© Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Osnabrück and Lübke & Wiedemann KG, Leonberg
© Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Osnabrück and Lübke & Wiedemann KG, Leonberg
Obol - Kotys I Type II; KOTY 383 BC - 359 BC
| Silver | 1 g | 12 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 | 1 g |
| Diameter | 12 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#238051 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
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 S. #114; Topalov (2005) #96; Traité IV 1306, pl. CCCXXXI, #3; BMC #1; Winzer #31.1. Topalov 21.1.
Weight varies: 0.77-1.10 g;
Diameter: ca. 12 mm;
Examples of this type:
• Example #1 (0.88 g; Very Fine - Extremely Fine)
©️ Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Osnabrück and Lübke & Wiedemann KG, Leonberg
◦ Auctioned by Fritz Rudolf Künker, Auction 304, 19 March 2018, Lot 241. Sold for 650 EUR.
• Example #2 (0.75 g; Very Fine)
©️ Münzzentrum Rheinland
◦ Auctioned by Münzzentrum Rheinland, Auction 188, 20 March 2019, Lot 39. Estimated at 150 EUR, unsold.
• Example #3 (0.85 g; 10 mm; Near Very Fine)
©️ Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
◦ Auctioned by Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 299, 27 March 2013, Lot 141. Sold for 180 USD.
◦ Auctioned by Gorny & Mosch, Auction 138, 7 March 2005, Lot 1179.
• Example #4 (0.88 g; 9 mm; 12 h; Good Very Fine)
©️ Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
◦ Auctioned by Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 266, 19 October 2011, Lot 63. Sold for 300USD.
Interesting fact
The obol coin of Kotys I (Type II; KOTY) was used as a form of currency in the Kingdom of Odryssa, which was a Thracian kingdom located in the northern part of the Balkan Peninsula, present-day Bulgaria. The coin was made of silver and weighed 1 gram, which was a significant amount for a coin at that time. Despite its small size, the coin played an important role in the economy of the kingdom, as it was used for buying and selling goods and services. The fact that it was made of silver also speaks to the wealth and prosperity of the kingdom during that time period.
