Catalog
| Issuer | Karpathos |
|---|---|
| Year | 500 BC - 490 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Stater = 3 Drachm |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 13.89 g |
| Diameter | 20.0 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | HGC 6#1350, Jameson#1542, BostonMFA#2010, SNG von Aulock#2743, GCV#3565, BMC Greek#3 |
| Obverse description | Two dolphins, the upper leaping to right and the lower leaping to left, a third small dolphin to right below. Floral symbols in the corners and all within a dotted square border |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Two parallel rectangular incuses with irregular striations |
| Reverse script | |
| Reverse lettering | |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (500 BC - 490 BC) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 7464379780 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: Issued by Karpathos between 500-490 BC, this silver stater signifies the island's economic autonomy in the Archaic Aegean. Karpathos, a key Dodecanese maritime hub, used this coinage for regional trade. The "Poseidion?" mint likely denotes a specific sanctuary or cult site dedicated to Poseidon, reflecting the islanders' profound reliance on the sea. Weighing 13.89 grams, this substantial denomination facilitated major inter-city commerce, underscoring the island's strategic importance during this formative era.
Artistry: The stater's artistry embodies the early Archaic Greek style, prioritizing robust symbolism. The unknown engraver typically depicted a prominent tuna fish on the obverse, directly alluding to Karpathos's vital fishing industry and maritime identity, rendered with powerful, stylized linearity. The reverse invariably features a simple incuse square, a characteristic hallmark of early Greek coinage. This functional countermark, rather than an elaborate artistic display, reflects the nascent stages of numismatic art.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a 20.0 mm silver flan, this stater's technical quality is judged by the sharpness of the tuna fish's scales, fins, and eye, its primary high points. The reverse incuse square should exhibit clear, well-defined lines. Early