Obolos 7

MACEDON, Chalkidian League. circa 432-348 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 25 mm, 13.90 g, 12 h), Olympichos, magistrate, circa 352/1 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to left. Rev. ΧAΛΚΙΔΕΩΝ / EΠΙ ΟΛΥΜΠΙXOY Kithara with seven strings. Robinson & Clement 113 (A73/P96). SNG ANS 506 (same dies). A well centered example of fine late classical style. Slightly porous and possibly overstruck, otherwise, very fine.

Ex CNG eAuction 190 (25.6.2008) lot 32.

This fine head of Apollo is a superb example of late 5th century die cutting. Olynthos was the capital of a confederation of Greek cities in the Chalkidike in the second half of the 5th century BC. It was at the height of its power in the late 5th century; in the late 380s the league was defeated by Sparta but soon regained power. Frightened of his expansionism, Olynthos became the enemy of Philip II of Macedon who ultimately destroyed the city in 348. The modern excavations of the site are particularly important both for the history of Greek city planning and for the coin finds that are vital for the chronology of many issues of the 4th century BC.