Catalog
| Issuer | Kalymna |
|---|---|
| Year | 550 BC - 500 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Stater |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 10.5 g |
| Diameter | 24.5 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered, Incuse |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | GCV#3541, BMC Greek#1-2 |
| Obverse description | Archaic head of bearded warrior left, wearing crested helmet with vizor, check-piece and neck-piece. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Seven-stringed lyre within incuse area which follows the shape of the instrument. |
| Reverse script | |
| Reverse lettering | |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (550 BC - 500 BC) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 9676879180 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This silver stater, issued by the island polis of Kalymna between 550 and 500 BC, falls within the Archaic Greek numismatic period. Kalymna, a Dodecanese island, leveraged its maritime position for Aegean trade. Issuing substantial silver staters, a high-denomination currency, signifies the city-state's economic autonomy and prosperity. This coinage represents Kalymna's collective sovereignty and economic power during a period of rising independent poleis, asserting civic identity through a recognized medium of exchange.
Artistry: The design of this Kalymnan stater exemplifies the distinctive Archaic Greek stylistic school. Anonymous engravers produced robust, often herald