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Drachm
| Issuer | Federal Coinage of Phokis |
|---|---|
| Year | 351 BC - 347 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | A kithara (lyre) depicted centrally within a laurel wreath tied at the base, the wreath framing the entire reverse design. The letters Φ (phi) and Ω (omega) appear in small characters to either side of the kithara, serving as abbreviated federal ethnic or control marks. The kithara is rendered with varying numbers of strings across known specimens, with documented varieties exhibiting four, six, or seven strings, reflecting the output of multiple dies during this issue. |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Φ Ω |
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| Additional information |
Phokis struck these drachms under extraordinary duress. The Third Sacred War (356–346 BC) had left the Phokian league in control of Delphi and, critically, its treasury — one of the ancient world's great concentrations of accumulated dedications and votive wealth. To fund mercenary armies against the Boiotian and Macedonian coalition, Phokian generals melted down sanctuary offerings on a scale that scandalized the Greek world, converting sacred silver into military coinage. This issue dates to the war's final years, when Phokian resistance was collapsing under pressure from Philip II.
The league was dissolved in 346 BC and assessed a massive indemnity by the Amphictyonic Council.