★ Rare! ★

Thrace, Alopeconnesos. Ae, 1,89 g 13,50 mm. ca. 4th-3rd centuries BC.
Obv.: Laureate head of Apollo right.
Rev.: ΑΛΩ-ΠΕΚΟΝ; Fox walking right, barley corn in right field.
Ref: HGC 3.2, 1309; Yarkin 1978, 78-79.
Fine/ Rare!

This rare bronze coin originates from Alopeconnesos, a small yet strategically important city located on the Thracian Chersonese (modern Gallipoli Peninsula). During the 4th and 3rd centuries BC, the city played a significant role in the maritime trade routes between the Aegean and the Black Seas.

The name "Alopeconnesos" literally translates to "Island of the Fox" or "City of the Fox," and refers to the foundation myth of the city: according to tradition, the settlers followed a fox to a water source and, interpreting this as a divine sign, chose the site to establish their city. The depiction of the fox on the reverse side of the coin directly alludes to this mythological origin and highlights the symbolic importance of the animal for the city's identity.

The obverse features the head of Apollo, the god of light, prophecy, and the arts, reflecting the city's cultural and religious affiliations. In a period marked by political instability and shifting alliances, the citizens of Alopeconnesos may have emphasized their connection to Apollo to assert divine protection and legitimacy.

The barley grain depicted beside the fox on the reverse underscores the vital role of agriculture, particularly grain production, in the city's economy. Despite its coastal location, Alopeconnesos derived much of its prosperity from agricultural output, serving as a significant contributor to regional food supplies.

This coin stands as a remarkable testament to how smaller Greek cities used artistic imagery to convey their identity, mythology, and economic strength, preserving their heritage even amidst larger geopolitical changes.