Obverse © Geison Pulga (CC BY-NC-SA)
Obverse © Geison Pulga (CC BY-NC-SA)
Æ14 - Ballaeus Artemis 260 BC - 230 BC
| Bronze | 2.53 g | 13 mm |
| Issuer | Kings of Illyria |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 260 BC - 230 BC |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 2.53 g |
| Diameter | 13 mm |
| Thickness | 2.2 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#321561 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Artemis walking left, clad in short chiton, holding long torch in right hand.
Script: Greek
Lettering:
BAΛΛAI
OY
Unabridged legend: Βαλλαῖος
Translation: Ballaeus
Comment
Although most catalogues place Ballaeus' reign and coinage around 167-135 BC, recent discoveries tend to place Ballaeus' reign around a century earlier at 260-230 BC.Other references: Brunsmid 39; Unger 285.
Interesting fact
The coin features a unique blend of Greek and Illyrian mythology, with the obverse depicting the Greek goddess Artemis and the reverse featuring a stag, which was a symbol of the Illyrian king Ballaeus. This fusion of cultures reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region and the exchange of ideas between ancient civilizations.