Ancient Greece 400-350BC Moesia Istros Silver Stater, VF-EF (VF-30) $

Ancient Greece 400-350BC Moesia Istros Silver Stater, VF-EF (VF-30)

The silver stater from Istros, a Greek colony on the western Black Sea coast in Moesia (modern-day Romania), was minted between 400 and 350 BCE. This coin is notable for its unique design, often featuring the heads of two young male figures facing opposite directions on the obverse side, possibly representing the Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux, who were associated with protection for sailors. The reverse side typically depicted an eagle grasping a dolphin, symbolizing the connection between Istros and the sea, as well as the colony’s prosperity through maritime trade. The Istros stater reflects the region’s Greek cultural influences and was likely used in both local and regional trade, highlighting Istros’s role as a trading hub between the Greek and Thracian worlds.

Obverse: Two inverted faces
Reverse: A sea eagle grasping a dolphin with its talons, "A" below.

Specifications:
Issuer: Istros, Moesia
Composition: Silver
Weight: 5.5 g
Mint: Istrus, Moesia