© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Tetradrachm 240 BC - 220 BC
| Silver | 13.97 g | 30 mm |
| Issuer | Kalchedon (Bithynia) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 240 BC - 220 BC |
| Value | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 13.97 g |
| Diameter | 30 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#358699 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Naked Apollo seated right on omphalos, holding arrow and bow, monogram to left.
Script: Greek
Lettering:
ΔΙ
ΚΑΛΧ
Interesting fact
The Tetradrachm from Kalchedon (Bithynia) features a unique blend of Greek and Persian influences in its design. The obverse side of the coin depicts the profile of a bearded king, likely representing the Persian satrap (governor) who ruled over the region at the time, while the reverse side shows the Greek goddess Athena standing victorious over a fallen Persian warrior. This blending of cultural styles reflects the complex history of the region, which was conquered by the Persian Empire in the 6th century BC and later absorbed into the Greek world.