As I understand it, this denomination is equal to half a drachm and was stuck in a area we now know as Gemlik, Turkey---near the Sea of Marmara--and was destroyed by Philip of Macedon only to be subsequently rebuilt and become an important link to the ancient silk road, consequently becoming quite wealthy. Although a bit worn (with 'honest wear'), it is so nicely centered, while also retaining the primary attributes of its devices, that I had to grab it. The depiction of Apollo is quite nice but that war galley on the reverse 'won my heart' LOL. The details are quite clear and that 'apotropaic eye'---meant to divert misfortune--- really cool and a bit Egyptian..... Silver hemidrachm; Kios, Bithynia, circa 330-302 BC SNG COP 369 ff; 1.83 grams, 13.7 mm Head of Apollo right, KIA below War Galley prow left, ornamented with star over 'apotropaic eye', waves indicated on side of hull; magistrate in two lines (Demetrios). BTW: This little silver coin has enormous eye-appeal in hand Please post whatever you may have of the type, of Apollo, of the 'eye' or of COOL war galleys!!
Nice capture MIKEY! the Prow and waves are fantastic! Love that patina, and well centered and struck... I have none from this area...
Handsome little coin, Mikey... I like it! Here's an apotropaic eye up close on another little coin. MACEDONIA, Skione Circa 480-450 BC AR Tetrobol 2.28g, 13mm SNG ANS 708-9 var. (ethnic) O: Head of the hero, Protesilaos, right. R: Apotropaic eye within incuse square.
This is an excellent coin. I am in love with these coins that show the boat eye - nothing makes you one think of ancient ships more than an eye on the side.
Thanks for all the comments guys!! I forgot to list the three pronged prow as Doug mentions and, of course, it is the most distinguishing detail that separates it from a 'war galley' and one of the more commercial types. I imagine the star above the eye represents the heavens and perhaps the pole star for navigation? Even though ships naturally hugged closely to shorelines from one destination to another, such knowledge would have been crucial. Any swabbies wish to chime in?
