Description
Denomination: Silver drachm
Period: Ancient Greece
Date: about 88/42BC-14AD
Origin: Rhodos mint
Condition: Virtually as struck. with obverse somewhat off-centre
Obverse: Radiate head of Helios. facing slightly to right
Reverse: Rose seen from above. full face. P-O. winged kerykeion below. EUPHRANOR (magistrate)
Size and Weight: 23mm. 4.17g
References: Sear 5070 var
Features and Provenance: Rhodos. according to Greek mythology was made for Helios (the sun god) after Zeus forgot him when he was giving out islands. His wife was called Rhodos. which means ‘rose’ so there was an obvious connection for the coins. The three-quarter facing pose of Helios on the obverse of the coins was a challenge for the engravers. they may well have been showing-off. but as time went on. however. his expression becomes rather more startled. as in our example. The rose on the reverse is probably a Dog Rose and it seems a fitting tribute to this beautiful yet simple plant as it was enjoyed by the ancient Greeks for its cosmetic and medicinal value.
Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades in-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
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