Another new
Medusa drachm from
Apollonia Pontica:
Topalov 45 - Silver
Drachm450 – 404 B.C.
Silver
drachm2.81 gm, 14 mm
Obv: Attic
Gorgon head facing, snaky ringlets
circle face.
Rev.:
Anchor; A to left, crayfish to right
Topalov Apollonia p.588, 45; p.347, 4;
Sear 1655
varTo me this coins appears to be an early transition from the heavier archaic
Ionian style Medusa (3.2 grams) to the lighter Attic
Medusa (2.8 grams) incorporating design elements from a serious trading partner, Parion,
Mysia (note the elongated snakes below the chin as well as the cute bow on top!). Also, much more accurate detail on the crayfish of the
reverse (greatly appreciated by me, being a marine biologist and all). But most importantly, ya gotta love that smile!