2017-11-04 Sat

The Amphictyonic League started collecting money to rebuild the Temple of Apollo, as soon as it was destroyed by an earthquake in 373 B.C. Till 330s B.C., precious metal donations were received and struck into coins to pay for rebuilding the Temple. One such silver stater issued between 336 to 334 B.C from Delphi in Phokis, was auctioned on 22nd October by Nomos Ag’s for 51,000 Swiss francs against an estimate of 55,000 Swiss francs.

The 12.25 grams coin features the veiled head of Demeter wearing a wreath of grain leaves on the obverse. The reverse features a seated Apollo on the omphalos, holding his chin with his right hand while his right elbow is resting on a large lyre and left hand is holding a laurel branch.

Experts believe that less than 30 examples of this coin exist. This means that only one in about 10,000 of the originally struck coins still survives. The beautiful design of the coin clearly shows how ancient Greek Coinage was both useful and attractive at the same time.