Obverse: Boeotian shield.

Reverse: Volute krater, KA-BI across central field, all within incuse circle.

Hepworth: 61; BCD: Boiotia 539; HGC: 4, 1333. [Boeotia, 368-364 BC].

Diameter: 22 mm. Weight: 12.2 g.

A beautiful example of this Iconic type, well centred with deep cabinet toning. The obverse depicts the famous Boeotian shield, often seen carried by the heroes of Greek mythology on the vase paintings of the period. The design of the shield, with its C-shaped indents at each side, allowed its bearer to thrust and stab from nearer the centre of the shield, rather than having to reach around or over the top to strike. The indents also reduced the weight significantly, no doubt a welcome improvement, considering the shield was generally the heaviest piece of equipment carried by Hoplite soldiers. The reverse depicts a volute krater, a large ceramic vessel used for mixing water and wine. The letters KABI refer to the magistrate under whose authority the coin was issued. This is a very attractive example of a classic ancient coin.