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Stater - Epaminondas
| Issuer | Thebes |
|---|---|
| Year | 364 BC - 362 BC |
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| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Boeotian shield rendered in high relief, depicted facing, with the characteristic cut-out lunate apertures at left and right sides. The convex central boss is boldly raised within a plain border, and the interlocking strap-work at each side recess is rendered with fine detail. The field is otherwise plain, with no legend or inscription. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse script | Greek |
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| Additional information |
These staters were struck during the brief window when Thebes dominated Greek affairs following the stunning Spartan defeat at Leuctra in 371 BC. Epaminondas, the general credited with that victory, pushed Theban power into the Peloponnese itself — campaigns that required coinage to pay troops operating far from home. The issue is closely tied to his final campaign, which ended at the Battle of Mantinea in 362 BC, where Epaminondas was killed. He reportedly died refusing to have the spear removed from his wound until he learned the outcome of the battle.
The series is rare. Thebes was not a prolific mint, and the political chaos following Mantinea curtailed further production almost immediately.