A silver tetartemorion from Kolophon in Ionia, dated to approximately 490–400 BC, representing one of the small fractional denominations of the Ionic monetary system in use during the Classical period, under Persian rule in western Asia Minor.
Kolophon, one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League, is mentioned in ancient sources (including Herodotus and Strabo) as an important political and cultural center of the region. The city’s minting activity in the 5th century BC is well documented in numismatic scholarship and in major museum collections.
The obverse bears the head of Apollo facing right, a type closely associated with the cult of Apollo Klarios, whose renowned sanctuary was located near the city.
Greece
Ionia, Kolophon, Tetartemorion circa 490-400 BC
Obverse: head of Apollo right
Reverse: incuse square within TE monogram
Diameter 8 mm, weight 0.29 g
