Didrachm of Aegina

Place of OriginGreece, Aegina

Date480-340 BCE

DimensionsMax Diam: 7/8 in. (2 cm)

Mediumsilver coin

ClassificationMetalwork

Credit LineGift of Carl B. Spitzer

Object number

1934.11

Not on View

DescriptionObverse: sea turtle; Reverse: incuse square, with 5-compartment pattern.

Label TextThis is an early example of the famous "turtle currency" of the trading island of Aegina, the first coinage minted in Greece.Comparative ReferencesSee also Kraay, Colin and Max Hirmer, Greek Coins, New York, 1966, no. 355, pl. 113, p. 321.