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Orbis Collectibles

Sestos, large denomination (bronze) — Naked Hermes with caduceus and chlamys (CN type 11970)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Period

c. 310–290 BC

Issuing entity

Thrace

Large denomination (bronze) struck at Sestos in Thrace, dated c. 310–290 BC. Corpus Nummorum, the online type corpus of the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities, records it as CN type 11970 (period: Hellenistic Period; issuing authority type: city).

Obverse: Female head, left, wearing earring and sphendone. Reverse: Naked Hermes with caduceus and chlamys, standing left. Legend: ΣΗ. Measured specimens give a mean weight of 7.61 g (mean of 5 recorded specimens) and a diameter of 19–21 mm (from 4 recorded specimens). Published references cited by the corpus: Fritze, Sestos. Die Menas-Inschrift und das Münzwesen der Stadt 1, 1907, p. 5, nr. 2, pl. 7-9; Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum Kopenhagen 6/2, Kopenhagen, nr. 931; Hoover, Handbook of coins of Macedon and its neighbors. Part II: Thrace, Skythia, and Taurike: sixth to first centuries BC, Lancaster, Pa. London 2017, p. 171, nr. 1641.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
5
Photograph views
1
Catalogue references
3

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

This bronze coin was issued by the ancient city of Sestos in Thrace, dated to c. 310–290 BC during the Hellenistic Period. Sestos was located on the Thracian Chersonese peninsula along the European coast of the Hellespont, positioned opposite the ancient city of Abydos and near modern Eceabat in Turkey. In Greek mythology, the city is known as the home of Hero in the tale of Hero and Leander.

Physical characteristics

Material
bronze
Denomination
large denomination (bronze)
Recorded diameter
19–21 mm (from 4 recorded specimens)
Recorded mean weight
7.61 g (mean of 5 recorded specimens)

Technical characteristics

Mint
Sestos
Region
Thrace
Authority type
City

Design

Obverse type
Female head, left, wearing earring and sphendone.
Reverse type
Naked Hermes with caduceus and chlamys, standing left.
Reverse legend
ΣΗ

Identification

Period
Hellenistic Period
How to identify
Check the mint name or ethnic, the reverse type and the legend together, then compare weight and module; types from the same mint often differ only in legend arrangement, magistrate names or control marks.
Type corpus record
https://www.corpus-nummorum.eu/types/11970
Type corpus identifier
CN type 11970

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Recorded
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Research required

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