Drachm from Thebes (Boeotia)

The relatively simple pictorial motifs on this drachm from the first half of the 5th century BC hide a symbolism that was probably not too difficult for contemporaries to decipher: A shield on the front of the coin with its typical shape and cowhide stretched over it (Greek: bovine = bous) refers to the central Greek region of Boeotia and stands for the Boeotian League, a confederation of cities. The reverse side shows an amphora, a two-handled transport and storage vessel used primarily for wine that here serves as a symbol for the wine god Dionysus. Even without any inscription, the minting of this coin can be located to the city of Thebes, the leading member of the Boeotian League and home of the mythical mother of Dionysus, the Cadmean king's daughter Semele.

Obverse: Boeotian shield. Reverse: Amphora in incuse square.