Attic, Athens Silver Obol (about 2535-2565 years ago)
This tiny silver coin from ancient Athens represents one of the earliest forms of Greek coinage. Produced during the Archaic period before the rise of Classical Athens, this small denomination would have been used for everyday transactions in the developing Athenian economy.
Coin Description:
Front side: Four-spoked wheel design
Back side: Irregular incuse (punched impression) pattern
Technical Details:
Silver composition
Obol denomination (small silver coin, worth 1/6 of a drachm)
Weight: 0.60 grams
References: Seltman pl. 4, SNG Cop-8
Provenance: Ex Salton Collection with original collector's ticket
Date: Circa 545-515 BCE
Historical Significance:
This coin was minted during Athens' early development as a city-state (polis), shortly after the reforms of Solon but before the establishment of democracy. The simple wheel design predates the famous "owl" coinage that would later symbolize Athens throughout the ancient world. During this period, Athens (in the region of Attica, Greece) was transitioning from aristocratic rule toward the democratic system that would help make it the cultural and intellectual center of ancient Greece.
This tiny silver coin from ancient Athens represents one of the earliest forms of Greek coinage. Produced during the Archaic period before the rise of Classical Athens, this small denomination would have been used for everyday transactions in the developing Athenian economy.
Coin Description:
Front side: Four-spoked wheel design
Back side: Irregular incuse (punched impression) pattern
Technical Details:
Silver composition
Obol denomination (small silver coin, worth 1/6 of a drachm)
Weight: 0.60 grams
References: Seltman pl. 4, SNG Cop-8
Provenance: Ex Salton Collection with original collector's ticket
Date: Circa 545-515 BCE
Historical Significance:
This coin was minted during Athens' early development as a city-state (polis), shortly after the reforms of Solon but before the establishment of democracy. The simple wheel design predates the famous "owl" coinage that would later symbolize Athens throughout the ancient world. During this period, Athens (in the region of Attica, Greece) was transitioning from aristocratic rule toward the democratic system that would help make it the cultural and intellectual center of ancient Greece.
This tiny silver coin from ancient Athens represents one of the earliest forms of Greek coinage. Produced during the Archaic period before the rise of Classical Athens, this small denomination would have been used for everyday transactions in the developing Athenian economy.
Coin Description:
Front side: Four-spoked wheel design
Back side: Irregular incuse (punched impression) pattern
Technical Details:
Silver composition
Obol denomination (small silver coin, worth 1/6 of a drachm)
Weight: 0.60 grams
References: Seltman pl. 4, SNG Cop-8
Provenance: Ex Salton Collection with original collector's ticket
Date: Circa 545-515 BCE
Historical Significance:
This coin was minted during Athens' early development as a city-state (polis), shortly after the reforms of Solon but before the establishment of democracy. The simple wheel design predates the famous "owl" coinage that would later symbolize Athens throughout the ancient world. During this period, Athens (in the region of Attica, Greece) was transitioning from aristocratic rule toward the democratic system that would help make it the cultural and intellectual center of ancient Greece.
