Opus mint
338 – 300 BCE
AE 13mm 1.86g
Head of Athena right wearing crested Corinthian helmet /
ΛOKΡ EΠIKNA; bunch of grapes.
SNG Cop 74-76
During ancient times, there were either two or three Lokri. First, it was divided between east and west. The west was called Ozolian Lokris and seem to have been more barbarous than the east. This part minted few coins, and none of them until the 2nd century BCE.
Eastern Lokris was divided into two parts – Lokris Epiknemidia and Lokris Opuntii. Both contained well-defined cities, but they often referred to the same area and were lumped together by many historians. However, this coin specifically mentions Epiknemidia, as compared to others (more common) that mention Opuntii.
During the times of Homer, the Opuntians were led by Ajax, who appears on most of their silver coinage. Lorkis Epiknemidia itself is located close to Thermopylae, the site of the tremendous battle between the Spartans and their allies and the Persians. The Lokrians fought on the Spartan side in that battle.
The coinage between the two cities is similar, both with grape designs, which indicates they must have collaborated. Presumably, this coin was meant for local use in Lokris Epiknemidia.