Catalog
| Issuer | Arcadian League |
|---|---|
| Year | 363 BC - 362 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Stater = 3 Drachm |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 12.19 g |
| Diameter | 24.0 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | BCD Peloponnesos#1511, SNG Fitzwilliam#3851, BMC Greek#49, Gulbenkian#532, Weber#4259 |
| Obverse description | Head of Zeus Lykaios facing left, wearing laurel wreath |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Young Pan seated left, head facing, on rock covered by his mantle, holding lagobolon in his right hand, leaning on his left arm. Arkadian League monogram to left, syrinx below, OΛVM in small letters at bottom of rocks |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering | OΛVM |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (363 BC - 362 BC) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 2237505940 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: Issued by the Arcadian League (363-362 BC), this silver stater is pivotal to Peloponnesian history. Post-Leuctra (371 BC), Thebes strengthened the League, founding Megalopolis as its federal capital to consolidate Arcadian power against Sparta. This coinage, from the League's robust early phase, symbolizes its nascent political unity and economic independence. It reflects a significant regional power shift and the ambitions of the newly established 'Great City'.
Artistry: This stater exemplifies the Late Classical stylistic school's sophisticated artistry. Though no engraver is attributed, the obverse typically features a laureate head of Zeus Lykaios, Arcadia's patron deity, rendered with commanding presence and detailed hair and beard. The reverse commonly depicts Pan, the Arcadian goat-god, seated on a rock, often holding a lagobolon. This design, capturing the region's rustic spirit, showcases fourth-century BC Greek numismatic art's characteristic naturalism and expressiveness.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a 12.19 gram, 24.0 mm silver flan, this stater generally displays a strong strike and good centering. High points for wear on the obverse include Zeus's crown, laurel wreath leaves, and intricate hair and beard strands. On the reverse, Pan's face, horns, and seated musculature are crucial indicators of strike and preservation. A well-preserved example exhibits sharp details, minimal die wear, and an even strike, reflecting the Arcadian League's quality minting.