Macedon, Chalkidian League. Silver Tetradrachm (14.39 g), ca. 432-348 BC. Olynthos, ca. 361-358 BC. Olympichos, magistrate. Laureate head of Apollo right. Reverse: Χ-A-Λ-KIΔ-[E]ΩN, kithara within incuse square; in exergue, magistrate's name: [EΠI OΛYMΠIΧOY]. Robinson & Clement grp. T, 116 (A74/P99); SNG ANS 508; BMFA 581; Kraay-Hirmer 413 (same dies). Boldly struck in high relief, perfectly centered on a flan of excellent metal. Lightly toned. Superb Extremely Fine. Estimate Value $3,000 - 3,500
From the Lee Rousseau Collection.
Although the Chalkidian League was founded during the Peloponnesian War, its coinage in its entirety dates to the fourth century (see U. Westermark, "The Coinage of the Chalkidian League Reconsidered," Studies R. Thomsen, p. 100). The head of Apollo, the youthful sun-god, found on the obverse is of an outstanding radiant handsomeness, and strongly influenced the Apollo-head found on the staters of the slightly later gold coinage of Philip II of Macedonia.