Circa 400-350 BCE
AR Obol 11 mm, 0.81 g
Boeotian shield
Rev. K (retrograde) – O Gorgon’s head facing, of Classical style.
BCD Boiotia 171a (same reverse die). BCD Boiotia II 578 (this coin)
Ex Dr. Paul Peter Urone Collection
Ex BCD Collection
Ex Classical Numismatic Group 2006
Koroneia was the site of a number of ancient battles. In 447 BCE, the Athenians were defeated by the Boeotians here, which resulted in Athens losing control over Boeotia. In 394 BCE, Thebes was on the losing side against King Argesilaos of Sparta. Later, in the Third Sacred War, Koroneia was twice overrun. After the war, Philip II gave it to Thebes.
Pausanias wrote about Koroneia and stated that it had impressive winds and an alter of Hermes Epimelius. Per mythology and Pausanias, it was founded by the Thessalian prince Athamas.