🪙Ancient Greek Era, Teos, 490-465 B.C.E., Silver Stater
This silver stater, minted between 490-465 B.C.E. in Teos, an ancient city in Ionia (Western Asia Minor), is a remarkable example of early Greek coinage. Teos, known for its rich cultural heritage, was a member of the Ionian Dodekapolis and home to a famous temple of Dionysus. This coin, featuring the mythological Griffin, represents both the artistic achievements and the economic significance of the city during this period.
Obverse: The obverse side features a Griffin, a mythological creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. The Griffin, depicted with curled wings and seated, raising one foreleg, is a symbol of strength and vigilance, often seen as a guardian of gold reserves. This particular variety is rare, featuring a small female head below the Griffin, adding to its uniqueness and desirability among collectors.
Reverse: The reverse side displays a quadripartite incuse square, a design element common in early Greek coinage. The geometric pattern of the incuse square emphasizes the simplicity and precision of the minting process in this era.
Historical Context: This silver stater weighs 11.9 grams and measures 24 x 20 mm, with a distinctive oval shape. Teos was a prominent city in Ionia, known for its two fine harbors and its temple dedicated to Dionysus, the god of wine and festivity. The city was also the birthplace of several notable figures, including the poets Anacreon and Scythinus, the historian Hecataeus, the geographer Andron, and Apellicon, who preserved the works of Aristotle. The coin’s Griffin imagery aligns with Teos’ reputation for prosperity and cultural richness.
Condition: The coin is in Very Fine Plus (VF+) condition, with sharp and well-preserved details. The Griffin’s elegant posture and the rare feature of the small female head are particularly well-defined, making this coin a stunning example of early Greek numismatic art.
Significance: This rare variety of the Teos silver stater is a valuable and historically significant piece, reflecting the cultural and economic importance of the city during the 5th century B.C.E. The Griffin, as a guardian of wealth, reinforces Teos’ role as a prosperous city-state within the Ionian League.
Authenticity Guaranteed: This silver stater is guaranteed authentic, offering collectors and historians a genuine piece of ancient Greek history. Its rarity and exceptional condition make it an extraordinary addition to any collection focused on ancient Greek coinage.
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