Trichalkon - Isagoras 120 BC - 50 BC
| Bronze | 6.76 g | 20 mm |
| Issuer | Thessalian League (Thessaly) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 120 BC - 50 BC |
| Value | Trichalkon (1⁄16) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 6.76 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Thickness | 2.8 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#432963 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Athena Itonia striding right, holding spear and shield; wing in outer right field.
Script: Greek
Lettering:
ΘEΣΣA-ΛΩN
ΙΣΑ-ΓΟΡΑΣ
Translation:
Thessalon
Isagoras
Comment
The Thessalian League was a koinon or loose confederacy of feudal-like poleis and tribes in ancient Thessaly, located in the Thessalian plain in Greece. The Thessalian League was one of the several Greek leagues the Roman tolerated until 146 BCE, when the Roman commander Mummius razed the city of Corinth to the ground, disbanded the leagues, and informally reduced Greece to provincial status. Similar reverse type coins were minted under the Roman Empire domination of Greece, as provincial coins, from Tiberius to Gallienus, by 268 AD.
In the field of this type series, or above the spear in some other variants, of which a large number have been recorded, various monograms appear, showing the name of the Strategoi (on obv.) and the Magistratus (on rev.). In ancient Rome, a magistratus was one of the highest ranking government officers, and possessed both judicial and executive powers, and were monetary officials or moneyers with the right for minting.
Itonia was an epithet of the Greek goddess Athena worshiped widely in Thessaly and elsewhere. The name was derived from the town of Iton in the south of Phthiotis
Their weight ranges from 6 to 8 grams and diameter from 17 to 22 mm.
Interesting fact
The Trichalkon - Isagoras coin features a unique design on its reverse side, depicting a horseman riding a horse in a galloping pose. This design was meant to symbolize the power and strength of the Thessalian League, which was a confederation of cities in ancient Greece. The horseman is shown with his arm outstretched, holding a spear, and the horse is depicted in a dynamic pose, with its mane and tail flowing in the wind. This design was a common motif in ancient Greek coinage and is considered an iconic representation of the Thessalian League's military prowess.
