Ancient Greek Lion Hemidrachm Coin Gold Cufflinks

#6861 Lion Hemidrachm Cufflinks

$1,350.00

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Obverse: Lion
Reverse: Incuse Square
Date: 386 - 338 BC, Grade: Very Fine
Region: Cherronesos, Thrace
Silver Hemidrachm Coins in 14k Gold Cufflinks
Cufflink Size (Each): 16mm Diameter, Weight 7g (Each)

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Description:
The ancient Greek city of Cherronesos was located in present day Thrace in the northern region of Greece. This small silver coin called a hemidrachm or half of a silver drachm was minted here in the middle of the 4th century BC. The lion was not indigenous to Greek lands, however the lion was still a popular beast renowned for its power and hunting prowess. Lions have been depicted in Greek art for centuries before coins were minted and were especially prized by the Romans who later used them in the gladiatorial games they held in the Coliseum. The obverse of this coin minted in the classical Greek period depicts the front half (or forepart) of a lion bounding to the right and reverting his head to look back. Interestingly, only the front half of the lion is shown, most likely to indicate that it is a half denomination. This style of coinage was not used everywhere in the Greek world, but was popular at this time in the northern areas of the Greek territories. The reverse is also unique as of the four squares two are raised and two are sunken. These incuse squares were used on the early Greek coinage to hold the coin in place for the hammer strike on the obverse.