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ELIS, Olympia. 78th-80th Olympiad. 468-460 BC. AR Obol (10mm, 0.97 g, 12h). Eagle flying left, holding serpent in talons / Thunderbolt, with wings above, volutes below, within incuse circle. BCD Olympia 15; HGC 5, 462. Toned, granular surfaces, a little off center on obverse. VF.
Located on the northwest corner of the Peloponnesos, the sacred shrine of Olympia became established as the site of the most important Greek festival of athletics in the eighth century BC. The first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC, consisting solely of a foot race, or stadion, won in that year by Koroibus of Elis. As time went on, more events were added, including wrestling, boxing, long jump, javelin, discus, and chariot races. The contests became so important that Greek cities at war would declare a temporary truce to allow athletes to cross their lines. Soon a permanent complex was built to house the games, and a magnificent temple of Zeus containing a statue ranked as one of the Seven Wonders of the World was completed in 463 BC. In order to support the volume of visitors which the games attracted, mints were established specifically for the striking of a uniform coinage which could serve as the medium of exchange throughout the ceremonies. The first group of coins minted were at the 78th Olympiad in 468 BC and new types were issued at four year intervals (to coincide with the games) thereafter. The finest die engravers were employed in their production and coins of Olympia rank as some of the greatest masterpieces of Greek coinage.
The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 129 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 13-14 May 2025. This lot is in Session One, which will begin 13 May at 9 AM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.
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