© Bibliothèque nationale de France
© Bibliothèque nationale de France
Trichalkon 145 BC - 50 BC
| Bronze | 12.6 g | 24 mm |
| Issuer | Smyrna (Ionia) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 145 BC - 50 BC |
| Value | 3 Chalkon (1⁄16) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 12.6 g |
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#67027 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 93% |
Reverse
Homer sitting, facing left.
Script: Greek
Lettering:
ΣΜΥΡΝΑΙΩΝ
ΛΕΟΝΤΙΣΚΟΣ
Translation:
Smyrna
Leontiskos, magistrate
Edge
Rough
Interesting fact
The Trichalkon coin was used in ancient Greece during the Hellenistic period and was equivalent to three chalkoi, which is where it got its name. Chalkoi were small bronze coins that were used as a form of currency in ancient Greece. The Trichalkon coin was used for larger transactions and was worth three times the value of a chalkos. It's interesting to note that the Trichalkon coin was used in a time when currency was still largely based on physical commodities, like bronze, and wasn't yet backed by any central authority or government.
