CVC & Collectables presents this silver drachm from Apollonia Pontica, an important ancient Greek city on the Black Sea coast of Thrace (modern-day Sozopol, Bulgaria). Struck between the 5th and 4th centuries BC, this AR (argentum) drachm is certified About Uncirculated (AU) by NGC, showing crisp detail and minimal wear. These coins are known for their dramatic imagery — most notably the fearsome Gorgon’s head on the obverse, designed to ward off evil.
Coin Highlights:
- Region: Thrace, Apollonia Pontica
- Date: 5th–4th Centuries BC
- Denomination: Drachm (AR – Silver)
- Composition: Silver
- Weight: ~2.6–3.0 grams (varies slightly by issue)
- Diameter: ~13–15 mm
- Grade: NGC AU (About Uncirculated) — Excellent preservation with strong detail and minor high-point wear
- Strike Type: Hammered, ancient Greek
Obverse:
- Design: Facing head of a Gorgon (Medusa) with wide eyes, protruding tongue, and serpent hair — a powerful apotropaic symbol
- Symbolism: Intended to repel evil and protect the bearer
Reverse:
- Design: Upright anchor, often flanked by a crayfish or other maritime symbols (exact variant may vary)
- Symbolism: Represents Apollonia’s status as a major seafaring and trading city on the Black Sea
Historical Context:
Apollonia Pontica was a thriving Greek colony founded by Miletus, known for its maritime wealth and cultural significance. The Gorgon motif, often used to protect temples and cities, makes these coins both visually arresting and steeped in mythological symbolism. With its high silver purity, compact size, and excellent preservation, this drachm is a perfect representation of early Greek artistry and regional influence.
Collectibility:
Silver drachms from Apollonia Pontica remain highly desirable for their unique iconography and accessible size. With an NGC AU grade, this coin exhibits superior detail rarely found in ancient issues, making it a prime example for collectors of Greek mythology, Black Sea colonies, or archaic Greek silver.
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