia's patron deity. The obverse typically presents a majestic, laurel-wreathed head of Zeus, rendered with nascent three-dimensionality. The reverse commonly depicts an eagle, Zeus's sacred bird, often standing or with outstretched wings, embodying divine power and authority.

Technical/Grading:Weighing 11.80 grams and 19.5 millimeters, this stater adheres to the Aeginetan standard. For grading, high-points include Zeus's hair and beard on the obverse, and the eagle's feathers and talons on the reverse. Early Classical coinage often shows robust strikes, though minor flan irregularities or slight off-centering are typical due to manual production. A well-centered example with full details on both sides signifies a superb technical strike for the period.

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