Ionia, Kolophon, Circa 530-500 BC, AR Hemiobol, Persic Standard, Apollo / Incuse Square

$75.00

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SKU: G13.29 Categories: ,

Description

Greek,Ā  Ionia, Kolophon, Circa 530-500 BC, AR Hemiobol (silver, 0.41g, 7.1mm), Persic Standard
Obv: Archaic head of Apollo left
Rev: Incuse square punch
Ref: Kim & Kroll pp. 73ā€“83; SNG Kayhan 342 Rarity/Choice: Common, VF (sharply struck and lightly toned)
Note: In the ancient Greek city of Kolophon, situated in Ionia, coinage played a crucial role in facilitating trade and symbolizing the city’s identity. The “Archaic head of Apollo” on the coin from Kolophon represents a stylistic portrayal of the god Apollo that is typical of this period. Apollo, the Greek god of music, poetry, and prophecy, was one of the principal deities worshipped in Kolophon, and his depiction on the coinage signifies the city’s religious and cultural significance. The incuse square punch, a common characteristic of early Greek coinage. This design was created by impressing a punch into the metal, leaving a recessed square-shaped impression. The incuse punch on reverse served both as a security measure against counterfeiting and as a means of standardizing the weight and value of the coin.