Stater - 79th-80th Olympiad

Đơn vị phát hành Olympia
Năm 460 BC
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá 1 Stater = 3 Drachm
Tiền tệ Drachm
Chất liệu Silver
Trọng lượng 12.08 g
Đường kính 23.0 mm
Độ dày
Hình dạng Round (irregular)
Kỹ thuật Hammered
Hướng
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo BCD Olympia#7, SNG Delepierre#2038, Seltman Temple#20
Mô tả mặt trước Eagle, with wings open above and below his body, flying to left, grasping a coiling snake in his beak and with his talons
Chữ viết mặt trước
Chữ khắc mặt trước
Mô tả mặt sau 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
Chữ viết mặt sau Greek
Chữ khắc mặt sau
Cạnh
Xưởng đúc
Số lượng đúc ND (-460) - -
ID Numisquare 6801039170
Thông tin bổ sung

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.

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