This rare silver half-drachm coin was minted around 85 BC in Sparta (located in modern-day southern Greece), when the city was part of the Achaean League.
Front Side: Features the bust of Zeus, king of the Greek gods
Back Side: Displays the monogram "AX" within a wreath, flanked by piloi (conical caps associated with the Dioscuri twins), with additional monograms above and below
Technical Details:
Weight: 2.29 grams
Condition: Very Fine (VF), with the front slightly off-center and displaying an attractive old collection patina
Provenance: From Baldwin's collection circa 1950s, sold with original collector's ticket
References: BCD 865.2; Clerk 516
Historical Significance: By the time this coin was produced, Sparta's famous military power had long declined. The city no longer had reigning kings or its legendary armies, and the unique traditions that once distinguished Sparta were mostly just historical curiosities. Despite this reduced status, Sparta remained important enough within the Achaean League confederation to mint its own coinage.
This rare silver half-drachm coin was minted around 85 BC in Sparta (located in modern-day southern Greece), when the city was part of the Achaean League.
Front Side: Features the bust of Zeus, king of the Greek gods
Back Side: Displays the monogram "AX" within a wreath, flanked by piloi (conical caps associated with the Dioscuri twins), with additional monograms above and below
Technical Details:
Weight: 2.29 grams
Condition: Very Fine (VF), with the front slightly off-center and displaying an attractive old collection patina
Provenance: From Baldwin's collection circa 1950s, sold with original collector's ticket
References: BCD 865.2; Clerk 516
Historical Significance: By the time this coin was produced, Sparta's famous military power had long declined. The city no longer had reigning kings or its legendary armies, and the unique traditions that once distinguished Sparta were mostly just historical curiosities. Despite this reduced status, Sparta remained important enough within the Achaean League confederation to mint its own coinage.
