Dec 9, 2009
Dec 9, 2009

Stater: Head of Athena (obverse); Nike (reverse)

Stater: Head of Athena (obverse); Nike (reverse)

c. 320–317 BC

Part of a set. See all set records

Gold

Diameter: 1.9 cm (3/4 in.)

Weight: 8.618 g (0.3 oz.)

Die axis: 12

Gift of J. H. Wade 1916.979

Location

Did you know?

Athena appears off-center on this coin’s obverse due to an error in the minting process.

Description

As the forces of Alexander III [the Great] advanced into Asia, the city-state of Salamis, on the island of Cyprus, voluntarily surrendered itself and its mint. Salamis began producing Macedonian-style coinage, adopting a helmeted Athena on the obverse and a winged Nike offering a laurel wreath on the reverse. The rudder in the left field is the distinguishing symbol of Salamis, a nod to the city’s longstanding maritime prominence.

See also
Collection: 
GR - Greek
Department: 
Greek and Roman Art
Type of artwork: 
Coins
Medium: 
Gold
Credit line: 
Gift of J. H. Wade

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