© Numismatik Naumann GmbH
© Numismatik Naumann GmbH
Obol - Kotys I Type II; KOTO 383 BC - 359 BC
| Silver | 0.85 g | 11 mm |
| Issuer | Kingdom of Odryssa (Thracians) |
|---|---|
| King | Cotys I (383 BC - 359 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 383 BC - 359 BC |
| Value | Obol (⅙) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 0.85 g |
| Diameter | 11 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#238040 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Skyphos (deep wine cup with two handles).
Lettering:
K O
T Y
Comment
Kotys, son of King Seuthes I, inherited the whole Thracian kingdom of Hebryzelmis. He was an Athenian citizen and was on the best terms with the Greek polis. However, starting from 365 BC, he fought with Athens for Sestos, Perinthos and other places. In 360 BC Kotys and his admiral Iphikrates fought a sea battle with the Athenians. In 359 BC, Kotys fell victim to a private feud. Theopompus describes him as an energetic and brutal barbarian.Moushmov '25 #49; Peter p. 114; Topalov (2005) #96; Traité IV 1306, pl. CCCXXXI, #3; BMC #1;
Weight varies: 0.77-1.10 g;
Diameter: ca. 12 mm;
Examples of this type:
• Example #1 (0.79 g; 11 mm; Very Fine)
©️ Numismatik Naumann GmbH
◦ Auctioned by Numismatik Naumann, Auction 52, 2 April 2017, Lot 75. Sold for 325 EUR.
◦ Auctioned by Fritz Rudolf Künker, Auction 326, 7 October 2019, Lot 115. Estimated at 200 EUR, unsold.
• Example #2 (0.97 g; Very Fine)
©️ H. D. Rauch GmbH
◦ Auctioned by H. D. Rauch, Auction 77, 10 April 2006, Lot 201.
• Example #3 (0.70 g; 11 mm; Nearly Very Fine)
©️ Numismatik Naumann GmbH
◦ Auctioned by Numismatik Naumann, Auction 64, 1 April 2018, Lot 48. Sold for 85 EUR.
• Example #4 (0.92 g; 9 mm; Nearly Extremely Fine)
©️ Numismatik Naumann GmbH
◦ Auctioned by Numismatik Naumann, Auction 39, 3 January 2016, Lot 49. Sold for 130 EUR.
• Example #5 (1.00 g; 9 mm; 12 h; Nearly Extremely Fine, light cabinet tone)
©️ Roma Numismatics Ltd
◦ Auctioned by Roma Numismatics, E-Sale 67, 6 February 2020, Lot 283. Sold for 280 GBP.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Obol - Kotys I (Type II; KOTO) coin is that it features a unique combination of Thracian and Greek elements on its design. The obverse side of the coin depicts a Thracian warrior wearing a helmet and carrying a shield, while the reverse side features a Greek-style owl perched on a branch, surrounded by a Greek inscription. This blending of cultural influences reflects the multicultural nature of the Odryssian kingdom, which was located in the Balkans and was home to a diverse population of Thracians, Greeks, and other peoples.
