Catalogo
| Emittente | Olympia (Elis) |
|---|---|
| Anno | 432 BC |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | Stater (2) |
| Valuta | Aeginetic drachm |
| Composizione | Silver |
| Peso | 12.15 g |
| Diametro | 23 mm |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Tecnica | Hammered, Incuse |
| Orientamento | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | BCD Olympia#47 , Seltman Temple#120 , Jameson#1226 , Kunstfreund#151 , SNG Delepierre#2087 , Weber#4028 , Traité III#1053 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Eagle standing left on ground line, his wings raised above his back; to left, dead heron. |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | |
| Legenda del dritto | |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Nike seated right on square base, resting her head on her left hand, with her left elbow propped on her right knee, crossed over her left leg, and with an olive wreath held downwards in her right hand, resting on the edge of the base. |
| Scrittura del rovescio | Greek |
| Legenda del rovescio | FΑΛΕΙΟΝ |
| Bordo | |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
ND (-432) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 7560859610 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context: This silver stater, issued by the Elean authorities for the 87th Olympiad in 432 BC, is a significant artifact from Classical Greece. Coined on the eve of the Peloponnesian War, it represents a period when the pan-Hellenic Olympic Games served as a cultural and economic nexus. The Eleans, as custodians of the sanctuary of Zeus at Olympia, utilized these silver issues to facilitate commerce, honor deities, and assert prestige during the quadrennial festival, drawing participants from across the Hellenic world.
Artistry: While no engraver is attributed, this stater exemplifies the refined artistry of the Classical period. The obverse typically features a majestic, idealized head of Zeus, rendered with a serene yet powerful expression, with meticulously detailed hair and beard. The reverse commonly displays a magnificent eagle, often clutching a thunderbolt, executed with naturalism and dynamic composition. The stylistic school emphasizes harmonious proportions and dignified realism, reflecting artistic ideals of the era.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a silver flan of 12.15 grams and 23 millimeters, this stater required skill in its production. High-points for wear include Zeus's hair and beard, facial features, and the eagle's feathers, talons, and musculature. A well-preserved example exhibits a strong strike, minimal die wear, and a full flan, ensuring design integrity. Minor flan imperfections or off-centering are common due to ancient minting techniques.