Collection Item – Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

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Coin, silver hemidrachm, Boeotia; Early to mid 4th Century BC; 180.96.4

From:UC Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

Name/TitleCoin, silver hemidrachm, Boeotia

About this objectThis hemidrachm is worth three obols, or half the value of a drachma. On the obverse side of the coin is a Boeotian shield. Boeotia was a region in ancient Greece. The shield is identifiable by its C-bouts (curved indents) on either side, which would have allowed the user to thrust their sword closer to the shield. This is similar to the standard design of a modern violin, which allows the musician to hold the bow closer to the instrument. The placement of the shield in the corner suggests that the coin was struck roughly. Striking a coin required the worker to hammer a die onto the surface of the coin. The die may have been hammered unevenly onto this coin by accident.

The imagery on the reverse side is more evenly struck. A stemmed kantharos (wine cup) appears in the middle, a club on the left, ivy-leaf on the right and the inscription “BO – I” at the foot, which signifies Boeotia. Many Boeotian coins depicted elaborate vessels such as kantharoi or amphorae on the reverse. Although it is unknown why, the kantharos in particular symbolised the region of Boeotia, much like the owl coins symbolised Athens.

Date MadeEarly to mid 4th Century BC

PeriodLate Classical

Place MadeGreece

Place NotesBoeotia

Medium and MaterialsMetal; Silver

Inscription and MarksBO - I on reverse side, standing for Boeotia (place of mint)

TechniqueStriking (metalworking)

MeasurementsWeight 2.57g
Diameter ca. 15mm

Subject and Association KeywordsInscriptions, Greek

Subject and Association KeywordsPlants in art

Subject and Association KeywordsTableware

Named CollectionThe James Logie Memorial Collection, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Credit LineDonated by M. K. Steven

Object TypeExchange Media

Object number180.96.4