Moesia, Istros. (Circa 340-313 BC)

AR Drachm

6.19 g

Obverse: Two facing male heads; the right inverted

Reverse: IΣTPIH, sea-eagle left, grasping dolphin left with talons; H behind, Δ below.

AMNG I 431. SNG BM Black Sea 245.

Istros was a Greek colony near the mouths of the Danube (known as Ister in Ancient Greek), on the western coast of the Black Sea. Established by Milesian settlers in order to facilitate trade with the native Getae, Scymnus of Chios (ca 110 BC), dated its founding to 630 BC, while Eusebius of Caesarea set it during the time of the 33rd Olympic Games (657 – 656 BC). During the archaic and classical periods, when Istros flourished, it was situated near fertile arable land. It served as a port of trade soon after its establishment, with fishing and agriculture as additional sources of income.