Coin: Drachm, Ephesus
1900.63.0678
Basic Information
| Artifact Identification | Coin: Drachm, Ephesus (1900.63.0678) |
|---|---|
| Classification/ Nomenclature |
|
| Artist/Maker | None |
| Geographic Location |
|
| Period/Date | Late 6th century BCE |
| Culture | Ephesian, Ancient Greek |
Physical Analysis
| Dimension 1 (Diameter) | 1.12 cm |
|---|---|
| Dimension 2 (Depth) | 0.32 cm |
| Dimension 3 (N/A) | N/A |
| Weight | 3.24 g |
| Measuring Remarks | None |
| Materials | Metal--Silver |
| Manufacturing Processes | Cast |
| Munsell Color Information | waived |
Research Remarks
| Published Description | N/A |
|---|---|
| Description | This Greek coin is a silver Drachm from Ephesus in Ionia, modern day Turkey. The coin was stuck in the late 6th century BCE. The obverse is a bee with a volute (swirl) above the bee’s head. At the temple of Artemis at Ephesus certain priests were called ‘king bees’ while the virgin priestesses were the ‘melissae’ or honey bees. Artemis is the Greek goddess of the hunt and all wild things. The temple to her, the Artemisium, was a place of sanctuary for outlaws and thieves. When Xerxes returned from his march against Greece, he sent his children ahead to Ephesus to they would be safe. The reverse is an incuse square (punch mark). |
| Comparanda | David R. Sear: Greek Coins and their Values, Vol. II, London, 1979, Cat. No. 3517. |
| Bibliography | Sear, David R. Greek Coins and their Values, Vol. II. London: Seaby, 1979. |
Artifact History
| Archaeological Data | N/A |
|---|---|
| Credit Line/Dedication | N/A |
| Reproduction | N/A |
| Reproduction Information | N/A |