weight 0,76gr. ; silver Ø 9mm.

obv. Frontal head of a bull (bukranion), the hair depicted in ringlets,
very small Φ to the left, O to the right (off flan)
rev. Forepart of boar to right in incuse square

Phocis was mainly pastoral. The twenty-two confederate Phocian towns held their periodic synedrion (assembly) in a building called Phokikon, near Daulis, and here, perhaps, rather than at any one of the Phocian towns, the federal mint may have been established. Money would be issued at this mint only on the occasions of the meetings of the synedrion, when it may be supposed that a concourse of people from all parts of the Phocian territory was gathered together, and that a fair or market was held for the exchange and purchase of commodities, as at Delphi during the Pythian festivals. The bull′s head is perhaps symbolic of a special sacrifice held on behalf of the whole people, when a prize bull may have been the victim.

BMC 35 ; SNG.Copenhagen 90 ; Weber collection 3171 ; McClean 5475 ;
Williams post 2 ; BCD.174 (= this specimen ; NAC 55)  R
Very attractive specimen. Rare.
vf à vf+

weight 2,83gr. ; silver Ø 12mm.

obv. Frontal head of a bull (bukranion), the hair depicted in small ringlets
rev. Heas of Artemis to right, Φ - O - K - I around, in incuse square

Phocis was mainly pastoral. The twenty-two confederate Phocian towns held their periodic synedrion (assembly) in a building called Phokikon, near Daulis, and here, perhaps, rather than at any one of the Phocian towns, the federal mint may have been established. Money would be issued at this mint only on the occasions of the meetings of the synedrion, when it may be supposed that a concourse of people from all parts of the Phocian territory was gathered together, and that a fair or market was held for the exchange and purchase of commodities, as at Delphi during the Pythian festivals. The bull′s head is perhaps symbolic of a special sacrifice held on behalf of the whole people, when a prize bull may have been the victim.

BMC 32 ; SNG.Copenhagen 101 ; Weber collection - ; 
McClean 5469var. ; Williams post 256 ; BCD.259 (NAC 55) R
Bankersmark (circle) on the obverse. Rare.
vf à f/vf

weight 2,65gr. ; silver Ø 14mm.

obv. Frontal head of a bull (bukranion), the hair depicted in lines
rev. Laureate head of the Delphian Apollo right, lyre behind, Φ - Ω below

Phocis was mainly pastoral. The twenty-two confederate Phocian towns held their periodic synedrion (assembly) in a building called Phokikon, near Daulis, and here, perhaps, rather than at any one of the Phocian towns, the federal mint may have been established. Money would be issued at this mint only on the occasions of the meetings of the synedrion, when it may be supposed that a concourse of people from all parts of the Phocian territory was gathered together, and that a fair or market was held for the exchange and purchase of commodities, as at Delphi during the Pythian festivals. The bull′s head is perhaps symbolic of a special sacrifice held on behalf of the whole people, when a prize bull may have been the victim.

In the years 358-347 BC a war was fought between Philip II of Macedon and the Phokians. It was a Sacred War. Both armies wanted to take possession of sanctuary of Delphoi. The troops of the Phokians were initially led by Onomarchos, but he lost several battles with the Macedonians. In 353 his brother Phayllos was elected strategos autokrator. Following his brother′s example, he plundered the sanctuary still further to build yet another mercenary army. Like Onomarchos, Phayllos also had to re-arm his troopr, and to pay for these expenses he minted gold and silver coins. By these measured were the Phokians again prepared to continue this Sacred War. With Philip still busy in nearby Thessaly, Phayllos quietly re-established Phokian strength, with a major part of his effort being diplomatic. The Phokians had enjoyed little active support from their allies, which had forced them to bear the full brunt of the war virtually alone. The cost in men and  money had been high, and Phayllos was reluctant to rely on mercenaries alone. Hence, he called upon his allies for help during the campaigning-season of 352 BC. His diplomatic efforts proved so successful, that for the first time in three years Phokis′ allies responded to the call for help. The Spartans dispatches 1000 troops, the Achaians 2000 and the deposed tyrants Lykophron and Peitholaos put their 2000 mercenaries at Phayllos′ disposal. The Athenians sent Nausikles at the head of 5000 infantry and 400 cavalry. A number of smaller cities also came to Phayllos′ aid. In 352 BC Boiotia alone was the target og Phokian arms. Phayllos′ supportres mustered at Delphoi in the spring of 352 BC, heir combined army numbering not less than 10.000 infantry and probably closer to 15.000. Against them the Boiotians could assemble some 7000-8000. At Orchomenos a battle was fought, but the Boiotians were better prepared and skilled to fight and the Phokians suffered heavy losses. Phayllos retreated up the Kephisos valley. A second battle was fought south of Chaironeia. The Boiotians again defead the Phokians. Now trapped by the victorious Boiotian army, Phayllos was bent on escape. A few days later near Koroneia he again engaged the Boiotians, who inflicted still further lossos upon him. In the end it was a disastrous campaign and Phayllos turned out to be an incompetent general.

cf. NAC auction 55, lot 308 (in xf  SFR 3.250 + 17,5%)

BMC 78 ; SNG.Copenhagen 121 ; Weber collection 3179 ; 
Jameson Plate LIX, no.1154 ; McClean 5490 ; BMC.306 ; 
Babelon, Traité, pl.XXV, 13-15 ; cf. Williams 372-390 ;
BCD 308
vf+/xf-