Moesia, Istros. Silver Drachm (4.09 g), 4th century BC. Facing male heads, the right inverted. Reverse: IΣTPIH, sea-eagle left, grasping dolphin in talons; below, A. AMNG I 416; SNG BM 237-8; HGC 3, 1803. NGC grade ChAU*; Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Estimated Value $500 - UP
There is some disagreement about what the two youthful heads may actually represent on the obverse of the drachms struck at Istros. It has been suggested that they may represent the twins Kastor and Polydeukes, who are known collectively as the Dioskouroi ("Boys of Zeus"). The importance of Istros as a trading city on the Black Sea and Danube River make this a plausible suggestion since the Dioskouroi were famous as patrons of seafarers. However, it is a little unusual to see them without their distinctive pilei (most commonly also surmounted by stars). Thus, others have claimed that the two heads are more allegorical in character, with some arguing that they represent the rising and the setting sun or the two mouths of the Danube. Somewhat less controversial is the reverse type depicting a sea eagle with a dolphin, which seems to be related to a similar type employed by the important Black Sea trading center at Sinope on the coast of Paphlagonia. The shared typology suggests a relationship between the two cities, probably in relation to their involvement in the grain export trade.
Purchased privately from CNG, 14 October 2010.