Trihemibol

Historical Context: This Trihemibol originates from Lampsakos, a significant Greek city on the Hellespont, during the period of 500-450 BC. This era marks the transition from the Archaic to the early Classical period, a time of immense geopolitical change, including the Persian Wars and the rise of Athenian influence. Lampsakos, a democratic polis, issued its own coinage to facilitate trade and assert its economic independence, leveraging its strategic location controlling vital maritime routes. This fractional silver denomination, weighing 1.13 grams, was crucial for daily transactions within its prosperous mercantile economy, reflecting civic identity rather than the authority of a single ruler.

Artistry: The artistry of this Trihemibol, while the engraver remains anonymous, aligns with the stylistic developments of early Classical Greek numismatics, moving towards greater naturalism. Lampsakos is renowned for its distinctive civic emblem: the forepart of Pegasus. On this diminutive 10mm flan, the design would have been rendered with precision, typically depicting the winged horse with an elegant, often curved, wing and a detailed head. The reverse side of such small fractional issues often featured a simple incuse square or a small, complementary symbol, serving as a counterpoint to the more elaborate obverse design and reinforcing the city's visual identity.

Technical/Grading: Weighing 1.13 grams and with a diameter of 10mm, this silver Trihemibol represents a technically challenging strike for the ancient mint. A full, well-centered strike is often a premium feature, as the small flan frequently resulted in off-center strikes or areas of weakness. Key high-points for assessing wear and strike quality would be the extremities of the Pegasus's wing, its muzzle, and any fine details in the mane. The quality of the silver planchet is generally good, but variations in die state and striking pressure can significantly impact the sharpness of the impression and the overall grade of the coin.