Description: Archaios Numismatics Description: Greek Bronze Coin, dichalkon, of Megara, Megaris in Magna Graecia 307 to 243 BC. Obverse: Prow of galley right. Reverse: Dolphins swimming up around the obelisk of Apollo Karinos. Mint: Megara, Megaris Size: 14 mm Weight: 2.22 g Ref: SNG Copenhagen 477 Inventory: 1909.36.12 Condition: aVF/F. corrosion to reverse obscuring part of image. A very interesting type from Megara, a less common polis. Use the Picture as your judge as grading is subjective. Notes: Megara was an ancient Greek city state that was the flourishing capital of the territory between Attica and the isthmus of Corinth and which commanded the trade routes between Peloponnesus and Central Greece. Prior to the time of Demetrius Poliorcetes, who conferred freedom on Megara in B.C. 307, it would appear that no money was struck there. Shortly after this the town fell again into the power of the Macedonian kings, in whose hands it remained until B.C. 243, when Aratus united it to the Achaean Leage. Some of the bronze coins may be as late as B.C. 243, but the silver pieces can hardly be placed after circ. B.C. 300. Sevearl of the Megarean coin-types refer to the worship of Apollo, who was said to have assisted Alkathoos to build the walls of the town. In honour of this god the lesser Pythian games were held at Megara. The obelisk type is believed to be the stone at Megara which was called Apollo Καρινος. Obelisk of Apollo Karinos in Megara As describes in Pausanias, Description of Greece 1. 44. 2 : "As you go down from the market-place [of Megara] you see on the right of the street called Straight a sanctuary of Apollo Prostaterios (Protecting). You must turn a little aside from the road to discover it. In it is a noteworthy Apollon, Artemis also, and Leto, and other statues, made by Praxiteles. In the old gymnasium near the gate called the Gate of the Nymphai is a stone of the shape of a small pyramid. This they name Apollo Karinos, and here there is a sanctuary of the Eileithyiae." The history of the coinage of the Peloponnesus, regarded as a whole, may be summed up in a few words. From the age of Pheidon of Argos down to the Persian wars the only coins generally current in Peloponnesus were on the north coast the Corinthian Pegasos staters, elsewhere the staters of Aegina. In the interior the Arcadian triobols served the purpose of small change. The Aeginetic standard continued to be everywhere prevalent in Peloponnesus. The splendid and varied series of Elis does not begin before the close of the period of archaic art (circ. B.C. 471). Between the Persian and Peloponnesian wars we note an increase in the number of Arcadian mints, Cleitor, Heraea, Mantineia, Pallantium, Paroreia, and Psophis all issuing small silver coins in addition to the money of the Arcadian League. In the next period, B.C. 430-370, the Arcadian Federal money is entirely superseded by the local issues of the various Arcadian cities. The place occupied of old by the Aeginetic stater is now filled by the beautiful staters of Elis, Sicyon, and Argos. Excerpts from Head, Hist. Num.; Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia We Thank You for stopping in and taking time to look at and bid on our listings. Good Luck Bidding ! We encourage you to click the "See other items" link above in the "Seller Information" area of the listing as well to check out our other items posted. We have a variety of great classical and other ancient numismatic items available. We will be regularly continuing to post for sale and auction a wide variety of Ancient Roman, Greek, and Eastern coins as well as Medieval, Byzantine, and some Modern coins as well. You can also follow us to be notified when new listings are posted. With over 20 years in the numismatics hobby we continue to revel in the excitement that comes from holding each new small piece of history in our hands. We enjoy the enduring sense of history both of the prior uses and users as well as the creativity and necessity that surround the time and place at which these coins were minted and used in circulation. Our aim is to cater not just to the high end collector but also to the hobbyist and the newly initiated and those on a limited budget. Everyone starts the hobby somewhere and where we can share our knowledge to help inform or jumpstart your collecting pleasure we will aim to do so. We want you to love every purchase you make with us and we always stand by the quality and authenticity of all the coins we are selling.
Price: 55 USD
Location: Seattle, Washington
End Time: 2023-11-11T21:48:20.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Composition: Bronze
Historical Period: Greek (450 BC-100 AD)
Denomination: Dichalkon
Era: Ancient
