Stater

Historical Context: This silver stater, issued by the prosperous Greek colony of Dyrrachion (modern Durrës) between 450 and 350 BC, represents a significant period of economic and political flourishing in the Adriatic. As a Corinthian foundation, Dyrrachion served as a crucial trading hub on the Illyrian coast. Its prolific coinage, particularly these staters, underpinned its commercial activities, facilitating trade with indigenous Illyrian tribes and other Greek poleis, solidifying its autonomy and influence.

Artistry: The coin's design embodies early Classical Greek artistic tradition. The obverse features the iconic motif of a cow suckling its calf, a pastoral image symbolizing fertility and prosperity, derived from its mother city, Corcyra. While the engraver remains anonymous, the rendering displays a naturalistic yet robust style. The reverse typically presents a geometric or double stellate pattern within an incuse square, often accompanied by the city's initial, ΔΥΡ, a distinctive design element.

Technical/Grading: Struck on the Corinthian standard, this stater weighs 10.85 grams and measures 19.0 millimeters. Key high-points for wear or strike assessment include the cow's back, head, and the calf's head on the obverse, and the central elements of the stellate pattern on the reverse. Well-preserved examples exhibit a strong, even strike, ensuring full detail on the animal figures and a clear definition of the incuse square. The metallic quality is generally high for these durable trade issues.