Ancient Greek, Istros, Thrace, Silver Stater/Drachm, Inverted Heads, 400-350 BC

Description

Denomination: Silver stater or drachm

Period: Ancient Greece

Date: 400-350 BC

Origin: Istros (Istrus) mint

Condition: EF/AEF. a very good example

Obverse: Two young male heads facing. the right inverted

Reverse: ISTPIH. sea-eagle left grasping dolphin in talons; monogram beneath dolphin 

Size and Weight: 17mm. 5.58g

References: S1669 var

Features and Provenance: Normally. the two-headed configuration on coins is side-by-side. the same way up; depicting kings and queens or two brothers etc.. and this is called ‘jugate’ by coin collectors. Here. the heads are side-by-side but one is inverted. There are two versions of this coin. issued more or less in equal numbers. where the head to the left or right is inverted with respect to the obverse. Who these two males represent has never been determined but there have been various theories put forward by numismatists. One thought. and the most probable. is that they are Castor and Pollux. the Dioscuri. and ultimately in death – the heavenly twins. Gemini. Another suggestion is that they represent the rising and setting sun. You take your pick!

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present. visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present. but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible