28. Drachma coin, Gemini type - the two faces of the Danube, Histria, 313-280 B.C., the first one coined on the current Romanian territory, silver

Histria is the first Greek colony founded on the western coast of the Black Sea, being founded in the second half of the 7th century B.C. by the colonists of Miletus. It was among the most important cities and commercial centres of Pontus Euxin. Towards the end of the 5th century B.C., silver coins were coined here, especially drachmas. On the obverse they depicted two heads, one in normal position, the other inverted, which could be identified with the Dioscures whose cult was spread along the coasts of Pontus Euxin. According to one theory, the two inverted heads symbolize the two mouths of the Danube, which was thought for a time to flow into both the Pontus Euxin and the Adriatic Sea. The reverse presents a sea eagle with a dolphin in its claws, a special representation, inspired by the natural environment of the city, and, in the same time, a testimony about the maritime activity of the inhabitants of this fortress. Obverse: IΣTPIH and ΑΠ letters, next to an eagle catching a dolphin, facing left Reverse: the figures of Dioscuri twins, oriented to opposite sides

Dimensions

custom d=18 mm

Description

silver

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