© London Coin Galleries with Heritage Auctions UK
© London Coin Galleries with Heritage Auctions UK
Æ15 - Timocharis 385 BC
385 BC year| Bronze | 2.47 g | 15.0 mm |
| Issuer | Paphos (Cyprus (ancient)) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 385 BC |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 2.47 g |
| Diameter | 15.0 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#126097 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 92% |
Reverse
Dove facing right and standing on a branch. Inscription above the dove in Cypriot-syllabic (e-).
Comment
The denominations of the bronze coinage of the kingdoms of Cyprus are unknown to numismatists and thus are only referred to as AE, with the diameter after it. According to Sear (GCV, Vol.2, 2017), as the lower silver denominations were difficult to use due to their too small size, it is believed these bronze coins were used as tokens to replace them and making everyday transactions easier. The weight variations of them also suggests that the weight of the AE coinage was not as precisely controlled.BMC Greek Vol.24 Pl.XXII.6
Interesting fact
The Timocharis coin is considered one of the earliest coins to feature a portrait of a specific individual. The obverse side of the coin features a bearded man, believed to be Timocharis, a philosopher and astronomer from Cyprus. This makes it a unique and significant piece in the history of numismatics.