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Lansky Auction 3 5 Jan 2021
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Attica. Athens. 406-405 BC. "Fourrée" Drachm (3.18g, 9h). Emergency issue. Kroll 3-54; HGC 1690. Old cabinet tone. Plating broken. Of great numismatic interest. Very fine. From the Sadijas collection; probably from the 1902 Piraeus hoard (IGCH 46)
With the mines at Laurion lost and their treasury depleted by the ruinous war with Sparta, Athenians resorted to an emergency issue of plated silver tetradrachms and drachms. This example is certainly one of these coins cited by Aristophanes ("grievous coppers") in his comedy, "The Frogs", produced in 405 BC. These were officially withdrawn from circulation after the government was re-established in 403/2.
With the mines at Laurion lost and their treasury depleted by the ruinous war with Sparta, Athenians resorted to an emergency issue of plated silver tetradrachms and drachms. This example is certainly one of these coins cited by Aristophanes ("grievous coppers") in his comedy, "The Frogs", produced in 405 BC. These were officially withdrawn from circulation after the government was re-established in 403/2.