Ancient Greece 480-475BC Sea Turtle Aegina Silver Stater Very Fine (VF20)

Ancient Greece 480-475BC Sea Turtle Aegina Silver Stater Very Fine (VF20)

Aegina, an island in the Saronic Gulf of Greece, was an important maritime and trading power in antiquity. In the 6th century BCE, it became one of the first Greek states to mint its own coins, often decorated with the image of a sea turtle, a symbol of its naval strength. Aegina grew wealthy through commerce and was a rival of Athens, leading to frequent conflicts, especially during the Persian and Peloponnesian Wars. The island was also home to the impressive Temple of Aphaia, a masterpiece of Doric architecture. Though eventually overshadowed by Athens, Aegina’s role as a pioneering economic and naval center left a lasting mark on Greek history.

Obverse: Smooth-shelled sea turtle
Quadripartite incuse square.
Issuer: Aegina
Composition: Silver
Weight: Approx. 12 g
Diameter: Approx. 25 mm
Mint: Aegina