Diobol

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The diobol, meaning “two obols” in Greek, was a small silver coin used widely in ancient Greek city-states. It was a fractional denomination, worth one-third of a drachma, and played an essential role in the day-to-day transactions of the Greek populace. The diobol reflects the practical side of Greek coinage, designed to facilitate small-scale commerce and ensure accessibility for a broad segment of society.

The diobol’s modest value made it ideal for everyday transactions, such as purchasing food, paying for labor, or conducting minor religious offerings.

Alexander III 336-323 BCE
Diobol | Eagle | Herakles | Lionskin | Thunderbolt
Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Diobol
‘Amphipolis’, circa 336-323 BCE
Young head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, two eagles standing facing one another on thunderbolt.
Price 155; HGC 3.1, 906. 1.32g, 11mm, 3h.
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