Catálogo
| Emisor | Olympia |
|---|---|
| Año | 460 BC |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valor | 1 Stater = 3 Drachm |
| Moneda | Drachm |
| Composición | Silver |
| Peso | 12.08 g |
| Diámetro | 23.0 mm |
| Grosor | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Técnica | Hammered |
| Orientación | |
| Grabador(es) | |
| En circulación hasta | |
| Referencia(s) | BCD Olympia#7, SNG Delepierre#2038, Seltman Temple#20 |
| Descripción del anverso | Eagle, with wings open above and below his body, flying to left, grasping a coiling snake in his beak and with his talons |
|---|---|
| Escritura del anverso | |
| Leyenda del anverso | |
| Descripción del reverso | Nike running to left, wearing a diadem and a chiton and with open wings, holding a wreath in her outstretched right hand and holding the hem of her chiton with her left and all within a circular incuse |
| Escritura del reverso | Greek |
| Leyenda del reverso | |
| Canto | |
| Casa de moneda | |
| Tirada |
ND (-460) - - |
| ID de Numisquare | 6801039170 |
| Información adicional |
Historical Context: The Stater of the 79th-80th Olympiad (460 BC) originates from Olympia during the Early Classical period. As a sacred precinct, Olympia issued coinage primarily to facilitate the quadrennial Panhellenic Games, a pivotal cultural and religious event honoring Zeus. These Games drew participants and merchants from across the Hellenic world, making Olympia a crucial economic and social hub. The substantial silver staters underscore the sanctuary's financial autonomy and its central role in inter-polis commerce and interaction.
Artistry: The artistry, attributed to an anonymous master, showcases the Early Classical transition from Archaic stiffness to nascent naturalism. The obverse features a majestic, laureate head of Zeus, rendered with emerging three-dimensionality and divine gravitas, anticipating High Classical ideals. The reverse invariably displays a standing eagle, Zeus's sacred animal, depicted with meticulous feather detail and a regal, poised stance. This iconography powerfully reinforces the coin's association with the Olympian sanctuary and its patron deity.
Technical/Grading: Technically, this silver stater, weighing 12.08 grams and measuring 23.0 mm, represents a robust issue. High-points for strike and wear on the obverse include Zeus's hair, beard, and eye. On the reverse, critical areas are the eagle's head, breast feathers, and talons. A superior example exhibits sharp detail across these features, often with a broad, well-centered flan and strong strike pressure, indicative of careful production. Overall quality reflects the significant resources dedicated to coinage for the Olympic Games.