Terone Ancient Greek Silver Coin - Classical City-State Collectible

Terone Chalcidian Tetrobol (480–420 BC) — Silver of Classical Greek Prosperity

This delicate silver tetrobol (0.94g) from the ancient city of Terone on the Chalcidian peninsula of Macedonia was struck during the height of the Classical Greek golden age, in the decades following the Persian Wars. Though small in size, this coin represents a powerful period of economic growth, artistic refinement, and civic pride within the Greek world.

Viticulture City Symbolism

The obverse features an elegant oinochoe (wine jug), flanked by the ethnic letters T–E, identifying the issuing city. This imagery reflects Terone’s connection to viticulture and agricultural wealth, emphasizing the economic foundation that supported its prosperity. The reverse displays a quadripartite incuse square with a distinctive granulated texture — a hallmark of early Classical Greek minting techniques and regional style.

Technical Specifications

• Material: Silver (AR)

• Denomination: Tetrobol (4 obols ≈ ⅔ drachm)

• Weight: 0.94 grams

• References: cf. SNG Copenhagen 337; Sear 1457

• Date: 480–420 BCE

Chalcidice: A Regional Powerhouse

During this era, Chalcidice was a resource-rich region known for timber, minerals, agriculture, and strategic coastal trade routes. Even while navigating Athenian influence, cities like Terone maintained a strong civic identity, expressed clearly through their coinage. The wine jug motif serves as both economic emblem and symbol of local independence.

Collector Appeal

A rare and finely preserved miniature silver issue from a prosperous Chalcidian city-state, this tetrobol is a quintessential example of early Classical Greek coinage. Compact yet historically rich, it offers collectors a tangible link to one of the most formative and flourishing periods of the ancient Greek world.