Description: Istros, Thrace | AR Drachm Reference: AMNG 439; BMC 2 Date: c. 400-300 BCE Obverse: Two male heads (twin Apollo) facing, one inverted Reverse: IΣTPIH legend above sea-eagle standing right on dolphin, letters LIO below Mint: Istros, Thrace Size: 19.2 mm Weight: 5.02 grams OLDEST NUMISMATIC RECORD OF AN ASTRONOMICAL EVENT. A nice, heavy drachm from the city of Istros (Histria), founded in the 7th century BCE at the mouth of the Danube River on the Black Sea. A rarer type with the sea eagle facing right. Struck in good silver, some smoothing from wear. In their 2004 article, Cambridge astronomers William C. Saslaw and Paul Murdin argue that the inverted Apollo types of Istros are a reference to a total solar eclipse that occurred in 434 BCE. "The eclipse of October 4, 434 BC, occurred around 6:30 in the morning local time, when the sun was just a few degrees above the horizon. Sailors and early risers would have seen an extraordinary sunrise above the Black Sea, possibly through the morning mist, in which the sun was not its usual disc but a crescent wiht its horns pointing upwards. Ten minutes later, as the sun gained altitude, the crescent would have thinned and swung to point to the left as the light of the rising sun dimmed. In a further ten minutes, the sun was noticeably brighter, but now its horns would be pointing downwards. Clearly, the sun-god was up to something astonishing. As the sun rose further, it retained its usual shape. Apollo's message might be regarded as an auspicious omen especially favourable to Istros, memorable and worth recording." Saslaw and Murdin postulate that this inversion of the solar "horns" directly inspired the depiction of the solar diety and patron god of Istros, Apollo, on the obverse of the coin. For more information see the full journal article here: https://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/2005JHA....36...21S Policies I apply the highest ethical standards in selling ancient coins. All coins are guaranteed to be genuine and any item found to be otherwise may be returned for a full refund. The most important thing is that you are happy with your new coin(s)! All coins are shipped in PVC-free, archival-grade coin flips and inserts made of acid-free paper Domestic (USA) shipping only If you purchase multiple items please message me before you pay and I will combine the shipping for you. I accept all returns within 30 calendar days upon receipt of the item. No explanation is required for the return, but it would be appreciated. Any item which has been altered from its original state may not be returned. Don't see what you're looking for? Just shoot me a message, I might have it but haven't gotten around to listing it!
Price: 69.99 USD
Location: Canton, Michigan
End Time: 2025-01-21T17:55:41.000Z
Shipping Cost: 6 USD
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Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Denomination: Drachma
Historical Period: Greek (450 BC-100 AD)
Composition: Silver
Year: 400-300 BCE
Era: Ancient
