Colonial Acres Coins
SKU: SKU:AC-0456
Ancient Greece 400-350 BC Moesia Silver Drachm Extra Fine (EF40)
Ancient Greece 400-350 BC Moesia Silver Drachm Extra Fine (EF40)
Regular price
$675.00
Regular price
$750.00
Sale price
$675.00
Unit price
per
We buy at $0.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.
◎ 1 Available
Couldn't load pickup availability
FREE SHIPPING OVER $500
Ancient Greece 400-350 BC Moesia Silver Drachm Extra Fine (EF40)
The silver hemistaters of Istros, struck in Moesia around 420–390 BC, are among the most distinctive and collectible coins of the Greek world. Istros (modern Histria, on the Black Sea coast of Romania) was a Milesian colony and an important trading hub linking the Greek world with the interior of Thrace and the Danube region.
These hemistaters are best known for their unusual obverse design: two facing male heads side by side, often interpreted as representations of the Dioscuri (Castor and Pollux), or possibly symbolic of duality—such as the rising and setting sun or the two branches of the Danube River. The reverse typically shows a sea eagle grasping a dolphin in its talons, with the ethnic inscription ?????? (ISTRIE).
Struck on relatively small flans, these coins often show off-center strikes and uneven surfaces, which is typical for the period and mint. Despite this, well-centered examples with clear dual heads are highly sought after by collectors. Their artistic style, regional symbolism, and connection to Black Sea trade make them a standout issue within ancient Greek numismatics.
Obverse: Two facing, inverted male heads.
Reverse: Sea-eagle facing left grasping a dolphin in its talons, with the legend above, and an "A" below the dolphin.
Specifications:
Composition: Silver
Weight: Approx. 5.5 g
Diameter: Approx. 19 mm
Mint: Istrus, Moesia (modern-day Romania)
The silver hemistaters of Istros, struck in Moesia around 420–390 BC, are among the most distinctive and collectible coins of the Greek world. Istros (modern Histria, on the Black Sea coast of Romania) was a Milesian colony and an important trading hub linking the Greek world with the interior of Thrace and the Danube region.
These hemistaters are best known for their unusual obverse design: two facing male heads side by side, often interpreted as representations of the Dioscuri (Castor and Pollux), or possibly symbolic of duality—such as the rising and setting sun or the two branches of the Danube River. The reverse typically shows a sea eagle grasping a dolphin in its talons, with the ethnic inscription ?????? (ISTRIE).
Struck on relatively small flans, these coins often show off-center strikes and uneven surfaces, which is typical for the period and mint. Despite this, well-centered examples with clear dual heads are highly sought after by collectors. Their artistic style, regional symbolism, and connection to Black Sea trade make them a standout issue within ancient Greek numismatics.
Obverse: Two facing, inverted male heads.
Reverse: Sea-eagle facing left grasping a dolphin in its talons, with the legend above, and an "A" below the dolphin.
Specifications:
Composition: Silver
Weight: Approx. 5.5 g
Diameter: Approx. 19 mm
Mint: Istrus, Moesia (modern-day Romania)
