Greek Aegina AR Silver Stater Coin - 525 to 480 BCE

Greece, Aegina, Saronic Islands, ca. 525 to 480 BCE. Silver state. Obverse: Turtle. Reverse: Incuse. Size: 0.7" W (1.8 cm)

The Saronic Islands are an archipelago in the wide body of water off the western coast of Athens, and the island of Aegina is the second largest in the chain. The sea-turtle or tortoise was a symbol of the island from its very earliest coins, ca. 650 BCE. The uniformity of its coins over the centuries suggests that it served as an internationally-traded currency and keeping it easily identifiable was more important than the mercurial whims of its rulers. This coin emphasizes Aegina's role as a major commercial state in Greece - so desirable that Athens conquered it in ca. 457 BCE.

Provenance: ex-New York, USA collection acquired before 2004

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#152774 Dimensions: Condition Report: Slabbed. NGC rates this coin Ch F, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5.