Catalogue
| Émetteur | Sestos |
|---|---|
| Année | 300 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | Trichalkon (1⁄16) |
| Devise | Drachm |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Poids | 6.46 g |
| Diamètre | 17 mm |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | HGC 3.2#1646 |
| Description de l’avers | Wreathed head of Persephone to left, wearing a pendant earring; behind her neck |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | Greek |
| Légende de l’avers | Σ |
| Description du revers | Hermes, with his petasos hanging behind his neck, standing to left, holding kerykeion with his right hand and resting his left at his waist; in the lower left field, double-handled lagynos; in the upper right field, barley grain. |
| Écriture du revers | Greek |
| Légende du revers | ΣΗ |
| Tranche | |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
ND (-300) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 1319441010 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: This Trichalkon, issued by Sestos around 300 BC, belongs to the dynamic early Hellenistic period. Following Alexander the Great's death, Sestos, a strategic city on the Thracian Chersonese, found itself amidst the Diadochi struggles, often under the influence of Lysimachus. Its continued bronze coinage signifies the city's economic vitality and local administrative autonomy, crucial for daily commerce along the vital Hellespont trade route. Such issues underscore Sestos's enduring importance despite the larger geopolitical shifts of the era.
Artistry: While a specific engraver for this bronze issue remains anonymous, the coin's artistry aligns with the Late Classical to Early Hellenistic stylistic school. This period emphasized a greater naturalism and expressive depth, moving beyond earlier idealized forms. Typical designs for Sestos often featured local deities like Demeter or Dionysus, reflecting the region's agricultural wealth or religious traditions. The specific iconography would have conveyed civic identity and cultural values to its populace and traders.
Technical/Grading: This bronze Trichalkon, weighing 6.46 grams and measuring 17 millimeters, presents typical characteristics of ancient bronze issues. High-points susceptible to wear would include the hair, facial features, or prominent elements of the reverse design. The strike quality, common for small bronze denominations, could exhibit minor off-centering or weaknesses due to less precise flan preparation and die pressure compared to silver issues. Surface preservation is often a key factor for grading, given bronze's susceptibility to corrosion.