Trihemiobol

Historical Context: Kaunos, a significant city in Caria, issued this Trihemiobol (1.10 gg) between 490-470 BC, a period profoundly shaped by Achaemenid Persian hegemony following the suppression of the Ionian Revolt. As a semi-autonomous city within the Persian satrapy, Kaunos maintained its right to coin, likely for local commercial transactions and tribute payments to the Great King. This small silver fraction, possibly aligned with Aeginetan or local Carian standards, was essential for daily commerce and underscores the city's strategic position facilitating trade across the Aegean and Anatolia during a turbulent era preceding the rise of the Delian League.

Artistry: The artistry of this issue reflects the late Archaic to early Classical transition characteristic of Carian numismatics. The obverse typically features a winged daemon, often interpreted as a local fertility deity or genius, rendered with an evolving naturalism yet retaining a certain archaic stiffness in its form. The reverse frequently displays a geometric pattern, such as a quadripartite incuse square with a central dot or an eye-like design, emblematic of regional iconography and perhaps apotropaic in nature. No specific engraver signatures are known for Kaunos during this period, indicating an anonymous workshop tradition typical of early fractional coinage.

Technical/Grading: For grading this diminutive Trihemiobol, emphasis is placed on the clarity and completeness of the winged daemon on the obverse, particularly the definition of its wings and any discernible facial features on the small 10mm flan. The reverse should exhibit a sharp, well-centered geometric pattern within its incuse. Strong strike quality, crucial for such small denominations, ensures full design elements are visible despite often irregular flans. Excellent centering, avoiding off-flan strikes, and a well-preserved surface free from excessive porosity or horn silver are highly desirable attributes, elevating numismatic value significantly.