© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Tetradrachm 499 BC - 495 BC
| Silver | 12.2 g | 22 mm |
| Issuer | Samos (Ionia) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 499 BC - 495 BC |
| Value | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 12.2 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered, Incuse |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#391841 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Head of Ox right.
Script: Greek
Comment
Barron, Samian Standard, Tetradrachms Class I, 1, p.176.
Interesting fact
The Tetradrachm coin from Samos (Ionia) was one of the first coins to feature a portrait of a living person. The coin features a portrait of the Greek goddess Hera, who was the wife of Zeus and the queen of the gods. This was a significant departure from earlier coins, which typically featured symbols or animals. The use of a portrait on a coin was a innovation that would go on to influence the design of coins for centuries to come.
