Catalogue
| Émetteur | Olympia |
|---|---|
| Année | 460 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | 1 Stater = 3 Drachm |
| Devise | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Poids | 12.08 g |
| Diamètre | 23.0 mm |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | BCD Olympia#7, SNG Delepierre#2038, Seltman Temple#20 |
| Description de l’avers | Eagle, with wings open above and below his body, flying to left, grasping a coiling snake in his beak and with his talons |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | |
| Légende de l’avers | |
| Description du revers | 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 |
| Écriture du revers | Greek |
| Légende du revers | |
| Tranche | |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
ND (-460) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 6801039170 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
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.