Tridrachm

Tridrachm - obverseTridrachm - reverse

© Bibliothèque nationale de France

Features

Issuer Delphi (Phokis)
Type Standard circulation coin
Years 479 BC - 475 BC
Value Tridrachm (3)
Currency Drachm
Composition Silver
Weight 18 g
Diameter 27 mm
Shape Round (irregular)
Technique Hammered, incuse
Demonetized Yes
Number
N#
284572
References HGC 4# 1116,
Oliver D. Hoover; 2014. The Handbook of Greek Coinage Series / Volume 4. Handbook of Coins of Northern and Central Greece : Achaia Phthiotis, Ainis, Magnesia, Akarnania, Aitolia, Lokris, Phokis, Boiotia, Euboia, Attica, Megaris, and Corinthia : Sixth to First Centuries BC. Classical Numismatic Group, Lancaster, Pennsylvania - London, United Kingdom.
BCD Lokris# 376,
Numismatica Ars Classica (editor); 8 October 2010. The BCD collection : Lokris - Phokis (Auction 55). Numismatica Ars Classica, Zürich, Switzerland.
ACGC# 413,
Colin Mackennal Kraay; 1976. Archaic and Classical Greek Coins. University of California Press, Oakland, California, United States.
Kraay&Hirm# 461,
Colin Mackennal Kraay, Max Hirmer; 1966. Greek Coins. Thames & Hudson, London, United Kingdom.
SvoronosDl# 18,
Ioannes N. Svoronos; 1896. Νομισματικη των Δελφων = Currency of Delphi (Volume XX). Bulletin de Correspondance Hellénique, Athens, Greece.
Rosen# 173
Nancy M Waggoner; 1983. Early Greek Coins from the Collection of Jonathan P. Rosen. The American Numismatic Society, New York, United States.

Obverse

Two rhyta (drinking vessels) in the form of rams’ heads; above, two dolphins confronted; ΔAΛΦ-I-KON in small letters below; all within beaded border

Script: Greek

Lettering: ΔAΛΦIKON

Reverse

Quadripartite incuse square in the form of a coffered ceiling; each coffer decorated with a dolphin and laurel spray, giving the appearance of the dolphins swimming toward the center of the die.

Mint

Delphi, Phocis, Greece

Comments

The tridrachms of Delphi are among the most historically interesting of all Greek coins. Prior to the Asyut find they were only known from two coins in Paris and Berlin, as well as a fragment from the Zagazig Hoard of 1901 (IGCH 1645); now there are at least 14 examples. The obverse type is a direct reference to the Greek victory over the Persians at Plataea in 479, when a great deal of booty, including silver vessels, was taken by the Greeks. These two rhyta were certainly from that booty and must have been brought as a dedication to Apollo in Delphi (rams were sacred to Apollo, along with dolphins). The reverse of this coin is also very unusual: it is not a normal quadripartite incuse but, rather, clearly shows the stepped coffering that we know decorated ancient ceilings, especially those of prestigious buildings like the Temple of Apollo. The dolphins that ornament these coffers are a reference to both the name of Delphi and to the fact that Apollo himself could appear in the form of a dolphin.

See also

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Date VG F VF XF AU UNC
ND (479 BC - 475 BC)  Photo $ 92 000

Values in the table above are expressed in USD. They are based on evaluations by Numista users and sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only; they are not intended to be relied upon for buying, selling or exchanging. Numista does not buy or sell coins or banknotes.

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Past sales

Pictures Sale Date Grade Sold price
Picture 1 of a sold Tridrachm
Numismatica Ars Classica
Auction 133
Lot 77
Internet Archive
21 Nov 2022 XF USD 133 036.51
(CHF 120 000.00)
(+ buyer's premium)
Picture 1 of a sold Tridrachm
Leu Numismatik
Auction 7
Lot 1187
Internet Archive
24 Oct 2020 XF
(Test cut)
USD 44 345.50
(CHF 40 000.00)
(+ buyer's premium)
Picture 1 of a sold Tridrachm
CNG
Auction 106
Lot 248
Internet Archive
13 Sep 2017 VF USD 42 500.00
(+ buyer's premium)
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