Diobol (280 BC - 228 BC) front Diobol (280 BC - 228 BC) back
Diobol (280 BC - 228 BC) photo
© Nomos AG

Diobol 280 BC - 228 BC

 
Silver 1.02 g 13 mm
Description
Issuer
Tarentum (Calabria)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
280 BC - 228 BC
Value
Diobol (⅓)
Currency
Campanian (Italic-Achaean) drachm
Composition
Silver
Weight
1.02 g
Diameter
13 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-10
References
Numista
N#417613
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Herakles standing, facing, his torso turned to the right, lifting and strangling the Nemean lion, which he grasps in a choke hold; in the field to left, club; between his legs, ΦΙ.

Script: Greek

Lettering: ΦΙ

Interesting fact

The Diobol coin was used as a form of currency in the ancient Greek city of Tarentum, which is now located in Calabria, Italy. The coin features an image of a mythical creature called a "Taras," which is a dolphin-riding boy, on one side, and an inscription of the city's name on the other. The use of this coin as currency in Tarentum dates back to the 4th century BC, making it one of the oldest coins in the world.