Showing posts with label ancient coins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ancient coins. Show all posts

Mar 4, 2008

Stater of the Kingdom of Panticapaeum


4th century BC


Gold diameter 18 mm, weight 9.06 g


The finely executed representation of the head of Satyr, the local god of agriculture, on the obverse, and a griffin moving along an ear of corn on the reverse, are allusions to the main source of wealth in the Bosporus during the 4th century BC: grain, large quantities of which were exported to Greece. The coin's artistic merits place it among the most remarkable examples of the ancient coin-maker's art.
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Medallion of Constantine the Great


4th century AD


Gold; diameter 48 mm, weight 43.86 g


This piece weighing the equivalent of eight standard gold coins (solodi), was made as a presentation piece. It is unique, differing from other medallions of Constantine in that it shows the Emperor with his four sons. This outstanding example of a 4th-century coin was unearthed when trenches were being dug on the South-Western front during World War I.
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4-Drachma Piece of Antimachus


2nd century BC

Silver diameter 29 mm, weight 16.65 g

The Greek world penetrated deep into Central Asia in the centuries after the invasion of Alexander the Great. The coins of the Greek kings of Bactria and north-western India illustrate the mingling of Greek and native cultures. This coin shows a Greek king wearing a local headdress on the obverse and the Greek god Poseidon, representing the Indian trident-bearing god Siva, on the reverse.
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at 2:01 PM
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10-Drachma Piece of the Greek City of Syracuse


5th-4th centuries BC


Silver diameter 34 mm, weight 43.09 g


The people of Syracuse are thought to have made large coins such as this for presentation as prizes at the annual games. The obverse shows the head of the nymph Arethusa; the reverse shows a charioteer being crowned by Nike, goddess of victory. The skilful composition and execution of this coin make it one of the most famous masterpieces of the coin-engraver's art.
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