Stater 87th Olympiad

Đơn vị phát hành Olympia (Elis)
Năm 432 BC
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá Stater (2)
Tiền tệ Aeginetic drachm
Chất liệu Silver
Trọng lượng 12.15 g
Đường kính 23 mm
Độ dày
Hình dạng Round (irregular)
Kỹ thuật Hammered, Incuse
Hướng Variable alignment ↺
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo BCD Olympia#47 , Seltman Temple#120 , Jameson#1226 , Kunstfreund#151 , SNG Delepierre#2087 , Weber#4028 , Traité III#1053
Mô tả mặt trước Eagle standing left on ground line, his wings raised above his back; to left, dead heron.
Chữ viết mặt trước
Chữ khắc mặt trước
Mô tả mặt sau 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.
Chữ viết mặt sau Greek
Chữ khắc mặt sau FΑΛΕΙΟΝ
Cạnh
Xưởng đúc
Số lượng đúc ND (-432) - -
ID Numisquare 7560859610
Thông tin bổ sung

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.

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