© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Stater 331 BC - 322 BC
| Gold | 8.625 g | - |
| Issuer | Kyrene (Kyrenaica) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 331 BC - 322 BC |
| Value | Gold Stater (20) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 8.625 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#365111 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Zeus Ammon enthroned right, right foot on stool, holding lotus-headed scepter.
Script: Greek
Lettering: ΙΑΣΩΝ
Interesting fact
The Kyrenean Stater was one of the first coins to feature a portrait of a ruler, in this case, the image of the Greek goddess Athena on the obverse (front side) and the Kyrenean king, Ophellas, on the reverse (back side). This innovation in coin design was a significant departure from earlier coins, which typically featured only abstract symbols or animals. The inclusion of a human figure on the coin signified the growing influence of Hellenistic culture in the region and paved the way for the development of more sophisticated coinage designs in the centuries to come.
