Drachma of Emporion
Location:
Not on view
Collection:
Numismatics
From the middle of the third century BC, the Greek colony at 'Emporion' minted drachmas that showed a female head on the obverse surrounded by three dolphins. This design was inspired in one by the artist 'Evainetos' for coins issued by the mint in Syracuse at the end of the fifth century BC, which were subsequently copied by several Greek mints, among them 'Emporion'. A Pegasus was engraved on the reverse along with the Greek inscription EMPORITON. Well into the third century BC, probably during the first years of the Second Punic War, the workshop introduced a curious modification in the design of the Pegasus: the head was turned into a small human figure holding its feet with its hands.
Dating:
End of 3rd century BC
020563-N.JPG
Acquisition:
Pujol i Camps Collection, purchased 1883
Inventory number:
020563-N